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Not Your Average Hot Guy #1
Not Your Average Hot Guy
A paranormal romantic comedy at the (possible) end of the world.
All Callie wanted was a quiet weekend with her best friend. She promised her mom she could handle running her family’s escape room business while her mom is out of town. Instead a Satanic cult shows up, claiming that the prop spell book in one of the rooms is the real deal, and they need it to summon the right hand of the devil. Naturally they take Callie and her friend, Mag, along with them. But when the summoning reveals a handsome demon in a leather jacket named Luke who offers to help Callie stop the cult from destroying the world, her night goes from weird to completely strange.
As the group tries to stay one step ahead of the cult, Callie finds herself drawn to the annoying (and annoyingly handsome) Luke. But what Callie doesn’t know is that Luke is none other than Luke Morningstar, Prince of Hell and son of the Devil himself. Callie never had time for love, and with the apocalypse coming closer, is there room for romance when all hell’s about to break loose?
From New York Times bestselling author Gwenda Bond, Not Your Average Hot Guy is a hilarious romantic comedy about two people falling in love, while the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.
All Callie wanted was a quiet weekend with her best friend. She promised her mom she could handle running her family’s escape room business while her mom is out of town. Instead a Satanic cult shows up, claiming that the prop spell book in one of the rooms is the real deal, and they need it to summon the right hand of the devil. Naturally they take Callie and her friend, Mag, along with them. But when the summoning reveals a handsome demon in a leather jacket named Luke who offers to help Callie stop the cult from destroying the world, her night goes from weird to completely strange.
As the group tries to stay one step ahead of the cult, Callie finds herself drawn to the annoying (and annoyingly handsome) Luke. But what Callie doesn’t know is that Luke is none other than Luke Morningstar, Prince of Hell and son of the Devil himself. Callie never had time for love, and with the apocalypse coming closer, is there room for romance when all hell’s about to break loose?
From New York Times bestselling author Gwenda Bond, Not Your Average Hot Guy is a hilarious romantic comedy about two people falling in love, while the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2021
About the author
Gwenda Bond
53 books1,188 followersGwenda Bond is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the first official Stranger Things novel, Suspicious Minds, the Lois Lane YA series, and the romantic comedies Not Your Average Hot Guy, The Date from Hell, and Mr. & Mrs. Witch. She has a number of forthcoming projects, including a magical art heist book, The Frame-Up. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in Publishers Weekly, Locus Magazine, Salon, the Los Angeles Times, and many other publications.
She co-founded and chairs the nonprofit Lexington Writer’s Room, and lives in a hundred-year-old house in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband, author Christopher Rowe, and a veritable zoo of adorable doggos and queenly cats. Visit her online at www.gwendabond.com or join her newsletter at www.gwendabond.substack.com.
She co-founded and chairs the nonprofit Lexington Writer’s Room, and lives in a hundred-year-old house in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband, author Christopher Rowe, and a veritable zoo of adorable doggos and queenly cats. Visit her online at www.gwendabond.com or join her newsletter at www.gwendabond.substack.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 922 reviews
September 22, 2021
Well, a paranormal romance between quirky girl who loves occult teamed up with Luci Morningstar’s son Luke to stop the apocalypse and have an insta romance to be potential daughter in hell is interesting plot line to dive into without thinking any further!
Okay! I said I’m all in! Because it is advertised with its resemblances of Charley Davidson series which is a big mistake! First of all sarcastic, smart devil reaper Charley’s hilarious sense of humor hasn’t found in this book! Of course there are some laugh out loud moments and entertaining times but the snarky tone we’re looking for is definitely missing.
And Luke is a charming, sweet devil’s boy is not as charismatic as Reyes Alexander Farrow who can make you hyperventilate with his panty melting testosterone levels!
Anyways: instead of comparing completely two different stories ( only common point is both heroes are son of Tom Ellis) let’s focus on this one:
Insta love story and reluctant devil’s son who rejects to take humans’ soul story line didn’t work so well for me! The family drama of Luke with Luci and Lilith was a little nonsensical. The hell creatures were portrayed like caricature version of themselves.
