Secrets Of The Demon (Kara Gillian #3) by Diana Rowland
Urban Fantasy
January 4, 2011
Paperback, 384 Pages
Daw

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “The sight of him took my breath away. Every. Single.Time. Angelic features-the kick butt guardian kind, not the dorky cherub sort…”

Homicide detective Kara Gillian fights crime in Beaulac, LA with some help from the supernatural. Kara has the ability to sense magic and summon demons. This combination of power has brought her to the attention of the very sexy and very dangerous demonic lord, Rhyzkahl. When Rhyzkahl saves her partner’s life, he demands a steep price. Kara is bound to summon him to her world once a month for 3 years. But Rhyzkahl demands more from her then her magic and soon they embark on an affair that leaves Kara wanting and confused. Confused because she is also attracted to a fellow investigator, FBI Special Agent Ryan Kristoff, who has some dangerous secrets of his own.

When a case involving the stalking of a local music band’s lead singer shows signs of supernatural involvement, Kara finds herself knee deep in sex, drugs, rock and roll, and… mud.

Kara is a tough no nonsense woman who went from being a social nomadic to having friends and a lover. It is hard for her to handle though. You see a lot of soul searching and questions asked in this one as Kara tries to reconcile her feelings for her demon lover and her FBI partner. She wants them both but while Rhyzkahl has made it clear he desires her she is unsure of his motives. And Ryan seems to treat her more as a friend though his anger at her being bound is a constant source of discord between them.

When Kara, Ryan, and Zack stake out the concert of a Goth musician who claims to have been receiving harassing letters, they are shocked when an unknown incredibly strong assailant scoops the musician up and tosses her in the river. Kara is further mystified when the demon she summoned for help during the stake out reveals to her the nature of the assailant and that she is in danger. As Kara is pulled deeper into the case, she finds herself caught in a whirlwind of politics, magic, and death as the trail of murders inches closer to her front door.

I have been a huge fan of Diana Rowland’s since I read the first of this series-Mark Of the Demon. In her 3rd installment, Secrets Of The Demon, Kara Gillian jumps right back into fray with her latest case. Police procedure, explosive action, cunning magic mixes with plenty of humor and smexy lovin’ to round it all out. The world building maintains its freshness with a mixture of reality and fantasy that transposes so well to paper that I’m almost convinced I can go to Beaulac, LA and hook up with Kara and friends.

I love the characters Rowland has created here. Complex and diversified; they project an air of realism that has you draws you into their lives. I love the slow evolution of all of them; especially between Kara and the police department. Nothing is rushed or forced. I was disappointed to see no further leeway is made between Kara and her aunt though. I would have liked to see some straight answers given on that situation rather then her aunt’s normal irritating vague responses.

The dialogue flows smoothly and filled with humor and zany one liners that had me laughing out loud. Especially scenes between Kara and her best friend Jill.

There is a lot going on in here with multiple story lines all dropping tantalizing hints as to what is coming for us now and in the future. You really need to pay attention to the undercurrents as you are pushed, pulled, and tossed around right along with Kara. You do get some insight into some long anticipated secrets and some stunning revelations that left me reeling and and wondering who stole the rest of my book? Because it can’t end there! Can it?

All in all an entertaining and exciting paranormal world filled with danger, suspense, and romantic intrigue guaranteed to keep you hooked till the end.

Rating: B

Recent Reviews:
Errant Dreams – 4.5/5
All Things Urban Fantasy – 4/5
Wicked Little Pixie – 5/5
Goodreads

Kara Gillian Series:
Mark of the Demon
Blood of the Demon
Secrets of the Demon

Author’s Website.

Purchase Links:
Amazon l Kindle l Book Depository l Nook l Sony