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Demon Mates #2
Demon's Game
For a demon, finding a mate is a difficult, anxiety-inducing process. Or he might just accidentally bite his gaming buddy during a bout of experimental sex and bam—mate found!
During a book club meeting where The Witcher is discussed in its entirety, meaning books, series and games, Barion again meets Jon, the zombie, who lives in Sammy’s basement, and the two bond over their mutual love of the game.
They begin gaming together, doing videos for Jon’s YouTube channel where he tests games that are to be released to the public. During one of the videos, they are asked what their ideal game would look like, and the idea for Demon Wars is born. Working together on the game brings Barion and Jon closer together and their friendship deepens every day, which worries Jon’s Grann, a zombie like himself and the witch queen of New Orleans. She wants Jon to come back home, while Jon realizes he loves spending time with Barion.
After some friendly—and oh so subtle—prodding from friends and family, Barion and Jon decide to explore the potential of their relationship. They have sex, and Barion bites Jon in the heat of the moment, marking him as his mate. They’re both over the moon, even though they now have to visit Grann in New Orleans because the family and the ancestors want to check Barion out.
They quickly realize that something is wrong there, and it turns out Grann has been challenged by a voodoo priest who practices the blackest of magic. Barion will do his best to save the day, Grann—and his relationship.
During a book club meeting where The Witcher is discussed in its entirety, meaning books, series and games, Barion again meets Jon, the zombie, who lives in Sammy’s basement, and the two bond over their mutual love of the game.
They begin gaming together, doing videos for Jon’s YouTube channel where he tests games that are to be released to the public. During one of the videos, they are asked what their ideal game would look like, and the idea for Demon Wars is born. Working together on the game brings Barion and Jon closer together and their friendship deepens every day, which worries Jon’s Grann, a zombie like himself and the witch queen of New Orleans. She wants Jon to come back home, while Jon realizes he loves spending time with Barion.
After some friendly—and oh so subtle—prodding from friends and family, Barion and Jon decide to explore the potential of their relationship. They have sex, and Barion bites Jon in the heat of the moment, marking him as his mate. They’re both over the moon, even though they now have to visit Grann in New Orleans because the family and the ancestors want to check Barion out.
They quickly realize that something is wrong there, and it turns out Grann has been challenged by a voodoo priest who practices the blackest of magic. Barion will do his best to save the day, Grann—and his relationship.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
30 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Xenia Melzer
167 books96 followersXENIA MELZER was born and raised in a small village in the south of Bavaria. As one of nature’s true chocoholics, she’s always in search of the perfect chocolate experience. So far, she’s had about a dozen truly remarkable ones. Despite having been in close proximity to the mountains all her life, she has never understood why so many people think snow sports are fun. There are neither chocolate nor horses involved and it’s cold by definition, so where’s the sense? She does not like beer either and has never been to the Oktoberfest—no quality chocolate there.
Even though her mind is preoccupied with various stories most of the time, Xenia has managed to get through school and university with surprisingly good grades. Right after school she met her one true love who showed her that reality is capable of producing some truly amazing love stories itself.
While she was having her two children, she started writing down the most persistent stories in her head as a way of relieving mommy-related stress symptoms. As it turned out, the stress relief has now become a source of the same, albeit a positive one.
When she’s not writing, she translates other authors’ manuscripts to German, enjoys riding and running, spending time with her kids, and dancing with her husband.
Even though her mind is preoccupied with various stories most of the time, Xenia has managed to get through school and university with surprisingly good grades. Right after school she met her one true love who showed her that reality is capable of producing some truly amazing love stories itself.
While she was having her two children, she started writing down the most persistent stories in her head as a way of relieving mommy-related stress symptoms. As it turned out, the stress relief has now become a source of the same, albeit a positive one.
When she’s not writing, she translates other authors’ manuscripts to German, enjoys riding and running, spending time with her kids, and dancing with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 3, 2022
DNF'd at about 85%. Good idea, bad execution. Needed a good editor. I wanted to like this story. It does have a few sweet moments, but the annoying factors eventually outweighed any satisfaction I could derive.
This book is full of obnoxious, cardboard-thin characters. They all act alike and have absolutely no respect for boundaries. Jon and Barion letting Sammy and Dre get all up in the business of their budding romance was THE most damaging thing to my suspension of disbelief. And this is in a book featuring magical fated mate tattoos, demon time magic, and some truly bad writing about video games.
And the food. Why are these books so obsessed with food? I like food as much as the next person, but it's not even written in a tantalizing way. It's just lists and lists of things the characters ate. There is more eating in these books than there is kissing. That's just criminal for what is ostensibly a romance novel.
Anyway, take a shot everytime someone winks, moans orgasmically over a bite of their dinner, or lets their lip quiver and you'll die of alcohol poisoning. Just wasn't it for me, chief.
This book is full of obnoxious, cardboard-thin characters. They all act alike and have absolutely no respect for boundaries. Jon and Barion letting Sammy and Dre get all up in the business of their budding romance was THE most damaging thing to my suspension of disbelief. And this is in a book featuring magical fated mate tattoos, demon time magic, and some truly bad writing about video games.
And the food. Why are these books so obsessed with food? I like food as much as the next person, but it's not even written in a tantalizing way. It's just lists and lists of things the characters ate. There is more eating in these books than there is kissing. That's just criminal for what is ostensibly a romance novel.
Anyway, take a shot everytime someone winks, moans orgasmically over a bite of their dinner, or lets their lip quiver and you'll die of alcohol poisoning. Just wasn't it for me, chief.
January 16, 2023
Doing the zombie shuffle
Jon is a zombie. Not a shambling, rotting, biting zombie, though. No, just a very shy one who lives in Sammy's cellar with his computers and gaming that only appears for bookclub meets. Which Borian now comes to, and how they met.
Spoilers ahead.
Jon, being a zombie, isn't sure his kind get mates and isn't as bold as Sammy. He and Borian both sort of float through their long lives until Borian takes the lead. While Borian isn't sure if Jon is his mate or not he's absolutely enjoying their time together and hoping that they could become friends with some wonderful benefits. But he never pressures Jon, ever. He does bite without consent but everything up to that was with full agreement. Considering the pain mates feel from the bite that should have been explained to Jon beforehand, especially as Borian was already teetering with his grip on control. But otherwise a sweet romance with easy fixes to any problems that crop up, much like the first book. Alerion, demon dad of Dre and Borian, is up next, and I'm wondering if Q will get his own book. I was thinking that Amber, the banshee, would be a good friend for him, sort of an in the background story of others' books as they're both rather cerebral and asexual. But then Milo went to go serve as a sort of PA to him and these are MM romances...so who knows lol.
Jon is a zombie. Not a shambling, rotting, biting zombie, though. No, just a very shy one who lives in Sammy's cellar with his computers and gaming that only appears for bookclub meets. Which Borian now comes to, and how they met.
Spoilers ahead.
Jon, being a zombie, isn't sure his kind get mates and isn't as bold as Sammy. He and Borian both sort of float through their long lives until Borian takes the lead. While Borian isn't sure if Jon is his mate or not he's absolutely enjoying their time together and hoping that they could become friends with some wonderful benefits. But he never pressures Jon, ever. He does bite without consent but everything up to that was with full agreement. Considering the pain mates feel from the bite that should have been explained to Jon beforehand, especially as Borian was already teetering with his grip on control. But otherwise a sweet romance with easy fixes to any problems that crop up, much like the first book. Alerion, demon dad of Dre and Borian, is up next, and I'm wondering if Q will get his own book. I was thinking that Amber, the banshee, would be a good friend for him, sort of an in the background story of others' books as they're both rather cerebral and asexual. But then Milo went to go serve as a sort of PA to him and these are MM romances...so who knows lol.
January 28, 2022
This is the second book in the series - You could probably read it as a standalone but having the foundation from book one will allow you to follow all the mayhem easier and connect with the endearing cast
I feel like the author found the series "emotional tone" or flow in this second book
The story, for me, was more tangible
I found myself invested in Barion and Jon - definitely, opposites who attracted - Great chemistry and build to their relationship - I liked how naturally they just fit together
Both are introverts who find themselves in quite the pickle
Keep an eye on Granns - Good intentions and all
Looking forward to seeing who succumbs next lol though I think
I feel like the author found the series "emotional tone" or flow in this second book
The story, for me, was more tangible
I found myself invested in Barion and Jon - definitely, opposites who attracted - Great chemistry and build to their relationship - I liked how naturally they just fit together
Both are introverts who find themselves in quite the pickle
Keep an eye on Granns - Good intentions and all
Looking forward to seeing who succumbs next lol though I think
February 18, 2022
Noting – please read Demon’s Wish (Demon’s Mate #1) before starting this one. Demon’s Wish establishes the setting and characters for Demon’s Game.
Now that Dre has Sammy, Dre’s younger brother Barion is even more determined to find his mate. As the blurb over explains, Barion and Jon develop a strong rapport over gaming, which leads to much more.
There are several things I greatly enjoyed about Demon’s Game. While it may seem odd to find this enjoyable, this was realistic: Barion’s discomfort with coming to Sammy’s book group. It is hard to come into an established group and find that commonality, that initial awkwardness Barion was feeling is spot on in the book.
All the secondary characters continue to be great counterparts to the main characters and the reader is introduced to several more, specifically Jon’s Gran and Wayawesa. Jon explains zombies to Barion, which sets up the sub plot with Jon’s Gran in New Orleans.
As with book one, book two is caramel macchiato latte with two shots of vanilla sweet. The concerns I had with the sex in book one were mitigated in book two, making for a much better plot flow in my humble opinion. The humor had me quietly chuckling throughout.
Is this perfect in form and execution? Mm…no. But that’s not what I’m looking for here. I want some simple entertainment. This is a sweet paranormal romance that allowed me to check out of reality for a couple of hours and be transported to somewhere where a demon loves a zombie and they want a happy ever after. And if I’m lucky, maybe there’s a third book in the works.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Now that Dre has Sammy, Dre’s younger brother Barion is even more determined to find his mate. As the blurb over explains, Barion and Jon develop a strong rapport over gaming, which leads to much more.
There are several things I greatly enjoyed about Demon’s Game. While it may seem odd to find this enjoyable, this was realistic: Barion’s discomfort with coming to Sammy’s book group. It is hard to come into an established group and find that commonality, that initial awkwardness Barion was feeling is spot on in the book.
All the secondary characters continue to be great counterparts to the main characters and the reader is introduced to several more, specifically Jon’s Gran and Wayawesa. Jon explains zombies to Barion, which sets up the sub plot with Jon’s Gran in New Orleans.
As with book one, book two is caramel macchiato latte with two shots of vanilla sweet. The concerns I had with the sex in book one were mitigated in book two, making for a much better plot flow in my humble opinion. The humor had me quietly chuckling throughout.
Is this perfect in form and execution? Mm…no. But that’s not what I’m looking for here. I want some simple entertainment. This is a sweet paranormal romance that allowed me to check out of reality for a couple of hours and be transported to somewhere where a demon loves a zombie and they want a happy ever after. And if I’m lucky, maybe there’s a third book in the works.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 31, 2022
4.5 Stars!
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, the second one has a lot of the same elements. If you are looking for the more traditional demon characters, this series will disappoint. The author has created a world very different and interesting from most I've read about paranormal characters. The blurb pretty much gives most of the plot away, but there are still plenty of fun surprises along the way.
Barion is a demon prince and brother to Dre (who was featured in the first book). Barion is funny, and I enjoyed learning more about their history and the demon world in this book. Jon is a zombie, but he is unlike any zombie I have ever encountered. Jon's back story was unique and interesting, though I still would like to know the deal with his scent. I liked how Jon and Barion became friends first and moved slowly into more with each other. I also loved their banter and how well their interests aligned. The matchmaking and the protectiveness of everyone for Jon were sweet and probably a good idea since Barion was not as forthcoming as he should have been about some of their adventures together.
I loved finally meeting Jon's Grann and the rest of his family. I definitely can't wait for the next book in the series now that it's clear who is next to find their mate.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, the second one has a lot of the same elements. If you are looking for the more traditional demon characters, this series will disappoint. The author has created a world very different and interesting from most I've read about paranormal characters. The blurb pretty much gives most of the plot away, but there are still plenty of fun surprises along the way.
Barion is a demon prince and brother to Dre (who was featured in the first book). Barion is funny, and I enjoyed learning more about their history and the demon world in this book. Jon is a zombie, but he is unlike any zombie I have ever encountered. Jon's back story was unique and interesting, though I still would like to know the deal with his scent. I liked how Jon and Barion became friends first and moved slowly into more with each other. I also loved their banter and how well their interests aligned. The matchmaking and the protectiveness of everyone for Jon were sweet and probably a good idea since Barion was not as forthcoming as he should have been about some of their adventures together.
I loved finally meeting Jon's Grann and the rest of his family. I definitely can't wait for the next book in the series now that it's clear who is next to find their mate.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 31, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the Demon Mates series by Xenia Melzer and the second, Demon’s Game, did not disappoint. My biggest critique is the anachronisms in the book. The reader gets the backstory in the prologue when Jon was created as a zombie a hundred years ago. Win-win did not enter the language as a phrase until 1962 according to Merriam-Webster. Gay to describe homosexaul first was used in 1953, not ten years after Jon joined Grann’s family. Other than that, this was a fun read. As I’m not a gamer, I wound up googling some of the gaming references, but it did not detract from the enjoyment both Jon and Barion derived from the games. It was entertaining to see Jon in his native New Orleans and how his family received Barion as his mate. There is a fun twist at the end that I didn't see coming, but may lay the ground for book three. One can only hope. I received a copy of Demon’s Game by Xenia Melzer from Pride Publishing and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2022
💯 Read for the 2022 MacHalo Splendiferous Book Bingo Thingie (MSBBT™) challenge at the MacHalo Asylum 💯
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January 27, 2022
Barion and Jon find a connection through gaming. While spending time together, they become so much more to one another and eventually explore a relationship. It took a little help from their friends and family to get things moving but eventually happened.
