Seducing the Succubus by Cassie Ryan (The sisters of Darkness #1)
Paranormal Romance
October 5, 2010
Trade Paperback, 336 Pages
Berkley Trade
Reviewed by Mandi
Jezebeth is a succubus, who is able to transform into any being to please a man’s expectations. She needs to feed from their sexual energy to sustain herself and that is what she is doing when chaos breaks out. Semiazas, a demon has broken out of prison and a demon bounty hunter shows up ready to drag Jez off to him. Jez and three of her succubus sisters helped their Queen Lilith imprison Semiazas many centuries ago – and he wants revenge. As Jez tries to fend him off, a hero of the human nature comes to her rescue.
Noah is a horror writer who accidentally summoned Lilith when he was doing research for a book. His payment for summoning her and not sleeping with her, is to retrieve Jez, and bring her back to Lilith safe and sound. Always one to research thoroughly, he comes prepared with salt water balloons and a super soaker filled with holy water to ward off these demons. He is baffled by his feelings for Jez – repulsed that she is a succubus and the number of times she has had sex, but still can’t help but be attracted to her.
Besides getting back to Lilith’s realm, the prophecy of Armageddon comes into play and the archangels go into strategy mode. There are many rules they all must follow, and even archangels have a hard time following the rules.
The problem I find with Seducing the Succubus is the romance between Jez and Noah – or lack thereof! What this book really showcases are the archangels. Noah and Jez get pushed to the side, all the way over and the archangels steal the show. While I think that storyline is decent, I am really bummed that we never truly get into Noah and Jez’s relationship. Jez has been alive pretty much forever, and Noah is a horror writer. And that is pretty much all we know about their past. The blurb of this book is all about them and doesn’t even mention the archangels. So I was really disappointed in their story. They do have an HEA (happily ever after) – but it makes no sense because you never develop a connection to them. And worst of all, I like them. I feel jipped by their romance.
As I said, the Armageddon prophecy and the archangels bring drama and sexiness into this book. We do learn a lot about their past and conflicts over the many rules that have been set in place for them. Lillith who is “in charge” of the succubi has a nice like her/hate her role and the very smexy archangels know how to put on a show.
So I don’t know what to think about this one. If there was a lot more focus on the main protagonists, I would be writing a much more positive review. But the lack of romance between Noah and Jez is too much to ignore.
Rating: 2.5/5
Recent Reviews:
Lovin’ Me Some Romance – C+
Goodreads
This series includes:
Seducing the Succubus
The Demon and the Succubus – April 2011
I'm on the fence when it comes to Succubi. I don't hate them but I haven't read a book where I completely fell in love with them. I probably won't be picking this one up but I really like the cover. Another helpful review.
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
I like the cover too :)
I think Jill Myles writes succubus stories really well
I was really tempted to give this one a go but I think I'll reconsider. I need the romance.
This sounds like it had lots of potential. Too bad it was a little flat :( Romance is key after all in a, you know, romance story. :P
Great review!
I never know how I feel about Succubi stories really. Have you read a good on yet? (higher than 3 stars)
It's not that I need romance, but if there are romance I do want it to be felt
Jezebeth? Blah!
FV – it just fell really flat
Julie – Yeah – especially between the main characters!!!
Ally – Jill Myles is really the only other succubi stories I have read. My Fair Succubi and Succubi Like it Hot (bk 2 is better than bk 1)
Blodeuedd – I agree – UF with no romance is fine – but this was a PNR
Danielle – ;)
Great review Mandi.
I just can't get into Succubus stories. Mead, Myles, ect…their just not my fav subjects.
Oh right..Richelle Mead! I've only read one of her books but I liked it…
I guess most just work for me ;)
Meh. I was mildly interested in this one because I just finished Richelle Mead's Succubus Georgina Kincaid series, but I'll pass on this one. Thank you for the review!
I really had troubles with Jez and Noah's romance too but was absolutely intrigued by the impossible romance going on between Uriel and Lilith. I can so understand you feeling jipped by their romance (jipped = new word for my dictionary LOL)
I'm with Tori – unfortunately, succubi just don't work for me.
Do you people have a facebook fan page? I looked for one on twitter but could not discover one, I would really like to become a fan!