Title: Desire Unchained
Author: Larissa Ione
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: The Demonica (Book 2)
Publication Date: March 1, 2009
Format: Paperback, 401 Pages
ISBN-10: 044640098X (Hachette Book Group)
ISBN-13: 978-0446400985 (Hachette Book Group)
Synopsis:
Pleasure is their ultimate weapon . . .
Runa Wagner never meant to fall in love with the sexy stranger who seemed to know her every deepest desire. But she couldn’t resist the unbelievable passion that burned between them, a passion that died when she discovered his betrayal and found herself forever changed. Now, determined to make Shade pay for the transformation that haunts her, Runa searches for him, only to be taken prisoner by his darkest enemy.
A Seminus Demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he’d seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever.
As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts-or succumb to a madman’s evil plans.
Quick & Dirty: A delightful romp with gripping world building, fully fleshed-out characters and pulse-pounding action.
Opening Sentence: “He’s gone. Let’s call it.”
Excerpt: Chapter 1
The Review:
Runa Wagner will never be able to forgive Shade for what’s he’s done to her. His betrayal haunts her and now she’s out for vengeance. Unfortunately for Runa, on her mission to bring Shade down a peg or two, she ends up caught in a dangerous game of revenge fueled by Shade’s darkest enemy. Shade thought that he dodged a bullet when his relationship ended with Runa the first time around. Between his curse and his demon nature, he didn’t have the time to get tangled up in a relationship with a mere mortal. This time around things have changed. Something about Runa has changed, and when Shade wakes up to find himself shackled to Runa in a creepy dungeon, all hell break loose. Shade and Runa need to fight their way out to escape their captor, and try not to kill each other in the process. The story continues with a journey to discover more about the black market organ harvesting, demon torture and ultimately love.
Desire Unchained, the second installment in the Demonica series, continues to captivate readers with a fascinating demon world. Shade’s story takes center stage in this installment, which is worthy of high praise. Ms. Ione delivers another incredible romance with witty banter and explosive sexual chemistry. Desire Unchained is a well-written, fast-paced story that will have your heart racing. Ms. Ione does a fantastic job crafting characters with such passion and courage. You’ll be on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
I really enjoyed reading Shade’s story. He’s not as “agreeable” as his brother Eidolon, but I like the fact that he’s rough around the edges. His brothers mean everything to him and he will do anything to protect them. Runa and Shade share such great chemistry. They connected in such a beautiful way, even when you were ready to count them down for the count. Their conflict is real and heartbreaking. I also like the fact that nothing comes easy for any of the characters. Nothing about this world is picture perfect.
I was continuously surprised by the twists and turns in this book. The big bad is a stroke of genius. I love it when an author completely captures the essence of a villainous character. Meaning their goals and motivations were purely evil, and not some trumped up or poorly constructed conflict/plot device. It also helps when the villain actually does something evil, instead of skirting around the issue. The main villain brings so much excitement and fear to the story.
Overall, this sophomore effort delivers on every level. The characters are highly sensual, complex, and have great emotional depth. The plot remains riveting, and these demons prove that they aren’t controlled by their desires, but their hearts.
Notable Scene:
He burst out the side entrance and braced himself for a confrontation with the Nightlash and Seminus he’s seen earlier. No doubt they’d have hellhounds as well, and those beasts loved a good fight. Well-trained Carceris hounds wouldn’t kill their target, but they’d fall just short of it. Worse, they were perpetually horny, and what they did to a demon when it was down amounted to a lot more than a little leg-humping.
With Wraith and Eidolon on his heels, he charged down the path to the south side of the cliffs where the waterfall met the pool, not bothering with stealth. Ahead, in the clearing, Runa lay on the ground, her body crumpled next to a tree.
“Son of a-” Something struck him in the head, and pain exploded in his skull. He wheeled toward the source, a slimy Drec demon holding a cudgel.
Wraith struck with the bullwhip. How he’d managed to grab the thing while on the run was a question for later. His brother wielded it as if it was an extension of his arm, and the Drec’s face split open, sending blood and teeth flying.
A massive four-winged creature dropped in front of him. A demon he’d never seen before, a hideous black beast that smelled-and looked-like rotting flesh. Its head was little more than a gaping mouth full of rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth.
The Demonica Series:
6. Sin Undone
You can visit Larissa around the web here: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
FTC Advisory: I purchased by own copy of Desire Unchained. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
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