Shannon C.’s review of Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, Book 1) by Larissa Ione
Paranormal romance released by Forever 20 June 08

Originally, I had been planning to review the first three novels in the Demonica series as a Duckies do Series post because RL, she keeps me busy. But recent discussions of the books on Twitter, and the fact that Fictionwise recently sold the book for $0.82 made me rethink that decision. If you didn’t take advantage of the offer of this book via Fictionwise, you are missing out on one of the most un-put-downable romances that’s come out recently! 

The Demonica series centers around Underworld General, a hospital run by three sexy demon brothers, Eidolon, Shade and Wraith. When Tayla, a human hunter, is brought to the hospital after sustaining serious injuries, the rest of the staff would rather kill her, because she belongs to the Aegis, a group of trained warriors that regularly kills demons whether they deserve it or not. But Eidolon intervenes and treats Tayla anyway, and the two of them find themselves unable to fight a fierce attraction.

I was actually quite surprised by just how much I loved this book. A number of aspects of the story felt really cheesy. The names come to mind, for one thing. While not as bad as Zsadist or Rhage, I did find Wraith and Shade to be two of the cheesiest names I’ve encountered in romancelandia. I also felt some of the world-building was a bit clunky, with names of creatures dropped in as if for no other apparent reason than that the author wanted to use all the stuff she’d worked out whether it was necessary or not. And then, well, there’s the whole “Either I need to find a mate or I’m going to become a crazy fucking machine!” which, as far as conflicts go, made me snort.

But such is Ms. Ione’s storytelling ability that these things didn’t actually bother me when I was reading the book. Her writing is vivid and detailed, and her characters are extremely well-done. I loved meeting them, and it was incredibly fun watching Eidolon and Tayla fight their attraction.

I also really appreciated that in this world there is good and bad in everyone, from the demons to the Aegis. I could see what drew Tayla about the Aegis, but I could also see why they were feared. I really appreciated the shades of gray, because that’s how life is, and I’ve gotten impatient with light and fluffy paranormals of late.

The action was intense, and the book was hard to put down. I kept fearing for all my favorite secondary characters, certain that Ms. Ione would kill them off, and as I said, I found Tayla and Eidolon’s romance compelling. I tore through this book, and even a few weeks later, scenes stick out in my mind.

I highly recommend this book. If you can put up with a bit of cheesiness, it’s well worth your time.

Grade: B+

Summary:
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In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life…
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She’s a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure—but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.
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Two lovers will dare to risk all.
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Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his desire to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable—and let Tayla possess him, body and soul…
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series: