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Demonica #21
Bond of Passion
He was an assassin. She was his lover.
And his victim.
Now, years later, she’s back from the dead and looking for vengeance.
Thanks to an unexpected and fortuitous disaster, Tavin’s contract with the underworld’s Assassin Guild was broken decades early. But instead of freedom, he’s suffocated by guilt and regret. In many ways, he’s more trapped than he was before. In an attempt to numb his pain, he works at Underworld General Hospital, saving people instead of killing them. But nothing can diminish the memory of assassinating the female he loved…not even the knowledge that he’d done it to spare her an even worse fate.
Deja remembers all of her dozens of former lives, and she knows that she only found love in one of them…until her lover murdered her. As a soul locked inside the nightmarish boundaries of demon hell, she stewed in hatred until a single, fateful event gave her one more shot at life.
And at revenge.
Now another specter from the past is threatening them both. Can two damaged people overcome their history to save not only themselves, but a second chance at love?
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
And his victim.
Now, years later, she’s back from the dead and looking for vengeance.
Thanks to an unexpected and fortuitous disaster, Tavin’s contract with the underworld’s Assassin Guild was broken decades early. But instead of freedom, he’s suffocated by guilt and regret. In many ways, he’s more trapped than he was before. In an attempt to numb his pain, he works at Underworld General Hospital, saving people instead of killing them. But nothing can diminish the memory of assassinating the female he loved…not even the knowledge that he’d done it to spare her an even worse fate.
Deja remembers all of her dozens of former lives, and she knows that she only found love in one of them…until her lover murdered her. As a soul locked inside the nightmarish boundaries of demon hell, she stewed in hatred until a single, fateful event gave her one more shot at life.
And at revenge.
Now another specter from the past is threatening them both. Can two damaged people overcome their history to save not only themselves, but a second chance at love?
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
84 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Larissa Ione
104 books10.1k followersAir Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.
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December 1, 2022
Oh man, this one was just disappointing.
I had very high hopes because the hero was an assassin who ended up having an affair with, then killing, the heroine. She's reincarnated into a new body and comes after him for revenge. He doesn't recognise her and falls in love with her. I never like second chance romances which feature a disguised heroine, but this one is especially bad because the hero MURDERED HER and, instead of committing suicide as he said he planned to do, spent the next few millennia banging random women. He's an incubus, but still.
She falls back in love with him way too quickly and we don't see anything I would consider a worthy revenge. In fact, by the end of it, SHE'S APOLOGISING TO HIM FOR HIDING HER IDENTITY FROM HIM! Bloody hell.
I had very high hopes because the hero was an assassin who ended up having an affair with, then killing, the heroine. She's reincarnated into a new body and comes after him for revenge. He doesn't recognise her and falls in love with her. I never like second chance romances which feature a disguised heroine, but this one is especially bad because the hero MURDERED HER and, instead of committing suicide as he said he planned to do, spent the next few millennia banging random women. He's an incubus, but still.
She falls back in love with him way too quickly and we don't see anything I would consider a worthy revenge. In fact, by the end of it, SHE'S APOLOGISING TO HIM FOR HIDING HER IDENTITY FROM HIM! Bloody hell.
May 14, 2023
It's been a very long time since I delved into the Demonica world and how I missed it after reading this latest entry about the assassin demon who fell in love with and had to murder his mark,the heroine.
When the heroine comes back into her new life after a 12 absence,she is set on revenge against her her lover.
There were lots of great cameos from prior characters and I loved Azagoth's appearance,his book was a particular favorite.
This is such a great PNR series and I highly recommend this to all PNR lovers.
When the heroine comes back into her new life after a 12 absence,she is set on revenge against her her lover.
There were lots of great cameos from prior characters and I loved Azagoth's appearance,his book was a particular favorite.
This is such a great PNR series and I highly recommend this to all PNR lovers.
November 13, 2022
A novella and twenty-first in the Demonica paranormal romance series revolving around demons. The focus is on Tavin, a former assassin, and his victim.
My Take
There's a boatload of angst in Bond of Passion with an action-packed plot heavily fueled by its characters. Who would've thought a pack of demons could be good as well as the expected evil?
It's a range of character-types so similar to humans that, unfortunately, can be as tedious in its angers and regrets.
On the plus side, Ione captures that sense of a festival right off, although the food being promoted doesn't promote my appetite.
Hee-hee, hellhounds as babysitters! Free medical schooling!
I'm not sure why Ione keeps popping in the info on Tavin's personal glyph. Sure, it's useful information, of a sort, but it feels more like a filler.
Ione uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Gristlen/Deja's and Tavin's perspectives, so we learn a lot from their thoughts and feel their emotions and regrets, their realizations.
Ione has an interesting truth behind Gristlen's nature, and lord knows she keeps referring to her nature! Since the story is half about her, we do get a lot of her back history, her family, and her upbringing. It's a sad one, especially when we learn of her parents' side of her childhood. Of course, Gristlen is lucky enough for a reincarnation, and it looks like karma may be on her side this time. Those remembrances certainly worked well for me to be on her side.
The demon club would appeal to those readers who like the idea of a free-for-all sex club. Of course, there are probably a number of us who'd enjoy the attentions of a Seminus, er, a sex demon. Hubba-hubba, lol.
It's revenge Deja is craving, but that Bond of Passion is interfering as is her perception of Tavin's seeming turnaround. All she thought she knew of him is turned about and the people at UGH are not at all what she had expected.
I do love Underworld General. A place of healing with the help of a huge range of demons, who help other demons, no matter their species. Eidolon has his standards — including the anti-violence spells on the hospital walls and the loosey-goosey acceptance of staff sexcapades. He's not too worried about the FDA or OSHA, lol.
Oh, boy. It has always ticked me off that criminals can dish it out but can't take it. That they don't understand that whole tit-for-tat concept unless it favors them. And Bond of Passion is full of bad guys coming for revenge. A really nasty, nasty revenge when one's body can be rejuvenated.
Oh, lol, Azagoth and Lilliana's new place sounds too funny.
Who wouldn't want revenge? Of course, that desire could change if one were to learn the truth of the past. Of their childhood. Of their love.
The Story
If he wants to live, Tavin must slay. If he wants to save his love, he must slay her.
All it takes is for Sheoul-gra to fall for Gristlen to take her revenge.
The Characters
Tavin, a Seminus demon with a gift for healing, has turned from the assassin business and now works as a paramedic at UGH. He lives on the Irish shore in a cottage. Grim is Tavin's brother and a physician assistant. Noir is a third brother.Their mothers are the three Furies: Viscus; Vishis, who is the most serious; and, Vale, who all live in the Carnage region of Sheoul.
Underworld General Hospital (UGH) is . . .
. . . a demon-run hospital for demons. Three brothers, Seminus demons, founded the hospital: Eidolon (mated to Tayla in Pleasure Unbound , 1), Shade (mated to Runa in Desire Unchained , 2), and Wraith, who's also half-vampire and mated to Serena ( Passion Unleashed , 3).
Lore, a half Seminus demon and half-human whose touch kills people — and half-brother to Eidolon, Shade, and Wraith — is married to Idess ( Ecstasy Unveiled , 4), whose father is the Grim Reaper, and they have a son, Mace. Lore is UGH's medical examiner; Max is Lore's assistant. Sin, also a former assassin, is Lore's twin sister and half-sister to the three with Con as her werewolf mate, who is a senior paramedic ( Sin Undone , 5). She creates cures and identifies new diseases. Dr Gem Morgan, half Soulshredder demon, is Tayla's twin sister and married to Dr Kynan Morgan ( Ecstasy Unveiled ). Evi is a curvy brunette lion shifter; Churla is a succubus; and, Luc, a warg, is another senior paramedic mated to Kar ( Sin Undone ).
Dr Shipp, a female werewolf, is a dentist. Ewww, Ione's description of one demon's cavities is enough to make you brush your teeth seven times a day! Nevex, a young x-ray tech, died in the blast. Dr Sleeva, a.k.a. the Vagilante, is a succubus with powerful gifts of healing and normally works at the London UGH clinic. Helga is a teacher at the nursing school.
Deja Ven is a new nursing graduate. Ronnie is Deja's Sora demon classmate and friend. Deja and Ronnie are roommates with two others, Eileen and Rowen, in a Sydney apartment — because most of the Resurrected demons chose to live in Australia. Only, those demons who chose Sydney are trying to fit in with humans. Melbourne is said to be inhabited by the worst demons. Other classmates include Tonya and Chelanne, a Gnarll demon.
Revenant, a fallen angel, is the king of Hell until Satan is released from his prison ( Revenant , 6 (LoD) and 11 (Dem)). Reaver, a Radiant angel, has his story in Reaver ).
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Ares, a.k.a. War, lives on a Greek island. Cara is his wife ( Eternal Rider , 1 (LoD), 6 (Dem)). Aleka is their daughter ( Reaper , 9 (DIU), 20 (Dem)). Limo, a.k.a. Famine, is mated to Arik Wagner (Aegis; Immortal Rider , 2 (LoD), 7 (Dem)). Thanatos, a.k.a. Death, is mated to Regan ( Lethal Rider , 3 (LoD), 8 (Dem)). Reseph, a.k.a. Pestilence, is married to Jillian, and they live in the mountains ( Rogue Rider , 4 (LoD), 9 (Dem)).
Demons come . . .
. . . in tiers on the Ufelskala scale, One through Five. The Neethul are at Five and amongst the worst and the most beautiful, so beautiful that the description of the elves is based on the Neethul. The Neethul rely heavily on the slave trade. The Neebless are rumored to be long-lost relatives of the Neethul.
Gristlen the Unseen of the Draghoul Clan ( and Princess of House Arcane) had been Tavin's target, a high-ranking Neethul royal. Venge had been Gristlen's only friend as a child. Grue and Pyre are Gristlen's parents. Malifik is Gristlen's brother.
Detharu, a.k.a. Deth, had been Tavin's master ( Ecstasy Unveiled , 4). Mako, a Ter-taceo demon, had been a psychotic assassin. Zeph loves to use bone bombs. Ream, a vampire, had been a fellow assassin and a friend.
Sheoul is Hell and currently ruled by Revenant. Azagoth, a.k.a. the Grim Reaper or the Keeper of Souls, had ruled in Sheoul-gra, an underworld realm serving as a holding tank for the souls of dead demons and evil humans, until his anger released all its souls, as the Resurrected. Lilliana is an angel married to Azagoth ("Azagoth", 1 (DU), 11 (Dem)). Raika is their child. Hades ( Hades , 2 (DU), 13 (Dem), 6.5 (LoD)) is the new Guardian of the Dead.
Tavin's "victims" include Roland; Gorm, who is a Draegor demon; and, Muscov, among so many others. Anius, a fallen angel, is partnered with Denis, a vampire, in the revenge business.
The dermoire is a tattoo that tells the paternal history of every Seminus demon. S'genesis is a Seminus demon's final transition. Meeries are not on the accepted-to-love list. Dar'grut is a revenge ritual with the family of those killed required to take revenge. Ashleech is a special blend alcohol created by Lore and Wraith that enables Sems and other species to get drunk. Bracken Cuffs, invented by the Neethul, cut off access to any of one's powers. The Aegis is an organization that hunts demons. Harrowgates are a way for demons to travel great distances and planes of existence. Carceris are the jailers of the underworld. The Nether is a plane of existence where human souls reside when they aren't in Heaven.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background with metallic trefoils and stars that gradate from gold and yellow to bronze and green. At the top is a gradated gold-to-black and back to gold of the publisher's name with the title beneath it in an embossed pale gold with the series info beneath in the same pale gold. At the bottom is the author's name in a gradated neon green to black and back again. A silver and green caduceus is thrust through the "i" in the author's first name. Both zeroes in the publisher's name have emerging images: a green viper uncoiling in the first and a bust of Tavin peering down.
The title is truly about the Bond of Passion shared between Tavin and Gristlen.
My Take
There's a boatload of angst in Bond of Passion with an action-packed plot heavily fueled by its characters. Who would've thought a pack of demons could be good as well as the expected evil?
It's a range of character-types so similar to humans that, unfortunately, can be as tedious in its angers and regrets.
On the plus side, Ione captures that sense of a festival right off, although the food being promoted doesn't promote my appetite.
Hee-hee, hellhounds as babysitters! Free medical schooling!
I'm not sure why Ione keeps popping in the info on Tavin's personal glyph. Sure, it's useful information, of a sort, but it feels more like a filler.
Ione uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Gristlen/Deja's and Tavin's perspectives, so we learn a lot from their thoughts and feel their emotions and regrets, their realizations.
Ione has an interesting truth behind Gristlen's nature, and lord knows she keeps referring to her nature! Since the story is half about her, we do get a lot of her back history, her family, and her upbringing. It's a sad one, especially when we learn of her parents' side of her childhood. Of course, Gristlen is lucky enough for a reincarnation, and it looks like karma may be on her side this time. Those remembrances certainly worked well for me to be on her side.
The demon club would appeal to those readers who like the idea of a free-for-all sex club. Of course, there are probably a number of us who'd enjoy the attentions of a Seminus, er, a sex demon. Hubba-hubba, lol.
It's revenge Deja is craving, but that Bond of Passion is interfering as is her perception of Tavin's seeming turnaround. All she thought she knew of him is turned about and the people at UGH are not at all what she had expected.
I do love Underworld General. A place of healing with the help of a huge range of demons, who help other demons, no matter their species. Eidolon has his standards — including the anti-violence spells on the hospital walls and the loosey-goosey acceptance of staff sexcapades. He's not too worried about the FDA or OSHA, lol.
Oh, boy. It has always ticked me off that criminals can dish it out but can't take it. That they don't understand that whole tit-for-tat concept unless it favors them. And Bond of Passion is full of bad guys coming for revenge. A really nasty, nasty revenge when one's body can be rejuvenated.
Oh, lol, Azagoth and Lilliana's new place sounds too funny.
Who wouldn't want revenge? Of course, that desire could change if one were to learn the truth of the past. Of their childhood. Of their love.
The Story
If he wants to live, Tavin must slay. If he wants to save his love, he must slay her.
All it takes is for Sheoul-gra to fall for Gristlen to take her revenge.
The Characters
Tavin, a Seminus demon with a gift for healing, has turned from the assassin business and now works as a paramedic at UGH. He lives on the Irish shore in a cottage. Grim is Tavin's brother and a physician assistant. Noir is a third brother.Their mothers are the three Furies: Viscus; Vishis, who is the most serious; and, Vale, who all live in the Carnage region of Sheoul.
Underworld General Hospital (UGH) is . . .
. . . a demon-run hospital for demons. Three brothers, Seminus demons, founded the hospital: Eidolon (mated to Tayla in Pleasure Unbound , 1), Shade (mated to Runa in Desire Unchained , 2), and Wraith, who's also half-vampire and mated to Serena ( Passion Unleashed , 3).
Lore, a half Seminus demon and half-human whose touch kills people — and half-brother to Eidolon, Shade, and Wraith — is married to Idess ( Ecstasy Unveiled , 4), whose father is the Grim Reaper, and they have a son, Mace. Lore is UGH's medical examiner; Max is Lore's assistant. Sin, also a former assassin, is Lore's twin sister and half-sister to the three with Con as her werewolf mate, who is a senior paramedic ( Sin Undone , 5). She creates cures and identifies new diseases. Dr Gem Morgan, half Soulshredder demon, is Tayla's twin sister and married to Dr Kynan Morgan ( Ecstasy Unveiled ). Evi is a curvy brunette lion shifter; Churla is a succubus; and, Luc, a warg, is another senior paramedic mated to Kar ( Sin Undone ).
Dr Shipp, a female werewolf, is a dentist. Ewww, Ione's description of one demon's cavities is enough to make you brush your teeth seven times a day! Nevex, a young x-ray tech, died in the blast. Dr Sleeva, a.k.a. the Vagilante, is a succubus with powerful gifts of healing and normally works at the London UGH clinic. Helga is a teacher at the nursing school.
Deja Ven is a new nursing graduate. Ronnie is Deja's Sora demon classmate and friend. Deja and Ronnie are roommates with two others, Eileen and Rowen, in a Sydney apartment — because most of the Resurrected demons chose to live in Australia. Only, those demons who chose Sydney are trying to fit in with humans. Melbourne is said to be inhabited by the worst demons. Other classmates include Tonya and Chelanne, a Gnarll demon.
Revenant, a fallen angel, is the king of Hell until Satan is released from his prison ( Revenant , 6 (LoD) and 11 (Dem)). Reaver, a Radiant angel, has his story in Reaver ).
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Ares, a.k.a. War, lives on a Greek island. Cara is his wife ( Eternal Rider , 1 (LoD), 6 (Dem)). Aleka is their daughter ( Reaper , 9 (DIU), 20 (Dem)). Limo, a.k.a. Famine, is mated to Arik Wagner (Aegis; Immortal Rider , 2 (LoD), 7 (Dem)). Thanatos, a.k.a. Death, is mated to Regan ( Lethal Rider , 3 (LoD), 8 (Dem)). Reseph, a.k.a. Pestilence, is married to Jillian, and they live in the mountains ( Rogue Rider , 4 (LoD), 9 (Dem)).
Demons come . . .
. . . in tiers on the Ufelskala scale, One through Five. The Neethul are at Five and amongst the worst and the most beautiful, so beautiful that the description of the elves is based on the Neethul. The Neethul rely heavily on the slave trade. The Neebless are rumored to be long-lost relatives of the Neethul.
Gristlen the Unseen of the Draghoul Clan ( and Princess of House Arcane) had been Tavin's target, a high-ranking Neethul royal. Venge had been Gristlen's only friend as a child. Grue and Pyre are Gristlen's parents. Malifik is Gristlen's brother.
Detharu, a.k.a. Deth, had been Tavin's master ( Ecstasy Unveiled , 4). Mako, a Ter-taceo demon, had been a psychotic assassin. Zeph loves to use bone bombs. Ream, a vampire, had been a fellow assassin and a friend.
Sheoul is Hell and currently ruled by Revenant. Azagoth, a.k.a. the Grim Reaper or the Keeper of Souls, had ruled in Sheoul-gra, an underworld realm serving as a holding tank for the souls of dead demons and evil humans, until his anger released all its souls, as the Resurrected. Lilliana is an angel married to Azagoth ("Azagoth", 1 (DU), 11 (Dem)). Raika is their child. Hades ( Hades , 2 (DU), 13 (Dem), 6.5 (LoD)) is the new Guardian of the Dead.
Tavin's "victims" include Roland; Gorm, who is a Draegor demon; and, Muscov, among so many others. Anius, a fallen angel, is partnered with Denis, a vampire, in the revenge business.
The dermoire is a tattoo that tells the paternal history of every Seminus demon. S'genesis is a Seminus demon's final transition. Meeries are not on the accepted-to-love list. Dar'grut is a revenge ritual with the family of those killed required to take revenge. Ashleech is a special blend alcohol created by Lore and Wraith that enables Sems and other species to get drunk. Bracken Cuffs, invented by the Neethul, cut off access to any of one's powers. The Aegis is an organization that hunts demons. Harrowgates are a way for demons to travel great distances and planes of existence. Carceris are the jailers of the underworld. The Nether is a plane of existence where human souls reside when they aren't in Heaven.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background with metallic trefoils and stars that gradate from gold and yellow to bronze and green. At the top is a gradated gold-to-black and back to gold of the publisher's name with the title beneath it in an embossed pale gold with the series info beneath in the same pale gold. At the bottom is the author's name in a gradated neon green to black and back again. A silver and green caduceus is thrust through the "i" in the author's first name. Both zeroes in the publisher's name have emerging images: a green viper uncoiling in the first and a bust of Tavin peering down.
The title is truly about the Bond of Passion shared between Tavin and Gristlen.
November 1, 2022
5 stars!
God, I love this world! Diving into this book was the most exciting feeling – coming back to a paranormal world that I am quite obsessed with, and catching up with so many characters that I love so much. But more than all of that, this book is a fun, exciting, intriguing and passionate sort-of-second-chance-romance for a side character in the Demonica world that I have been so looking forward to reading more about.
Tavin is a seminus demon, and was a former contracted assassin with the Assassin’s Guild. He was forced to do devastating and horrific things, and none was more devastating than killing the love of his life, even if it was to save her from unimaginable torture. He’s now a free man and is working as paramedic in Underworld General Hospital, saving lives in atonement for all of the ones that he took. But he still lives in guilt and heartache, with no intention of ever falling in love again.
Deja is the reincarnated soul of Tavin’s lost love, but in a slightly different body. She is hell-bent on revenge, and has just graduated as a nurse for the sole purpose of working at Underworld General, getting close to Tavin, seducing and then killing him. Her mission is complicated by recent events in the Demonica world which resulted in the release of thousands of previously deceased demon souls (hers included) and, like her, they are back for vengeance. And Tavin has a whole host of them on his tail.
It’s a fantastic set-up, and the action and excitement is there pretty much from the beginning. There’s explosions, fights, some pretty horrific torture and badassery, and it all moves at a great pace. Deja is right in the thick of it with Tavin, but her goal of getting close to him only to seduce and kill him gets sidetracked along the way as she sees so much about the man she once loved that is still there.
Some unexpected tender moments and a bit of supernatural sexy time only add to her confusion, and in the middle of all of the supernatural awesomeness that I love so much about this series, there’s a beautiful, heartfelt, and seriously sexy love story that captured my heart. I loved both of these characters so much, and I was so happy to see them find their way back to each other.
It’s exciting and romantic, there are some great twists to their story, and several long-held secrets to be revealed. They’ve got a lot to contend with, and I was right there with them as they do exactly that, and I loved watching their story unfold.
Tavin is a much-loved member of the Underworld General crew, and as a fellow seminus demon, the Sem brothers have dragged him into the fold, and he’s very much part of the family, so there’s lots of time spent with characters from the original books, which I loved! There are chapters from some alternate perspectives, which was a great treat, and through it all there’s the expected wit, banter, sarcasm and humour that I love so much about this series!
This novella is a fantastic addition to the Demonica series, and it was well worth the wait to see Tavin finally get his happy ending.
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
God, I love this world! Diving into this book was the most exciting feeling – coming back to a paranormal world that I am quite obsessed with, and catching up with so many characters that I love so much. But more than all of that, this book is a fun, exciting, intriguing and passionate sort-of-second-chance-romance for a side character in the Demonica world that I have been so looking forward to reading more about.
Tavin is a seminus demon, and was a former contracted assassin with the Assassin’s Guild. He was forced to do devastating and horrific things, and none was more devastating than killing the love of his life, even if it was to save her from unimaginable torture. He’s now a free man and is working as paramedic in Underworld General Hospital, saving lives in atonement for all of the ones that he took. But he still lives in guilt and heartache, with no intention of ever falling in love again.
Deja is the reincarnated soul of Tavin’s lost love, but in a slightly different body. She is hell-bent on revenge, and has just graduated as a nurse for the sole purpose of working at Underworld General, getting close to Tavin, seducing and then killing him. Her mission is complicated by recent events in the Demonica world which resulted in the release of thousands of previously deceased demon souls (hers included) and, like her, they are back for vengeance. And Tavin has a whole host of them on his tail.
It’s a fantastic set-up, and the action and excitement is there pretty much from the beginning. There’s explosions, fights, some pretty horrific torture and badassery, and it all moves at a great pace. Deja is right in the thick of it with Tavin, but her goal of getting close to him only to seduce and kill him gets sidetracked along the way as she sees so much about the man she once loved that is still there.
Some unexpected tender moments and a bit of supernatural sexy time only add to her confusion, and in the middle of all of the supernatural awesomeness that I love so much about this series, there’s a beautiful, heartfelt, and seriously sexy love story that captured my heart. I loved both of these characters so much, and I was so happy to see them find their way back to each other.
“It takes more strength to live with intense feelings than it does to hide behind a wall of indifference.”
It’s exciting and romantic, there are some great twists to their story, and several long-held secrets to be revealed. They’ve got a lot to contend with, and I was right there with them as they do exactly that, and I loved watching their story unfold.
Tavin is a much-loved member of the Underworld General crew, and as a fellow seminus demon, the Sem brothers have dragged him into the fold, and he’s very much part of the family, so there’s lots of time spent with characters from the original books, which I loved! There are chapters from some alternate perspectives, which was a great treat, and through it all there’s the expected wit, banter, sarcasm and humour that I love so much about this series!
This novella is a fantastic addition to the Demonica series, and it was well worth the wait to see Tavin finally get his happy ending.
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2025
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Bond of Passion is the twentieth-first book in Larissa Ione’s Demonica series, and it’s also the final book of the main part of the series before it jumps ahead thirty years into the new next-gen series, Demonica Birthright. Tavin is a Seminus demon and an assassin who’s been seen a few times before as a supporting character in other books. Twelve years earlier, he was sent to kill Gristlen, a Neethul, one of the most evil and sadistic demon species in existence. He thought it would be an easy job until he met her. Gristlen was nothing like any other Neethul Tavin had ever known, and he ended up falling in love with her. But with a contract still out on her life, it was only a matter of time before another assassin came for her, and this time, he knew they were going to brutally torture her in front of him as punishment for not fulfilling his contract. Not willing to let that happen, he ended up killing her himself in the quickest way he could, and he’s been tortured by his decision ever since. When the Four Horsemen broke the slave bonds in the previous book, it also broke assassin bonds, so now Tavin is free to do whatever he wants, and he’s decided to become an EMT at Underworld General. Deja, a new nurse comes to work there, and they begin flirting with one another. But little does he know that she’s his former love in a new Resurrected body, and she’s out for revenge. Deja plans to seduce, then kill, Tavin just like he did to her, but the more time she spends with him, the harder it becomes to continue with her plan. Both of them have enemies, though, who want them dead, making their lives complicated and dangerous.
Tavin never expected to fall in love with his prey, but that’s exactly what happened with Gristlen a dozen years ago. Although they had to essentially live on the run, because of him not fulfilling his contract to kill her, they were happy and shared a passion that was unmatched. But knowing that the Assassin’s Guild was going to catch up to them, Tavin felt he had no choice but to kill Gristlen himself to save her from a horrible fate. However, it nearly killed him to do it and he’s been haunted by the memory ever since. Once he was free from the assassin’s bond, he chose to work at Underworld General, saving lives, instead of taking them, in an effort to atone for what he did. When Deja comes to work there, he feels oddly connected to her even though they’ve just met. After an explosion leaves Tavin badly injured, Deja volunteers to look after him, and they grow closer, but he doesn’t know she’s his former love come back to kill him. However, a group of demons he killed in the past that have now been Resurrected beat her to the punch when they capture and torture him with plans to kill him when they’re done. I’ve been fascinated by Tavin ever since he was introduced (I can’t recall now which book it was in) and had hoped he’d get his own story, so I was thrilled to discover he had. For a demon assassin, he was always a pretty good guy. Writing a guy who kills the woman he loves could be dicey, but I completely understood his reasons for doing it, and he’s paid for it with his own guilt and pain ever since. He’s also now trying to make up for it by being even better. I like that he shows his vulnerability over what he did to Deja, which helps her to reconnect with the passion they once shared and believe that he truly did love her and didn’t want to kill her. I’m really glad that he finally got his HEA.
Deja (aka Gristlen) always felt like she was born into the wrong body and family. All the other Neethuls are brutal and sadistic, but she has a kind, compassionate nature and doesn’t like pain. When she met Tavin years ago, all she wanted was to experience sex without the pain her species usually dishes out during the act, and as a sex demon, Tavin was happy to help out. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love, so she felt utterly betrayed in her final moments of life when he killed her. Because Deja is one of the Resurrected who were returned to their original bodies after Azagoth destroyed Sheoul-gra, she can remember her past life and wants revenge. She becomes a nurse at Underworld General just so she can meet Tavin, but she’s hiding her identity and doesn’t entirely look like she did when they were together. When Tavin is injured in the explosion, she’s happy to take care of him, thinking it will give her an opportunity to kill him herself. But the more time she spends with him, the more she starts to remember their love and feel guilty about what she wants to do. Then she’s faced with a large group of demons, also with vengeance on their minds, torturing and trying to kill Tavin and must make a decision about whether to save him. But if she does and reveals her secret, he might not forgive her for what she’d originally intended. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of a kind soul in the body of an evil creature. It made Deja a complex and interesting character, and I also liked the way the author explained why this happened. I love how her compassionate nature wins out and helps her to see the vulnerable side of Tavin and how he’s suffered for feeling like he had to kill her all those years ago.
Overall, Bond of Passion was a great read and a nice wrap-up to the main part of the Demonica series. I enjoyed all the little appearances by various characters we’ve met throughout the series. I also love both Tavin and Deja and think they fit together well as a couple. I’m a sucker for second-chance romances and this one comes with some pretty interesting complications. As always Larissa Ione is fantastic with her plotting ability, believably bringing things full-circle for this couple, and explaining how Deja ended up in the “wrong” body. She also lets us in on who put out the original contract on her life and why. Not only did Tavin pay for what he did to Deja through his own guilt and pain, but he’s quite literally tortured within the story. With all the Resurrecteds who come for him, we get to see how dangerous it’s going to be, not only for Tavin, but for pretty much all our beloved characters who’ve previously killed the evil demons that are now roaming the Earth again. This also demonstrates how Azagoth’s actions are still reverberating throughout the world and how demons are basically living out in the open among humans now. It’s a great set-up to lead into the next-gen series that will jump thirty years into the future to follow the offspring of all the main characters we’ve come to know and love. Bond of Passion may essentially be the end of one era, but I very much look forward to venturing into the next one soon.
Bond of Passion is the twentieth-first book in Larissa Ione’s Demonica series, and it’s also the final book of the main part of the series before it jumps ahead thirty years into the new next-gen series, Demonica Birthright. Tavin is a Seminus demon and an assassin who’s been seen a few times before as a supporting character in other books. Twelve years earlier, he was sent to kill Gristlen, a Neethul, one of the most evil and sadistic demon species in existence. He thought it would be an easy job until he met her. Gristlen was nothing like any other Neethul Tavin had ever known, and he ended up falling in love with her. But with a contract still out on her life, it was only a matter of time before another assassin came for her, and this time, he knew they were going to brutally torture her in front of him as punishment for not fulfilling his contract. Not willing to let that happen, he ended up killing her himself in the quickest way he could, and he’s been tortured by his decision ever since. When the Four Horsemen broke the slave bonds in the previous book, it also broke assassin bonds, so now Tavin is free to do whatever he wants, and he’s decided to become an EMT at Underworld General. Deja, a new nurse comes to work there, and they begin flirting with one another. But little does he know that she’s his former love in a new Resurrected body, and she’s out for revenge. Deja plans to seduce, then kill, Tavin just like he did to her, but the more time she spends with him, the harder it becomes to continue with her plan. Both of them have enemies, though, who want them dead, making their lives complicated and dangerous.
Tavin never expected to fall in love with his prey, but that’s exactly what happened with Gristlen a dozen years ago. Although they had to essentially live on the run, because of him not fulfilling his contract to kill her, they were happy and shared a passion that was unmatched. But knowing that the Assassin’s Guild was going to catch up to them, Tavin felt he had no choice but to kill Gristlen himself to save her from a horrible fate. However, it nearly killed him to do it and he’s been haunted by the memory ever since. Once he was free from the assassin’s bond, he chose to work at Underworld General, saving lives, instead of taking them, in an effort to atone for what he did. When Deja comes to work there, he feels oddly connected to her even though they’ve just met. After an explosion leaves Tavin badly injured, Deja volunteers to look after him, and they grow closer, but he doesn’t know she’s his former love come back to kill him. However, a group of demons he killed in the past that have now been Resurrected beat her to the punch when they capture and torture him with plans to kill him when they’re done. I’ve been fascinated by Tavin ever since he was introduced (I can’t recall now which book it was in) and had hoped he’d get his own story, so I was thrilled to discover he had. For a demon assassin, he was always a pretty good guy. Writing a guy who kills the woman he loves could be dicey, but I completely understood his reasons for doing it, and he’s paid for it with his own guilt and pain ever since. He’s also now trying to make up for it by being even better. I like that he shows his vulnerability over what he did to Deja, which helps her to reconnect with the passion they once shared and believe that he truly did love her and didn’t want to kill her. I’m really glad that he finally got his HEA.
Deja (aka Gristlen) always felt like she was born into the wrong body and family. All the other Neethuls are brutal and sadistic, but she has a kind, compassionate nature and doesn’t like pain. When she met Tavin years ago, all she wanted was to experience sex without the pain her species usually dishes out during the act, and as a sex demon, Tavin was happy to help out. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love, so she felt utterly betrayed in her final moments of life when he killed her. Because Deja is one of the Resurrected who were returned to their original bodies after Azagoth destroyed Sheoul-gra, she can remember her past life and wants revenge. She becomes a nurse at Underworld General just so she can meet Tavin, but she’s hiding her identity and doesn’t entirely look like she did when they were together. When Tavin is injured in the explosion, she’s happy to take care of him, thinking it will give her an opportunity to kill him herself. But the more time she spends with him, the more she starts to remember their love and feel guilty about what she wants to do. Then she’s faced with a large group of demons, also with vengeance on their minds, torturing and trying to kill Tavin and must make a decision about whether to save him. But if she does and reveals her secret, he might not forgive her for what she’d originally intended. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of a kind soul in the body of an evil creature. It made Deja a complex and interesting character, and I also liked the way the author explained why this happened. I love how her compassionate nature wins out and helps her to see the vulnerable side of Tavin and how he’s suffered for feeling like he had to kill her all those years ago.
Overall, Bond of Passion was a great read and a nice wrap-up to the main part of the Demonica series. I enjoyed all the little appearances by various characters we’ve met throughout the series. I also love both Tavin and Deja and think they fit together well as a couple. I’m a sucker for second-chance romances and this one comes with some pretty interesting complications. As always Larissa Ione is fantastic with her plotting ability, believably bringing things full-circle for this couple, and explaining how Deja ended up in the “wrong” body. She also lets us in on who put out the original contract on her life and why. Not only did Tavin pay for what he did to Deja through his own guilt and pain, but he’s quite literally tortured within the story. With all the Resurrecteds who come for him, we get to see how dangerous it’s going to be, not only for Tavin, but for pretty much all our beloved characters who’ve previously killed the evil demons that are now roaming the Earth again. This also demonstrates how Azagoth’s actions are still reverberating throughout the world and how demons are basically living out in the open among humans now. It’s a great set-up to lead into the next-gen series that will jump thirty years into the future to follow the offspring of all the main characters we’ve come to know and love. Bond of Passion may essentially be the end of one era, but I very much look forward to venturing into the next one soon.
November 11, 2022
Loved it
November 3, 2022
4.5 stars - I wish this book was a full length novel! Loved being back in this world and seeing everyone again! My only gripe is it ended too soon - I would’ve loved a more wrapped up ending - it felt too abrupt for my liking! Overall loved this one!
November 4, 2022
I adored my introduction to the Demonica world and devoured the original series in no time. I keep meaning to go and read the rest of the full-length novels, but it has yet to happen. However, I do allow myself to read the novellas. While I’ve enjoyed some, others have not worked for me as well as I’d hoped.
Bond of Passion is one that I did not enjoy quite as much as I’d hoped. While the story was interesting and kept me turning the pages, there were times when I felt lost. The universe has become so big, there are so many characters introduced, that there were times when I felt like I was missing information. I love a big world and envy authors capable of creating an ever-growing complex universe, yet it is hard to follow at times when you’re missing books. In this case, I feel the story would have hit harder had there not been as many direct links with other stories. It distracted a bit from this one, which left me feeling a little disconnected.
All in all, an enjoyable story. While enjoyable, it was not my favourite in the series, and it’s certainly one that requires a lot of knowledge about the universe.
Bond of Passion is one that I did not enjoy quite as much as I’d hoped. While the story was interesting and kept me turning the pages, there were times when I felt lost. The universe has become so big, there are so many characters introduced, that there were times when I felt like I was missing information. I love a big world and envy authors capable of creating an ever-growing complex universe, yet it is hard to follow at times when you’re missing books. In this case, I feel the story would have hit harder had there not been as many direct links with other stories. It distracted a bit from this one, which left me feeling a little disconnected.
All in all, an enjoyable story. While enjoyable, it was not my favourite in the series, and it’s certainly one that requires a lot of knowledge about the universe.
October 31, 2022
ARC review for this amazing book!
Where do I even start? I got introduced to this demonica series a couple of years ago and had read the first three books consecutively. A very intricate, detailed and of course... steamy world *wink wibk* created by Larrisa and it hooked me up immediately. I always loved healing abilities in the characters that I read! When I got a chance to dive back into this world for an honest review, I immediately jumped into it head on! I gotta admit I fell in love with both the main characters almost immediately.
I also got to meet some of my favourite characters again and it was such a sweet reunion. If you want a book with all sorts of feels, tear dripping romance and heavy steam (hello? It's a sex demon) then look no further! This is the book for you. If you haven't tried the Demonica series yet, then this book gives you a wonderful opportunity to dive headfirst into the series. Happy reading!
Where do I even start? I got introduced to this demonica series a couple of years ago and had read the first three books consecutively. A very intricate, detailed and of course... steamy world *wink wibk* created by Larrisa and it hooked me up immediately. I always loved healing abilities in the characters that I read! When I got a chance to dive back into this world for an honest review, I immediately jumped into it head on! I gotta admit I fell in love with both the main characters almost immediately.
I also got to meet some of my favourite characters again and it was such a sweet reunion. If you want a book with all sorts of feels, tear dripping romance and heavy steam (hello? It's a sex demon) then look no further! This is the book for you. If you haven't tried the Demonica series yet, then this book gives you a wonderful opportunity to dive headfirst into the series. Happy reading!
November 13, 2022
Series: Demonica #21
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Tavin has been a background character in this series since Sin and Lore were introduced. He was a member of their assassin’s guild and had a pretty rough time there. Now that he is free of that contract, he is working at Underworld General trying to do some good to repay all the death he inflicted. Unfortunately, his victims have been reincarnated and are out for revenge, including the love of his life.
Tavin and Deja’s story was really good. I love a good second chance story and this one was very emotional. Tavin was forced to kill Deja when he was an assassin and has spent his life living with that pain. Deja has spent the past two years since she was reincarnated setting up her plan to kill him. As you can imagine though, the feelings are still there even with all the pain Deja went through and she finds herself falling for him again.
Deja was a smart, determined, and sometimes ruthless woman. Her struggle to deal with her love and hate of Tavin was very well written. I was afraid she would forgive him quickly but she takes her time working through her feelings. Also, the accidental mating probably helped with that since they can feel each other's emotions and she can feel Tavins pain. Tavin was another great Sem demon. He may have been an assassin but he really prefers to help people. I was glad to see him find happiness and get some closure on his viper marking situation.
Overall, this was a great addition to the Demonica series. Tavin and Deja were a great couple and I really enjoyed seeing them heal each other. Also, I really loved all the cameos from previous couples and seeing how much has changed since Azagoth’s book.
Trigger Warnings: torture (on page)
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Tavin has been a background character in this series since Sin and Lore were introduced. He was a member of their assassin’s guild and had a pretty rough time there. Now that he is free of that contract, he is working at Underworld General trying to do some good to repay all the death he inflicted. Unfortunately, his victims have been reincarnated and are out for revenge, including the love of his life.
Tavin and Deja’s story was really good. I love a good second chance story and this one was very emotional. Tavin was forced to kill Deja when he was an assassin and has spent his life living with that pain. Deja has spent the past two years since she was reincarnated setting up her plan to kill him. As you can imagine though, the feelings are still there even with all the pain Deja went through and she finds herself falling for him again.
Deja was a smart, determined, and sometimes ruthless woman. Her struggle to deal with her love and hate of Tavin was very well written. I was afraid she would forgive him quickly but she takes her time working through her feelings. Also, the accidental mating probably helped with that since they can feel each other's emotions and she can feel Tavins pain. Tavin was another great Sem demon. He may have been an assassin but he really prefers to help people. I was glad to see him find happiness and get some closure on his viper marking situation.
Overall, this was a great addition to the Demonica series. Tavin and Deja were a great couple and I really enjoyed seeing them heal each other. Also, I really loved all the cameos from previous couples and seeing how much has changed since Azagoth’s book.
Trigger Warnings: torture (on page)
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
November 6, 2022
It's always fun to be back at UGH. Tavin and Deja's story was interesting with all the connecting points and history. I liked that Deja was able to see how things were from Tavin's point of view, which helped her thing differently. I also liked that Deja was able to learn more about her history, which changed how she thought about herself. I was glad that both of them were able to get past things and settle into their lives together.
November 3, 2022
As someone who hasn’t read any of the other Demonica series, this was an easy way to get a feel for the world, the characters and Larissa Ione’s writing. While each novella can be read as a standalone, it did pose some challenges as there’s clearly a lot of history with secondary characters in this book that I was missing.
Tav and Deja’s dancing around each other created great tension and I enjoyed watching them both squirm. The steam and heat was great! I also loved the action packed story with explosions, torture and more. For a novella it really packed a punch!
I am definitely adding more of this series to my never-ending TBR!
Tav and Deja’s dancing around each other created great tension and I enjoyed watching them both squirm. The steam and heat was great! I also loved the action packed story with explosions, torture and more. For a novella it really packed a punch!
I am definitely adding more of this series to my never-ending TBR!
November 12, 2022
Damn, I love returning to UGH and this world! Such a wicked fun read!
February 29, 2024
I think this one start out strong but about half way through became my least favorite Demonica, which sucks cause I love this world. I think this one just wasn’t for me.
February 11, 2023
Loved Tavin's story.
February 18, 2023
This was very good. A incubus that is working for UG, but only very distantly related to the brothers that run UG, bumps into a familiar feeling woman. This woman is out for revenge only when the time comes has second thought, yet... So how these two finally get back together is a very good ride.
November 1, 2022
The Demonica series by Larissa Ione has been on my TBR for a very long time and I finally got the chance to read one of the installments. If you know me, you know I don’t always start from the first book, so when I got the opportunity to read Bond of Passion as an ARC, I jumped on it
As this is the 21st book in the series there were a lot of unknown characters and backstories, but I could still follow the story. 12 years ago Tavin was hired to kill a princess, whom he ended up falling for, but even love wasn't enough to save them. Now Deja is back, she’s unrecognizable and hungers for revenge. She will do exactly the same thing Tavin did to her. She will seduce him and when she’s the only thing he can think about, she will kill him. She isn’t prepared for Tavin to involuntarily waver her by showing how he turned his life around and is now saving lives instead of taking them and how he still can’t forgive himself.
This was an action-packed read about betrayal, death, intrigue, and lots of secrets. I loved Deja’s arc, formerly known as Gristlen the Unseen, a Neethul princess. She always had a gentle soul which is why she had to live her life as a hermit. Neethuls are one of the most vicious, evil, sadistic demons who see kindness as a weakness. She tried to seem cruel but she didn’t have a violent bone in her body and Tavin saw right through her. As Deja, she also has a good soul but she’s more confident, stands her ground, and is a kickass heroine.
Tavin had to make a very hard decision 12 years ago and he was never able to walk away from his past. I don’t want to spoil the hows and whys but after learning everything that went down, I kind of understand why he did what he did. Their world is harsh and violent and if the end was inevitable, maybe the route Tavin has taken was the better one (certainly not the best one). But even if I understood him, I was still on Deja’s side when she confronted him.
This book only hints at it through other characters’ musings, but in my eyes, they were definitely fated mates and I was curious how they will be able to mend bridges.
CW: gore, torture
Tropes: fated mates, enemies to lovers, revenge, nursed back to health, second chance, damaged heroes find happiness, in love with the mark
As this is the 21st book in the series there were a lot of unknown characters and backstories, but I could still follow the story. 12 years ago Tavin was hired to kill a princess, whom he ended up falling for, but even love wasn't enough to save them. Now Deja is back, she’s unrecognizable and hungers for revenge. She will do exactly the same thing Tavin did to her. She will seduce him and when she’s the only thing he can think about, she will kill him. She isn’t prepared for Tavin to involuntarily waver her by showing how he turned his life around and is now saving lives instead of taking them and how he still can’t forgive himself.
This was an action-packed read about betrayal, death, intrigue, and lots of secrets. I loved Deja’s arc, formerly known as Gristlen the Unseen, a Neethul princess. She always had a gentle soul which is why she had to live her life as a hermit. Neethuls are one of the most vicious, evil, sadistic demons who see kindness as a weakness. She tried to seem cruel but she didn’t have a violent bone in her body and Tavin saw right through her. As Deja, she also has a good soul but she’s more confident, stands her ground, and is a kickass heroine.
Tavin had to make a very hard decision 12 years ago and he was never able to walk away from his past. I don’t want to spoil the hows and whys but after learning everything that went down, I kind of understand why he did what he did. Their world is harsh and violent and if the end was inevitable, maybe the route Tavin has taken was the better one (certainly not the best one). But even if I understood him, I was still on Deja’s side when she confronted him.
This book only hints at it through other characters’ musings, but in my eyes, they were definitely fated mates and I was curious how they will be able to mend bridges.
CW: gore, torture
Tropes: fated mates, enemies to lovers, revenge, nursed back to health, second chance, damaged heroes find happiness, in love with the mark
January 16, 2023
3.5 Stars
Check out our review of Bond of Passion by Larissa Ione it’s the paranormal romance to read if you are in the mood for demons, revisiting the Seminus doctors at Underground General and a heroine that wants revenge because the hero killed her.
synopsis
Tavin is a Seminus demon and used to be an assassin for the Assassin’s Guild. During his time serving them he was tasked with killing the love of his life. Now, so long after, he’s working at UGH as a paramedic and never thinking he will fall in love again. But Deja walks into his life, the reincarnated soul of his first love, and is determined to seek revenge.
review
It’s always the best to walk into a world that you love and get to see not only a new couple finding their HEA but a solid window into the world of the series and even cameos of your favorites. Larissa Ione is one of the best at doing this! BOND OF PASSION gave me those vibes, especially because we have the original Seminus demon brothers and Lore too. As a long time fan, that was one of my favorite things. It’s like revisiting friends and checking in on what they are doing.
Now for the main couple. I found that I was interested enough in them to be interested throughout the story. The chemistry was on point, just as I expected. But I also found them a bit forgettable. In a way this felt like a book you really enjoy while reading, but doesn’t necessarily stay with you long.
That being said, this is just a novella and I think it did a great job at hooking you into a romance while delivering a larger feel for the world. You could pick this up without having read this series and still enjoy it.
in conclusion
Overall, if you want a quick read that is perfectly rounded with sexy demons, lots of chemistry and also deliver danger and adventure, look no further. And while you’re at it, make sure you’ve read this whole series.
Check out our review of Bond of Passion by Larissa Ione it’s the paranormal romance to read if you are in the mood for demons, revisiting the Seminus doctors at Underground General and a heroine that wants revenge because the hero killed her.
synopsis
Tavin is a Seminus demon and used to be an assassin for the Assassin’s Guild. During his time serving them he was tasked with killing the love of his life. Now, so long after, he’s working at UGH as a paramedic and never thinking he will fall in love again. But Deja walks into his life, the reincarnated soul of his first love, and is determined to seek revenge.
review
It’s always the best to walk into a world that you love and get to see not only a new couple finding their HEA but a solid window into the world of the series and even cameos of your favorites. Larissa Ione is one of the best at doing this! BOND OF PASSION gave me those vibes, especially because we have the original Seminus demon brothers and Lore too. As a long time fan, that was one of my favorite things. It’s like revisiting friends and checking in on what they are doing.
Now for the main couple. I found that I was interested enough in them to be interested throughout the story. The chemistry was on point, just as I expected. But I also found them a bit forgettable. In a way this felt like a book you really enjoy while reading, but doesn’t necessarily stay with you long.
That being said, this is just a novella and I think it did a great job at hooking you into a romance while delivering a larger feel for the world. You could pick this up without having read this series and still enjoy it.
in conclusion
Overall, if you want a quick read that is perfectly rounded with sexy demons, lots of chemistry and also deliver danger and adventure, look no further. And while you’re at it, make sure you’ve read this whole series.
November 1, 2022
3.25-3.5 stars. As always, I love Larissa Ione's Demonica world and this book was a good addition to the series. Bond of Passion is Deja/Gristlen and Tavin's story. A demon, Tavin was forced to work off a debt many years ago as an assassin. He met Gristlen when she was one of his assigned targets. They fell for each other quickly, but, while Tavin tried to get out of his assignment, he eventually was forced to kill her in order to save her from worse fates. Now, all those who Tavin killed have had their soul's brought back to life with the reopening of Sheoul-gra. Tavin is now working to save lives at the Underworld General hospital. Gristlen has come back to life in a new body and is bent on revenge against Tavin. She gets a job as a nurse at the hospital, posing as "Deja", in an effort to get close to Tavin and get her revenge on him. But there is more to what happened between them than either of them know. When they are together, they feel like they are meant to be.. Can they work through their past to make a future together?
I was happy to see a new book from Ms. Ione as I love this series and the world she created. But I am not a huge fan of enemies to lovers where the hate is so strong between the couple. I understood Gristlen's need for revenge, but I really liked Tavin and felt sorry for him. I also wanted more resolution after he found out who Deja was. Still, the story was good and I liked Tavin. Overall this wasn't my favorite book in the series, but I am looking forward to more from Ms. Ione and the Demonica world in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
I was happy to see a new book from Ms. Ione as I love this series and the world she created. But I am not a huge fan of enemies to lovers where the hate is so strong between the couple. I understood Gristlen's need for revenge, but I really liked Tavin and felt sorry for him. I also wanted more resolution after he found out who Deja was. Still, the story was good and I liked Tavin. Overall this wasn't my favorite book in the series, but I am looking forward to more from Ms. Ione and the Demonica world in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
November 4, 2022
I have been a big fan of this series from book one and I am pleased to find that this a great addition to the series.
Tavin is a reformed assassin working for the Underworld General. He is trying to make amends for all the terrible things that he was forced to do as an assassin.
Greslin/Déjà is one of his victims. A victim and an act that he can't ever forget. Déjà is working at the same hospital with one goal in mind. Seduce Tavin and make him fall in love with her. Then kill him! He saves her from a disaster and that puts her in his close proximity. Just what she wants. It will easier to carry out her plan. She is not the only one who wants revenge though. There are many others who want revenge too and she finds herself in the middle of all the gruesome deeds that they are doing to him. Does she join them or attempt to save him for the pleasure of carrying out her plan? Tavin isn't aware of who she is and is attracted to her from the first time that he meets her. How will he react when he finds that she is his lost love?
I really enjoyed this novella. Despite everything going on, the author finds time for humour amongst the horror. It's fast paced and well developed and the icing on the cake is the presence of loved characters from previous books. Actually, I might go back to the beginning and revisit my favourite characters.
Tavin is a reformed assassin working for the Underworld General. He is trying to make amends for all the terrible things that he was forced to do as an assassin.
Greslin/Déjà is one of his victims. A victim and an act that he can't ever forget. Déjà is working at the same hospital with one goal in mind. Seduce Tavin and make him fall in love with her. Then kill him! He saves her from a disaster and that puts her in his close proximity. Just what she wants. It will easier to carry out her plan. She is not the only one who wants revenge though. There are many others who want revenge too and she finds herself in the middle of all the gruesome deeds that they are doing to him. Does she join them or attempt to save him for the pleasure of carrying out her plan? Tavin isn't aware of who she is and is attracted to her from the first time that he meets her. How will he react when he finds that she is his lost love?
I really enjoyed this novella. Despite everything going on, the author finds time for humour amongst the horror. It's fast paced and well developed and the icing on the cake is the presence of loved characters from previous books. Actually, I might go back to the beginning and revisit my favourite characters.
September 21, 2024
This is yet another story in the 1001 Dark Nights anthology. I’ve been popping in and out of these when they align with series I am familiar with and how could I resist another Demonica book?
This book picks up with Tavin’s story (and backstory) in fun and smutty ways. Tavin, while working as a slave assassin, was tasked with hunting down an evil demon. At least, all the other members of this particular race are super duper evil. This one, however, is somehow nice and… sweet. He ends up falling for her instead of completing his mission. I mean, he does eventually do it, but it ends up leaving him pretty messed up and atoning for his sins at Underworld General. It obviously messes up the love of his life even more because he never actually told her he was an assassin.
Deja is the reincarnated version of Tavin’s lady love. It’s a long story, but all the dead demons ended up getting freed due to world ending stuffs. Deja, however, ended up in the body of a much less evil demon. It is never explained to her, so she just dons a disguise and enters her vengeance era. Somewhere along the way she ends up in a life she loves, so things get less clear for her when she finally meets Tavin again. Sparks fly (kind of literally) and the best planned vengeance ends up as a HEA. I really had fun with this one.
This book picks up with Tavin’s story (and backstory) in fun and smutty ways. Tavin, while working as a slave assassin, was tasked with hunting down an evil demon. At least, all the other members of this particular race are super duper evil. This one, however, is somehow nice and… sweet. He ends up falling for her instead of completing his mission. I mean, he does eventually do it, but it ends up leaving him pretty messed up and atoning for his sins at Underworld General. It obviously messes up the love of his life even more because he never actually told her he was an assassin.
Deja is the reincarnated version of Tavin’s lady love. It’s a long story, but all the dead demons ended up getting freed due to world ending stuffs. Deja, however, ended up in the body of a much less evil demon. It is never explained to her, so she just dons a disguise and enters her vengeance era. Somewhere along the way she ends up in a life she loves, so things get less clear for her when she finally meets Tavin again. Sparks fly (kind of literally) and the best planned vengeance ends up as a HEA. I really had fun with this one.
November 28, 2022
Excellent return the Demonica World! This is the 21st installment of the Demonica series & is about Tavin, a former assassin turned paramedic who works at Underworld General Hospital helping heal the less evil demons among us. He lost his true love years ago & has been beating himself up for years but trying to atone by doing good since his assassin contract was up 50 years early b/c a a fluke in a previous book (not necessary to enjoy this stand alone book, it just helps w/all the other side characters if you have read the series, it like running into old friends unexpectedly). What he doesn’t know is that one of his lovers has been of those souls released & reincarnated & she is bent on revenge. Deja wants him to hurt the way she hurt when he murdered her all those years ago. What they don’t know is an evil is stalking them from an unexpected place & can they overcome their hang ups to survive the oncoming challenge? Strong male & female leads, fun world building, excellent storytelling. Have been reading this series for years & anxiously await when a new installment is coming out! Highly recommend!
November 4, 2022
The Demonica series is back with a bang! For those that haven’t read this series, Bond of Passion isn’t a bad place to start. While it may be a novella with 1001 Dark Nights, it can be read as a standalone and it's a perfect way to dip your toes into the Demonica Universe.
This little novella has it all, spicy hot scenes, drama and vengeance, giggles left and right, you name it, it’s got it. I loved how I got to revisit characters from previous books, and saw a little of what they have been doing. It was a treat to read.
Tavin is in the sh*t. He was hired years ago to off a princess, but what does he do? He goes and falls in love with her. Too bad his contract can’t be changed. Now that said princess is reborn in the form of deadly Deja, and she is back with revenge in her eyes. But what happens when that same love from another lifetime is rekindled in the current one? Can Tavin win his lady love and will Deja let go of the pain she feels?
Read it to find out!
All I can say is that I love this series, and I can’t wait to see more from it!
This little novella has it all, spicy hot scenes, drama and vengeance, giggles left and right, you name it, it’s got it. I loved how I got to revisit characters from previous books, and saw a little of what they have been doing. It was a treat to read.
Tavin is in the sh*t. He was hired years ago to off a princess, but what does he do? He goes and falls in love with her. Too bad his contract can’t be changed. Now that said princess is reborn in the form of deadly Deja, and she is back with revenge in her eyes. But what happens when that same love from another lifetime is rekindled in the current one? Can Tavin win his lady love and will Deja let go of the pain she feels?
Read it to find out!
All I can say is that I love this series, and I can’t wait to see more from it!
November 20, 2022
This is my first by this author and honestly, I loved it. It was a little short, since a lot of these 1001 Dark Nights are novellas for an author's more developed world, but I totally wanted to read more of this series.
So Tavin is a sex demon (!!!) but also an assassin. He was hired to take out an alien princess and instead of killing her, he falls in love with her. Deja comes from a group of demons who love pain, but she herself does not and have a ton of compassion. It's no wonder she falls in love with Tavin, but is completely butt hurt when he does his job. She's reincarnated, and the premise of this story is her revenge quest for (on?) Tavin.
I do admit that while reading this, there is a whole SLEW of secondary characters that I know nothing about since this is my first book by this author. Putting that aside, I think there's enough here for you to see who Tavin and Deja are and the guilt and confusion they carry. I just really liked these two characters.
So Tavin is a sex demon (!!!) but also an assassin. He was hired to take out an alien princess and instead of killing her, he falls in love with her. Deja comes from a group of demons who love pain, but she herself does not and have a ton of compassion. It's no wonder she falls in love with Tavin, but is completely butt hurt when he does his job. She's reincarnated, and the premise of this story is her revenge quest for (on?) Tavin.
I do admit that while reading this, there is a whole SLEW of secondary characters that I know nothing about since this is my first book by this author. Putting that aside, I think there's enough here for you to see who Tavin and Deja are and the guilt and confusion they carry. I just really liked these two characters.
November 4, 2022
I always forget how much I love this world until I jump back in. We get another Seminus demon story, and back to the Demonica roots being set in Underworld General Hospital. It jumps around to a few other places as well, but I really enjoyed being back in there.
There’s quite a few cameos in here of other characters, and it’s always nice to see them from other people’s perspectives. The world is so big now and it seems like most of it tried to be included in here, which would been no easy feat. And it wasn’t just name dropping, these were genuine interactions.
It’s a really well balanced story with action, flashbacks, emotion and lore. Bit more on the gruesome side than most of the others, but are they’re all demons you expect a bit of torture. And Seminus demon- we get some spice in there too. This one perfectly captured my attention and held it. Well worth a read.
There’s quite a few cameos in here of other characters, and it’s always nice to see them from other people’s perspectives. The world is so big now and it seems like most of it tried to be included in here, which would been no easy feat. And it wasn’t just name dropping, these were genuine interactions.
It’s a really well balanced story with action, flashbacks, emotion and lore. Bit more on the gruesome side than most of the others, but are they’re all demons you expect a bit of torture. And Seminus demon- we get some spice in there too. This one perfectly captured my attention and held it. Well worth a read.
November 5, 2022
Bond of Passion is my first visit to Larissa Ione's Demonica series. I have the series on my TBR list but haven't had a chance to dive in yet. That is, until now.
Tavin and Deja's story is full of passion, good and bad. Tavin was an assassin, bound by contract to kill. When the contract was revoked, Tavin swore he would only do good in the world. He still mourns the one person he hated assassinating the most - his true love.
Deja is back. She's been reincarnated after her lover assassinated her. Now, she's seeking vengeance. Cruel, coldblooded vengeance. Except, that isn't Deja. Oh, she's mad, but the man she sees doesn't feel like an assassin to her. He almost seems remorseful.
The story of Tavin and Deja is complex and had me on the edge of my seat. The cat and mouse game they played was well executed and Tavin didn't even realize the role he played. Their story hooked me from the very beginning and I was engaged throughout it all.
Tavin and Deja's story is full of passion, good and bad. Tavin was an assassin, bound by contract to kill. When the contract was revoked, Tavin swore he would only do good in the world. He still mourns the one person he hated assassinating the most - his true love.
Deja is back. She's been reincarnated after her lover assassinated her. Now, she's seeking vengeance. Cruel, coldblooded vengeance. Except, that isn't Deja. Oh, she's mad, but the man she sees doesn't feel like an assassin to her. He almost seems remorseful.
The story of Tavin and Deja is complex and had me on the edge of my seat. The cat and mouse game they played was well executed and Tavin didn't even realize the role he played. Their story hooked me from the very beginning and I was engaged throughout it all.
November 2, 2022
I love every visit back to Larissa Ione’s Demonica world. This world she has created is so unique and entertaining and this story is a short love story that cannot help but make you smile. Tavin is a sexy Seminous demon working as a paramedic and Deja is a Neebless demon who just graduated from nursing school. But they are really so much more. This is a story with an incubus as the hero, so there are a number of very hot moments in the book. I love Larissa Ione’s snarky sense of humor, the world she had built for her stories, and the appearance of characters from previous books in the series. I adored the happily ever after road this couple has to travel, resolving old wounds and learning well kept secrets in order to achieve happiness. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and the entire series! I am voluntarily leaving this review after reading an advanced complementary copy.
November 3, 2022
Even after 21 books this world will still grab ahold and not let go. I’ve read almost every book in this series and they never get old or stale. They just get better.
An assassin sex demon falls in love with his target. She’s back for revenge.
new name, a new accent, and an enchanted necklace that altered her features, as well as a bizarre screwup that put her in a different body than the Neethul one she’d died in that he would recognize, he’d never see it coming.
We see lots of characters from previous stories that I fell in love with and you will to.
If you haven’t read these books yet what are you waiting for.
An assassin sex demon falls in love with his target. She’s back for revenge.
new name, a new accent, and an enchanted necklace that altered her features, as well as a bizarre screwup that put her in a different body than the Neethul one she’d died in that he would recognize, he’d never see it coming.
We see lots of characters from previous stories that I fell in love with and you will to.
If you haven’t read these books yet what are you waiting for.
January 11, 2023
Forced to kill the love of your life and then graciously given a second chance at love. Whoa. This novella is meant to be a standalone story. But there is quite a bit of history that is backed by the previous books. But if that is not a huge thing for you, it is still easy to follow. It is well written and well developed; as Larissa Ione never fails to do. There was never a dull moment with so much action and twists. It will keep you turning pages. It has so narly torture scenes, humor, and some steamy parts guaranteed to steam up your glasses.
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