In an unexpected surprise, Barion marks Jon as his mate. The HEA does not have as smooth of a transition. There are dark forces dead set on destruction.
Engaging, twists and turns, intriguing addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In an unexpected surprise, Barion marks Jon as his mate. The HEA does not have as smooth of a transition. There are dark forces dead set on destruction.
Engaging, twists and turns, intriguing addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2022
Loved it!!!
Zombie's - I never knew there were different kinds of them.
Life eternal, yeah. Needing to eat brains, yeah. But no scent or body rot??? That's new, and the whole memory and social skills. Wow
Demon's With manners, family's, friends??
This series is great, a new look that will keep you guessing and make you smile. Mates come out of nowhere, and God's show themselves as bid black Cocks.
This is book 2, can be read as a stand alone. But is better if read in order.
Zombie's - I never knew there were different kinds of them.
Life eternal, yeah. Needing to eat brains, yeah. But no scent or body rot??? That's new, and the whole memory and social skills. Wow
Demon's With manners, family's, friends??
This series is great, a new look that will keep you guessing and make you smile. Mates come out of nowhere, and God's show themselves as bid black Cocks.
This is book 2, can be read as a stand alone. But is better if read in order.
February 3, 2022
Demon's Game follows the story of Barion and Jon and is the second in the series. The book is filled with humans, demons, and other supernatural creatures. The book is well written and contains insta-love, quirky characters, meddlesome ancestors and family, and all the feels. The book is a sweet feel-good read that I couldn't put down.
February 12, 2023
Demon’s Game
What a great story! Poor Jon, the zombie, had a tough time dealing with himself and people in general. Then comes in Sammy’s demon and his brother!! Gramm was a hoot! This was a wonderful story and I loved it! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended
What a great story! Poor Jon, the zombie, had a tough time dealing with himself and people in general. Then comes in Sammy’s demon and his brother!! Gramm was a hoot! This was a wonderful story and I loved it! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended
January 28, 2022
Fantastic!
Loved the first book and loved the second book even more. The author writes so well that it’s easy to read the day away. Her books are must reads and I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Loved the first book and loved the second book even more. The author writes so well that it’s easy to read the day away. Her books are must reads and I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
December 29, 2022
Great Addition to Series
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the connection that the MCs had as well as the supporting characters. Grann was my favorite character, and I liked how she showed love and support for Jon. Looking forward to how the author will expand this world.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the connection that the MCs had as well as the supporting characters. Grann was my favorite character, and I liked how she showed love and support for Jon. Looking forward to how the author will expand this world.
November 14, 2023
Loved it!
Another fun story in the series, the audio is especially entertaining. Loved Jon and Barion, Grann and the rest of Jon's family as well as seeing Dre and Sammy. Lots of lol moments and spice.
Happy the series is continuing with Alerion's (and hopefully Quirion's?)
Another fun story in the series, the audio is especially entertaining. Loved Jon and Barion, Grann and the rest of Jon's family as well as seeing Dre and Sammy. Lots of lol moments and spice.
Happy the series is continuing with Alerion's (and hopefully Quirion's?)
May 5, 2022
Less enjoyable than the first book. Also the trope of the invincible demons who can go around doing whatever they want is getting annoying. They just sound like a criminal gang.
January 26, 2025
Book #2
This story continues building the family of demons. A sweet story, told well. Very atmospheric, so much so ,you can smell the environment!
This story continues building the family of demons. A sweet story, told well. Very atmospheric, so much so ,you can smell the environment!
March 5, 2022
3++
Liked this one better than the first, which feels like a 0,5/prequel compared to this one.
Liked this one better than the first, which feels like a 0,5/prequel compared to this one.
May 31, 2024
3.5- stars - Pretty much the same review as with the first book: It doesn't have a deep plot, but I really liked the charming cast of characters and the light atmosphere. It's an easy to read feel-good story.
Pretty much the same upon rereading. An easy feel-good read without drama or a real plot. Not very exciting, good for some uber light reading.
Pretty much the same upon rereading. An easy feel-good read without drama or a real plot. Not very exciting, good for some uber light reading.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews