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Deals with Demons #6
Play the Demon
What do you do when the demon you’re reluctantly obsessed with knows your deepest darkest secret?
Every. Excruciating. Detail.
If you’re smart, you push him away and bury yourself in work.
Except that Vas isn’t the kind of guy who’ll allow me to hide from my feelings for long. Even if he did return from the underworld… different.
Meanwhile, I’ve been ignoring all my instincts to hide my tech magic. Instead, I’m using it to help Evie and Kyla solve a high-profile kidnapping case. Not only is it the right thing to do, but the reward money will also allow me to make a fresh start.
But now, my bar is being targeted by my enemies. And Vas insists on shoving his body between mine and any kind of danger. Even though he has his own vengeance to plan. But by choosing to shield me, Vas may have switched from the hunter... to the hunted.
Now it's my turn to protect him.
♥ If you like K.F Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jennifer Estep, Shannon Mayer, Kim Harrison, and Dannika Dark, you’ll love this series. ♥
★ Read it now ★
Every. Excruciating. Detail.
If you’re smart, you push him away and bury yourself in work.
Except that Vas isn’t the kind of guy who’ll allow me to hide from my feelings for long. Even if he did return from the underworld… different.
Meanwhile, I’ve been ignoring all my instincts to hide my tech magic. Instead, I’m using it to help Evie and Kyla solve a high-profile kidnapping case. Not only is it the right thing to do, but the reward money will also allow me to make a fresh start.
But now, my bar is being targeted by my enemies. And Vas insists on shoving his body between mine and any kind of danger. Even though he has his own vengeance to plan. But by choosing to shield me, Vas may have switched from the hunter... to the hunted.
Now it's my turn to protect him.
♥ If you like K.F Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jennifer Estep, Shannon Mayer, Kim Harrison, and Dannika Dark, you’ll love this series. ♥
★ Read it now ★
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2022
780 people are currently reading
2222 people want to read
About the author
Stacia Stark
24 books6,478 followersStacia Stark is a New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, and Amazon bestselling author of fantasy romance. Her books have been translated into over 16 languages, and her Kingdom of Lies series was nominated twice for Goodreads Choice Awards.
Stacia loves writing romantasy filled with found families, female friendship, self-reliant heroines, and brooding, grumpy heroes. When she’s not writing or exploring the world, she can usually be found sprawled on her sofa, lost in the pages of a good book.
Come say hi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stark...
Or learn more at Staciastark.com
Stacia loves writing romantasy filled with found families, female friendship, self-reliant heroines, and brooding, grumpy heroes. When she’s not writing or exploring the world, she can usually be found sprawled on her sofa, lost in the pages of a good book.
Come say hi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stark...
Or learn more at Staciastark.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 2, 2022
Originally posted at:
I'll start out by saying that this will be a very fangirl-y book review. I am not impartial at this point. Stacia Stark has become an auto-buy author for me. As far as I'm concerned everything she writes turns into gold.
I adore the world she's created with this series. I love everything about it. I love how everything revolves around one another and how the creatures are cunning, complex three-dimensional beings painted in shades of grey.
It was fantastic to see Vas get a happy ending. From what we know he's been through he really deserves it by now. Meredith was also fantastic. She's powerful in her own right but in different aspects. They make a fantastic team!
The ending was the part I least enjoyed about this whole novel. Yes because it ended However, this will in no way deter me from reading future books this author writes. I can't wait to see where she takes the universe she created in the future!
I'll start out by saying that this will be a very fangirl-y book review. I am not impartial at this point. Stacia Stark has become an auto-buy author for me. As far as I'm concerned everything she writes turns into gold.
I adore the world she's created with this series. I love everything about it. I love how everything revolves around one another and how the creatures are cunning, complex three-dimensional beings painted in shades of grey.
It was fantastic to see Vas get a happy ending. From what we know he's been through he really deserves it by now. Meredith was also fantastic. She's powerful in her own right but in different aspects. They make a fantastic team!
The ending was the part I least enjoyed about this whole novel. Yes because it ended However, this will in no way deter me from reading future books this author writes. I can't wait to see where she takes the universe she created in the future!
March 29, 2025
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Demons, witches, shifters, and faes
✅ Pace and plot
✅ Characters
✅ Vas
✅(🆗) Meredith suddenly becomes an investigator
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death of loved one, kidnapping, some beating and burning too
3.5 stars
This book is connected to the rest of the series, but now that the big battle against Lucifer is over, it follows Vas and Meredith instead of Danica and Samael.
When Evie and Kyla start investigating the kidnapping of a pregnant fae, they ask Meredith for her help, which is how Meredith finds herself in the middle of a political plot involving faes, humans, and witches, among other creatures. As if that is not enough excitement, she also owes money to a loan shark and Daimonion still has not been found, and he might very well try to hurt Meredith to get back at Vas.
Overall, I liked this final book which almost felt like a spinoff, but there are still things that annoyed me a little. So this review might sound like me whining, but I am still happy with the conclusion to this series, and happy that Vas got his happy ending, especially after what happened in the previous book.
First of all, Meredith has no background in investigative work, yet she gets roped into Evie and Kyla’s investigation and follows them around. Why couldn’t she just act as a consultant for any tech Evie and Kyla found? Why did Meredith have to be that involved in the investigation when she does not have the required skills, does not fight, and also has a business to run on the side, meaning she already is pretty busy. The author also found a convenient way to make sure that Meredith would not be involved in Evie’s spinoff (), making her big involvement in this one investigation feel even more pointless. It feels like this was just an excuse to put her in harm’s way, so Vas and her could grow closer.
That brings me to Evie, who also does not have any investigative work experience, yet she seemed to be excellent at it. I am glad that she found something she enjoys doing, but all in all, it felt like they were just trying to fill Danica’s shoes since she was not there anymore. I feel that Evie could have found something else to do than take over Danica’s business… But I feel that this is also just me being picky.
Even though he is tougher and angrier than before because of what happened in the battle against Lucifer’s forces, Vas remains a big softie deep down inside. I love him so much. The fact that he has a human BFF, that is now in his 80s or 90s and Vas still visits him in his elderly home and talks to him about the shit they got into as teenagers was so cute and heartwarming.
I missed Vas and Danica’s friendship. They grew so close in the first books of the series, and while I understand that this book was about Vas and Meredith, and not about Danica and Samael anymore, I would still have liked to see more of them. Especially seeing how much Danica and Vas seemed to love each other. Now they spent a few minutes together here and there, and I didn’t feel the depth of their bond like I did in the rest of the series.
0.5Fool the Demon ⭐⭐⭐
1.Speak of the Demon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.Dance with the Demon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.Inner Demons ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.Luck of the Demon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.Demon’s Advocate ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅ Demons, witches, shifters, and faes
✅ Pace and plot
✅ Characters
✅ Vas
✅(🆗) Meredith suddenly becomes an investigator
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death of loved one, kidnapping, some beating and burning too
3.5 stars
This book is connected to the rest of the series, but now that the big battle against Lucifer is over, it follows Vas and Meredith instead of Danica and Samael.
When Evie and Kyla start investigating the kidnapping of a pregnant fae, they ask Meredith for her help, which is how Meredith finds herself in the middle of a political plot involving faes, humans, and witches, among other creatures. As if that is not enough excitement, she also owes money to a loan shark and Daimonion still has not been found, and he might very well try to hurt Meredith to get back at Vas.
Overall, I liked this final book which almost felt like a spinoff, but there are still things that annoyed me a little. So this review might sound like me whining, but I am still happy with the conclusion to this series, and happy that Vas got his happy ending, especially after what happened in the previous book.
First of all, Meredith has no background in investigative work, yet she gets roped into Evie and Kyla’s investigation and follows them around. Why couldn’t she just act as a consultant for any tech Evie and Kyla found? Why did Meredith have to be that involved in the investigation when she does not have the required skills, does not fight, and also has a business to run on the side, meaning she already is pretty busy. The author also found a convenient way to make sure that Meredith would not be involved in Evie’s spinoff (), making her big involvement in this one investigation feel even more pointless. It feels like this was just an excuse to put her in harm’s way, so Vas and her could grow closer.
That brings me to Evie, who also does not have any investigative work experience, yet she seemed to be excellent at it. I am glad that she found something she enjoys doing, but all in all, it felt like they were just trying to fill Danica’s shoes since she was not there anymore. I feel that Evie could have found something else to do than take over Danica’s business… But I feel that this is also just me being picky.
“You’re trapped between two worlds. Your own fault, and your uncle’s for not keeping a better eye on you as a child. Someone as long-lived as you has no business making friends with humans. And yet, I think it’s made you a better person.”
I met his eyes. “It has. You have.”
Even though he is tougher and angrier than before because of what happened in the battle against Lucifer’s forces, Vas remains a big softie deep down inside. I love him so much. The fact that he has a human BFF, that is now in his 80s or 90s and Vas still visits him in his elderly home and talks to him about the shit they got into as teenagers was so cute and heartwarming.
I missed Vas and Danica’s friendship. They grew so close in the first books of the series, and while I understand that this book was about Vas and Meredith, and not about Danica and Samael anymore, I would still have liked to see more of them. Especially seeing how much Danica and Vas seemed to love each other. Now they spent a few minutes together here and there, and I didn’t feel the depth of their bond like I did in the rest of the series.
0.5Fool the Demon ⭐⭐⭐
1.Speak of the Demon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.Dance with the Demon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.Inner Demons ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.Luck of the Demon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.Demon’s Advocate ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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July 18, 2022
Liked it, but didn't love it.
So let me just say I loved the Deals with Demons series, Samael and Dani were amazing characters. I loved the side characters including Vas and Mere. This book was about them, but it just didn't seem to capture me like the other books in the series. Now I understand the author is trying to cram alot if different aspects into one story, but this seemed way too rushed for me. One chapter Vas is done with Meredith, but then two chapters later he comes back with the promise he made her. Too much back and forth. Also Vas and the assassin Daimnon was terrible. I expected so much more with that. Not the constant distractions and Vas having to race to get back to Meredith. I just don't know about this book, I think I'm more interested in the story of Kyla and the Fae King or Evie and the Alpha. Just me.
So let me just say I loved the Deals with Demons series, Samael and Dani were amazing characters. I loved the side characters including Vas and Mere. This book was about them, but it just didn't seem to capture me like the other books in the series. Now I understand the author is trying to cram alot if different aspects into one story, but this seemed way too rushed for me. One chapter Vas is done with Meredith, but then two chapters later he comes back with the promise he made her. Too much back and forth. Also Vas and the assassin Daimnon was terrible. I expected so much more with that. Not the constant distractions and Vas having to race to get back to Meredith. I just don't know about this book, I think I'm more interested in the story of Kyla and the Fae King or Evie and the Alpha. Just me.
July 16, 2022
This was a fun read and nice to be back in this world.
I wasn't as invested as I was with the main series, mainly because I felt Vas and Mere were a pretty done deal before the book anyway. But I'm excited for Evie and Kyla's story.
I wasn't as invested as I was with the main series, mainly because I felt Vas and Mere were a pretty done deal before the book anyway. But I'm excited for Evie and Kyla's story.
August 10, 2022
Pet peeve: pregnancy
July 28, 2022
I like the series very much. This book is fine but it didn't add much to the story. I'm fond of Vas; Meredith is ok but she is a side character as far as I am concerned and she lacks substance in the first five books. I'd have prefer Selina to star in this book. As a matter of fact, I'm much more invested in Evie's and Kyla's stories which will be the next series to start in September 2022.
August 24, 2022
3.5 stars.
Really enjoyed this. Wish there was more from Vas' pov and more time with him and Mere. However, I did love the investigation aspect of this book like the first 2, but it also ended too easy. But I love this world and it's characters. I can't wait for the next installments.
Really enjoyed this. Wish there was more from Vas' pov and more time with him and Mere. However, I did love the investigation aspect of this book like the first 2, but it also ended too easy. But I love this world and it's characters. I can't wait for the next installments.
July 26, 2023
4.75🌟!
March 8, 2024
This isn’t the first time I have read this book. But I did lower my rating from five to three stars.
Here are my issues with it.
I felt like we got such a huge build up of Danica and Vas’ friendship in the first books, and now we didn’t really get to see how much that friendship means to Vas. There was one scene where they were together, and he said he had missed her terribly, which is sweet. But he didn’t confide in Danica through the book. In fact he confided in Evie about something. And I felt like they were almost closer.
Meredith is not a detective. That is not a bad thing, but she was never involved in any cases in the past, and now she was, and I didn’t understand why her story couldn’t be written without having to fill some of Danica’s shoes. Which brings me to my next problem.
Evie.
Who is also filling Danica’s shoes. And ones again I don’t like it, and it doesn’t feel right.
Mostly because I felt that because Evie wants to be independent, and solve cases on her own, Danica was completely removed from the story. As was Samael.
Vas, Evie, Kyla and occasionally Meredith was a huge part of Danica and Samael’s books. And now it felt like they were “separate” from everyone because they were now king and queen. But that doesn’t really reconcile with what we have seen of them in the rest of the books.
But yes, I felt like Danica was removed because she would be better than Evie at solving the case they were working on, and they didn’t want Danica to outshine her.
I FEEL LIKE EVIE IS TRYING TO STEAL DANICA’S LIFE, IS WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY.
And it drives me wild because I feel like Danica worked and earned to be as close to all the people she is close to. Because at the start of the series she didn’t have anyone. And she hadn’t for a long time.
I had plans of re-reading the spinoff series - which is Evie and Kyla’s books, but I already know I regret the rating I gave them, which means it will not be enjoyable reads.
Here are my issues with it.
I felt like we got such a huge build up of Danica and Vas’ friendship in the first books, and now we didn’t really get to see how much that friendship means to Vas. There was one scene where they were together, and he said he had missed her terribly, which is sweet. But he didn’t confide in Danica through the book. In fact he confided in Evie about something. And I felt like they were almost closer.
Meredith is not a detective. That is not a bad thing, but she was never involved in any cases in the past, and now she was, and I didn’t understand why her story couldn’t be written without having to fill some of Danica’s shoes. Which brings me to my next problem.
Evie.
Who is also filling Danica’s shoes. And ones again I don’t like it, and it doesn’t feel right.
Mostly because I felt that because Evie wants to be independent, and solve cases on her own, Danica was completely removed from the story. As was Samael.
Vas, Evie, Kyla and occasionally Meredith was a huge part of Danica and Samael’s books. And now it felt like they were “separate” from everyone because they were now king and queen. But that doesn’t really reconcile with what we have seen of them in the rest of the books.
But yes, I felt like Danica was removed because she would be better than Evie at solving the case they were working on, and they didn’t want Danica to outshine her.
I FEEL LIKE EVIE IS TRYING TO STEAL DANICA’S LIFE, IS WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY.
And it drives me wild because I feel like Danica worked and earned to be as close to all the people she is close to. Because at the start of the series she didn’t have anyone. And she hadn’t for a long time.
I had plans of re-reading the spinoff series - which is Evie and Kyla’s books, but I already know I regret the rating I gave them, which means it will not be enjoyable reads.
June 26, 2022
Of the three heroines, Mere, Evie and Kyla who were friends of Danica in the original series, Mere was the one I was least excited about.
This book was okay- Mere is dealing with her ‘secret’, a missing persons case with Evie and Vas is seeking his revenge. But it was just okay for me.
This book was okay- Mere is dealing with her ‘secret’, a missing persons case with Evie and Vas is seeking his revenge. But it was just okay for me.
July 14, 2022
I just wanted more
September 10, 2022
2 stars
The plot felt like 80% and romance 20%. Not my favorite ratio for PNR. ready for Kyla’s book though! And evie’s.
The plot felt like 80% and romance 20%. Not my favorite ratio for PNR. ready for Kyla’s book though! And evie’s.
May 30, 2023
2.5 stars.
I was excited about Vas and Mer's story, because I had really liked the few interactions between them we had seen and their flirting.
So I was kinda disappointed by how angsty Vas was in the majority of the book (understandable after what happened, but still, not what I was looking for) and the lack of exploration regarding Mer's magic bummed me out because it's so unique and I felt like it was a wasted opportunity.
The plot was okay, all in all.
I was excited about Vas and Mer's story, because I had really liked the few interactions between them we had seen and their flirting.
So I was kinda disappointed by how angsty Vas was in the majority of the book (understandable after what happened, but still, not what I was looking for) and the lack of exploration regarding Mer's magic bummed me out because it's so unique and I felt like it was a wasted opportunity.
The plot was okay, all in all.
May 3, 2025
I’m pretty upset with this book, I won’t lie.
I was really excited to leave behind Danica and Samael, and I was really happy to dive into Vas’s story. But this Vas is not the same Vas from the rest of this series. He felt like an entirely new character, and to be frank, I didn’t really like him.
I did like Meredith, so at least there’s that. However, I didn’t really like the whole mobster turn this book took. It really felt like we left the supernatural/witchy side of things behind. I mean, I know that we focused a lot of her technology powers, but… they also seemed a bit… I dunno, lacustre and boring.
I was really excited to leave behind Danica and Samael, and I was really happy to dive into Vas’s story. But this Vas is not the same Vas from the rest of this series. He felt like an entirely new character, and to be frank, I didn’t really like him.
I did like Meredith, so at least there’s that. However, I didn’t really like the whole mobster turn this book took. It really felt like we left the supernatural/witchy side of things behind. I mean, I know that we focused a lot of her technology powers, but… they also seemed a bit… I dunno, lacustre and boring.
July 5, 2022
Such a great series!
Meredith and Vas' finally come together! This great love is surrounded by a spectacular storyline and amazing secondary characters. My issue is.....It was hard to follow behind Dani and Samael which was edge of your seat 24/7.
I was disappointed that Evie and Kyla's possible books were not solidly mentioned. Hoping to see these two in the very near future.
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
Meredith and Vas' finally come together! This great love is surrounded by a spectacular storyline and amazing secondary characters. My issue is.....It was hard to follow behind Dani and Samael which was edge of your seat 24/7.
I was disappointed that Evie and Kyla's possible books were not solidly mentioned. Hoping to see these two in the very near future.
Happy reading,
DD 🥂
August 7, 2022
The ending is okay, but if we consider all the elements at play, it should have better than it was.
But that's what I felt about the series as a whole. It had ingredients for a much more interesting, magical and fantastical book, but it never dwelled deeper into any of that aspect. Everything was just touched at surface level, even the main conflict seemed only surface level.
So overall I think it's a series which one tends to read and forget in few weeks.
But that's what I felt about the series as a whole. It had ingredients for a much more interesting, magical and fantastical book, but it never dwelled deeper into any of that aspect. Everything was just touched at surface level, even the main conflict seemed only surface level.
So overall I think it's a series which one tends to read and forget in few weeks.
June 23, 2022
Yet another brilliant story in this series. Many different adventures leading to the ultimate finale.
Kyla and Evie embark on an investigation on a missing pregnant fae, with the help from bar owner Meredith they all set out on their mission. All the while Meredith is fighting her own demons. Literally and figuratively. Vas on the other hand is still mourning the death of his uncle. Determined to be the one to annihilate the assassin who caused him so much pain. Romantic and heartbreaking putting all through extreme torment and pain. All seems doomed until an unexpected gift is offered from the mystical creature Virtus, the griffin. All's well that ends well.
I'm sad to see this series end but I am so looking forward to our next adventure with Kyla and Evie
Kyla and Evie embark on an investigation on a missing pregnant fae, with the help from bar owner Meredith they all set out on their mission. All the while Meredith is fighting her own demons. Literally and figuratively. Vas on the other hand is still mourning the death of his uncle. Determined to be the one to annihilate the assassin who caused him so much pain. Romantic and heartbreaking putting all through extreme torment and pain. All seems doomed until an unexpected gift is offered from the mystical creature Virtus, the griffin. All's well that ends well.
I'm sad to see this series end but I am so looking forward to our next adventure with Kyla and Evie
June 2, 2024
I would give 5 stars as I read this book within one day. But - "hi did not piss his pants" and similar statements started to be annoying after 5 books full of them. But the story was good and I loved Vassago's point of view. How Daimonion played with him was incredible. Kyla and Finvarra - gosh I hope in Bargains with beasts, I will see more of these two. It would be fun.
As in all other books in this series, I found some hints here too. Do you know the cartoon movie Ratatuille? Yeah, one big easter egg is in this book and I really liked that. :)
As in all other books in this series, I found some hints here too. Do you know the cartoon movie Ratatuille? Yeah, one big easter egg is in this book and I really liked that. :)
August 21, 2025
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I have.
I liked that it was like a spin off from the other 5 books concentrating on Meredith and Vas.
He is such a sweet guy and in this book whilst he is battling with his emotions and vengeance, he commits himself to getting his love life sorted out!
I like that this book gave a bit of closure and continuation of the other characters stories and it included a bit of Samiel and Danika as well.
I found this book quite emotional and I was happy with the HEA. 😍
I liked that it was like a spin off from the other 5 books concentrating on Meredith and Vas.
He is such a sweet guy and in this book whilst he is battling with his emotions and vengeance, he commits himself to getting his love life sorted out!
I like that this book gave a bit of closure and continuation of the other characters stories and it included a bit of Samiel and Danika as well.
I found this book quite emotional and I was happy with the HEA. 😍
June 24, 2022
So sorry to see this series come to an end. I loved every book and it is my absolute favorite series when in a book slump to re-read.
Stacia’s heroes are never meek. Mere was no exception. Vas and Mere had been brewing for a while now. I loved the way Vas knew exactly how to uplift Mere, treat her in ways that gave her more respect, power, and the space in which to deal with things.
Mere’s friendships were simply beautiful.
The book brought together all the wonderful things we learned to love and at the end tied them with a massive gorgeous ribbon for us to celebrate.
Another winner!
Stacia’s heroes are never meek. Mere was no exception. Vas and Mere had been brewing for a while now. I loved the way Vas knew exactly how to uplift Mere, treat her in ways that gave her more respect, power, and the space in which to deal with things.
Mere’s friendships were simply beautiful.
The book brought together all the wonderful things we learned to love and at the end tied them with a massive gorgeous ribbon for us to celebrate.
Another winner!
January 26, 2026
DNF at about 75%. Got a bit bored! I had high hopes for Meredith and Vas’s book as I loved Vas’s character in books 1-5 but it fell a bit flat tbh. I’ve seen reviews saying something similar that it didn’t quite hit the spot, and that Evie/Kyla’s books also weren’t as good as Danica and Samael
Might return and finish at some point and might read the series for Evie and Kyla, who knows!
Might return and finish at some point and might read the series for Evie and Kyla, who knows!
August 15, 2024
I loved Vas in the previous books. Meredith seemed a good fit for him, and she was. But...this just didn't do it for me. Some of the emotional conversations were just *cringe*, and I didn't like it when he called her Baby. Don't ask me why, it just didn't feel right. It did advance the overall story along, but for me, that's all it did.
August 9, 2023
I just love Vas!! I really enjoyed getting more of Vas and his story with Mere. Loved the closure Vas got and how everything wrapped up for him and Mere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
you best bet i will be immediately reading kyla’s and evie’s spin off
August 22, 2025
mayyyyybe 2.5⭐
ughhhhh! after the absolute masterpiece that was Book 5 what in the ACTUAL disaster of a mess was this?? Just ewwww! absolutely no reason for this book, should have been a quick novella honoring the gnomes and the other factions who helped wage and win the war against Lucifer's evil. instead we got some blah drawn own uber cheesy let down of a "spin off" story that just did not do Vas or Mere any justice. The cliche, yawn inducing predictable ending (c'mon man, Vas just happens to leave Mere and she winds up "kidnapped"???). It was like a different author wrote this book and ultimately just left me with the ick. And after ALL of the heartache and trials, we find out Vas 'gets his revenge' on his nemesis as a freaking after thought as Mere is coming to (we don't even get an epic battle.scene where we get to witness Vas putting his loathsome enemy to death???).. oh and of COURSE (gag) surprise, now she's preggo and ready to bond?? Good lord, what a sad finale to an otherwise insanely incredible series. Someone please make this mess make sense.
ughhhhh! after the absolute masterpiece that was Book 5 what in the ACTUAL disaster of a mess was this?? Just ewwww! absolutely no reason for this book, should have been a quick novella honoring the gnomes and the other factions who helped wage and win the war against Lucifer's evil. instead we got some blah drawn own uber cheesy let down of a "spin off" story that just did not do Vas or Mere any justice. The cliche, yawn inducing predictable ending (c'mon man, Vas just happens to leave Mere and she winds up "kidnapped"???). It was like a different author wrote this book and ultimately just left me with the ick. And after ALL of the heartache and trials, we find out Vas 'gets his revenge' on his nemesis as a freaking after thought as Mere is coming to (we don't even get an epic battle.scene where we get to witness Vas putting his loathsome enemy to death???).. oh and of COURSE (gag) surprise, now she's preggo and ready to bond?? Good lord, what a sad finale to an otherwise insanely incredible series. Someone please make this mess make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
DNF
I liked Mere better when she was a side character. Mere as a witch was disappointing. She was clueless about fighting. She was just too weak. A complete Damsel in Distress. Maybe it's the fact that I just finished reading about an FMC who was a complete bad*ss. During the fight with the harpy, Mere stayed behind to cheer, 🙄. Something that bothered me was the fact that all of a sudden Mere is an expert investigator. I'm not sure how that was possible. I stopped reading during the shower scene when the FMC talks about her cellulitis, 🤢. Once again, we have another FMC whose "curves" are not in the right places, 😒. The FMC on the cover was attractive. However, the one in the book was not. I'm not looking for a perfect FMC but why do they always have to have extra fat? Curves are a nice way of saying fat. Authors, please stop giving every FMC "curves for miles". Is it really such a bad thing to have an FMC that's in shape? What's next? A double chin?
I liked Mere better when she was a side character. Mere as a witch was disappointing. She was clueless about fighting. She was just too weak. A complete Damsel in Distress. Maybe it's the fact that I just finished reading about an FMC who was a complete bad*ss. During the fight with the harpy, Mere stayed behind to cheer, 🙄. Something that bothered me was the fact that all of a sudden Mere is an expert investigator. I'm not sure how that was possible. I stopped reading during the shower scene when the FMC talks about her cellulitis, 🤢. Once again, we have another FMC whose "curves" are not in the right places, 😒. The FMC on the cover was attractive. However, the one in the book was not. I'm not looking for a perfect FMC but why do they always have to have extra fat? Curves are a nice way of saying fat. Authors, please stop giving every FMC "curves for miles". Is it really such a bad thing to have an FMC that's in shape? What's next? A double chin?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2023
3.25
This book was alright. The characters felt really flat and Mere was way too much just like Danica, and that was annoying. Evie was also more like her sister when she never really was before and that just irked me because I liked her in all of the other books.
Kayla is still unique and that was a plus in all of this. Gives me hope that the next books with her and Evie’s stories will be better.
I also never felt the chemistry with Mere and Vas, there was never really any buildup and it just sort of happened. At least that’s how it felt. Nothing too significant happened in prior books to make me excited for this couple. Wasn’t a bad story, still a fun read, just didn’t really do it for me.
This book was alright. The characters felt really flat and Mere was way too much just like Danica, and that was annoying. Evie was also more like her sister when she never really was before and that just irked me because I liked her in all of the other books.
Kayla is still unique and that was a plus in all of this. Gives me hope that the next books with her and Evie’s stories will be better.
I also never felt the chemistry with Mere and Vas, there was never really any buildup and it just sort of happened. At least that’s how it felt. Nothing too significant happened in prior books to make me excited for this couple. Wasn’t a bad story, still a fun read, just didn’t really do it for me.
March 11, 2023
3 stars. This felt like a slight step down from the rest of the series. I felt like Vas and his hunt for the assassin was incredibly underdeveloped, and I actually liked Vas and Mere less together in this book than in the previous ones, which surprised me. Things just felt half-baked, and things felt left out in our conclusion. I knew stakes would be lower here, but they really felt lower than I wanted them to be. I would still recommend this to people who've read this far, but this book really felt like it could have used more plot-based editing. The writing itself and descriptions were still fairly good, though. Somewhat of a letdown, but it just makes it to a three in my book.
March 12, 2024
While this is the 6th books in this particular series, it is actually more like the 1st book in a new spin off. The overarching story arc of the first 5 books was concluded in the last book and this book has the main focus on 2 new MC's - from the same world though as before.
In this book, the storyline revolves around the female MC Meridith. We don't know too much about Meridith when this begins other than she is a friend of Danica's and she owns a bar that is a kind of neutral gathering place for any type of paranormal. We are told in snippets that Mer has some type of "tech magic" and that she does not belong to a coven.
We DO know the other MC....... it is VAS! Vas was Danica's best male bud or a better term is probably her demon side kick. His job had been to stick close to Danica as everything was unfolding with her and Samael. I absolutely fell in love with Vas over the course of this series, so I was thrilled to have the storyline revolve around him.
Apparently, he was born in the Underworld, where his parents were assassinated by another demon assassin when he was a child. He escaped through a portal during the war with his Uncle Ag (can't remember how to spell his long name) and he grew up topside. His Uncle Ag was Samael's second in command, so he is part of Samael's inner circle. Vas is about 70 years old (which is a total baby in demon years) and is one of the youngest demons. Since he was raised topside, he is also the demon with probably the most human traits.
One of Vasago's gifts was the ability to see someone's most inner secrets and when Meridith realized that Vas knew hers - that was it for her. We were told previously that Vas had a thing for Meridith, but that's why she wanted nothing to do with him. When this book starts, he had pretty much given up on her, but then had a change of mind after the latest war (where his powers that shouldn't have arrived for centuries suddenly appeared). Vas decided that he was tired of letting Meridith push him away.
After the war, Danica and Samael are staying in the Underworld to rule now that they are the King and Queen. That leaves Evie and Kyla to jump in and fill the space of the business that Danica had started as private investigators. They seem to have included Meridith in their group. Their first case is to find a missing pregnant light fae who has been kidnapped. Somehow, things seem to spiral from there.
Vas is also sticking around because he is getting some interest from Meridith and he also becomes wrapped up in everything going on. There is way too much to go into plot wise other than to say that Vas is trying to find and kill the demon who killed his parents, and who just also killed his Uncle Ag in the war. He is single mindedly focused on that, while at the same time realizing that the girls are getting into their fair shar of trouble with this case.
There are also the deals that Danica had to make in order to save Samael when he was sick and some of those deals are now coming due. One of these involve Kyla and a sword that needs to be stolen....twice.... so I think she might be the focus of the next book....maybe?
Anyway, this was another fun book with lots of action, a couple of unexpected happenings and something that had me tear up (that actually surprised me). While it wasn't as exciting as the previous book, it was still nice to be back in that world with characters that we already know and love.
It is pretty obvious that Ms. Stark has plans for Evie and Nathanial, as well as Kyla and Finvarre so I'll be on the look out for upcoming books. This book has a completed story arc and a pretty nice HEA.
In this book, the storyline revolves around the female MC Meridith. We don't know too much about Meridith when this begins other than she is a friend of Danica's and she owns a bar that is a kind of neutral gathering place for any type of paranormal. We are told in snippets that Mer has some type of "tech magic" and that she does not belong to a coven.
We DO know the other MC....... it is VAS! Vas was Danica's best male bud or a better term is probably her demon side kick. His job had been to stick close to Danica as everything was unfolding with her and Samael. I absolutely fell in love with Vas over the course of this series, so I was thrilled to have the storyline revolve around him.
Apparently, he was born in the Underworld, where his parents were assassinated by another demon assassin when he was a child. He escaped through a portal during the war with his Uncle Ag (can't remember how to spell his long name) and he grew up topside. His Uncle Ag was Samael's second in command, so he is part of Samael's inner circle. Vas is about 70 years old (which is a total baby in demon years) and is one of the youngest demons. Since he was raised topside, he is also the demon with probably the most human traits.
One of Vasago's gifts was the ability to see someone's most inner secrets and when Meridith realized that Vas knew hers - that was it for her. We were told previously that Vas had a thing for Meridith, but that's why she wanted nothing to do with him. When this book starts, he had pretty much given up on her, but then had a change of mind after the latest war (where his powers that shouldn't have arrived for centuries suddenly appeared). Vas decided that he was tired of letting Meridith push him away.
After the war, Danica and Samael are staying in the Underworld to rule now that they are the King and Queen. That leaves Evie and Kyla to jump in and fill the space of the business that Danica had started as private investigators. They seem to have included Meridith in their group. Their first case is to find a missing pregnant light fae who has been kidnapped. Somehow, things seem to spiral from there.
Vas is also sticking around because he is getting some interest from Meridith and he also becomes wrapped up in everything going on. There is way too much to go into plot wise other than to say that Vas is trying to find and kill the demon who killed his parents, and who just also killed his Uncle Ag in the war. He is single mindedly focused on that, while at the same time realizing that the girls are getting into their fair shar of trouble with this case.
There are also the deals that Danica had to make in order to save Samael when he was sick and some of those deals are now coming due. One of these involve Kyla and a sword that needs to be stolen....twice.... so I think she might be the focus of the next book....maybe?
Anyway, this was another fun book with lots of action, a couple of unexpected happenings and something that had me tear up (that actually surprised me). While it wasn't as exciting as the previous book, it was still nice to be back in that world with characters that we already know and love.
It is pretty obvious that Ms. Stark has plans for Evie and Nathanial, as well as Kyla and Finvarre so I'll be on the look out for upcoming books. This book has a completed story arc and a pretty nice HEA.
August 12, 2023
I love Vas so much. He’s the brother I never wanted and now desperately do. Play the Demon follows on after Danica and Samael have become the underking and queen. Meredith’s power is now known, and she gets roped into helping Evie and Kyla, who have picked up Danica’s business in her absence. Vas is hunting Daimonian, focused on his rage after Ag’s death. But he realizes he can’t risk Meredith, and he refuses to let her keep pushing him away.
It was a lot of fun to see the three girls picking up where Danica left off. Evie has changed so much, become so much more than the coven ever let her be. Kyla is having a hard time after going feral, and her and Finvarra’s interactions still have me rooting for those two to figure it out eventually. Hopefully in her book! Meredith is stressed as she’s being targeted by a loan shark and her bar is the target. But she’s being hunted by more than just a human loan shark.
The three pick up a case where a female light fae, pregnant with a dark fae’s baby, was kidnapped. They’re desperate to find her in time to save them both. The partner has hired multiple crews, offering 100k to however finds her. Evie offers to split the money three ways of Meredith will help, and with her money troubles, she’s can’t turn the opportunity down. Though, she acknowledges she would help anyway to save the pregnant fae. They aren’t Danica, but they get by quite well! They make a great team, and they figure out things others miss just as Danica would have.
Vas comes back from his failed hunting trip and realized Meredith is in danger. He glues himself to her side, and Meredith struggles to keep her want of him at bay with him so close. The two of them opening up to one another was adorable. Both of them have been through so much, and they’re able to be there and support one another. When Daimonian makes his move, Meredith is put in a desperate situation as he aims to target who Vas loves in revenge.
This climax had a lot to live up to after the insanity of the battle in the last book. And it’s very different, which helps a lot! It was just as emotional though. I keep crying during this series and can’t seem to stop! The ending was absolutely beautiful. I was so happy for the two of them. We get to see a bit more of Danica and Samael as well, which was nice to check in after the end of the last book. But they didn’t overpower the book, Vas and Meredith remained the spotlight. I wasn’t sure about having the last book focus on them, but it was perfect!
It was a lot of fun to see the three girls picking up where Danica left off. Evie has changed so much, become so much more than the coven ever let her be. Kyla is having a hard time after going feral, and her and Finvarra’s interactions still have me rooting for those two to figure it out eventually. Hopefully in her book! Meredith is stressed as she’s being targeted by a loan shark and her bar is the target. But she’s being hunted by more than just a human loan shark.
The three pick up a case where a female light fae, pregnant with a dark fae’s baby, was kidnapped. They’re desperate to find her in time to save them both. The partner has hired multiple crews, offering 100k to however finds her. Evie offers to split the money three ways of Meredith will help, and with her money troubles, she’s can’t turn the opportunity down. Though, she acknowledges she would help anyway to save the pregnant fae. They aren’t Danica, but they get by quite well! They make a great team, and they figure out things others miss just as Danica would have.
Vas comes back from his failed hunting trip and realized Meredith is in danger. He glues himself to her side, and Meredith struggles to keep her want of him at bay with him so close. The two of them opening up to one another was adorable. Both of them have been through so much, and they’re able to be there and support one another. When Daimonian makes his move, Meredith is put in a desperate situation as he aims to target who Vas loves in revenge.
This climax had a lot to live up to after the insanity of the battle in the last book. And it’s very different, which helps a lot! It was just as emotional though. I keep crying during this series and can’t seem to stop! The ending was absolutely beautiful. I was so happy for the two of them. We get to see a bit more of Danica and Samael as well, which was nice to check in after the end of the last book. But they didn’t overpower the book, Vas and Meredith remained the spotlight. I wasn’t sure about having the last book focus on them, but it was perfect!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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