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Demons Duet #1
Demons and Darlings
Dating Paranormal Romance story, perfect for fans of A Touch of Darkness and Afterlife.
A broken girl in chains.
A dangerous, irresistible demon.
A fake-dating deal that will test them both.
Lyra has lived her entire life in chains, both literally and emotionally. Her mother, the Goddess of Light, has kept her hidden away from the world for the last twenty-two years. Lyra knows she isn’t normal. She doesn’t get to do things everyone else gets to do. For a long time, she had accepted this as her fate. Her destiny.
But then she meets Alekzander Black, the incredibly sexy and alluring demon that owns the local bar.
At first, their deal is simple: pretend to be his girlfriend, and he will help her experience things she’d been missing all those years. But things grow complicated between late nights and whispered secrets when Alek begins to show her what life could be like free from her chains.
Her real challenge comes when she starts to feel the one thing she fears more than the wrath of her mother: hope.
From the Amazon top 30 Bestselling Author Emily Blackwood comes this delicious Hades-inspired New Adult Paranormal Romance with tropes including fake-dating, biting, forced-proximity, nightclubs, and more!
Note from the author: Unlike some of my other works, this story is not YA. The main character is twenty-two, and her story includes some scenes with suicidal thoughts and self harm that may be triggering for some readers.
A broken girl in chains.
A dangerous, irresistible demon.
A fake-dating deal that will test them both.
Lyra has lived her entire life in chains, both literally and emotionally. Her mother, the Goddess of Light, has kept her hidden away from the world for the last twenty-two years. Lyra knows she isn’t normal. She doesn’t get to do things everyone else gets to do. For a long time, she had accepted this as her fate. Her destiny.
But then she meets Alekzander Black, the incredibly sexy and alluring demon that owns the local bar.
At first, their deal is simple: pretend to be his girlfriend, and he will help her experience things she’d been missing all those years. But things grow complicated between late nights and whispered secrets when Alek begins to show her what life could be like free from her chains.
Her real challenge comes when she starts to feel the one thing she fears more than the wrath of her mother: hope.
From the Amazon top 30 Bestselling Author Emily Blackwood comes this delicious Hades-inspired New Adult Paranormal Romance with tropes including fake-dating, biting, forced-proximity, nightclubs, and more!
Note from the author: Unlike some of my other works, this story is not YA. The main character is twenty-two, and her story includes some scenes with suicidal thoughts and self harm that may be triggering for some readers.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2023
164 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 16, 2024
This story had me hooked from the very beginning.
If you like :
Demons / Godesses
Fake dating
Tension
Secrets
Betrayals
This is the story for you! This follows Lyra who is essentially held captive by her mother who happens to be the goddess of light. Why is she keeping her daughter captive? You will find out when you read this!
Not only that she meets a demon (Alekzander )in a bar after sneaking out one night with her friend. Aleks convinces her to pretend to be his gf to get his demon king father off his back, but there’s always more to that type of story right?! You’ll find more out if you read this
Lots of sneaking around, betrayal, secrets. It’s such a good & quick read. There is minimal world building which I wasn’t disappointed in. It was nice to go into this and not have to think too much 😂
This is a duology so I raced to the next book as this one ended on a cliffy!
If you like :
Demons / Godesses
Fake dating
Tension
Secrets
Betrayals
This is the story for you! This follows Lyra who is essentially held captive by her mother who happens to be the goddess of light. Why is she keeping her daughter captive? You will find out when you read this!
Not only that she meets a demon (Alekzander )in a bar after sneaking out one night with her friend. Aleks convinces her to pretend to be his gf to get his demon king father off his back, but there’s always more to that type of story right?! You’ll find more out if you read this
Lots of sneaking around, betrayal, secrets. It’s such a good & quick read. There is minimal world building which I wasn’t disappointed in. It was nice to go into this and not have to think too much 😂
This is a duology so I raced to the next book as this one ended on a cliffy!
September 10, 2023
This book had negative world building (2.5 stars)
The plot was kinda fun, but also just not great. I called my friend to describe the book I just read and she kept asking questions and I had to keep saying “yeah that wasn’t addressed”
The plot was kinda fun, but also just not great. I called my friend to describe the book I just read and she kept asking questions and I had to keep saying “yeah that wasn’t addressed”
July 2, 2025
Omg their parents are a piece of work, but it was overall good novel! Easy beach read! Finished in 3 hours! Enjoyed it! All the feels!! Some angst mixed in with romance & suspense & supernatural aspects! Was it predicable yes, but did not matter as was fun and enjoyable felt like the characters were relatable & not wooden so much world building no, but once again did not bother me! Will be reading the sequel!
