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Hidden Species #1
Mon coup d'un soir avec un démon
Je travaille pour Lucifer. Mais ce n’est pas aussi cool et satanique que cela paraisse.
La vérité, c’est que je suis un assistant administratif qui a postulé pour un emploi qui semblait intéressant et qui se retrouve à travailler pour le Gouvernement de la Communauté des Espèces. Je suis le seul humain du bureau, et pour faire simple, je maintiens l’ordre dans une équipe de démons et métamorphes turbulents.
Je passe aussi beaucoup de temps à éviter Gideon Bailey, le démon avec qui j’ai passé une nuit, juste avant d’accepter ce boulot. Il me déteste, et j’aimerais vraiment éviter d’être assassiné. Mais on m’a offert une promotion qui m’oblige à travailler avec lui, alors, il va falloir qu’on s’y fasse tous les deux.
De plus, des gens disparaissent. Des personnes enceintes. Et à ce qu’il parait, quelqu’un s’adonne à des expériences génétiques. Mettre un terme à tout cela est plus important que la tension sexuelle que Gideon et moi-même tentons d’ignorer, n’est-ce pas ?
Note de l'éditeur : Série de 4 tomes qui peuvent tous être lu indépendamment.
La vérité, c’est que je suis un assistant administratif qui a postulé pour un emploi qui semblait intéressant et qui se retrouve à travailler pour le Gouvernement de la Communauté des Espèces. Je suis le seul humain du bureau, et pour faire simple, je maintiens l’ordre dans une équipe de démons et métamorphes turbulents.
Je passe aussi beaucoup de temps à éviter Gideon Bailey, le démon avec qui j’ai passé une nuit, juste avant d’accepter ce boulot. Il me déteste, et j’aimerais vraiment éviter d’être assassiné. Mais on m’a offert une promotion qui m’oblige à travailler avec lui, alors, il va falloir qu’on s’y fasse tous les deux.
De plus, des gens disparaissent. Des personnes enceintes. Et à ce qu’il parait, quelqu’un s’adonne à des expériences génétiques. Mettre un terme à tout cela est plus important que la tension sexuelle que Gideon et moi-même tentons d’ignorer, n’est-ce pas ?
Note de l'éditeur : Série de 4 tomes qui peuvent tous être lu indépendamment.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2020
996 people are currently reading
3148 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Masters
74 books1,584 followersLOUISA MASTERS started reading romance much earlier than her mother thought she should. While other teenagers were sneaking out of the house, Louisa was sneaking romance novels in and working out how to read them without being discovered. She’s spent most of her life feeling sorry for people who don’t read, convinced that books are the solution to every problem. As an adult, she feeds her addiction in every spare second, only occasionally tearing herself away to do things like answer the phone and pay bills. She spent years trying to build a “sensible” career, working in bookstores, recruitment, resource management, administration, and as a travel agent, before finally conceding defeat and devoting herself to the world of romance novels. Louisa has a long list of places first discovered in books that she wants to visit, and every so often she overcomes her loathing of jet lag and takes a trip that charges her imagination. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she whines about the weather for most of the year while secretly admitting she’ll probably never move.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,038 reviews
February 15, 2021
This was a great idea for a paranormal / shifter story, with tons of excitement, intrigue, and sorcery-driven genetic manipulation.
BUT...
This. Was. NOT. A. Romance.
Not in my eyes, at least.
In regards to the shifters, demons, vampires, and other magical creatures, the author's interpretation of that universe was completely riveting.
Especially the parts about "the lucifer" and magic being more of an entity than a specific person or thing, which was a brand new take on those themes for me.
However, being a true lover of romance, the supposed love story between Sam and Gideon felt as though it was a complete after-thought when compared to the much more intricate kidnapping/mystery plot.
Also, when the story of , the reader was given almost zero physical description of his shifted form.
I was literally screaming How big? Like, the size of the hellhounds? Indoor sized? Scary? Fluffy? Adorable? Tell me, tell me, tell me!
Even with the hellhound description, we were only told that they were like shoulder-high dogs, which wasn't very detailed.
I mean, we're here for the paranormal, so please... PROVIDE SPECIFIC DETAILS.
So in regards to the story, that was an A-plus for me, but the romance was a less-than-impactful C-minus -- at best. :- /
In short, I'd rate it at around 3.75 stars and recommend it to those looking for a good paranormal plot, but not really caring if the romance is at all convincing.
** Note: The blurb refers to pregnant "people", which made me nervous, but this was NOT an MPREG story. Thankfully.
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September 10, 2021
this had SO much potential… i mean c’mon??? a demon/human romance??? the possibilities were endless!
i know this is called demons do it better but… in my opinion, this particular demon was the exception to that. 🙄
Gideon was the most uninteresting demon i have EVER encountered in my life. being hot & constantly glowering at people is NOT a personality! i feel like literally every side character was more interesting than him.
also, basically almost nothing happens between the mc Sam and Gideon for like most of the book, so rooting for them as a couple was extremely difficult for me, since they had ZERO actual chemistry. even their sex scenes were boring.
the romance between them, if you can even call it that, was WEAK.
🔪 spoiler alert 🔪
first, they have that one night stand in the beginning of the book.
THEN there’s a FIVE YEAR time jump, in which, i assume, nothing happens between them at all.
THEN they exchange maybe ~ten sentences between each other throughout until around 70% of the book.
THEN randomly Gideon (literally out of nowhere and completely unprovoked) starts kissing Sam, after only glowering at him for years and not showing in ANY way that he was even into Sam at all.
THEN they start hooking up again for basically NO reason whatsoever, except for finding each other hot or whatever…
AAAND then suddenly they’re in a relationship, moving in together and apparently completely in love with each other???? huh???????? 🥴
🔪 end of spoilers 🔪
honestly this book shouldn’t even be classified as a romance.
the pathetic "romance" between Sam and Gideon took up maybe ~20% of this book. the rest was the case work and learning a lot about the paranormal aspects of the world, and neither of those things was particularly interesting either.
anywayssss… i’m giving this 2 stars because i didn’t hate it enough for a 1 star rating.
_______________________
edit: changed my mind after letting this book marinate in my brain for a bit longer ➞ 1 star.
i know this is called demons do it better but… in my opinion, this particular demon was the exception to that. 🙄
Gideon was the most uninteresting demon i have EVER encountered in my life. being hot & constantly glowering at people is NOT a personality! i feel like literally every side character was more interesting than him.
also, basically almost nothing happens between the mc Sam and Gideon for like most of the book, so rooting for them as a couple was extremely difficult for me, since they had ZERO actual chemistry. even their sex scenes were boring.
the romance between them, if you can even call it that, was WEAK.
🔪 spoiler alert 🔪
first, they have that one night stand in the beginning of the book.
THEN there’s a FIVE YEAR time jump, in which, i assume, nothing happens between them at all.
THEN they exchange maybe ~ten sentences between each other throughout until around 70% of the book.
THEN randomly Gideon (literally out of nowhere and completely unprovoked) starts kissing Sam, after only glowering at him for years and not showing in ANY way that he was even into Sam at all.
THEN they start hooking up again for basically NO reason whatsoever, except for finding each other hot or whatever…
AAAND then suddenly they’re in a relationship, moving in together and apparently completely in love with each other???? huh???????? 🥴
🔪 end of spoilers 🔪
honestly this book shouldn’t even be classified as a romance.
the pathetic "romance" between Sam and Gideon took up maybe ~20% of this book. the rest was the case work and learning a lot about the paranormal aspects of the world, and neither of those things was particularly interesting either.
anywayssss… i’m giving this 2 stars because i didn’t hate it enough for a 1 star rating.
_______________________
edit: changed my mind after letting this book marinate in my brain for a bit longer ➞ 1 star.
September 21, 2024
What do you call it when:
The MC's fuck in chapter 1, to find out the next day, the hot mysterious mean looking MC works at the company you just got employed at...
THEN IT WONDERFULLY AND GRACEFULLY TIME SKIP US 5 YEARS...
Then have absolutely NO sexual tension or pining or even eye contact during that time...
And then the author TELLS you about the last 5 years and all the friendships you've formed... And SHOWS us nothing...
Then the romantic interest is finally involved again, and the story goes into slow burn mode...
But like... it's SO SLOW BURN, that you can safely assume the gas isn't even connected to the house, let alone the stove you want the relationship to cook on???
THE WASTED POTENTIAL OF WHAT THIS BOOK SHOULD HAVE BEEN IS CRIMINAL.
4 fucking time skips 🤮🤮🤮🤮 ALL TELING AND NO SHOWING, not a single fuck given about ANY character, bland smut (like hello, he's a demon, I wanted an 18 inch-stomach-shifting-fuck fest or what was even the point of being a demon in this mid-af book???) and parts of this was wordier than a fucking thesaurus.
Like NO, random side character, I do not want you to have two pages of dialogue explaining the entire plot of the book?
Thank you, next.
I wanted a silly little tehe monster romance, and I got....
✨my time wasted✨
The MC's fuck in chapter 1, to find out the next day, the hot mysterious mean looking MC works at the company you just got employed at...
THEN IT WONDERFULLY AND GRACEFULLY TIME SKIP US 5 YEARS...
Then have absolutely NO sexual tension or pining or even eye contact during that time...
And then the author TELLS you about the last 5 years and all the friendships you've formed... And SHOWS us nothing...
Then the romantic interest is finally involved again, and the story goes into slow burn mode...
But like... it's SO SLOW BURN, that you can safely assume the gas isn't even connected to the house, let alone the stove you want the relationship to cook on???
THE WASTED POTENTIAL OF WHAT THIS BOOK SHOULD HAVE BEEN IS CRIMINAL.
4 fucking time skips 🤮🤮🤮🤮 ALL TELING AND NO SHOWING, not a single fuck given about ANY character, bland smut (like hello, he's a demon, I wanted an 18 inch-stomach-shifting-fuck fest or what was even the point of being a demon in this mid-af book???) and parts of this was wordier than a fucking thesaurus.
Like NO, random side character, I do not want you to have two pages of dialogue explaining the entire plot of the book?
Thank you, next.
I wanted a silly little tehe monster romance, and I got....
✨my time wasted✨
October 27, 2025
3.5 Stars
Demons Do It Better is urban fantasy/PNR storytelling at its most fun.
This book was as if Charlie Cochet and Alice Winters got together and made a book baby. Like with THIRDS and the VRC series, there was a human MC, Sam, working for a mixed species government agency, paired with a group of ragtag supernaturals to fight crime and right wrongs, while bonding in ridiculous (but hilarious) ways in their down time.
There was also a dash of romance, between Sam and team investigator—and demon—Gideon Bailey. Their relationship wasn’t the big sweeping romantic epic the likes of Dex and Sloane or Finn and Marcus, but their connection was enough to make me smile and feel like I got my romance quota sorted for the week I was reading this.
The real fun was in the characters themselves. Sam was this hyperactive, goofy, rambling sweetheart—a bit Sam of Wilds-esque in his personality. He got into some crazy OTT situations and conversations, and I found myself tickled pink from his antics and the way they played out. Chapter 4, in particular, in which Sam gets drunk on some supernatural brew and makes an adorable fool out of himself in front of the whole team, including Gideon, was uproariously entertaining, to the point I was sitting in peak hour traffic, listening to the audio-book, crying from laughing so hard.
On the flip-side of the fun and hilarity of the story, there was also a nice mystery/crime component, wherein the team are investigating pregnant supernaturals who are seemingly being taken for nefarious purposes. I loved how this arc blended with Sam’s own personal journey and self-discovery, making for some fun and engaging plot developments as the story played out.
It’s no surprise to anyone that I tend to enjoy the supernatural and fantastical more than contemporary these days, and this story hit the spot in regards to all the tropes and elements I enjoy most in this genre. However, what I could have done with was Gideon’s POV! Getting his side of things could have been a real game-changer for me, in terms of really connecting with these characters and this couple.
I have no doubt I’ll continue to have a blast reading this series, and the spin-off stories that follow. <3
*******************************************
Audio Edition:
As I mentioned above, I listened to the audio version of this story, narrated by Joel Leslie.
Leslie and I haven’t had a good track record in the past—I find him overly dramatic and hard to handle 90% of the time, and I can’t rightly fathom his popularity within the MM genre on a good day.
However, where I do make leniencies is when Leslie narrates PNR/fantasy books. I can take the vocal dramatics a lot easier when the story itself is otherworldly and fantastical. Here, Sam was intensely dramatic and because I only listened and never read a page, I’m unsure if that’s how he was written or whether it was in the performance itself.
As a HSP (highly sensitive person—look it up if you have no idea what that is), my whole mood and emotional state alters to the environment and stimuli around me, and Leslie’s performance of Sam was so intense, so breathy and panicky (the entire book!), that I found my own anxiety sky-rocketing with every scene I listened to.
Of course, I can appreciate Leslie’s impressive range of accents and how he seamlessly moves through them, smoothly transitioning from French, to Russian and back to an American accent all in one scene, but as I mentioned, I find his tone and inflection so intense and dramatic that I struggle to focus on the positives of his overall performance.
Clearly, I’m an outlier where Leslie’s narrations are concerned but if you’re anything like me, I suggest physically reading this one to avoid my aforementioned issues.
Hidden Species series
Book 1 - Demons Do It Better (3.5 Stars)
Book 2 - One Bite With A Vampire (3.5 Stars)
Book 3 - Hijinks With A Hellhound (4 Stars)
Book 4 - Sorcerer's Always Satisfy (4 Stars)
Demons Do It Better is urban fantasy/PNR storytelling at its most fun.
This book was as if Charlie Cochet and Alice Winters got together and made a book baby. Like with THIRDS and the VRC series, there was a human MC, Sam, working for a mixed species government agency, paired with a group of ragtag supernaturals to fight crime and right wrongs, while bonding in ridiculous (but hilarious) ways in their down time.
There was also a dash of romance, between Sam and team investigator—and demon—Gideon Bailey. Their relationship wasn’t the big sweeping romantic epic the likes of Dex and Sloane or Finn and Marcus, but their connection was enough to make me smile and feel like I got my romance quota sorted for the week I was reading this.
The real fun was in the characters themselves. Sam was this hyperactive, goofy, rambling sweetheart—a bit Sam of Wilds-esque in his personality. He got into some crazy OTT situations and conversations, and I found myself tickled pink from his antics and the way they played out. Chapter 4, in particular, in which Sam gets drunk on some supernatural brew and makes an adorable fool out of himself in front of the whole team, including Gideon, was uproariously entertaining, to the point I was sitting in peak hour traffic, listening to the audio-book, crying from laughing so hard.
On the flip-side of the fun and hilarity of the story, there was also a nice mystery/crime component, wherein the team are investigating pregnant supernaturals who are seemingly being taken for nefarious purposes. I loved how this arc blended with Sam’s own personal journey and self-discovery, making for some fun and engaging plot developments as the story played out.
It’s no surprise to anyone that I tend to enjoy the supernatural and fantastical more than contemporary these days, and this story hit the spot in regards to all the tropes and elements I enjoy most in this genre. However, what I could have done with was Gideon’s POV! Getting his side of things could have been a real game-changer for me, in terms of really connecting with these characters and this couple.
I have no doubt I’ll continue to have a blast reading this series, and the spin-off stories that follow. <3
*******************************************
Audio Edition:
As I mentioned above, I listened to the audio version of this story, narrated by Joel Leslie.
Leslie and I haven’t had a good track record in the past—I find him overly dramatic and hard to handle 90% of the time, and I can’t rightly fathom his popularity within the MM genre on a good day.
However, where I do make leniencies is when Leslie narrates PNR/fantasy books. I can take the vocal dramatics a lot easier when the story itself is otherworldly and fantastical. Here, Sam was intensely dramatic and because I only listened and never read a page, I’m unsure if that’s how he was written or whether it was in the performance itself.
As a HSP (highly sensitive person—look it up if you have no idea what that is), my whole mood and emotional state alters to the environment and stimuli around me, and Leslie’s performance of Sam was so intense, so breathy and panicky (the entire book!), that I found my own anxiety sky-rocketing with every scene I listened to.
Of course, I can appreciate Leslie’s impressive range of accents and how he seamlessly moves through them, smoothly transitioning from French, to Russian and back to an American accent all in one scene, but as I mentioned, I find his tone and inflection so intense and dramatic that I struggle to focus on the positives of his overall performance.
Clearly, I’m an outlier where Leslie’s narrations are concerned but if you’re anything like me, I suggest physically reading this one to avoid my aforementioned issues.
Hidden Species series
Book 1 - Demons Do It Better (3.5 Stars)
Book 2 - One Bite With A Vampire (3.5 Stars)
Book 3 - Hijinks With A Hellhound (4 Stars)
Book 4 - Sorcerer's Always Satisfy (4 Stars)
September 17, 2024
✅❗️ Explicit smut (MM)
✅ Intrigue
✅ Pace
✅ Funny banter
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Wrapping up of the intrigue
🆗 Romance
3.5 stars
This book reminded me of How to Vex a Vampire. It has the same funny/romance mix with a short guy somehow managing to "tame" the big bad guy of the office. It was also a little bit of a bumpy ride... Some parts I adored, and others I found quite ordinary... But it was still very entertaining and just what I needed to get my mind off things.
Sam is the only human working in an organism of paranormal creatures. The problem? He just had a one-night stand with Gideon, the big badass demon of the office, and is now forced to see him on a regular basis. But wait, there is then a time-jump of 5 years (yeah, 5 freaking years) and Sam is now promoted to Gideon's team and has to work closely with him to resolve a big case involving the kidnapping of pregnant people.
Honestly, I'm not sure about the 5 years gap... 5 years is a long time to get over someone, no matter how good they are in bed. Because of that long time between the one-night stand and Sam and Gideon having to work together, I think we lost a lot of potential sexual tension in the story... Not that it matters much though because they don't interact much together until the 60% mark.
Despite that, this book is a good mix of paranormal world-building with criminal intrigue and funny characters, but I am not sure I would consider this a romance. Sam and Gideon bump into each other before they start working together, then they ignore each other for the next 5 years until they are forced to work together again and we realize that Gideon might have feelings for Sam after all?
We knew that Sam was still lusting after him and was more than willing to have sex with him again, but on Gideon's side, we had no inkling of any feelings until he started being all sweet and caring... Like where the fluff did that came from?! It felt like it came a little bit out of nowhere... It almost felt like an afterthought after the whole criminal plot and investigation were written and developed.
There is smut in this book, but does it make me a perv if I say that the scenes were too short? Like, it was over before we could really get into it...
Also, Gideon is not an amazing and super interesting character. Sure, he has a sweet side when he's with Sam (sometimes), but besides that, he probably is one of the most boring demons I've read about. All we know about him is that he glowers at everyone and is the big intimidating guy in the workplace. That's it. I mean, I need more than that if you want me to actually appreciate the guy, he at least needs a personality! Sam on the other hand is nice, sweet, and kinda cute and I liked him as the main character. I also really liked Andrew the old vampire, and I am excited to read the next book because it focuses more on him.
There are some twists in the story, but overall it all was quite predictable. My main complaint is that one of the big revelations is about Sam's true identity but it was spoiled on the very first page of the Kindle where we have the list of every team member working with him.
Also, the descriptions were lacking for some parts. The story as a whole is fast-paced and very entertaining, but I still have no idea what a Hellhound looks like besides an oversized dog, or what the cat shifters look like. I just know they exist and they have some cats or dogs characteristics, but nothing more. There is also a lot of action happening off-page, and we learn about it later because someone got a phone call or a text. I wouldn't have minded reading 50 pages more to get a little more action in this book, it would have made things more exciting and taken the focus off the weird "romance" developing between Sam and Gideon.
On the good side, there is humor and banter, and this book made me laugh out loud more than once. Overall, while I had issues with the romance part and the descriptions and elaboration of the characters are not the best, this book is a quick read, fast-paced, funny and very entertaining and I will be reading the next one.
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✅ Intrigue
✅ Pace
✅ Funny banter
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Wrapping up of the intrigue
🆗 Romance
3.5 stars
This book reminded me of How to Vex a Vampire. It has the same funny/romance mix with a short guy somehow managing to "tame" the big bad guy of the office. It was also a little bit of a bumpy ride... Some parts I adored, and others I found quite ordinary... But it was still very entertaining and just what I needed to get my mind off things.
Honestly, if Harold had told me before I took the job that shifters could get through locks without even trying and that they would try to get me to sign legal papers for them to adopt me, I probably would have said “no thanks” and kept looking for a different job. By the time I realized how… intense they really were, I was already comfortably settled. And really, it’s nice to be wanted. I’ve been on my own for a long time. I kind of like being able to complain about how clingy my guys are.
Sam is the only human working in an organism of paranormal creatures. The problem? He just had a one-night stand with Gideon, the big badass demon of the office, and is now forced to see him on a regular basis. But wait, there is then a time-jump of 5 years (yeah, 5 freaking years) and Sam is now promoted to Gideon's team and has to work closely with him to resolve a big case involving the kidnapping of pregnant people.
Honestly, I'm not sure about the 5 years gap... 5 years is a long time to get over someone, no matter how good they are in bed. Because of that long time between the one-night stand and Sam and Gideon having to work together, I think we lost a lot of potential sexual tension in the story... Not that it matters much though because they don't interact much together until the 60% mark.
Despite that, this book is a good mix of paranormal world-building with criminal intrigue and funny characters, but I am not sure I would consider this a romance. Sam and Gideon bump into each other before they start working together, then they ignore each other for the next 5 years until they are forced to work together again and we realize that Gideon might have feelings for Sam after all?
Ready, Gideon?”
“Sure.” Gideon kisses the top of my head and then stands up and heads for the door as if he didn’t just metaphorically throw a live grenade into the room.
Andrew just smirks and follows him out, but Elinor shrieks, “What the fuck was that?” The door closes. Those remaining turn to me.
We knew that Sam was still lusting after him and was more than willing to have sex with him again, but on Gideon's side, we had no inkling of any feelings until he started being all sweet and caring... Like where the fluff did that came from?! It felt like it came a little bit out of nowhere... It almost felt like an afterthought after the whole criminal plot and investigation were written and developed.
There is smut in this book, but does it make me a perv if I say that the scenes were too short? Like, it was over before we could really get into it...
And speaking of Gideon…. *big sigh* He’s a dilemma wrapped in a conundrum, all packaged in a sexy scowl.
Do not drink any until you get the all-clear, but I’m having one now.” He turns and opens the fridge. “Because I need a drink to be able to deal with the concept of Gideon Bailey being sweet.”
Also, Gideon is not an amazing and super interesting character. Sure, he has a sweet side when he's with Sam (sometimes), but besides that, he probably is one of the most boring demons I've read about. All we know about him is that he glowers at everyone and is the big intimidating guy in the workplace. That's it. I mean, I need more than that if you want me to actually appreciate the guy, he at least needs a personality! Sam on the other hand is nice, sweet, and kinda cute and I liked him as the main character. I also really liked Andrew the old vampire, and I am excited to read the next book because it focuses more on him.
There are some twists in the story, but overall it all was quite predictable. My main complaint is that one of the big revelations is about Sam's true identity but it was spoiled on the very first page of the Kindle where we have the list of every team member working with him.
Also, the descriptions were lacking for some parts. The story as a whole is fast-paced and very entertaining, but I still have no idea what a Hellhound looks like besides an oversized dog, or what the cat shifters look like. I just know they exist and they have some cats or dogs characteristics, but nothing more. There is also a lot of action happening off-page, and we learn about it later because someone got a phone call or a text. I wouldn't have minded reading 50 pages more to get a little more action in this book, it would have made things more exciting and taken the focus off the weird "romance" developing between Sam and Gideon.
Oh, fuck—Gideon! I spin in the direction of the hall, but Gideon is already emerging, his hand aloft, waving the virulently pink dildo I bought a year ago. “Do you want these arranged by color or size or species?”
I close my eyes. My cheeks are so hot, they could combust at any moment.
“Sam?” I open my eyes. Alistair and Andrew have matching expressions of delighted shock on their stupid faces, but Gideon’s usual resting bitch expression is accented by a sexy little smirk. “Color or species?”
On the good side, there is humor and banter, and this book made me laugh out loud more than once. Overall, while I had issues with the romance part and the descriptions and elaboration of the characters are not the best, this book is a quick read, fast-paced, funny and very entertaining and I will be reading the next one.
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February 14, 2021
This book is a lot of fun because it's one of those with a supernatural police force kind of thing. Sam, our hero, is a human who gets a job there. The only kink in the plan? He had a one night stand with one of the guys who works there - a demon. That can be a problem. Nobody wants to see their hook-up in an office setting. Fluorescent lighting is a bitch! It's worse than accidentally opening your front camera on your phone during quarantine.
And that lighting must have been very unflattering because his hook-up, named Gideon, ignored him at work for FIVE YEARS! Five fucking years of being a dick and treating Sam like a cat hairball. So, when Sam gets offered a job working on the same team as Gideon, he's nervous about it. Luckily, Gideon decides that he might be willing to lower himself again and have sex with Sam again. What a generous spirit!
Well, if he looks anything like this then I guess I'll allow Sam to be stupid enough to sleep with him again. As a matter of fact I'm willing to be stupid a bit too. Call me.
So, that part of the book wasn't my favorite.
Also not my favorite thing: there was a lot of action going on off-page. There would be all these exciting circumstances and detective stuff that we would read about later. It was like: So, the horrible killer was taken out in a rain of bullets, they said over the phone. Oh. Um. That's not very satisfying. Kinda woulda like to have been there. Ya know?
See? He's upset that he missed out on the fun. Stupid pizza!
Other than those two things the book was pretty fun. I am looking forward to continue reading in this world for however long it goes.
And that lighting must have been very unflattering because his hook-up, named Gideon, ignored him at work for FIVE YEARS! Five fucking years of being a dick and treating Sam like a cat hairball. So, when Sam gets offered a job working on the same team as Gideon, he's nervous about it. Luckily, Gideon decides that he might be willing to lower himself again and have sex with Sam again. What a generous spirit!
Well, if he looks anything like this then I guess I'll allow Sam to be stupid enough to sleep with him again. As a matter of fact I'm willing to be stupid a bit too. Call me.
So, that part of the book wasn't my favorite.
Also not my favorite thing: there was a lot of action going on off-page. There would be all these exciting circumstances and detective stuff that we would read about later. It was like: So, the horrible killer was taken out in a rain of bullets, they said over the phone. Oh. Um. That's not very satisfying. Kinda woulda like to have been there. Ya know?
See? He's upset that he missed out on the fun. Stupid pizza!
Other than those two things the book was pretty fun. I am looking forward to continue reading in this world for however long it goes.
October 3, 2025
If you see the title and think you're going to be treated to wonderfully filthy demon sex, then you should look elsewhere.
I don't even know what the title is supposed to mean. Anyway, I liked the book, but I also understand some of the less favorable reviews.
This book is largely plot-driven. And it's the first part of a series with various spin-offs, so there's quite a bit of info-dumping and quite a few characters are introduced.
Sam tells how he is introduced to the world of “hidden species.” He is an interesting character with a pleasant bite. I like him very much. I was really shocked when, shortly after the beginning, there was a five-year time jump, and I was a little annoyed. But I have to say that I read the story in one sitting.
And even if it wasn't outstanding, it was obviously good entertainment. It's an easy read, as long as you can handle the plot, which involves experiments on humans, children, and pregnant women. It's not something that happens directly on the page, but it's still not the most pleasant setting for a book.
What I might criticize is that the story left me feeling rather cold and didn't really appeal to me on an emotional level. There is virtually no romance, and even though Sam goes through difficult stuff, everything is told in a rather emotionless way. That's why I say it's a light story. Or maybe I'm just emotionally absent right now, which is also possible.
In any case, I really like the world that is opened up here and I like the author's narrative style. I hope it doesn't take me years to work my way through these three series, but I actually feel like reading them all, even if they remain rather superficial like this first book. Sometimes I just need the stories and plots without the burden of too many emotions. And I like this kind of humor; the book has its moments, so I'm rounding up to four stars.
You have no idea how disturbing it is to get up in the morning to find a hellhound making pancakes in the kitchen while an incubus surfs through all your cable channels and complains about the lack of options.
Fuck, I’m so glad I took that job. 🤭💞🤭
We went out for my birthday a couple years ago and he bought me a few shots of absinthe. I don’t even remember the rest of the night, but it must have been a great party, because I woke up with glitter all over me!”
“Glitter.” Gideon’s tone is flat. “You measure how good a night out is by the amount of glitter.”
I blink. “Of course.” Somewhere in the cloudy recesses of my mind, part of me is shouting about what a fucking pain it was to get rid of all that glitter and how the absinthe hangover lasted for days, but I blithely ignore it. Because glitter is awesome! 🤭💞🤭
I don't even know what the title is supposed to mean. Anyway, I liked the book, but I also understand some of the less favorable reviews.
This book is largely plot-driven. And it's the first part of a series with various spin-offs, so there's quite a bit of info-dumping and quite a few characters are introduced.
Sam tells how he is introduced to the world of “hidden species.” He is an interesting character with a pleasant bite. I like him very much. I was really shocked when, shortly after the beginning, there was a five-year time jump, and I was a little annoyed. But I have to say that I read the story in one sitting.
And even if it wasn't outstanding, it was obviously good entertainment. It's an easy read, as long as you can handle the plot, which involves experiments on humans, children, and pregnant women. It's not something that happens directly on the page, but it's still not the most pleasant setting for a book.
What I might criticize is that the story left me feeling rather cold and didn't really appeal to me on an emotional level. There is virtually no romance, and even though Sam goes through difficult stuff, everything is told in a rather emotionless way. That's why I say it's a light story. Or maybe I'm just emotionally absent right now, which is also possible.
In any case, I really like the world that is opened up here and I like the author's narrative style. I hope it doesn't take me years to work my way through these three series, but I actually feel like reading them all, even if they remain rather superficial like this first book. Sometimes I just need the stories and plots without the burden of too many emotions. And I like this kind of humor; the book has its moments, so I'm rounding up to four stars.
You have no idea how disturbing it is to get up in the morning to find a hellhound making pancakes in the kitchen while an incubus surfs through all your cable channels and complains about the lack of options.
Fuck, I’m so glad I took that job. 🤭💞🤭
We went out for my birthday a couple years ago and he bought me a few shots of absinthe. I don’t even remember the rest of the night, but it must have been a great party, because I woke up with glitter all over me!”
“Glitter.” Gideon’s tone is flat. “You measure how good a night out is by the amount of glitter.”
I blink. “Of course.” Somewhere in the cloudy recesses of my mind, part of me is shouting about what a fucking pain it was to get rid of all that glitter and how the absinthe hangover lasted for days, but I blithely ignore it. Because glitter is awesome! 🤭💞🤭
August 6, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Personally, it’s an uneven book for me. I enjoyed the glimpses of world building. I enjoyed the World of Wangs, I enjoyed the hellhounds. But Sam and his need to be in the spotlight at all times meant that the plot, it’s set up, and introduction became a moment for everyone to stop and stare at Sam. And the plot itself is interesting, but it never really goes anywhere, because we have to stop and admire Sam just a little more … and then the book ends. This might be one of those series where it’s better to read the books all at once rather than one at a time. Which, I honestly don’t mind because, again, there are moments in this book that worked and worked well. Just not all of them.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Personally, it’s an uneven book for me. I enjoyed the glimpses of world building. I enjoyed the World of Wangs, I enjoyed the hellhounds. But Sam and his need to be in the spotlight at all times meant that the plot, it’s set up, and introduction became a moment for everyone to stop and stare at Sam. And the plot itself is interesting, but it never really goes anywhere, because we have to stop and admire Sam just a little more … and then the book ends. This might be one of those series where it’s better to read the books all at once rather than one at a time. Which, I honestly don’t mind because, again, there are moments in this book that worked and worked well. Just not all of them.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
January 8, 2025
Impressive!!!
The story was so interesting, and quite innovative and filled with surprises, I had a lot of fun, the characters were intriguing, all of them. I laughed so hard with comedy, really uneasy the dangers scenes, the sex moments were superb, the plot was well and cleverly done, everything well written, congratulations to Louisa Masters!!!
I can’t wait to read the next story
I have this book on Audible as well, Joel Leslie gave an astounding performance, fully committed, the acting was so impressive, Joel making Sam’s drunk voice was totally hilarious, I was laughing out loud, absolutely superb, there was a moment that I believe he gave a different intention from the writer's , in the book the words “leave us” is written “leeeeeeeeeave uuuuuuuuuus” but he spoke quickly “leave us”, I’m just being picky, Joel is one of my favourite narrators and this little moment didn’t damaged in any way his performance, he was just spectacular! Congratulations!!!!
Loved the art cover from Booksmith Designs BookSmith Design!!!
5⭐️
The story was so interesting, and quite innovative and filled with surprises, I had a lot of fun, the characters were intriguing, all of them. I laughed so hard with comedy, really uneasy the dangers scenes, the sex moments were superb, the plot was well and cleverly done, everything well written, congratulations to Louisa Masters!!!
I can’t wait to read the next story
I have this book on Audible as well, Joel Leslie gave an astounding performance, fully committed, the acting was so impressive, Joel making Sam’s drunk voice was totally hilarious, I was laughing out loud, absolutely superb, there was a moment that I believe he gave a different intention from the writer's , in the book the words “leave us” is written “leeeeeeeeeave uuuuuuuuuus” but he spoke quickly “leave us”, I’m just being picky, Joel is one of my favourite narrators and this little moment didn’t damaged in any way his performance, he was just spectacular! Congratulations!!!!
Loved the art cover from Booksmith Designs BookSmith Design!!!
5⭐️
July 18, 2025
Absolutely brilliant paranormal romance
I've never read this author before but if this is the quality of all her books, I'll be remedying that asap.
This was just my cup of tea, a witty, cleverly paced paranormal with a romantic secondary plot and lots of great characters.
I was also surprised to note the author isn't afraid of having real consequences that affect the characters as it's not often you get that level of 'no-one is safe' in a paranormal romance.
I was made sad, really sad, even though I'd only known the character for the length of this book, their fate hurt. That's some excellent writing ability.
As for Sam and Gideon, I absolutely adored the pair of them. Sam is everything you'd expect in a 'plucky human' suddenly discovering his world's a bit more magic and Gideon was totally hot, all growly and efficient demon.
The world building is excellent and I liked the fresh look at magic, paranormal creatures and the interactions between the two cultures.
Looking forward to Andrew and Noah's romance very much.
I've never read this author before but if this is the quality of all her books, I'll be remedying that asap.
This was just my cup of tea, a witty, cleverly paced paranormal with a romantic secondary plot and lots of great characters.
I was also surprised to note the author isn't afraid of having real consequences that affect the characters as it's not often you get that level of 'no-one is safe' in a paranormal romance.
I was made sad, really sad, even though I'd only known the character for the length of this book, their fate hurt. That's some excellent writing ability.
As for Sam and Gideon, I absolutely adored the pair of them. Sam is everything you'd expect in a 'plucky human' suddenly discovering his world's a bit more magic and Gideon was totally hot, all growly and efficient demon.
The world building is excellent and I liked the fresh look at magic, paranormal creatures and the interactions between the two cultures.
Looking forward to Andrew and Noah's romance very much.
February 3, 2022
AUDIO REVIEW 2/3/22
3 stars for the narrator. Again, I do not think Joel Leslie is a bad narrator but some of his voice choices for characters are highly questionable. Sam's voice sounded like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, Andrew sounded like Gru from Despicable Me and I think Gideon's accent was suppose to be French 🤷🏽♀️ Gideon's voice is described as gravely and gruff and I did not get that. So the audio for this one didn't work for me and my record with Joel Leslie is 1 for 3 😞
ORIGINAL REVIEW 9/11/20
An interesting introduction into this world where humans exist with species of the "underworld," although humans are mostly unaware. Where lucifer and his crew are not quite what they seem.
The downfall too much going on.
-The relationship between Gideon & Sam
-The world of species and humans
-The different type of species and what their abilities are
-The different departments of species and what they each do within the community
-The case involving an experiment going on with species and humans breeding
-Sam discovering he is not human and all the entails
To me it seemed some aspects were short changed due to this.
However, it was a solid read and I look forward to discovering more in book 2.
3 stars for the narrator. Again, I do not think Joel Leslie is a bad narrator but some of his voice choices for characters are highly questionable. Sam's voice sounded like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, Andrew sounded like Gru from Despicable Me and I think Gideon's accent was suppose to be French 🤷🏽♀️ Gideon's voice is described as gravely and gruff and I did not get that. So the audio for this one didn't work for me and my record with Joel Leslie is 1 for 3 😞
ORIGINAL REVIEW 9/11/20
An interesting introduction into this world where humans exist with species of the "underworld," although humans are mostly unaware. Where lucifer and his crew are not quite what they seem.
The downfall too much going on.
-The relationship between Gideon & Sam
-The world of species and humans
-The different type of species and what their abilities are
-The different departments of species and what they each do within the community
-The case involving an experiment going on with species and humans breeding
-Sam discovering he is not human and all the entails
To me it seemed some aspects were short changed due to this.
However, it was a solid read and I look forward to discovering more in book 2.
November 9, 2021
Wow... What a great start to a fascinating series!
I started off a bit backwards as I read the first book of the next series before this one. Have to say that I'm loving this book easily as much as the other that I read first. Everything in this book was top notch, the author has done a stunning job bringing g this new world to life and I am totally hooked!
I started off a bit backwards as I read the first book of the next series before this one. Have to say that I'm loving this book easily as much as the other that I read first. Everything in this book was top notch, the author has done a stunning job bringing g this new world to life and I am totally hooked!
January 16, 2022
I really, really enjoyed this.
It was funny, cute and somewhat filled with action.
On to the next one.
It was funny, cute and somewhat filled with action.
On to the next one.
August 29, 2023
I‘m actually a bit (a lot) disappointed…
I know a lot of people likes this book but I didn’t enjoyed it. I felt absolutely nothing here🥹.
I had no connection to the characters at all.
Also there was not much romance in it what is,per se, not bad BUT it was absolute boring here.
The story also moved too fast, what leads to make it messy . The only thing I liked about this book was the concept and that’s it.
I don’t know maybe I just had too high expectations for this.
well I’ll give the next book a shot and if it’s nothing for me I’ll DNF this series …
I know a lot of people likes this book but I didn’t enjoyed it. I felt absolutely nothing here🥹.
I had no connection to the characters at all.
Also there was not much romance in it what is,per se, not bad BUT it was absolute boring here.
The story also moved too fast, what leads to make it messy . The only thing I liked about this book was the concept and that’s it.
I don’t know maybe I just had too high expectations for this.
well I’ll give the next book a shot and if it’s nothing for me I’ll DNF this series …
September 3, 2020
I liked this book when there was no romance in it. I liked Sam? when he was by himself working with the hellhounds. I didn't like how he and Gideon got into a relationship that fast especially after Gideon had ignored him for so long, there was no good reason he did what he did but immediately he showed the littlest of interest Sam? came running back.
That really took the enjoyment out of it for me. While the case was intriguing I don't think I will be continuing this series.
That really took the enjoyment out of it for me. While the case was intriguing I don't think I will be continuing this series.
September 19, 2020
4.5 stars!!
This was absolutely hilarious and smart and funny an awesome! 😍 the only thing that’s holding back a proper 5 stars is there wasn’t much couple times with Gideon and Sam. They kinda just ended up together in the midst of everything happening.
The writing was brilliant, the story was smart. I like that the author thought through everything. I can’t wait for the next instalment!! 🤓
This was absolutely hilarious and smart and funny an awesome! 😍 the only thing that’s holding back a proper 5 stars is there wasn’t much couple times with Gideon and Sam. They kinda just ended up together in the midst of everything happening.
The writing was brilliant, the story was smart. I like that the author thought through everything. I can’t wait for the next instalment!! 🤓
January 18, 2024
Audiobook Review Again
This is like my millionth time reading this audiobook.
I still love Sam and Gideon, I still love the work crew, and even the 5 year jump after the first chapter.
Joel just makes this book, I don't think anyone can top the way he narrates this.
_____________________
I have no idea how many times I have listened to this but I still love Sam and please give me a Gideon pov book.
________________________
I have yet again listened to this audiobook and I feel no shame.
I loved it as much as the first time.
My only new idea is that I wish there was dual pov, I would love to hear Gideon's thoughts.
____________________________________________________________
Reading this in audio form made it even better.
I wasnt sure about this narrator until we got to the drunk scene and I was laughing so hard that I was unable to actually do my work. I knew then that I would love this audio.
I do recommend reading this in both ebook and audio forms because it is just that good.
This is like my millionth time reading this audiobook.
I still love Sam and Gideon, I still love the work crew, and even the 5 year jump after the first chapter.
Joel just makes this book, I don't think anyone can top the way he narrates this.
_____________________
I have no idea how many times I have listened to this but I still love Sam and please give me a Gideon pov book.
________________________
I have yet again listened to this audiobook and I feel no shame.
I loved it as much as the first time.
My only new idea is that I wish there was dual pov, I would love to hear Gideon's thoughts.
____________________________________________________________
Reading this in audio form made it even better.
I wasnt sure about this narrator until we got to the drunk scene and I was laughing so hard that I was unable to actually do my work. I knew then that I would love this audio.
I do recommend reading this in both ebook and audio forms because it is just that good.
March 27, 2021
4 stars.
audiobook... 5 stars!
This was delightful.
What I loved:
- the humor... it was rally funny.
- the world building... I loved how unique it was
- the plot was also great.. suspenseful and engaging
- love the found family aspect too...the friends and their relationships. I'm excited to read about the others in the team.
What I didn't like...
- the sex scenes were like blink and you miss them... they ended abruptly. #NotHappy
- it was at times sort of chaotic. It needed a bit of tightening up... but nothing too bad.
- Sam read younger than 39. he sounded in his twenties. that needed a bit tweaking as well.
All in all a n entertaining read.
audiobook... 5 stars!
This was delightful.
What I loved:
- the humor... it was rally funny.
- the world building... I loved how unique it was
- the plot was also great.. suspenseful and engaging
- love the found family aspect too...the friends and their relationships. I'm excited to read about the others in the team.
What I didn't like...
- the sex scenes were like blink and you miss them... they ended abruptly. #NotHappy
- it was at times sort of chaotic. It needed a bit of tightening up... but nothing too bad.
- Sam read younger than 39. he sounded in his twenties. that needed a bit tweaking as well.
All in all a n entertaining read.
Read
April 18, 2021DNF @ 50%
This one was too bantery, a bit messy & I didn’t like our demonic MC. Also, I didn’t get much of a romance. I enjoyed the first bit, but then we moved ahead YEARS & things felt rushed for me.
TBH, many books aren’t doing it for me these days, so this could be a case of it’s me and my “blah” attitude and not the book.
The narration was very good, however, and let me continue to the 1/2 mark.
My rec? Don’t expect a romance & you should be fine.
This one was too bantery, a bit messy & I didn’t like our demonic MC. Also, I didn’t get much of a romance. I enjoyed the first bit, but then we moved ahead YEARS & things felt rushed for me.
TBH, many books aren’t doing it for me these days, so this could be a case of it’s me and my “blah” attitude and not the book.
The narration was very good, however, and let me continue to the 1/2 mark.
My rec? Don’t expect a romance & you should be fine.
June 5, 2022
I cried. Never happens to me, but I cried. It was so hilariously ...eh ...hilarious at times, I could not not laugh. Still hicking-upping a full day later, while remembering the juicy bits 🤣🤣🤣🤣
There are low bits and high bits, there is danger and your everyday goofing off, tragic past and hot hot present. Speaking of present: present tense narrative - I HATE IT WITH A PASSION, but in this book I have barely noticed. UST alone is - wow!
Great job weaving the danger, the humor, the serious situations and the snark together. This book is awesome!
PS Michael, thanks for the rec, friend! :D
There are low bits and high bits, there is danger and your everyday goofing off, tragic past and hot hot present. Speaking of present: present tense narrative - I HATE IT WITH A PASSION, but in this book I have barely noticed. UST alone is - wow!
Great job weaving the danger, the humor, the serious situations and the snark together. This book is awesome!
PS Michael, thanks for the rec, friend! :D
December 17, 2021
3.5 Stars
Pretty decent, but I would have liked more actual relationship development. The romance fell a little bit flat. Otherwise, this was enjoyable.
Pretty decent, but I would have liked more actual relationship development. The romance fell a little bit flat. Otherwise, this was enjoyable.
January 2, 2024
This book started out super interesting and I really liked the world building. The good world building continued throughout and the main storyline stayed interesting, but the romance fell flat on its face and turned a 5 star read into something just average. I'm not a fan of hatemance or instalove, and I find that I'm even less a fan of hatemance turning into instalove. The romance didn't really make sense, the feelings that sprang suddenly into being didn't make sense and weren't explained, and the low heat (minimal) connections were a bit on the boring side. If you're looking for a good paranormal read, give this one a try. If you're looking for a good romance, skip it. I'd be willing to read the next in the series based on the quality of the world building, but if it's more of the same that'll be it for me.
June 12, 2021
A much better experience listening to Joel Leslie's narration of this story. Still found our MC occasionally TSTL but, all in all, a fun romp. On to the next audiobook, One Bite With a Vampire.
April 3, 2024
first read, 2022: 3.25 ugh so much wasted potential
reread, 2024: what she said
reread, 2024: what she said
July 21, 2025
Well well well. What a delightful surprise this book was.
I’ve had it on my audio tbr for quite a while, and didn’t pick it up because I wasn’t sure I’m in the mood for Joel Leslie’s narration, but then I saw that is included with my Audible subscription (at least until the 12th of August) and thought - why not?
And it’s definitely been the right decision. It’s a bit different from your “usual” timeline in romances - Sam applies for a new job as an admin, in a company that promises “adventure”, only to find out that not only are shifters, vampires and demons very real, but the company he applied to is some kind of semi governmental police (ish) agency. Freaking out after accepting the job, he hooks up with a very hot guy, only to realise the next day that said hookup (Gideon) is a demon, a senior investigator at his new workplace.
Every “ordinary” romance would start following them right away - but not here. Sam and Gideon aren’t on the same team, and only when we skip 5 years ahead do we actually get to have them interact again.
I know, I know. Time jumps are the bane of my bookish existence, but it worked for me here 🤷♀️
What follows could be a rather fast paced action movie, with a verrrry slow burn romance between Sam and Gideon - but again, it worked for me here 🤷♀️ so we get hot sex right at the start, then a slow (and credible) relationship build up. And a very cute epilogue after all the ups and downs and showdowns.
And to my surprise, I loved Joel Leslie here. I always cringe when he narrates sex scenes (he tends to get VERY involved and LOUD), so it was perfectly fine for me that we didn’t get a lot of those. Instead, he added a lot of snark and sarcasm (and distinct voices) to the already well fleshed out characters, and I was all here for it.
Why I don’t give it 5 stars, even though I had a great time: we do get a bit of an occasional info dump. Yes, it’s necessary for the story development (while we do have a lot of familiar elements, there are quite a few… innovative twists, like “The Lucifer” aka Percy the accountant lookalike 😅), but I’m not a huge fan of too much info at once.
Nevertheless, I had a blast, and would highly recommend listening to the audio - I’m pretty sure it’s even better to listen to that “just” reading it ❤️
I’ve had it on my audio tbr for quite a while, and didn’t pick it up because I wasn’t sure I’m in the mood for Joel Leslie’s narration, but then I saw that is included with my Audible subscription (at least until the 12th of August) and thought - why not?
And it’s definitely been the right decision. It’s a bit different from your “usual” timeline in romances - Sam applies for a new job as an admin, in a company that promises “adventure”, only to find out that not only are shifters, vampires and demons very real, but the company he applied to is some kind of semi governmental police (ish) agency. Freaking out after accepting the job, he hooks up with a very hot guy, only to realise the next day that said hookup (Gideon) is a demon, a senior investigator at his new workplace.
Every “ordinary” romance would start following them right away - but not here. Sam and Gideon aren’t on the same team, and only when we skip 5 years ahead do we actually get to have them interact again.
I know, I know. Time jumps are the bane of my bookish existence, but it worked for me here 🤷♀️
What follows could be a rather fast paced action movie, with a verrrry slow burn romance between Sam and Gideon - but again, it worked for me here 🤷♀️ so we get hot sex right at the start, then a slow (and credible) relationship build up. And a very cute epilogue after all the ups and downs and showdowns.
And to my surprise, I loved Joel Leslie here. I always cringe when he narrates sex scenes (he tends to get VERY involved and LOUD), so it was perfectly fine for me that we didn’t get a lot of those. Instead, he added a lot of snark and sarcasm (and distinct voices) to the already well fleshed out characters, and I was all here for it.
Why I don’t give it 5 stars, even though I had a great time: we do get a bit of an occasional info dump. Yes, it’s necessary for the story development (while we do have a lot of familiar elements, there are quite a few… innovative twists, like “The Lucifer” aka Percy the accountant lookalike 😅), but I’m not a huge fan of too much info at once.
Nevertheless, I had a blast, and would highly recommend listening to the audio - I’m pretty sure it’s even better to listen to that “just” reading it ❤️
August 8, 2020
Sam’s job is boring so he’s looking for a new job. He could never ever expect to end up at a very special firm with very special tasks and with even more very special employees... like lucifer, hellhounds, vampires, sorcerers, and demons, especially one stunning huge demon!
Before this Sam was at a bar and hooked up, in a mind-blowing way, with a stunning huge looking guy who didn’t want him to touch his head. Uhh yes, the same one. But at the office, Gideon ignores him as Sam was the dirtiest dirt. Luckily he didn’t have to work at Gideon's team until he has to.
Okay, there are a lot of things happening and all extremely entertaining, in the middle of the events there are Sam en Gideon.
Creatures and people are monopolized by unknown forces and Sam and his team have to dismantle them.
Humor, the best humor like:
“How can you be drunk and still be able to say ‘auditory hallucination’?”
When you read this in the context it’s kind of hilarious.
It’s told by Sam’s pov and I love Sam, he is witty, charming and as on small guy between all these huge creatures, and a particularly protective one, he stands up for himself.
I would have loved some more encounters with Sam and Gideon and also more romance because I couldn’t get enough of them with their awesome dynamic, that’s me of course.
Hugely enjoyable narrative, written with a great sense of humor, I loved the writing style of this author, with widely written environments, a steady pace, engaging characters, and a great plot.
Highly recommended!
Before this Sam was at a bar and hooked up, in a mind-blowing way, with a stunning huge looking guy who didn’t want him to touch his head. Uhh yes, the same one. But at the office, Gideon ignores him as Sam was the dirtiest dirt. Luckily he didn’t have to work at Gideon's team until he has to.
Okay, there are a lot of things happening and all extremely entertaining, in the middle of the events there are Sam en Gideon.
Creatures and people are monopolized by unknown forces and Sam and his team have to dismantle them.
Humor, the best humor like:
“How can you be drunk and still be able to say ‘auditory hallucination’?”
When you read this in the context it’s kind of hilarious.
It’s told by Sam’s pov and I love Sam, he is witty, charming and as on small guy between all these huge creatures, and a particularly protective one, he stands up for himself.
I would have loved some more encounters with Sam and Gideon and also more romance because I couldn’t get enough of them with their awesome dynamic, that’s me of course.
Hugely enjoyable narrative, written with a great sense of humor, I loved the writing style of this author, with widely written environments, a steady pace, engaging characters, and a great plot.
Highly recommended!
May 10, 2022
2.5 stars rounded down
I read this via audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie. The narration was solid but the book was lackluster. It had about 100 different ideas that were all half baked and had no payoff. If the plot had stuck with maybe one or two it would've been more enjoyable. It could've been a book about a human working in a supernatural government agency! It could have been a book about a human dating a demon! It could have been a book about a human who has latent shifter DNA! It could've been a book about experimenting on humans and paranormals! Instead it attempted to be all of these things without seeing any of them through and the romance was barely even a thing. AND on top of all the extra partially executed ideas there were several pages dedicated to one scene where the POV main character was drunk and rambling. It was totally unnecessary. The rating is because the narration was good and the ideas were neat but that's about it.
I read this via audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie. The narration was solid but the book was lackluster. It had about 100 different ideas that were all half baked and had no payoff. If the plot had stuck with maybe one or two it would've been more enjoyable. It could've been a book about a human working in a supernatural government agency! It could have been a book about a human dating a demon! It could have been a book about a human who has latent shifter DNA! It could've been a book about experimenting on humans and paranormals! Instead it attempted to be all of these things without seeing any of them through and the romance was barely even a thing. AND on top of all the extra partially executed ideas there were several pages dedicated to one scene where the POV main character was drunk and rambling. It was totally unnecessary. The rating is because the narration was good and the ideas were neat but that's about it.
September 29, 2021
2.5 rounded down
This was interesting but a bit all over the place. Started out promising, with a fairly interesting world, but it quickly went downhill from there. The ~reveal~ of Sam's lineage halfway through the book was just too much for me and pretty much tanked my enjoyment, because and the main mystery aspect was really underdeveloped and hand-waved. The romance was also quite rushed/lukewarm. The build was decent, but then Gideon has a change of heart, nothing is at all addressed or discussed, and they go from Sam thinking they've had a one-off/fuck buddy situation going on to Gideon telling him he's moving in with zero conversation. It was really unsatisfying. And then one of the few female characters Curious enough about this world to keep reading the series, but honestly not super impressed.
This was interesting but a bit all over the place. Started out promising, with a fairly interesting world, but it quickly went downhill from there. The ~reveal~ of Sam's lineage halfway through the book was just too much for me and pretty much tanked my enjoyment, because and the main mystery aspect was really underdeveloped and hand-waved. The romance was also quite rushed/lukewarm. The build was decent, but then Gideon has a change of heart, nothing is at all addressed or discussed, and they go from Sam thinking they've had a one-off/fuck buddy situation going on to Gideon telling him he's moving in with zero conversation. It was really unsatisfying. And then one of the few female characters Curious enough about this world to keep reading the series, but honestly not super impressed.
January 23, 2025
Listened to half this during work today and I had to DNF!! Time jumps and everything exciting happens off page. Noooo thank you! My tbr is way to long to not enjoy shitty books and this is exactly that!
August 17, 2020
Meh.
We've got Sam who is a "normal" person who falls into the paranormal world through a new job. Then there's Gideon who is a demon who Sam has a one night stand with then finds out they will be actually working together. And Gideon is not happy for some ridiculous reason.
Sam has the whole chosen one complex. He's oh so normal and everyone just loved him but wait! He's actually so special!! The thing is we only get Sam's POV but I just found him quite unlikable and Gideon wasn't any better...
Gideon who we only really see as an alphahole for majority of the book and apparently has a sweet side. Or so we're told.
Things just weren't developed great. Gideon and Sam's relationship was just not believable to me. Please tell me where that sexual tension and chemistry was supposed to be? The relationship also has no development. The plot falls in and out of that as well. I'm not sure I completely understand a lot of this world and what was actually happening and for once I don't actually think it's just me not being smart enough. It almost seemed like things would start to go somewhere but then flop. The same with friendships, we were told these friendships had developed and were important but when and where?!
I didn't mesh with the writing great either. And the whole thing with Lily just feels like BS and a setup for another characters story somehow.
But I did start enjoying the suspense/mystery side of the story until that seemed to fizzle out quickly and circle back to Sam.
I guess it's really hard to like a book when you dislike the MC's? Oops. I did want to like this and I think it's supposed come across as quirky and funny so if that's your thing give it a try!
I thought for sure there was gonna be an Alistair and Andrew book but apparently not but Andrew's book will be coming, I'll probably end up trying again with that one.
We've got Sam who is a "normal" person who falls into the paranormal world through a new job. Then there's Gideon who is a demon who Sam has a one night stand with then finds out they will be actually working together. And Gideon is not happy for some ridiculous reason.
Sam has the whole chosen one complex. He's oh so normal and everyone just loved him but wait! He's actually so special!! The thing is we only get Sam's POV but I just found him quite unlikable and Gideon wasn't any better...
Gideon who we only really see as an alphahole for majority of the book and apparently has a sweet side. Or so we're told.
Things just weren't developed great. Gideon and Sam's relationship was just not believable to me. Please tell me where that sexual tension and chemistry was supposed to be? The relationship also has no development. The plot falls in and out of that as well. I'm not sure I completely understand a lot of this world and what was actually happening and for once I don't actually think it's just me not being smart enough. It almost seemed like things would start to go somewhere but then flop. The same with friendships, we were told these friendships had developed and were important but when and where?!
I didn't mesh with the writing great either. And the whole thing with Lily just feels like BS and a setup for another characters story somehow.
But I did start enjoying the suspense/mystery side of the story until that seemed to fizzle out quickly and circle back to Sam.
I guess it's really hard to like a book when you dislike the MC's? Oops. I did want to like this and I think it's supposed come across as quirky and funny so if that's your thing give it a try!
I thought for sure there was gonna be an Alistair and Andrew book but apparently not but Andrew's book will be coming, I'll probably end up trying again with that one.
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