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DeMMonica #2
Pied Piper
A DeMMonica dark romance
Silence is golden when words can kill.
The best thing the only male siren can do is die, without ever saying another word. One more night of life proves one too many. His mother’s family want Domino alive until he’s fulfilled the prophecy of fathering the most powerful siren ever to exist. Then his bones will become commodities on a mage’s shelf.
Goading his captors into ending his miserable, guilt-ridden existence fails thanks to a new, irritating, and cheerful abductor who claims to be saving his life but lies through his teeth.
Silent sarcastic sirens with a death wish aren’t Jude’s typical bounty. But the job to return a runaway to his mage father sounds like easy money for the leopard shifter. Money that will help fund Jude’s only goal in life, ending the rats who murdered his family.
Not getting involved with his bounties is a life rule Jude never breaks, but there is something about this kid, besides having a voice that could wipe out every rat in existence with a word.
Bone amulets, prophecies, and shifters bind this dark web of secrets that could cost not only their lives but the world.
Pied Piper is a dark paranormal romance set in the same DeMMonica world as Emma Jaye’s Incubus series.
Silence is golden when words can kill.
The best thing the only male siren can do is die, without ever saying another word. One more night of life proves one too many. His mother’s family want Domino alive until he’s fulfilled the prophecy of fathering the most powerful siren ever to exist. Then his bones will become commodities on a mage’s shelf.
Goading his captors into ending his miserable, guilt-ridden existence fails thanks to a new, irritating, and cheerful abductor who claims to be saving his life but lies through his teeth.
Silent sarcastic sirens with a death wish aren’t Jude’s typical bounty. But the job to return a runaway to his mage father sounds like easy money for the leopard shifter. Money that will help fund Jude’s only goal in life, ending the rats who murdered his family.
Not getting involved with his bounties is a life rule Jude never breaks, but there is something about this kid, besides having a voice that could wipe out every rat in existence with a word.
Bone amulets, prophecies, and shifters bind this dark web of secrets that could cost not only their lives but the world.
Pied Piper is a dark paranormal romance set in the same DeMMonica world as Emma Jaye’s Incubus series.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2020
39 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Emma Jaye
50 books684 followersEmma is the #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of m/m series such as Paint, Incubus, and Lies.
Known as the Queen of MM angst her books include Sci-fi, paranormal, and contemporary romance and always puts her characters through hell before giving them a HEA. She blames her rebellious muse (who looks like Chris from the Paint Series) for the erotic aspects tickling the angst, and the humor cuddling up with the erotic.
When not writing or reading she herds Birman cats and sons; Both groups argue that the other is too large.
For a free book, join her NL: https://readerlinks.com/l/1869132/new...
If you want to keep up with her spicy, quirky imagination, you can find her here:
Author Page: http://bit.ly/2wox9M0
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2PCQuSs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MRtGQk
She always answers questions and comments from readers, so feel free to get in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 6, 2020
Opposites attract. What happens when an adorably cute siren on a suicide raid meets a cocky, irritating leopard shifter?
SASS. Lots of sass.
Don’t get me wrong, the book is DARK and ANGSTY. A lot of things happen there, so heed the warning, but it’s also hopeful, funny, sparkling, and full of love.
The characters are so fleshed out, real, and unique, that they instantly became my favorite couple of 2020. The twisted tale of vengeance kept me on the edge of the sit, waiting and anticipating for the author to unravel the tight knot of lives and events she masterfully tied together.
5 Magical Stars!
SASS. Lots of sass.
Don’t get me wrong, the book is DARK and ANGSTY. A lot of things happen there, so heed the warning, but it’s also hopeful, funny, sparkling, and full of love.
The characters are so fleshed out, real, and unique, that they instantly became my favorite couple of 2020. The twisted tale of vengeance kept me on the edge of the sit, waiting and anticipating for the author to unravel the tight knot of lives and events she masterfully tied together.
5 Magical Stars!
June 13, 2021
DNF at 86%
I mean, who DOES that🤪?! I was almost at the end but I just couldn’t read any more. I was confused (admittedly it doesn’t take a lot!!😜), unsure of who was speaking, what really was happening and who was whom!!!
It just fizzled out for me, even when I was at the resolution stage of the story.
I knew going into it that it would be tricky to understand who characters were and the world building but this was only a problem at points. Really though, I just didn’t find it that enjoyable.
Sorry 😬🤷🏿♂️
I mean, who DOES that🤪?! I was almost at the end but I just couldn’t read any more. I was confused (admittedly it doesn’t take a lot!!😜), unsure of who was speaking, what really was happening and who was whom!!!
It just fizzled out for me, even when I was at the resolution stage of the story.
I knew going into it that it would be tricky to understand who characters were and the world building but this was only a problem at points. Really though, I just didn’t find it that enjoyable.
Sorry 😬🤷🏿♂️
January 20, 2022
WARNING: Rape on page.
I am SO. VERY. DISAPPOINTED.
This books wasn't well edited to begin with, but around 60-65% it took a sharp turn south.
To add insult to injury, there are other things:
When someone you trust warns you against a person, you listen.
If you still go, do the stupid and then see that things don't add up, you leave.
But does Jude listen? Does Jude run? NO! I can't even!!! 🙄
And then of course, the madman starts his evil monologue. It lasts pages and pages and pages!
On top of it, I suspect I already know the ending, too. 😐
I am SO. VERY. DISAPPOINTED.
This books wasn't well edited to begin with, but around 60-65% it took a sharp turn south.
To add insult to injury, there are other things:
When someone you trust warns you against a person, you listen.
If you still go, do the stupid and then see that things don't add up, you leave.
But does Jude listen? Does Jude run? NO! I can't even!!! 🙄
And then of course, the madman starts his evil monologue. It lasts pages and pages and pages!
On top of it, I suspect I already know the ending, too. 😐
September 23, 2020
There’s a price on the head of a siren who wants to be dead. A big price!
He escapes the water but gets caught shortly after by Hunters. His female family wants him back for reasons he won’t comply to.
Domino is a rare male siren with a ‘deadly’ voice. His ‘savior’ Jude Moreno is a leopard shifter and works for a powerful mage Orcus, where he has to deliver Domino.
Being kept by Jude Domino must find other ways to die.
“You did just try to drown yourself, and Daddy won’t pay for a DOA.”
On their journey to the mage Jude finds Domino more and more important than money.
Domino learns about Jude and Jude understands the real Domino, his deathwish, and his specialties... read and be amazed!
The story and the characters are all widely described and amazingly developed. There are a lot of creatures in this story, air elementals, mages, shifters, demons, sirens, souls. It was a lot to take in.
I looked around with astonishment to all the facts and scenery quite an experience! What I missed for my own pleasure was some depth with romance and emotions.
Overall an unpredictable narrative with a fantastic plot, excellently written!
He escapes the water but gets caught shortly after by Hunters. His female family wants him back for reasons he won’t comply to.
Domino is a rare male siren with a ‘deadly’ voice. His ‘savior’ Jude Moreno is a leopard shifter and works for a powerful mage Orcus, where he has to deliver Domino.
Being kept by Jude Domino must find other ways to die.
“You did just try to drown yourself, and Daddy won’t pay for a DOA.”
On their journey to the mage Jude finds Domino more and more important than money.
Domino learns about Jude and Jude understands the real Domino, his deathwish, and his specialties... read and be amazed!
The story and the characters are all widely described and amazingly developed. There are a lot of creatures in this story, air elementals, mages, shifters, demons, sirens, souls. It was a lot to take in.
I looked around with astonishment to all the facts and scenery quite an experience! What I missed for my own pleasure was some depth with romance and emotions.
Overall an unpredictable narrative with a fantastic plot, excellently written!
September 13, 2020
This book just skyrocketed to the top of my favorites. Domino & Jude's story is so perfect, I loved reading it and didn't wanted it to end. I just wanted to be (and still want to) with them in this world.
(So yeah, next step is read the whole Incubus series by Emma)
Domino was an adorable character, I easily fell in love with him, and his background story was so so good. The whole siren side of the story was so amazing, and the way that Domino hasn't used his voice because of it was the best. I loved reading those scenes when he was mute, this way when he really used his voice those were so much better and more emotion filled.
Jude was a really great character and I loved how strong but still vulnerable he was. He was such a cutie and a marshmallow. Loved him! Especially in his leopard form, aww so powerful and lovely.
It was filled with action, romance, bit darkness and a bit erotica, it was more then exciting and really interesting. And the ending, holy crap, so so good! I cried a little- but shh, don't tell anyone. It was so cute. Loved it so much.
(So yeah, next step is read the whole Incubus series by Emma)
Domino was an adorable character, I easily fell in love with him, and his background story was so so good. The whole siren side of the story was so amazing, and the way that Domino hasn't used his voice because of it was the best. I loved reading those scenes when he was mute, this way when he really used his voice those were so much better and more emotion filled.
Jude was a really great character and I loved how strong but still vulnerable he was. He was such a cutie and a marshmallow. Loved him! Especially in his leopard form, aww so powerful and lovely.
It was filled with action, romance, bit darkness and a bit erotica, it was more then exciting and really interesting. And the ending, holy crap, so so good! I cried a little- but shh, don't tell anyone. It was so cute. Loved it so much.
January 23, 2024
What a gaggle of supernaturals
I can't even count how many there are. Domino is quite interesting. In his place, I would have used the voice. But I guess I admire his stubbornness and persistence.
This is an interesting story, if a little boring (I know, so much going on you wouldn't think so) and it ended strangely. I'm not mad about it, exactly, but it does feel weirdly unsatisfactory. It shouldn't. But it does.
I admire the imagination it went into this story, as most supernatural stories tend to repeat species, with variations. I've enjoyed getting to know different supernaturals, and I kind of wished they featured more in the story.
I can't even count how many there are. Domino is quite interesting. In his place, I would have used the voice. But I guess I admire his stubbornness and persistence.
This is an interesting story, if a little boring (I know, so much going on you wouldn't think so) and it ended strangely. I'm not mad about it, exactly, but it does feel weirdly unsatisfactory. It shouldn't. But it does.
I admire the imagination it went into this story, as most supernatural stories tend to repeat species, with variations. I've enjoyed getting to know different supernaturals, and I kind of wished they featured more in the story.
October 13, 2020
This was an intense story. Domino and Jude went through a lot to figure out what was going on, and it turns out that their personal stories crossed over each other several times before they managed to be in the same place at the same time.
I really wanted to hate all the women that Domino was related to. That poor young man, having to deal with the stuff he had to. I would've run too, if I were in his place, and run far, far away.
I really wanted to hate all the women that Domino was related to. That poor young man, having to deal with the stuff he had to. I would've run too, if I were in his place, and run far, far away.
August 31, 2020
I’ve being in love with this story since I read what it was about. I’m happy to say that I wasn’t wrong getting my hopes on it. It was fantastic.
I’m impressed by the attention the author gave to little details. The way she connect the story and the main character to the fairytale it was based on, and manage to give them her own charm. Her own darkness in this case, because it had a dark undertone, but with such a beautiful touch of humor, that make the experience so enjoyable.
The world building is stunning. It was great to know what Domino’s world and life was like and to understand the reasons behind the decisions he made. It was one of my favorite parts. There is a lot of angst on it, but I guess someone who is thinking of reading this book might not be scare away by it.
What I liked the most about it were the characters, mostly Domino. Everything about him was so interesting and had such a thoughtful meaning. From the way he looks, to his inner speech and emotions. Everything about him was a joy to read. Jude was also a great character, and he made me laugh with such ease that I couldn’t help to love him, but as nice as he was, I was absolutely in love with Domino. The secondary characters were also nice, but none hold my attention as Domino did.
There were a few things about it I didn’t liked, some parts of the ending, that might not bother other readers as much as it did me, but even with those parts, it didn’t really change my overall perception of how great the book was. Definitely one of the best I’d read this year. Highly recommended.
I’m impressed by the attention the author gave to little details. The way she connect the story and the main character to the fairytale it was based on, and manage to give them her own charm. Her own darkness in this case, because it had a dark undertone, but with such a beautiful touch of humor, that make the experience so enjoyable.
The world building is stunning. It was great to know what Domino’s world and life was like and to understand the reasons behind the decisions he made. It was one of my favorite parts. There is a lot of angst on it, but I guess someone who is thinking of reading this book might not be scare away by it.
What I liked the most about it were the characters, mostly Domino. Everything about him was so interesting and had such a thoughtful meaning. From the way he looks, to his inner speech and emotions. Everything about him was a joy to read. Jude was also a great character, and he made me laugh with such ease that I couldn’t help to love him, but as nice as he was, I was absolutely in love with Domino. The secondary characters were also nice, but none hold my attention as Domino did.
There were a few things about it I didn’t liked, some parts of the ending, that might not bother other readers as much as it did me, but even with those parts, it didn’t really change my overall perception of how great the book was. Definitely one of the best I’d read this year. Highly recommended.
October 27, 2020
Pied Piper: A DeMMonica Romance by Emma Jaye
Rating: 4 stars
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. While dark, it wasn’t near as dark as the previous two that I read in the series. It made want to read more from this author.
Rating: 4 stars
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. While dark, it wasn’t near as dark as the previous two that I read in the series. It made want to read more from this author.
June 21, 2022
Ok so I hated it. Rant below.
As a preface, I know this is labelled as a dark romance. I do 100% get that, but honestly there are some things that need to be written with care regardless of the darkness level of a story.
At about the 20% ish mark of this story one of the MMCs (MMC1) is raped while the other MMC (MMC2) is sneaking around (very slowly and casually) trying to save him. The scene is descriptive and drawn out and the whole thing is just brutal. Totally horrid. I was cringing and uncomfortable and hoping it would end soon (spoiler... it just sort of got worse) and yet neither of the MMCs seemed particularly traumatized during or afterwards. Sure, MMC2 occasionally thinks he should be nicer to MMC1 because he must be hurt by the situation, but that's sort of it and there is never any real follow up or discussion? MMC1's wounds magically heal and he moves on? With no apparent trauma? Just jumps right into thinking his new captor is sexy? Ok so that can maybe be excused as shitty writing by an author who doesn't know how to express that their character's are traumatized... BUT!
Then both MMCs repeatedly think to themselves about forcing the other to have sex with them? I.e. MMC1 considers using his magically siren powers to force MMC2 to have sex with him (and has done this before to someone who 'wanted it') and MMC2 considers using his super strength to pin down MMC1 and have sex with him (regardless of the fact that his dick has barbs on it and would brutally hurt MMC1). Now neither of the MMCs actually follow through with these thoughts (well at least for as far as I read, I DNFed at the ~80% mark), but no, just no. These characters really ended up disgusting me with this sort of line of thinking and I didn't particularly like them to begin with.
On top of that, the general story line is depressing and the bad guy at the end makes no sense? I just sort of gave up eventually because there wasn't anything that I liked about this novel and I have better shit to do with my life than read garbage.
As a preface, I know this is labelled as a dark romance. I do 100% get that, but honestly there are some things that need to be written with care regardless of the darkness level of a story.
At about the 20% ish mark of this story one of the MMCs (MMC1) is raped while the other MMC (MMC2) is sneaking around (very slowly and casually) trying to save him. The scene is descriptive and drawn out and the whole thing is just brutal. Totally horrid. I was cringing and uncomfortable and hoping it would end soon (spoiler... it just sort of got worse) and yet neither of the MMCs seemed particularly traumatized during or afterwards. Sure, MMC2 occasionally thinks he should be nicer to MMC1 because he must be hurt by the situation, but that's sort of it and there is never any real follow up or discussion? MMC1's wounds magically heal and he moves on? With no apparent trauma? Just jumps right into thinking his new captor is sexy? Ok so that can maybe be excused as shitty writing by an author who doesn't know how to express that their character's are traumatized... BUT!
Then both MMCs repeatedly think to themselves about forcing the other to have sex with them? I.e. MMC1 considers using his magically siren powers to force MMC2 to have sex with him (and has done this before to someone who 'wanted it') and MMC2 considers using his super strength to pin down MMC1 and have sex with him (regardless of the fact that his dick has barbs on it and would brutally hurt MMC1). Now neither of the MMCs actually follow through with these thoughts (well at least for as far as I read, I DNFed at the ~80% mark), but no, just no. These characters really ended up disgusting me with this sort of line of thinking and I didn't particularly like them to begin with.
On top of that, the general story line is depressing and the bad guy at the end makes no sense? I just sort of gave up eventually because there wasn't anything that I liked about this novel and I have better shit to do with my life than read garbage.
September 14, 2020
Grim and Sinister Delights is a dark romance series based on classic fairy tales and stories. Each book is a standalone and based on a different fairy tale. In this book we follow Domino a male siren who is running away from his family because they want to use him for his power. Jude is a leopard shifter and a bounty hunter who is trying to find Domino and take him to his mage father who wants to save Domino’s life.
Last month I read Fate Malthusia 1 by the author and absolutely adored it, it’s my favorite book of the year, so I was really really excited to read this new book. And I was not disappointed. I’m book hangover (again) and I don’t mind because I enjoyed every single intense, dark and beautiful moment. The magic system in the book was detailed and interesting and with every page I read I wanted to learn more about the world and the lore. Brilliant world building!
The main characters had great and well developed storylines, and their chemistry was amazing. The stakes were high and the plot twists surprised me. The side characters were also very interesting. I fell in love with both Domino and Jude and really really cared for them. I was so moved by their story, I couldn’t stop the tears and I wanted to hug them and make all of their problems disappear.
I loved it. I really loved it.
5/5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Last month I read Fate Malthusia 1 by the author and absolutely adored it, it’s my favorite book of the year, so I was really really excited to read this new book. And I was not disappointed. I’m book hangover (again) and I don’t mind because I enjoyed every single intense, dark and beautiful moment. The magic system in the book was detailed and interesting and with every page I read I wanted to learn more about the world and the lore. Brilliant world building!
The main characters had great and well developed storylines, and their chemistry was amazing. The stakes were high and the plot twists surprised me. The side characters were also very interesting. I fell in love with both Domino and Jude and really really cared for them. I was so moved by their story, I couldn’t stop the tears and I wanted to hug them and make all of their problems disappear.
I loved it. I really loved it.
5/5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
January 15, 2022
I'm at 70% and I just can't see myself finishing this one. I feel like I've read a somewhat long book, but with no connection or growth to our main characters. It seemed like they had time to have a relationship grow while they were traveling but we just didn't get there, and then suddenly I felt like bam there's sexual tension and maybe feelings blooming. This could have been a decent book but the story just doesn't add up. We basically get a conformation that the person trying to get ahold of Dominic isn't his father and then we are told that Maybe its his grandfather( but maybe not), you would think that as our cat shifters feelings grew for his captive he would do more investigating. I mean considering he's supposed to have been doing this a while, things just didn't make a lot of sense.
June 19, 2022
Pied Piper, a dark and angsty MM romance from this amazing author!
"When even your family saw you as an asset to be used rather than a person with rights, being surprised that a guy you'd f***ed several dozen times could do it too was stupid."
I was hooked from the very first page, and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. The author has the magical touch, which she used to write this incredible story with! I'm in awe on how she has written this complex paranormal romance (and this whole DeMMonica world)! With all the feels, the sass and the steamy scenes! Love this couple!!
"No more innocents would die in a pointless feud that could carry on for generations if it didn't end here. Jude had never understood Domino's death wish before, but now...Yeah, he got it."
"When even your family saw you as an asset to be used rather than a person with rights, being surprised that a guy you'd f***ed several dozen times could do it too was stupid."
I was hooked from the very first page, and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. The author has the magical touch, which she used to write this incredible story with! I'm in awe on how she has written this complex paranormal romance (and this whole DeMMonica world)! With all the feels, the sass and the steamy scenes! Love this couple!!
"No more innocents would die in a pointless feud that could carry on for generations if it didn't end here. Jude had never understood Domino's death wish before, but now...Yeah, he got it."
September 15, 2020
(4.5 stars)
This can be read as a standalone, but has characters featuring from the Incubus series in it. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading that series before heading into this one to better relate to the side characters and enjoy their special appearances.
Domino has spent his entire life hidden. He yearns to experience a normal life without his 'destiny' looming over his head. The only things familiar to him are oblivion and pleasure. Alcohol, drugs and anonymous sex with strangers is his only escape from life, which is slowly diminishing day by day.
As an only male siren, Domino lives only for the sake of completing the prophesy of fathering the most powerful siren to have ever existed.
He is now on the run, trying to escape his dreaded destiny and his family who are intent on using him till his very last breath.
When Domino is cornered by three canine shifters outside his favorite club Blaze, he instantly knows who sent them. They knew of his impending doom and were here to deliver him like a prized trophy ready for slaughter to his kin.
Even the man he he trusted had betrayed him.
“𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒑𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆.”
Judah Moreno is looking for an easy bounty with less 'wet work' and easy money. When he finds a million dollar bounty on a missing siren, he knows he's caught a break.
When he is finally able to track the elusive siren at Blaze, he slips out of his reach after being captured by the Karnaks. With the help of the siren's mage father Orcus, he gets information and magical help to track down his bounty.
But in a world where everyone has an ulterior motive and the desire for power is endless, who can Jude really trust?
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆; 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆.”
Hunted by his family and betrayed by his former lover, Domino just wants to live a normal life.
Seeking revenge from the vermin that destroyed his family, Jude only wants to give those that wronged him their just desserts.
Can a sassy siren and a determined leopard shifter find common ground and learn to trust eachother?
Or will enemies circling get to them first?
This is a dark, depraved and twisted spin on the classic.
I would categorize this as a crossover between the Pied Piper of Hamlin and the Little Mermaid.
The imagery used was vivid and each character had a unique voice.
Domino was such a well fleshed out character, and I absolutely loved the dynamics between him and Jude.
I liked the delicious banter and snark between them as well.
The twists and turns that the plot took were compelling and had me enthralled till the very end.
I loved the delicate balance between dark and light. We get to see the dark and twisted past of our characters as well as the fun and light moments that they share.
Overall, this is an opposites attract paranormal romance between a sexy siren and a hunky leopard shifter!
This is high in angst and will definitely keep you captivated till the very end.
If you like your characters being put through the wringer before getting their HEA, this is definitely for you.
This can be read as a standalone, but has characters featuring from the Incubus series in it. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading that series before heading into this one to better relate to the side characters and enjoy their special appearances.
Domino has spent his entire life hidden. He yearns to experience a normal life without his 'destiny' looming over his head. The only things familiar to him are oblivion and pleasure. Alcohol, drugs and anonymous sex with strangers is his only escape from life, which is slowly diminishing day by day.
As an only male siren, Domino lives only for the sake of completing the prophesy of fathering the most powerful siren to have ever existed.
He is now on the run, trying to escape his dreaded destiny and his family who are intent on using him till his very last breath.
When Domino is cornered by three canine shifters outside his favorite club Blaze, he instantly knows who sent them. They knew of his impending doom and were here to deliver him like a prized trophy ready for slaughter to his kin.
Even the man he he trusted had betrayed him.
“𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒑𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆.”
Judah Moreno is looking for an easy bounty with less 'wet work' and easy money. When he finds a million dollar bounty on a missing siren, he knows he's caught a break.
When he is finally able to track the elusive siren at Blaze, he slips out of his reach after being captured by the Karnaks. With the help of the siren's mage father Orcus, he gets information and magical help to track down his bounty.
But in a world where everyone has an ulterior motive and the desire for power is endless, who can Jude really trust?
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆; 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆.”
Hunted by his family and betrayed by his former lover, Domino just wants to live a normal life.
Seeking revenge from the vermin that destroyed his family, Jude only wants to give those that wronged him their just desserts.
Can a sassy siren and a determined leopard shifter find common ground and learn to trust eachother?
Or will enemies circling get to them first?
This is a dark, depraved and twisted spin on the classic.
I would categorize this as a crossover between the Pied Piper of Hamlin and the Little Mermaid.
The imagery used was vivid and each character had a unique voice.
Domino was such a well fleshed out character, and I absolutely loved the dynamics between him and Jude.
I liked the delicious banter and snark between them as well.
The twists and turns that the plot took were compelling and had me enthralled till the very end.
I loved the delicate balance between dark and light. We get to see the dark and twisted past of our characters as well as the fun and light moments that they share.
Overall, this is an opposites attract paranormal romance between a sexy siren and a hunky leopard shifter!
This is high in angst and will definitely keep you captivated till the very end.
If you like your characters being put through the wringer before getting their HEA, this is definitely for you.
September 14, 2020
I REALLY enjoyed this book - I finished it in one day & stayed up past my bedtime to finish it. I can't say that it truly follows the plot of The Pied Piper of Hamelin; there is a pipe and there are rats, both of the literal and figurative kind, (if you count rat shifters as literal rats), and there are characters being lured in various ways. I found Emma Jaye's story far more entertaining than the original tale that it kinda sorta resembles at times.
It's not easy reading, in that there's a LOT of violence, including sexual assault & some pretty grisly murder & revenge killings. Fortunately, there's often so much going on around these events that it wasn't impossible for me to compartmentalize. (There's actually a rather amusing line regarding compartmentalizing at one point in the book). To balance some of the more grisly parts out, there is good deal of humor, along with love, sorrow, sympathy, and compassion - pretty much the full package of emotions.
I found Domino & Jude very likeable and enjoyed their interactions, as well as their reactions to one another and others they encountered along the way. I felt that they complimented each other well, though there might have been a teeny tiny touch of insta-love; they had pretty strong feelings for one another over a very short period of time - but they were put through some intense situations, so there's that.
I will say that there were times I was confused about what was going on, as there is a LOT going on. I decided to let go some of my confusion and pretend that the "rule" of the magic in this world is pretty much anything goes. I also didn't always understand things that were alluded to, but not fully fleshed out, though sometimes it was just a minor thing, like a punchline that apparently went over my head.
I do think it would have been useful for me to have read Jaye's Incubus series first. This is set in the same world and includes some of the same characters. Speaking of characters - there are SO MANY characters in this book, complicated further by people who have multiple nicknames and aspects of the plot that made identity a bit murky at times too. (I can't say more without major spoilers as to that). My rather poor short term memory and tendency to speed read did not help matters.
Despite my moments of confusion within this story, I most definitely will be diving into Jaye's backlist and more than likely will be giving this book a re-read.
It's not easy reading, in that there's a LOT of violence, including sexual assault & some pretty grisly murder & revenge killings. Fortunately, there's often so much going on around these events that it wasn't impossible for me to compartmentalize. (There's actually a rather amusing line regarding compartmentalizing at one point in the book). To balance some of the more grisly parts out, there is good deal of humor, along with love, sorrow, sympathy, and compassion - pretty much the full package of emotions.
I found Domino & Jude very likeable and enjoyed their interactions, as well as their reactions to one another and others they encountered along the way. I felt that they complimented each other well, though there might have been a teeny tiny touch of insta-love; they had pretty strong feelings for one another over a very short period of time - but they were put through some intense situations, so there's that.
I will say that there were times I was confused about what was going on, as there is a LOT going on. I decided to let go some of my confusion and pretend that the "rule" of the magic in this world is pretty much anything goes. I also didn't always understand things that were alluded to, but not fully fleshed out, though sometimes it was just a minor thing, like a punchline that apparently went over my head.
I do think it would have been useful for me to have read Jaye's Incubus series first. This is set in the same world and includes some of the same characters. Speaking of characters - there are SO MANY characters in this book, complicated further by people who have multiple nicknames and aspects of the plot that made identity a bit murky at times too. (I can't say more without major spoilers as to that). My rather poor short term memory and tendency to speed read did not help matters.
Despite my moments of confusion within this story, I most definitely will be diving into Jaye's backlist and more than likely will be giving this book a re-read.
September 3, 2020
Betrayal and revenge are never very far apart…
Domino knows everything about betrayal. All his family has always seen in him is an asset to be safely kept just to be used when ready. He knows he is not going to live long, that’s why he runs away to try to have a chance at living, but another betrayal puts him in the hands of a bounty hunter who seems determined to break through his vow of silence… And yet, Jude is the first one in showing him any kind of sympathy. Too bad, Jude is only doing it for the money…. Or is he?
This is a very imaginative, twisted and enjoyable version of the classic tale. Domino is a siren, the first male one in millennia, and his fate is as gloomy as they get. Jude is a bounty hunter consumed by a need to revenge his family, but he’s not a bad guy. Against odds, they forge a relationship while Jude is transporting Domino to the place where he things he’ll get help… only to be betrayed again. And then, there is revenge, which is always oh-so-sweet.
The characters are likeable and the plot is entertaining. My only complaint is that I am new to this series, so I found myself lost many times with the secondary characters which I suppose have a relevant role in other books, but which is not really explained here. And the convoluted final chapters with all transmutations and so many characters… Honestly, I was a bit lost
But for that, really entertaining
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Domino knows everything about betrayal. All his family has always seen in him is an asset to be safely kept just to be used when ready. He knows he is not going to live long, that’s why he runs away to try to have a chance at living, but another betrayal puts him in the hands of a bounty hunter who seems determined to break through his vow of silence… And yet, Jude is the first one in showing him any kind of sympathy. Too bad, Jude is only doing it for the money…. Or is he?
This is a very imaginative, twisted and enjoyable version of the classic tale. Domino is a siren, the first male one in millennia, and his fate is as gloomy as they get. Jude is a bounty hunter consumed by a need to revenge his family, but he’s not a bad guy. Against odds, they forge a relationship while Jude is transporting Domino to the place where he things he’ll get help… only to be betrayed again. And then, there is revenge, which is always oh-so-sweet.
The characters are likeable and the plot is entertaining. My only complaint is that I am new to this series, so I found myself lost many times with the secondary characters which I suppose have a relevant role in other books, but which is not really explained here. And the convoluted final chapters with all transmutations and so many characters… Honestly, I was a bit lost
But for that, really entertaining
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2020
4.5 stars
Paranormal romance, suspense and angst done right.
Pied piper is book #6 in the grim delights series and Emma Jaye has once again proved why she is called the 'queen of angst'.
The story centers around 'Domino'- the only male siren in existence who is being hunted for his abilities and is existing in the shadows, counting the days till he can find the courage to end it all and deadly, snarky, but sweet at heart, cat shifter and bounty hunter-Jude. When Jude does succeed at capturing Domino, he is attracted to the lost, numb and mute siren and vows to make him smile. The duo soon realise that there is a world of things that they are yet to uncover, which just may rock their very understanding of the supernatural and paranormal.
Both Jude and Domino have rough pasts and my heart went out to them both, especially Domino. The author has done a great job at world-building as well as explaining the various concepts of magic and supernatural beings involved, which makes for an engaging and suspenseful plot.
The book is indeed dark and angsty, so do heed the warnings, but if you are one who enjoys a good dark tale with adventure, suspense and a HEA thrown in, one click this ASAP.
Paranormal romance, suspense and angst done right.
Pied piper is book #6 in the grim delights series and Emma Jaye has once again proved why she is called the 'queen of angst'.
The story centers around 'Domino'- the only male siren in existence who is being hunted for his abilities and is existing in the shadows, counting the days till he can find the courage to end it all and deadly, snarky, but sweet at heart, cat shifter and bounty hunter-Jude. When Jude does succeed at capturing Domino, he is attracted to the lost, numb and mute siren and vows to make him smile. The duo soon realise that there is a world of things that they are yet to uncover, which just may rock their very understanding of the supernatural and paranormal.
Both Jude and Domino have rough pasts and my heart went out to them both, especially Domino. The author has done a great job at world-building as well as explaining the various concepts of magic and supernatural beings involved, which makes for an engaging and suspenseful plot.
The book is indeed dark and angsty, so do heed the warnings, but if you are one who enjoys a good dark tale with adventure, suspense and a HEA thrown in, one click this ASAP.
September 20, 2020
Unexpected! 4.5 stars
This story was not what I expected. It took me a little bit to get into it. I've read from this author before so I knew it would be good once I got the initial "lay of the land." Domino is a male siren, the first in about 1000 years. Male sirens don't live long, just until they're 25 years old. His family just wants to use him up before he dies then use his remains. He escapes from his family and manages to stay hidden.
Judah is a cat shifter who works as a bounty hunter. He has been after the rat shifters who killed his family when the contract for Domino comes up. Judah accepts the contract to find Domino quickly and deliver to Dominos father. Judah was assured that Dominos father knew how to extend Dominos life. Because the time clock is ticking and Dominos life is running out.
This story was full of different characters. Incubus, demons, shifters, elementals, humans, and sirens. Some characters are from the Incubus series that the author wrote previously. There are twists to this story. Its sad, happy, steamy, and really good. I want to go read the Incubus series now!
This story was not what I expected. It took me a little bit to get into it. I've read from this author before so I knew it would be good once I got the initial "lay of the land." Domino is a male siren, the first in about 1000 years. Male sirens don't live long, just until they're 25 years old. His family just wants to use him up before he dies then use his remains. He escapes from his family and manages to stay hidden.
Judah is a cat shifter who works as a bounty hunter. He has been after the rat shifters who killed his family when the contract for Domino comes up. Judah accepts the contract to find Domino quickly and deliver to Dominos father. Judah was assured that Dominos father knew how to extend Dominos life. Because the time clock is ticking and Dominos life is running out.
This story was full of different characters. Incubus, demons, shifters, elementals, humans, and sirens. Some characters are from the Incubus series that the author wrote previously. There are twists to this story. Its sad, happy, steamy, and really good. I want to go read the Incubus series now!
September 22, 2020
Dark and violent stories are not my usual genre, but I found the descriptive blurb for Pied Piper interesting, and I loved the cover. I am not sorry I picked up the book. The darkness, violence, and angst were offset with real humor, sass, and even a little compassion. I absolutely loved the characters of Domino and Jude! Domino knew his fate was sealed from the start. His family only intended to use him toward their own ends. Very sad. Jude doesn't have anything against Domino. Returning him is just part of a job that will help him achieve his own plans for vengeance against those who murdered his family. But as they travel together, Jude and Domino begin to grow closer. it's not an easy trip. The story has twists, turns, shocks, and surprises...all the way to the end. I was not aware of the Incubus series before, or the DeMMonica world, but the world-building is fantastic with magic, demons, and other supernatural elements. Heed the trigger warnings, but if they don't distress you, don't miss this entertaining - and dare I say fun - read.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 31, 2020
This is not your average fairy tale retelling. Even though the title is Pied Piper, I also got reminders of the Little Mermaid as well, even though the book clearly states that sirens and mermen are two different species. I guess it was the darkness of the tale and bit with poor Dom's voice. If you prefer your fairy tales with only the happy and sparkly bits, this won't be the tale for you. Now that said, I did enjoy this story. Domino is merely existing in life, knowing that he doesn't have long to live because male sirens just don't survive that long. Jude is a bounty hunter who is just trying to find and return his mark. There is a bit of bleakness to the story, with Dom pretty much resigned to his inevitable demise which makes the ultimate ending of the story a bit of a surprise. This was well written and beautiful in an almost sinister way.
September 4, 2020
I got an ARC by this new-to-me author from Gay Romance Reviews. It's a dark romance in that there are scenes of noncon (though not between the m/m pairing) and violence as well as a more bloodthirsty moral compass. But the book is an unfolding of the wrongs done to Domino by his family and the parallel reveal of Jude's family's sad demise. Jude however retains his sense of humor, which he uses to try to draw Dom out of his silent sulking and grim outlook on his future.
Dom slowly learns to trust Jude, but as they near the end of their destination together, the plot ramps up as all the wrongdoers seem to have the upper hand. There's a happy ending for Jude and Dom, but decidedly unhappy endings for those who have hurt Jude and Dom in the past. If you want a standalone book (though characters from the other Incubus series by this author pops up) for a taste of Emma Jaye's writing, this is a good book to start with.
Dom slowly learns to trust Jude, but as they near the end of their destination together, the plot ramps up as all the wrongdoers seem to have the upper hand. There's a happy ending for Jude and Dom, but decidedly unhappy endings for those who have hurt Jude and Dom in the past. If you want a standalone book (though characters from the other Incubus series by this author pops up) for a taste of Emma Jaye's writing, this is a good book to start with.
September 23, 2020
I have to admit I am a big fan of Jaye's work so when I heard there was going to be a standalone that cameoed some of the cast from the Incubus series - I was all kinds of "give me now!"
SOOOO worth the wait!
This is very very loosely based on the Pied Piper (I am going to admit here it took me a bit to connect all the dots 🤦)
Domino is on the run trying to stay one step ahead.
He is the sweetest of Sirens.
A rare male - Coveted
But not in a good way
Jude is a bounty hunter whos life quest is to get justice for his family. He is a dichotomy of lethality and laughter -
Seriously - I jest you not.
So what happens when a depressed siren who is highly prized is captured by a shifter with strong morals?
Lots of laughter, a bit of angst, and a whole lot of smoking hot interspecies fooling around
Seriously though
This ranks in my top five favorites of Jaye's work.
Right from the opening, I was enchanted!
One moment I was white-knuckling my kindle screaming in frustration at the unfairness only to flip the page and find myself laughing at Jude's antics then to flip again and find my heart lodged in my throat at the horror that laid before me.
And yes it flips from humming along "we are all good" to "OMG NO!" that quickly
This is my favorite to date from the Grimm and Sinisters collection
SOOOO worth the wait!
This is very very loosely based on the Pied Piper (I am going to admit here it took me a bit to connect all the dots 🤦)
Domino is on the run trying to stay one step ahead.
He is the sweetest of Sirens.
A rare male - Coveted
But not in a good way
Jude is a bounty hunter whos life quest is to get justice for his family. He is a dichotomy of lethality and laughter -
Seriously - I jest you not.
So what happens when a depressed siren who is highly prized is captured by a shifter with strong morals?
Lots of laughter, a bit of angst, and a whole lot of smoking hot interspecies fooling around
Seriously though
This ranks in my top five favorites of Jaye's work.
Right from the opening, I was enchanted!
One moment I was white-knuckling my kindle screaming in frustration at the unfairness only to flip the page and find myself laughing at Jude's antics then to flip again and find my heart lodged in my throat at the horror that laid before me.
And yes it flips from humming along "we are all good" to "OMG NO!" that quickly
This is my favorite to date from the Grimm and Sinisters collection
April 11, 2021
Grist, yet almost sweet
Although there are mentions and cameo appearances of characters from this author's Incubus series, this is an entirely new world construction, every bit as attentively detailed and fascinating in an entirely different way.
The dreadful gloom of life as a captive and destined for a horrific brief life and worse termination because of one's genetic heritage, one's very identity, is conveyed with perceptive skill. Moments, hours, days and more of horrors, suffering, unsought violence are described with exceptional clarity, weighing powerfully on the psyche and actions of the main characters.
Grisly details of events undergone, combined with the particularly sensitive spirits of both the main characters, renders an odd, damaged innocence, a harsh sweetness that pulls the reader into their doubts, fears, regrets, anger, and so many other contrasting emotions.
There are some very triggering scenes, that must be taken into consideration when deciding whether to read or avoid, but vengeance is sweet...
Although there are mentions and cameo appearances of characters from this author's Incubus series, this is an entirely new world construction, every bit as attentively detailed and fascinating in an entirely different way.
The dreadful gloom of life as a captive and destined for a horrific brief life and worse termination because of one's genetic heritage, one's very identity, is conveyed with perceptive skill. Moments, hours, days and more of horrors, suffering, unsought violence are described with exceptional clarity, weighing powerfully on the psyche and actions of the main characters.
Grisly details of events undergone, combined with the particularly sensitive spirits of both the main characters, renders an odd, damaged innocence, a harsh sweetness that pulls the reader into their doubts, fears, regrets, anger, and so many other contrasting emotions.
There are some very triggering scenes, that must be taken into consideration when deciding whether to read or avoid, but vengeance is sweet...
August 24, 2020
Expect the unexpected
“Voices are powerful.” This is definitely not your regular fairy tale. It’s dark, twisted, emotional and I loved every wicked bit of it. I especially loved how it was set in the ever-amazing Incubus world, which I love, love, love. It was everything meeting new people, making connections and seeing old faces again. I want my own Domino and Jude. Their vibe, their snark, their humor, their intense and heated connection, their powerfully sweet moments, it hit all my feels. This book will thrill you, have you gasping for breath, make you jump for joy and keep you on your toes all at the same time. It’s an incredible, fantastic tale that will ensnare you with its wonderfully twisted, compelling tune.
“Voices are powerful.” This is definitely not your regular fairy tale. It’s dark, twisted, emotional and I loved every wicked bit of it. I especially loved how it was set in the ever-amazing Incubus world, which I love, love, love. It was everything meeting new people, making connections and seeing old faces again. I want my own Domino and Jude. Their vibe, their snark, their humor, their intense and heated connection, their powerfully sweet moments, it hit all my feels. This book will thrill you, have you gasping for breath, make you jump for joy and keep you on your toes all at the same time. It’s an incredible, fantastic tale that will ensnare you with its wonderfully twisted, compelling tune.
September 21, 2020
Emma Jaye adds to her DeMMonica world with a contribution to the Grim Delights series
Domino is the only male siren and would rather die than fulfil his family’s desires. He would rather keep mute than use his voice to save himself. Jude is a cat-shifter determined to collect the largest bounty he’s ever known and finally avenge his family.
With the main pieces in place, Pied Piper becomes a story of intrigue, competing bounty hunters, a road trip, revenge demons and a twist at the end you will never see coming-don’t even try, just enjoy the climax that untangles all the threads.
Fans of Jaye’s Incubus series will love this addition to that world and minor appearances of familiar characters. Newbies will rejoice at six other books they have yet to read!
Domino is the only male siren and would rather die than fulfil his family’s desires. He would rather keep mute than use his voice to save himself. Jude is a cat-shifter determined to collect the largest bounty he’s ever known and finally avenge his family.
With the main pieces in place, Pied Piper becomes a story of intrigue, competing bounty hunters, a road trip, revenge demons and a twist at the end you will never see coming-don’t even try, just enjoy the climax that untangles all the threads.
Fans of Jaye’s Incubus series will love this addition to that world and minor appearances of familiar characters. Newbies will rejoice at six other books they have yet to read!
September 22, 2020
Any KA Merikan fans looking for an author with similar vibes might check out Emma Jaye in this book. Characters are really put through the wringer but through it all, the power of love and caring is still there. Jaye takes the plot of a bounty hunter falling for his quarry, twists it all up with mages, shifters, morally ambiguous characters and likeable rogues of all kinds and comes up with a magical story that grabbed me right off the bat. The world building is extremely well done and I am intrigued enough to have put several more of this author's book on my TBA list so I can learn more about it. Not having read all the previous books was not a handicap in enjoying this one. Just settle back and go along for a wild, dark, sexy, ride.
September 22, 2020
Sirens, shifters and magical beings star in this tale of greed, corruption and deceit. Jude is a leopard shifting bounty hunter who takes on a job to return a siren to their family before peril strikes. Domino has huge weight resting on his shoulders fulling a prophecy which in turn will end his life. After hijacking another's bounty, Jude takes him to his grandfather/father to collect his bounty and help prolong his life which is slipping away by the second and hanging by a thread. All Domino wants is to wait out the rest of his life in peace but those plans are thwarted when a stunning betrayal hits both him and Jude leaving all involved in mortal danger. An action packed yet shocking ending and thrilling conclusion rounds of this tale of lust, so much snark and vengeance.
Read
September 19, 2020This dark and twisted tale is not for the faint of heart. There are a lot of triggers in the story. There is a lot of violence, sexual assault and murder. There are also a whole another range of emotions thrown in humor, love and some compassion. Domino and Jude were downright funny at times, they were well matched. They had chemistry. I had a hard time with Domino’s backstory, never knowing love is always a hard thing for me to understand. The story was well written, had great character development. I am voluntarily leaving a review from an advanced copy that I was gifted. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
October 18, 2020
Emma has done it again. She writes stories that will rip out your heart but you keep on reading. Domino is a rare male siren and doesn't have long to live. With bounties on his head . he tries living and doing things he wants. The sirens want him and someone else I cant mention ( gives to much away) but they dont want him to love him only what he can offer. Jude is a bounty hunter due to his past and takes the job of finding Domino but never expected to love him. Dark things lie ahead for these two. Will they find happiness both Domino and Jude deserve. Go on get the book to find out.
September 23, 2020
This story, just like the rest of the series, is not for the faint of heart. Domino and Jude don't seem like they belong together and yet they work. This book is sad and dark and yet it has it's moments of fun and hope. I loved the way that the characters build their relationship. I really enjoyed this book. There is plenty of steam in this book. I would recommend this to anyone who isn't turned off by the warnings.
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