April 10, 2023
Love that I received an arc copy for this! It’s got a hades and Persephone retelling vibe, Gods and demons , angst and all the fun things! Lyra and Alek both have controlling parents and just want to live. Secrets in both ends cause chaos and distrust. Highly recommend and can’t wait to read the next book!
July 21, 2023
Book 97 of 2023 🌟 4.5 🌟
Emily Blackwood has been on my "auto-buy" list ever since I've discovered her books, and when I saw I was approved for an ARC copy of her newest book, I was over the moon!
I went into the book blind and I expected greatness, and oh my, what a greatness I got 🙌 👏
There was fake dating, betrayal, hot scenes (no spice, tho), curses, demons, gods, and Goddess - what else can one want?!
Although it had many "fantasy" elements in it, it was also really realistic and had a faint breeze of mafia thrope, which I loooooved.
I was in love with Alek from the beginning, and many of the things he said or did definitely put him in the "best book boyfriend" category.
Although the book had plenty of plot twists, I definitely did not expect the ending! I hated that he went back on his promise, and the ending also left me with so many questions!
I felt that the last few pages were a bit rushed, and I needed to know more about his brother & his death. Otherwise, the ending makes no sense!
Because of this, I am taking 0.5 🌟 of the rating.
In the book both Lyra's and Alek's parents are bad and cruel and even though I'm sure we will find out why in book 2, I really, really wanted at least a glimpse of explanation as to why would someone treat their child like this.
Also, poor Lyra, I felt so bad for her, betreyal after betrayal, and I think if Natalie betrays her too in the next book , there will be a riot!!!!
I am not sure how she can just move on after the plot twist in the end and actually do what she did, I wouldn't have been able to do it!
I enjoyed the book so much, and I am thrilled to read what Alex & Lyra have in store for me in book 2!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a free ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 🤍
Emily Blackwood has been on my "auto-buy" list ever since I've discovered her books, and when I saw I was approved for an ARC copy of her newest book, I was over the moon!
I went into the book blind and I expected greatness, and oh my, what a greatness I got 🙌 👏
There was fake dating, betrayal, hot scenes (no spice, tho), curses, demons, gods, and Goddess - what else can one want?!
Although it had many "fantasy" elements in it, it was also really realistic and had a faint breeze of mafia thrope, which I loooooved.
I was in love with Alek from the beginning, and many of the things he said or did definitely put him in the "best book boyfriend" category.
Although the book had plenty of plot twists, I definitely did not expect the ending! I hated that he went back on his promise, and the ending also left me with so many questions!
I felt that the last few pages were a bit rushed, and I needed to know more about his brother & his death. Otherwise, the ending makes no sense!
Because of this, I am taking 0.5 🌟 of the rating.
In the book both Lyra's and Alek's parents are bad and cruel and even though I'm sure we will find out why in book 2, I really, really wanted at least a glimpse of explanation as to why would someone treat their child like this.
Also, poor Lyra, I felt so bad for her, betreyal after betrayal, and I think if Natalie betrays her too in the next book , there will be a riot!!!!
I am not sure how she can just move on after the plot twist in the end and actually do what she did, I wouldn't have been able to do it!
I enjoyed the book so much, and I am thrilled to read what Alex & Lyra have in store for me in book 2!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a free ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 🤍
April 19, 2023
Paranormal romance
Stars: 5⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Check trigger warnings: abuse, imprisonment, suicidal thoughts/ attempts
This is an amazing read! I was literally sucked into this world Emily created and did not want to come out! I devoured this book in a day because it was to good to put down!
We meet Lyra, a girl who has been sheltered from the world by her goddess mother (tormented and chained). Her only friend Natalie convinces Lyra to leave the confines of her apartment, which is heavily surveillanced by her mother, to celebrate graduation (while her mother is out of town for work) at the local demon bar where her life will be changed forever. She meets the prince of demons Alek and they make a deal; she will pretend to be dating him and in return, he introduces her to a life she’s never known. While getting to know each other Lyra leaves out some important facts about her life and why her mother is so strict with her, little does she know that Alek already knows her deepest secret which could change everything.
Favorite quotes:
“Deals with demons are sealed with a kiss,” he whispered. “Kiss me, and change your entire life as you know it.”
“I’d rather die out there with you than live for nothing inside of this prison with her.”
“Good girl.”
“Spread your legs,”… “For balance, Lyra.”
“You’re mine,”… “You’ve been mine since the very beginning.”
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! There is a lot of push and pull in this story between the characters, definitely a slow burn but so worth it in the end. I cannot wait to read more about these characters and to see what Emily has in store for them. We are definitely left on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to be left wanting more.
Tropes/Vibes:
*fake dating
*gods/goddesses
*demons
*witches
*touch her and ☠️
*burn the world for her
Stars: 5⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Check trigger warnings: abuse, imprisonment, suicidal thoughts/ attempts
This is an amazing read! I was literally sucked into this world Emily created and did not want to come out! I devoured this book in a day because it was to good to put down!
We meet Lyra, a girl who has been sheltered from the world by her goddess mother (tormented and chained). Her only friend Natalie convinces Lyra to leave the confines of her apartment, which is heavily surveillanced by her mother, to celebrate graduation (while her mother is out of town for work) at the local demon bar where her life will be changed forever. She meets the prince of demons Alek and they make a deal; she will pretend to be dating him and in return, he introduces her to a life she’s never known. While getting to know each other Lyra leaves out some important facts about her life and why her mother is so strict with her, little does she know that Alek already knows her deepest secret which could change everything.
Favorite quotes:
“Deals with demons are sealed with a kiss,” he whispered. “Kiss me, and change your entire life as you know it.”
“I’d rather die out there with you than live for nothing inside of this prison with her.”
“Good girl.”
“Spread your legs,”… “For balance, Lyra.”
“You’re mine,”… “You’ve been mine since the very beginning.”
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! There is a lot of push and pull in this story between the characters, definitely a slow burn but so worth it in the end. I cannot wait to read more about these characters and to see what Emily has in store for them. We are definitely left on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to be left wanting more.
Tropes/Vibes:
*fake dating
*gods/goddesses
*demons
*witches
*touch her and ☠️
*burn the world for her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
I loved this book! I loved how strong and fearless Lyra was and I love that she was willing to do anything for Alec! I hated her mom and how she kept her locked up her entire life. I hated that she was being used by everyone and I’m glad she agreed to help Alex and his dad. I love that she was able to get out and explore and discover herself. Absolutely amazing and I hope we get more of these two.
March 22, 2024
I read it…
I gave 3 stars because I was able to finish it. This gave Twilight vibes. That’s about all I’ll say.
I gave 3 stars because I was able to finish it. This gave Twilight vibes. That’s about all I’ll say.
dnf
April 15, 2023I don’t think I am in the right mood for this book. I’m not connecting with the characters or the plot. I might try again when I specifically want urban fantasy/paranormal romance.
April 22, 2025
*immediately downloads book 2 at 12:30 AM* if that doesnt tell you how good this is I don't what will.
I didnt move from my couch for over 2 and a half hours reading this!
I didnt move from my couch for over 2 and a half hours reading this!
October 17, 2025
I wish we could give half stars, it's more of a 2.5 star for me but I always round up not down.
no world building, pretty flat, lacks depth. easy read for sure.
Inconsistencies often, and poorly written, because it lacks depth and detail.
no world building, pretty flat, lacks depth. easy read for sure.
Inconsistencies often, and poorly written, because it lacks depth and detail.
Read
August 17, 2023I enjoyed this book. Lots of interesting characters and a unique storyline. 💗
April 13, 2023
I was received this book as an ARC and fell In love with it after the second page. If you love mafia books, romance, low fantasy (fantasy set in the real world), and those dark themes without being super intense, then this book is perfect for you.
The characters are engaging and the plot is fast pace. If you are someone who gets uncomfortable with spice you will enjoy this book as there isn’t any in-depth and vivid spicy scenes. It’s fade to black however, their physical relationship does progress and in a way that if you do like spice you will be satisfied as well.
Couldn’t get enough and I’m sad that I read it so quickly. Super excited to see how the story progresses in the next book.
The characters are engaging and the plot is fast pace. If you are someone who gets uncomfortable with spice you will enjoy this book as there isn’t any in-depth and vivid spicy scenes. It’s fade to black however, their physical relationship does progress and in a way that if you do like spice you will be satisfied as well.
Couldn’t get enough and I’m sad that I read it so quickly. Super excited to see how the story progresses in the next book.
April 15, 2023
Phenomenal Paranormal Page-Turner!
“You are fulfilling a great destiny, child. Stay quiet, stay hidden away, and when your time comes, save the world.”
This was my life. Stay hidden. Stay quiet. I was my mother’s weapon to the world. My mother, the Goddess of Light, had a very dark secret. Her own daughter.
Lyra, a 22 year old college student, has been living a sheltered human life under the thumb of her mother, until one night changed everything.
She made a deal she knew little about with a man she just met. Not any man, Alekzander Black- Prince of demons.
I am absolutely in love with the story. I did not want to put it down. The chemistry between Lyra and Alek is palpable. On top of being a moody anti-hero, Alek is perfect boyfriend material... Even if its a fake boyfriend. His mannerisms had me swooning. The opening of doors and giving of jackets... The overly protectiveness. The little things he did that weren't always pointed out, but were evident throughout. As any good book boyfriend should.
I feel like this a great start to a series. Our main characters formed their relationship - that I'm sure will be tested time and time again - Lyra is discovering the world around her and who she wants to be rather than what she's been led to believe she is, and we have an understanding of their back story. The details leading up to a big adventure.
While I loved this book, I can't wait to see how the next book unfolds. I hope to see more of the supporting characters, and love them as much as I love Lyra and Alek. The fake dating and an over protective MM, Alek and his flip floppy moods.... Uh, I can't get enough. I received an arc copy of this book so I didn't know too much going into it. But I am so thankful I had the opportunity to read it. It was effortless, falling into the story. I am in love with Emily's style of writing.
4 stars for this book, and a huge fan!
Side note for all my spice sisters.... While the book has ALL the feels, its not overly spicey. I do love my spice.. Hot, graphic, melt-your-face steam. There is spoce, but it's not overly detailed and abundant. The book focuses more on the story then it does sex. But... The chemistry. Swoooooooon. It has just the right amount of heat so everybody is able to enjoy, and I'm sure as the series progresses the steam level will increase.
“You are fulfilling a great destiny, child. Stay quiet, stay hidden away, and when your time comes, save the world.”
This was my life. Stay hidden. Stay quiet. I was my mother’s weapon to the world. My mother, the Goddess of Light, had a very dark secret. Her own daughter.
Lyra, a 22 year old college student, has been living a sheltered human life under the thumb of her mother, until one night changed everything.
She made a deal she knew little about with a man she just met. Not any man, Alekzander Black- Prince of demons.
I am absolutely in love with the story. I did not want to put it down. The chemistry between Lyra and Alek is palpable. On top of being a moody anti-hero, Alek is perfect boyfriend material... Even if its a fake boyfriend. His mannerisms had me swooning. The opening of doors and giving of jackets... The overly protectiveness. The little things he did that weren't always pointed out, but were evident throughout. As any good book boyfriend should.
I feel like this a great start to a series. Our main characters formed their relationship - that I'm sure will be tested time and time again - Lyra is discovering the world around her and who she wants to be rather than what she's been led to believe she is, and we have an understanding of their back story. The details leading up to a big adventure.
While I loved this book, I can't wait to see how the next book unfolds. I hope to see more of the supporting characters, and love them as much as I love Lyra and Alek. The fake dating and an over protective MM, Alek and his flip floppy moods.... Uh, I can't get enough. I received an arc copy of this book so I didn't know too much going into it. But I am so thankful I had the opportunity to read it. It was effortless, falling into the story. I am in love with Emily's style of writing.
4 stars for this book, and a huge fan!
Side note for all my spice sisters.... While the book has ALL the feels, its not overly spicey. I do love my spice.. Hot, graphic, melt-your-face steam. There is spoce, but it's not overly detailed and abundant. The book focuses more on the story then it does sex. But... The chemistry. Swoooooooon. It has just the right amount of heat so everybody is able to enjoy, and I'm sure as the series progresses the steam level will increase.
December 15, 2024
this book is garbage. awful. painful waste of my time and brain cells.
i read a comment on tiktok recently saying that a lot of these 2020s romance/fantasy/romantasy books, whether or not they have smut, "you have to go into these books understanding that they are not written for educated women" and suddenly everything about every awful booktok, especially indie author booktok, book makes so much fucking sense.
i don't know why i bought so many of this author's books. this is the first one i read, after randomly plucking it from my shelf. i bought so many of her books in a phase after i just got back into reading after years of not consistently reading due to many life factors. i was enchanted by her fae fantasy series, so bought the whole thing. assuming it'd be good, i bought this one + another book. mistake. i'm probably going to end up selling them without reading them if this book is anything to go off of.
i don't even know where to start with criticizing this.
this is a grown ass woman writing this book, but the writing style is so unbelievably juvenile. like it literally has the same energy as an 11-12 year old writing original stories/fanfic on wattpad/quizazz, but as bad and cringey as those stories were even WHILE i was at that age, they were at least fun and engaging. this story has nothing going for it. it's derivative, boring, bland, not engaging, does nothing for the mind, does not urge you to press forward.
i started skimming at page 30. i skimmed all the way to page 181 where i finally gave up. i skipped like, all of the dialogue because i realized that doing so wouldn't affect the story at all, and i was missing nothing of substance. there is no plot. there is zero-fuck-all world building in this book. nothing makes sense.
it's giving "i had a dream fantasy to write books and everyone all my life told me i could do anything i put my mind to and that i'm so so so talented and no one ever told me no or told me the truth" because this book is BAD.
there is nothing demonic about alek lmao. there was this moment he just stumbles outside lyra's door after being stabbed and it was the most 12-year old scene ever. christ on a bike bro.
i read a comment on tiktok recently saying that a lot of these 2020s romance/fantasy/romantasy books, whether or not they have smut, "you have to go into these books understanding that they are not written for educated women" and suddenly everything about every awful booktok, especially indie author booktok, book makes so much fucking sense.
i don't know why i bought so many of this author's books. this is the first one i read, after randomly plucking it from my shelf. i bought so many of her books in a phase after i just got back into reading after years of not consistently reading due to many life factors. i was enchanted by her fae fantasy series, so bought the whole thing. assuming it'd be good, i bought this one + another book. mistake. i'm probably going to end up selling them without reading them if this book is anything to go off of.
i don't even know where to start with criticizing this.
this is a grown ass woman writing this book, but the writing style is so unbelievably juvenile. like it literally has the same energy as an 11-12 year old writing original stories/fanfic on wattpad/quizazz, but as bad and cringey as those stories were even WHILE i was at that age, they were at least fun and engaging. this story has nothing going for it. it's derivative, boring, bland, not engaging, does nothing for the mind, does not urge you to press forward.
i started skimming at page 30. i skimmed all the way to page 181 where i finally gave up. i skipped like, all of the dialogue because i realized that doing so wouldn't affect the story at all, and i was missing nothing of substance. there is no plot. there is zero-fuck-all world building in this book. nothing makes sense.
it's giving "i had a dream fantasy to write books and everyone all my life told me i could do anything i put my mind to and that i'm so so so talented and no one ever told me no or told me the truth" because this book is BAD.
there is nothing demonic about alek lmao. there was this moment he just stumbles outside lyra's door after being stabbed and it was the most 12-year old scene ever. christ on a bike bro.
April 9, 2023
Paranormal Romance
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 2/5
Age range: NA
Content warnings: suicidal thoughts, attempted unaliving, imprisonment, self harm
CreedReads Review:
In twenty-two years Lyra has never known what life is like, she has one sole purpose to her life, stay hidden. If only Lyra knew how her life would be changed after one simple kiss. Her best friend and only friend had received an exclusive invitation to a club and she was breaking her out for the night! The man standing across the club, his eyes would not only haunt her dreams…
Alek was the demon prince and meant to be feared. He was also changing what Lyra wanted out of life, showing her so many wonderful things. If she knew how her life would play, would she regret the stars?
Wow! Daddy Alek is not a vampire, but if he wants to practice…I mean, I volunteer! The slow burn is definitely there and the tension between our FMC and MMC is delicious!
Tropes & Vibes:
- Demons 😈 and Gods
- Fake dating
- “Good Girl” 🥵
- Who did this
- Touch her and 💀
- Burn 🔥the world
- Witches and other Supernatural
- Ritual & Sacrifice
Content Warnings: may be provided by the author, it’s the reader’s responsibility to review and determine if you want to read this story. Your mental health is always more important.
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 2/5
Age range: NA
Content warnings: suicidal thoughts, attempted unaliving, imprisonment, self harm
CreedReads Review:
"Deals with demons are sealed with a kiss”
In twenty-two years Lyra has never known what life is like, she has one sole purpose to her life, stay hidden. If only Lyra knew how her life would be changed after one simple kiss. Her best friend and only friend had received an exclusive invitation to a club and she was breaking her out for the night! The man standing across the club, his eyes would not only haunt her dreams…
Until I could see those stars again, I would try to remember how beautiful the middle of nowhere could be.
Alek was the demon prince and meant to be feared. He was also changing what Lyra wanted out of life, showing her so many wonderful things. If she knew how her life would play, would she regret the stars?
"I won’t bite you again until you ask me nicely.”
Wow! Daddy Alek is not a vampire, but if he wants to practice…I mean, I volunteer! The slow burn is definitely there and the tension between our FMC and MMC is delicious!
Tropes & Vibes:
- Demons 😈 and Gods
- Fake dating
- “Good Girl” 🥵
- Who did this
- Touch her and 💀
- Burn 🔥the world
- Witches and other Supernatural
- Ritual & Sacrifice
Content Warnings: may be provided by the author, it’s the reader’s responsibility to review and determine if you want to read this story. Your mental health is always more important.
August 23, 2025
Several Hours I’ll Never Get Back…
Their relationship was just…dumb. Her always wondering why he was doing good things for her and even though he confessed to loving her several times, she’s saying, “I wonder why he cares”. Vague and uninteresting relationship.
He keeps telling her she’s safe with him and he’ll protect her, then he walks away and she’s nearly killed by his buddies or someone else. He either doesn’t protect her or he is too much of a weakling to do so. He literally didn’t do anything to his demon buddies that tried to KILL HER! In fact, they were sitting at a table together drinking a few days after the assault! WTF??!! Where were the so called demon powers - mentioned but not shown?!
The dialogue was lackluster and after waiting until 85% into the book for some spice, it was tepid at best! So disappointing! Hardly a description at all.
No explanation whatsoever about why the demon king adored his deceased son and loathed the MMC. Then at the end, just thrown in there haphazardly, this power hungry big bad demon king gives the crown to the beloved son.
So many questions unanswered. Just bad, bad, bad. I won’t be reading any more of these. Maybe this author is just starting out. The storyline certainly had potential, hence the two stars. Why on earth were there people giving it 4.5-5 stars?? I don’t get it.
Their relationship was just…dumb. Her always wondering why he was doing good things for her and even though he confessed to loving her several times, she’s saying, “I wonder why he cares”. Vague and uninteresting relationship.
He keeps telling her she’s safe with him and he’ll protect her, then he walks away and she’s nearly killed by his buddies or someone else. He either doesn’t protect her or he is too much of a weakling to do so. He literally didn’t do anything to his demon buddies that tried to KILL HER! In fact, they were sitting at a table together drinking a few days after the assault! WTF??!! Where were the so called demon powers - mentioned but not shown?!
The dialogue was lackluster and after waiting until 85% into the book for some spice, it was tepid at best! So disappointing! Hardly a description at all.
No explanation whatsoever about why the demon king adored his deceased son and loathed the MMC. Then at the end, just thrown in there haphazardly, this power hungry big bad demon king gives the crown to the beloved son.
So many questions unanswered. Just bad, bad, bad. I won’t be reading any more of these. Maybe this author is just starting out. The storyline certainly had potential, hence the two stars. Why on earth were there people giving it 4.5-5 stars?? I don’t get it.
May 23, 2023
I wasn’t a fan of the FMC most of the time. She seemed whiny and oh my gosh my life is so terrible being a blood bag for my mother. She wasn’t taking the blood unlike her BFs family. She just didn’t like being trapped and wanted to be used. I hate these types of characters. So deprived of love that she has to go get used to feel love…I’m not buying it.
1 star for plot which wasn’t very good and I was confused with a lot of the choice of story lines and all the filler was gross
2 stars even though it took me a very long time to finish this book. It didn’t keep my attention long and I wasn’t finishing the chapter before I went and did or read something else
3 stars for all the secrets
-1 star for too much filler and it dragged on too long. I was skimming the last 12 chapters to finish it.
-1 star I wasn’t a fan of the characters.
I’m so glad I was able to get this book as a gift for free because if I would of bought this I would have been mad.
What was with that epilogue? Second book? Left on a cliff hanger
⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 star for plot which wasn’t very good and I was confused with a lot of the choice of story lines and all the filler was gross
2 stars even though it took me a very long time to finish this book. It didn’t keep my attention long and I wasn’t finishing the chapter before I went and did or read something else
3 stars for all the secrets
-1 star for too much filler and it dragged on too long. I was skimming the last 12 chapters to finish it.
-1 star I wasn’t a fan of the characters.
I’m so glad I was able to get this book as a gift for free because if I would of bought this I would have been mad.
What was with that epilogue? Second book? Left on a cliff hanger
⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 2, 2024
If you love dark romance, this is for you!!! Forewarning this is a slowwwwww burn, can get frustrating, you know the moments where you want to scream “DO IT ALREADY”! Lol. A steamy, charming, protective, and sly main male character will leave you wanting more! The quirky, sheltered, shy, smart, beautiful main female lead will have you flipping the pages and gasping at her very unique and devastating upbringing. Two characters from completely different worlds ready to dive into a relationship to appease a parent, and to deceive one…. at least in secret. There is some trigger warnings so beware if the situation applies to you, but I believe all of them are listed in the beginning of the book! Did I forget to mention we’re dealing with demons and gods, how do you think that turns out?! If you want a a romance with all the right twists and turns this is for you and start reading now!!!
P. S. There is another book to this one, and I do not have it yet! Will be purchasing to finish off this duet, I am sure I won’t be disappointed!
P. S. There is another book to this one, and I do not have it yet! Will be purchasing to finish off this duet, I am sure I won’t be disappointed!
April 9, 2023
This book is a slow burn paranormal romance with the fake dating trope. I actually found this book to be more enjoyable than the authors other series. I like how fast paced it is despite the romance being slow burn and how you feel like you can connect with the main characters struggles. Plus we get the damsel in distress rescue scene twice in this book which is something I enjoy reading. This ending wasn’t that surprising and was honestly kind of predictable and the fact that Lyra kept doubting if Alec was telling the truth or not have us a lot of “I hate you no I love you” back and forth that kind of got annoying after the third time. But overall, the story was good, the world building could use a little work, I feel like I was just thrown into the story with no good explanation on why the main character is considered special. But otherwise this book was good and I can’t wait to read the next one.
July 30, 2024
Lyra, daughter of the Goddess Theia, has been hidden away from the world by her mother but that all changes when her mother goes out of town the week of her college graduation. Her best friend, Natalie, convinces her to go out for one night, against her mother's wishes, and it changes everything. A forbidden life of thrill and excitement starts for Lyra when she meets the demon prince, Alek. She strikes a deal with a demon who needs help showing his father that he is in a relationship in exchange for showing her the world and what magical experiences it contains. From blood bonding to nights under the stars, we see the relationship between the two slowly developing with an amazing story that I couldn’t put down. While the spice isn’t too intense, it still has some of the best chemistry between any characters I’ve ever read. I definitely recommend reading it and it was by far one of my favorite reads of the year so far!
December 3, 2023
This book definitely kept my interest peeked and I had many questions as the story went on. The slow build of the two MCs was a nice change of pace and it definitely had my head spinning not knowing who to believe. Lyra’s mom is a total douchebag and deserves what’s coming to her. Lyra I wish had more of a backbone from the start but she has good character growth considering her trauma. Alek… he drove me insane with his back and forth bs because of knowing he’s got feelings but keeping his distance and hurting Lyra. Also, I get why he was that way bc his dad is also a piece of shit. It definitely left me on a cliffhanger as to what’s going to happen next especially since the natural balance has been blown. Small amount of spice but the story line was really good so it was a nice buildup that had me screaming finally!
April 13, 2023
I'm so happy to have been able to get my hands on this book prior to the release! I am an Emily Blackwood girly and this book was no different. I appreciate how readable her books are, its not over complicated and is well written. If you want to dip your toes into the paranormal or fantasy genre this is a great start! The book takes place in the real world with some fantasy aspects thrown in.
I love how Lyra and Alek are written. Lyra is a very relatable character and Alek is the tattooed heartfelt bad boy we all deserve. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
The worst part about reading this book was having to now wait until the next one comes out! Excited to see where this story leads!!
I love how Lyra and Alek are written. Lyra is a very relatable character and Alek is the tattooed heartfelt bad boy we all deserve. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
The worst part about reading this book was having to now wait until the next one comes out! Excited to see where this story leads!!
May 9, 2023
✅ fake dating
✅ slow burn romance
✅ demons and gods
✅Hades/Persephone retelling
There were things that I liked about this book and things I liked less. I like a good Hades and Persephone storyline, and this book had vibes of that. Lyra has been kept on a short leash by her mother all her life, and meets Alek by what she thinks is chance. There’s connections to the underworld, fake dating and feelings simmering.
I’m not entirely sure if this book is supposed to be the first of a series or a stand-alone, but if not a series the ending was very strange with the appearance of Lyra’s dad. Also, after all of that, Alek’s father steps down from his position? Some parts of the book were definitely glossed over or vague.
✅ slow burn romance
✅ demons and gods
✅Hades/Persephone retelling
There were things that I liked about this book and things I liked less. I like a good Hades and Persephone storyline, and this book had vibes of that. Lyra has been kept on a short leash by her mother all her life, and meets Alek by what she thinks is chance. There’s connections to the underworld, fake dating and feelings simmering.
I’m not entirely sure if this book is supposed to be the first of a series or a stand-alone, but if not a series the ending was very strange with the appearance of Lyra’s dad. Also, after all of that, Alek’s father steps down from his position? Some parts of the book were definitely glossed over or vague.
April 11, 2023
Amazing! Another amazing read from Emily and my heart hurt and just all the feelings. Malachi has some serious competition with Alek. This is Emily’s first NA book and I LOVED IT!!! The whole fake dating trope has me on such a choke hold and will devour it every time. Seeing Lyra come into her own at the end and fight for what she wants was amazingly written and such growth from the fear she had in the beginning. All the twists and turns and not knowing who to trust gave me such anxiety and pain, literally was feeling everything Lyra was feeling. And that cliffhanger, I need book 2 like yesterday! I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
April 19, 2023
4/5⭐️
———ARC Review———
Lyra meets Alek at his bar. They instantly connect and Alek asks her for a favor—fake date him so his father, the demon king, will stop pressuring him into dating. Lyra agrees and they seal the deal with a kiss.
Lyra and Alek are so cute together! Their confliction about their feelings lead to hot kisses, where they weren’t sure if they were faking it or not.
Lyra’s past pulls my heart strings and I’m so glad she was able to overcome it. The mystery of her powers was so worth reading and I’m excited for the next book from what the ending revealed.
The side characters are also really enjoyable!
“I’m on my fucking knees for you, Lyra Sol.”
———ARC Review———
Lyra meets Alek at his bar. They instantly connect and Alek asks her for a favor—fake date him so his father, the demon king, will stop pressuring him into dating. Lyra agrees and they seal the deal with a kiss.
Lyra and Alek are so cute together! Their confliction about their feelings lead to hot kisses, where they weren’t sure if they were faking it or not.
Lyra’s past pulls my heart strings and I’m so glad she was able to overcome it. The mystery of her powers was so worth reading and I’m excited for the next book from what the ending revealed.
The side characters are also really enjoyable!
“I’m on my fucking knees for you, Lyra Sol.”
February 28, 2024
"Demons and Darlings" by Emily Blackwood is a sizzling concoction of paranormal romance that will have you hooked from the first page. Lyra, a girl chained by both destiny and emotion, finds herself entangled in a fake-dating deal with the dangerously irresistible demon, Alekzander Black. As sparks fly and secrets unravel, Blackwood weaves a tale that is equal parts steamy and suspenseful. With witty banter and heart-pounding chemistry, this book will leave you craving for more. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and supernatural surprises that will keep you guessing until the very end.
April 14, 2023
Okay Emily’s writing always has a way of pulling me into the story early on and this book was no different! In no time I was dedicated to the characters and their struggles, I had to know what was going to happen next and I found myself crying, laughing and gasping on the journey! I didn’t put this book down, literally. I read it in three hours and I will most definitely be waiting for the second one! If your a fan of the fake dating trope, demons and goddesses. Slow burn that will get your heart racing and betrayals you never saw coming! This is a must read for you!
January 18, 2026
This was a fun, easy read with just the right mix of paranormal vibes and romance. The story leans into demon lore while keeping things playful and flirty, which made it really enjoyable without feeling too heavy or complicated. The chemistry between the characters was definitely the highlight and kept me turning the pages. I liked how lighthearted the tone was, even with darker supernatural elements mixed in. It’s a great pick if you’re in the mood for something cozy, romantic and a little spicy with a paranormal twist. Perfect for a quick escape and a feel-good read.
April 15, 2023
I always DEVOUR Emily’s books!
I think she excelled in this NA book, though I was expecting a bit more spice. I didn’t find myself missing it that much though with such a great storyline. Lots of action and forbidden things 👀.
The fight scene towards the end with Lyra’s mother was a bit confusing and fast for me, but that could also be because I was reading at 1am. 😂
All in all a great start to a series! Definitely left me wanting more! Can’t wait to see why bringing Alek and Wrath back was such a bad idea. I would of 100% done it too Lyra. Gotta say that part made me audibly gasp. Like WTH?!? Your own son MR!
Spice : 1/5 🌶️ I’m hoping for more in-depth spice in the second book!
4.5 ⭐️
I think she excelled in this NA book, though I was expecting a bit more spice. I didn’t find myself missing it that much though with such a great storyline. Lots of action and forbidden things 👀.
The fight scene towards the end with Lyra’s mother was a bit confusing and fast for me, but that could also be because I was reading at 1am. 😂
All in all a great start to a series! Definitely left me wanting more! Can’t wait to see why bringing Alek and Wrath back was such a bad idea. I would of 100% done it too Lyra. Gotta say that part made me audibly gasp. Like WTH?!? Your own son MR!
Spice : 1/5 🌶️ I’m hoping for more in-depth spice in the second book!
4.5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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