But if I focus the positive sides: Mag: non-binary best friend was lovely supporting character. I loved the characters’ smart dialogues and assertiveness.
The pacing was also intriguing. There are lots of action packed chapters keep directing to you to well depicted apocalyptic rising all around the world.
Luke suffers from lack of charisma but he was too sweet for his role as a creature from hell!
Callie and Luke’s banters and teaming up we’re entertaining. I didn’t buy their insta love story but the fact doesn’t change: they looked cute together.
The plot was interesting as I told before: nerdy, occult book lover Callie who recently graduated from college, working at her mother’s escape room business called Great Escape.
She takes the responsibility to open up the place when her mother leaves to attend a conference. She couldn’t choose worse day to leave her daughter alone because a group of cult members steals the grimoire and kidnaps Callie alongside her bestie Mag, for performing a special ritual to summon the devil and start to apocalypse. But they summon Luke the intern, instead of devil himself.
Luke has no intention to take souls of humans and he is not a regular intern, as I mentioned a few times before he is Tom Ellis’ lovely son.
Luke finds himself to work with Callie to save the world as all hell breaks loose: fires and brimstones keep falling down from the sky and armies of hell attacking!
Overall: I didn’t love this book but it was still easy to read without exhausting your mind and there were some entertaining moments which made me smile. So I’m giving solid urban fantasy, new adult, supernatural fun stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Okay! I said I’m all in! Because it is advertised with its resemblances of Charley Davidson series which is a big mistake! First of all sarcastic, smart devil reaper Charley’s hilarious sense of humor hasn’t found in this book! Of course there are some laugh out loud moments and entertaining times but the snarky tone we’re looking for is definitely missing.
And Luke is a charming, sweet devil’s boy is not as charismatic as Reyes Alexander Farrow who can make you hyperventilate with his panty melting testosterone levels!
Anyways: instead of comparing completely two different stories ( only common point is both heroes are son of Tom Ellis) let’s focus on this one:
Insta love story and reluctant devil’s son who rejects to take humans’ soul story line didn’t work so well for me! The family drama of Luke with Luci and Lilith was a little nonsensical. The hell creatures were portrayed like caricature version of themselves.
But if I focus the positive sides: Mag: non-binary best friend was lovely supporting character. I loved the characters’ smart dialogues and assertiveness.
The pacing was also intriguing. There are lots of action packed chapters keep directing to you to well depicted apocalyptic rising all around the world.
Luke suffers from lack of charisma but he was too sweet for his role as a creature from hell!
Callie and Luke’s banters and teaming up we’re entertaining. I didn’t buy their insta love story but the fact doesn’t change: they looked cute together.
The plot was interesting as I told before: nerdy, occult book lover Callie who recently graduated from college, working at her mother’s escape room business called Great Escape.
She takes the responsibility to open up the place when her mother leaves to attend a conference. She couldn’t choose worse day to leave her daughter alone because a group of cult members steals the grimoire and kidnaps Callie alongside her bestie Mag, for performing a special ritual to summon the devil and start to apocalypse. But they summon Luke the intern, instead of devil himself.
Luke has no intention to take souls of humans and he is not a regular intern, as I mentioned a few times before he is Tom Ellis’ lovely son.
Luke finds himself to work with Callie to save the world as all hell breaks loose: fires and brimstones keep falling down from the sky and armies of hell attacking!
Overall: I didn’t love this book but it was still easy to read without exhausting your mind and there were some entertaining moments which made me smile. So I’m giving solid urban fantasy, new adult, supernatural fun stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
June 8, 2022
"And I know she's mine for the rest of the evening, in every way that matters."
Rating: ⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️
❗May contain some minor spoilers❗
Well, this was definitely...something. I guess the awesome-book streak had to end at some point. This wasn't all bad, but it wasn't good, either. I'm really bummed about this, I really thought I'd like it., though,
This book had all the right themes to be an excellent read. Quirky contemporary paranormal? Check! Good v Evil? Check! Pending Biblical Doomsday? Check! Hunky demon love interest? Check! Enemies-to-lovers? Check! And yet....it didn't deliver🤷♀️🤷♀️ I had pretty high expectations for this one. I read the synopsis and I got sooo excited. I thought it was going to be this epic angels v demons story with a female protagonist accidentally smack in the middle of it (a little cliche but nothing too bad), but alas, I was wrong...and disappointed.
First things first, the writing was pretty basic, even a bit bland. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because something simple like this would be ideal for readers whose English language level isn't as high. Although, since it's New Adult one should expect a higher level of writing. Moreover, while it got to the point right away (something I'll always appreciate), it was rushing through everything, with no real timeline structure. In 48 hours they subsequently started then ended the Apocalypse and that makes 0 sense to me. There was hardly any space for the necessary story or character development. It felt completely unrealistic. Basically, the execution of the story was extremely mediocre.
The other thing that irked me a lot was the absolute worst trope of all, insta-love 🤢🤢I just hate it so. damn. much.!!! It's so unrealistic and annoying😤😤 HOW?!?! How do you fall head over heels in love with someone in the span of ONLY TWO DAYS?!?!?! So in love, in fact, that you risk your life and your soul for them...WTF!! It just doesn't make any damn sense. The characters also address the reader, which I absolutely hate but it pales compared to the other annoying things that happened in this book. Furthermore, I was really disappointed with all the one-dimensional villains. It always makes me sad when I don't get a reeaaally good, reeeaaally complicated villain that I hate to love and love to hate.
That being said, there are some things I really liked as well. The main characters, Callie and Luke, were really lovable. Quirky, adorably snarky, and pretty damn cute. Their chemistry was pretty well written and their romantic scenes together were adorable, even though they were rushed (and maybe even a little cringey and random at times). They both had their own POVs as well, something that I always absolutely love. It's just so awesome when I get to know what both love interests think and feel about each other. Also, I found the book to be pretty funny, there were a lot of humorous moments that made me chuckle while I was reading.
I honestly don't know if I want to read the second book. I'll admit, I am a little curious to know what will happen, but I'm not sure I want to put myself through this again. Its synopsis is not nearly as intriguing and I definitely don't have any high hopes for this one anymore. I guess we'll see...
I don't think I would recommend this, but if you want to give it a try go for it.
Rating: ⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️
❗May contain some minor spoilers❗
Well, this was definitely...something. I guess the awesome-book streak had to end at some point. This wasn't all bad, but it wasn't good, either. I'm really bummed about this, I really thought I'd like it., though,
This book had all the right themes to be an excellent read. Quirky contemporary paranormal? Check! Good v Evil? Check! Pending Biblical Doomsday? Check! Hunky demon love interest? Check! Enemies-to-lovers? Check! And yet....it didn't deliver🤷♀️🤷♀️ I had pretty high expectations for this one. I read the synopsis and I got sooo excited. I thought it was going to be this epic angels v demons story with a female protagonist accidentally smack in the middle of it (a little cliche but nothing too bad), but alas, I was wrong...and disappointed.
First things first, the writing was pretty basic, even a bit bland. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because something simple like this would be ideal for readers whose English language level isn't as high. Although, since it's New Adult one should expect a higher level of writing. Moreover, while it got to the point right away (something I'll always appreciate), it was rushing through everything, with no real timeline structure. In 48 hours they subsequently started then ended the Apocalypse and that makes 0 sense to me. There was hardly any space for the necessary story or character development. It felt completely unrealistic. Basically, the execution of the story was extremely mediocre.
The other thing that irked me a lot was the absolute worst trope of all, insta-love 🤢🤢I just hate it so. damn. much.!!! It's so unrealistic and annoying😤😤 HOW?!?! How do you fall head over heels in love with someone in the span of ONLY TWO DAYS?!?!?! So in love, in fact, that you risk your life and your soul for them...WTF!! It just doesn't make any damn sense. The characters also address the reader, which I absolutely hate but it pales compared to the other annoying things that happened in this book. Furthermore, I was really disappointed with all the one-dimensional villains. It always makes me sad when I don't get a reeaaally good, reeeaaally complicated villain that I hate to love and love to hate.
That being said, there are some things I really liked as well. The main characters, Callie and Luke, were really lovable. Quirky, adorably snarky, and pretty damn cute. Their chemistry was pretty well written and their romantic scenes together were adorable, even though they were rushed (and maybe even a little cringey and random at times). They both had their own POVs as well, something that I always absolutely love. It's just so awesome when I get to know what both love interests think and feel about each other. Also, I found the book to be pretty funny, there were a lot of humorous moments that made me chuckle while I was reading.
I honestly don't know if I want to read the second book. I'll admit, I am a little curious to know what will happen, but I'm not sure I want to put myself through this again. Its synopsis is not nearly as intriguing and I definitely don't have any high hopes for this one anymore. I guess we'll see...
I don't think I would recommend this, but if you want to give it a try go for it.
September 19, 2022
Note: I received a free copy of this book. In exchange here is my honest review:
This was a rough go for me. 😬 I tried to get through it- but I ended up DNF’ing this one 70% through. I’d normally give a DNF book one star- but I’m feeling this one deserves one more. 😉 I was not invested in this story at all. It’s just not for me. But perhaps those Supernatural type fans out there would enjoy this read. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you @goodreads @gwendabond and @stmartinspress #goodreadsgiveaway
This was a rough go for me. 😬 I tried to get through it- but I ended up DNF’ing this one 70% through. I’d normally give a DNF book one star- but I’m feeling this one deserves one more. 😉 I was not invested in this story at all. It’s just not for me. But perhaps those Supernatural type fans out there would enjoy this read. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you @goodreads @gwendabond and @stmartinspress #goodreadsgiveaway
October 10, 2021
Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond.
Present tense. Alternating chapters between Luke and Callie. New adult Paranormal romance.
Callie and friend Mag find themselves as gifts to a demon that is released from Hell. Luke is really an intern and while he’s supposed to capture the souls of the dark, he is much more intrigued with the good in Callie. Together, Luke and Callie set out on an adventure to stop the “end of days” from happening.
I expected a romcom from the cover. What I got was a trip through Hell. Literally. Ok, it was filled with humor and irreverence and light romance so not all that dark.
Luke is very full of himself but comes up with most of the humor even though it is the son of Lucifer and training in hell. “Right now I’d give up 10 percent of my good looks for a peek in that brain.”
My first book with a “they, them” character rather than a he or she. It was distracting and while it’s an important inclusion I’m not sure of the point because of later pieces of the story. Maybe it will mean more in the second book of the series.
Entertaining if a bit slow in the middle, I liked the progression of the confidence that Callie had in herself.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Present tense. Alternating chapters between Luke and Callie. New adult Paranormal romance.
Callie and friend Mag find themselves as gifts to a demon that is released from Hell. Luke is really an intern and while he’s supposed to capture the souls of the dark, he is much more intrigued with the good in Callie. Together, Luke and Callie set out on an adventure to stop the “end of days” from happening.
I expected a romcom from the cover. What I got was a trip through Hell. Literally. Ok, it was filled with humor and irreverence and light romance so not all that dark.
Luke is very full of himself but comes up with most of the humor even though it is the son of Lucifer and training in hell. “Right now I’d give up 10 percent of my good looks for a peek in that brain.”
My first book with a “they, them” character rather than a he or she. It was distracting and while it’s an important inclusion I’m not sure of the point because of later pieces of the story. Maybe it will mean more in the second book of the series.
Entertaining if a bit slow in the middle, I liked the progression of the confidence that Callie had in herself.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
September 11, 2021
Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond is the first book in the new paranormal romantic comedy series by the same title. The story in this one is told by changing the point of view between the two lead characters, Callie and Luke. It also will a series that continues in the next book with the same two characters so they would be best to start with this book and continue in order.
Callie is a recent college graduate who found that her degree wasn’t really worth a whole lot and has found herself working in her family’s escape room business instead of in her own career. Callie’s mother is leaving town for a few days and has left Callie in charge while she’s gone and Callie assures her she will be fine but of course her brother could be called if needed. Almost as soon as Callie’s mother is gone a strange group comes in to play Callie’s own creation, the hardest room they have to try to solve.
As Callie watches through the monitors though the group easily escapes and does so with an old grimoire Callie had found at an estate sale and used as a prop in the room. As Callie tries to stop them she finds the group are no ordinary players but a satanic cult trying to summon a demon. The next thing Callie knows she and Mag, her longtime friend and co-worker, are taken hostage. Before Callie knows it she and Mag are witnessing a demon appearing and she finds he’s actually rather cute. When the cult threaten the safety of the world by going after an ancient weapon Callie finds she has to trust in the demon, Luke, in order to save the world.
Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond isn’t a bad read at all but the first thing I would warn readers of with this one is it felt as if the characters were very young. The story is sort of a cheesy one, I suppose for the comedy side, but I didn’t mind that as much as having to continue to remind myself Callie was past college age making this new adult territory but I’ve read stories with a more mature feel in the young adult category. Even if this ended up only three stars from me though I would probably pick up the next to see where the story goes.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Callie is a recent college graduate who found that her degree wasn’t really worth a whole lot and has found herself working in her family’s escape room business instead of in her own career. Callie’s mother is leaving town for a few days and has left Callie in charge while she’s gone and Callie assures her she will be fine but of course her brother could be called if needed. Almost as soon as Callie’s mother is gone a strange group comes in to play Callie’s own creation, the hardest room they have to try to solve.
As Callie watches through the monitors though the group easily escapes and does so with an old grimoire Callie had found at an estate sale and used as a prop in the room. As Callie tries to stop them she finds the group are no ordinary players but a satanic cult trying to summon a demon. The next thing Callie knows she and Mag, her longtime friend and co-worker, are taken hostage. Before Callie knows it she and Mag are witnessing a demon appearing and she finds he’s actually rather cute. When the cult threaten the safety of the world by going after an ancient weapon Callie finds she has to trust in the demon, Luke, in order to save the world.
Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond isn’t a bad read at all but the first thing I would warn readers of with this one is it felt as if the characters were very young. The story is sort of a cheesy one, I suppose for the comedy side, but I didn’t mind that as much as having to continue to remind myself Callie was past college age making this new adult territory but I’ve read stories with a more mature feel in the young adult category. Even if this ended up only three stars from me though I would probably pick up the next to see where the story goes.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 17, 2022
This is a Paranormal/Fantasy Romance, and this is the first book in the Not Your Average Hot Guy series. I have to start off by saying I normally do not read Fantasy, and this book is not what I normally read. I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters to be so much fun, and they where so very developed. The storyline/plot was so much fun, and I really loved it. This is a book truly about what happens when Good meets Evil and falls in love with each other. This book pull me in and made me want to keep reading. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Gwenda Bond) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
October 11, 2021
i wanted to like this so much more than i did. there was a scene where Luke says that he thinks Callie is fascinated, that was about 100 pages in, that’s when i started thinking.. what does he find interesting? what does he know about her? basically what i’m saying is that’s when i realized that this book romance isn’t really well developed. i think that they kissed way too soon and some things moved fast while others didn’t. I do think their romance could be sooo good like i literally see the potential. i did enjoy the paranormal plotline and i’m starting to like these cute cartoon covers that are urban fantasy. i hope that becomes a thing. anyways i’m going to go be sad and think about this book because this was on my anticipated releases and i had it preordered thinking it would be a 4 or 5 star and i’m very disappointed it wasn’t.
November 12, 2022
“Apocalypse Right Now!”
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: N/A
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: 🤓☹️🙃☺️😍
Narrator: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Callie - she majored in History in college, which doesn’t translate to much in the way of job openings, so she has been working at her mother’s Escape room business. One of the rooms she designed is an occult room which she found an ancient grimoire as one of the props.
The Hero: Luke Morningstar - He is the son of Lucifer and Lilith and is the crown prince of Hell, or at least he will be if he can get a soul. He is tasked with going to earth and making deals with humans for their souls. Though he has not yet gotten any. So when a cult summons Lucifer’s left hand man and want a boon, he goes instead, in order to get all thirteen members souls.
The Story: The cultists come to the escape room and they too easily find the exit, escaping the room with the grimoire and kidnapping Callie and her friend Mags in the process, thinking they are the guardians and can be used. They then summon Luke, planning to exchange their souls for the spear of destiny (the spear used on Jesus).
Luke needs the souls in order to appease his father, but is immediately interested in Callie, even though he knows her and Mags souls are not for the taking, since they are already earmarked for heaven. He is so preoccupied that he ends up giving the cult a deal with a loophole and doesn’t get their souls yet. He needs help to get the spear before the cult does and decides Callie is that person for him. It turns out she is a guardian and doesn’t know it. Callie and Luke go on a journey to save the world from the satanic cult.
This book is told in multiple points of view via dual narration. Narrated by Graham Halstead, Karissa Vacker and Joel Froomkin. Graham Halstead did the chapters in Lukes point of view, Karissa Vacker did those chapters in Callie’s point of view and Joel Froomkin did Porsoth, Luke’s tutor. The narration was great and this was an original story that was fun to listen to.
As I have said before, I really like the fantasy quest trope, and this one was great. Callie and Luke travel to different places via different magical and non magical methods, from a church in Portugal to Hell and back. This was quite a good book and a fun journey.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: N/A
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: 🤓☹️🙃☺️😍
Narrator: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Callie - she majored in History in college, which doesn’t translate to much in the way of job openings, so she has been working at her mother’s Escape room business. One of the rooms she designed is an occult room which she found an ancient grimoire as one of the props.
The Hero: Luke Morningstar - He is the son of Lucifer and Lilith and is the crown prince of Hell, or at least he will be if he can get a soul. He is tasked with going to earth and making deals with humans for their souls. Though he has not yet gotten any. So when a cult summons Lucifer’s left hand man and want a boon, he goes instead, in order to get all thirteen members souls.
The Story: The cultists come to the escape room and they too easily find the exit, escaping the room with the grimoire and kidnapping Callie and her friend Mags in the process, thinking they are the guardians and can be used. They then summon Luke, planning to exchange their souls for the spear of destiny (the spear used on Jesus).
Luke needs the souls in order to appease his father, but is immediately interested in Callie, even though he knows her and Mags souls are not for the taking, since they are already earmarked for heaven. He is so preoccupied that he ends up giving the cult a deal with a loophole and doesn’t get their souls yet. He needs help to get the spear before the cult does and decides Callie is that person for him. It turns out she is a guardian and doesn’t know it. Callie and Luke go on a journey to save the world from the satanic cult.
This book is told in multiple points of view via dual narration. Narrated by Graham Halstead, Karissa Vacker and Joel Froomkin. Graham Halstead did the chapters in Lukes point of view, Karissa Vacker did those chapters in Callie’s point of view and Joel Froomkin did Porsoth, Luke’s tutor. The narration was great and this was an original story that was fun to listen to.
As I have said before, I really like the fantasy quest trope, and this one was great. Callie and Luke travel to different places via different magical and non magical methods, from a church in Portugal to Hell and back. This was quite a good book and a fun journey.
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February 23, 2021
Bro nothing is as disappointing a reading one of your most anticipated books an absolutely hating every single bit of it. This was a struggle to finish and I am so sad.
December 6, 2022
2'5⭐ YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM
La premisa de este libro me recordó a Mi ex y otras maldiciones, que, en su sencillez de comedia romántica con un toque sobrenatural, me encantó. De modo que esperaba encontrar aquí algo parecido, cambiando las brujas por demonios, algo así como la serie de Sobrenatural pero con su toque romántico y cómico. Pero, por desgracia, no he encontrado eso, que era lo que buscaba, así que sintiéndolo mucho, la historia se queda en un aprobado raspado.
La verdad es que empezó bastante bien, con referencias frikis (que se mantienen a lo largo del libro) e introduciendo un personaje no binario (le mejor amigue de la protagonista) de forma natural, sin detenerse en dramas ni en explicaciones innecesarias. En esas primeras páginas, conocemos a nuestra protagonista, Callie, que trabaja en la sala de escape de su familia y siente cierta pasión por el ocultismo.
Por otro lado, tenemos a Luke, el hijo de Lucifer y príncipe del infierno, que siente reticencias a la hora de arrebatar almas humanas. Sinceramente, para tratarse del futuro rey del infierno, me ha parecido que le faltaba bastante carisma. Ha sido un personaje demasiado dulce para la idea mental que me había hecho de él.
Ambos tienen ciertos traumas, que sí que es verdad que se van tratando a lo largo del libro y, en ese sentido, hay cierta evolución por parte de ambos.
¿Otras pegas? La relación me parece muy instalove y, aunque haya una atracción física inicial, no veo nada que sustente los "sentimientos" que nos quieren vender. Me ha parecido que Callie y Luke no tenían demasiada química y que el sexy del título no tiene razón de ser (hay una única escena sexy y es un fundido en negro). Por otro lado, lo que podría considerarse una trama plagada de acción, porque no paran de ir de un lado a otro, a mí me ha parecido una forma de dar vueltas y más vueltas sobre lo mismo. La verdad es que los personajes no me atrapaban y la historia no me generaba ningún interés, por lo que me costó acabar el libro.
Me gusta que se alterne el punto de vista entre él y ella, aunque, como no les he cogido un cariño particular a ninguno de los dos, pues...
En resumen: por desgracia, una decepción para mí, aunque no creo que el libro tenga nada intrínsecamente malo, por lo que es posible que pueda gustar a otras personas que busquen en esta historia algo diferente a lo que buscaba yo.
La premisa de este libro me recordó a Mi ex y otras maldiciones, que, en su sencillez de comedia romántica con un toque sobrenatural, me encantó. De modo que esperaba encontrar aquí algo parecido, cambiando las brujas por demonios, algo así como la serie de Sobrenatural pero con su toque romántico y cómico. Pero, por desgracia, no he encontrado eso, que era lo que buscaba, así que sintiéndolo mucho, la historia se queda en un aprobado raspado.
La verdad es que empezó bastante bien, con referencias frikis (que se mantienen a lo largo del libro) e introduciendo un personaje no binario (le mejor amigue de la protagonista) de forma natural, sin detenerse en dramas ni en explicaciones innecesarias. En esas primeras páginas, conocemos a nuestra protagonista, Callie, que trabaja en la sala de escape de su familia y siente cierta pasión por el ocultismo.
Por otro lado, tenemos a Luke, el hijo de Lucifer y príncipe del infierno, que siente reticencias a la hora de arrebatar almas humanas. Sinceramente, para tratarse del futuro rey del infierno, me ha parecido que le faltaba bastante carisma. Ha sido un personaje demasiado dulce para la idea mental que me había hecho de él.
Ambos tienen ciertos traumas, que sí que es verdad que se van tratando a lo largo del libro y, en ese sentido, hay cierta evolución por parte de ambos.
¿Otras pegas? La relación me parece muy instalove y, aunque haya una atracción física inicial, no veo nada que sustente los "sentimientos" que nos quieren vender. Me ha parecido que Callie y Luke no tenían demasiada química y que el sexy del título no tiene razón de ser (hay una única escena sexy y es un fundido en negro). Por otro lado, lo que podría considerarse una trama plagada de acción, porque no paran de ir de un lado a otro, a mí me ha parecido una forma de dar vueltas y más vueltas sobre lo mismo. La verdad es que los personajes no me atrapaban y la historia no me generaba ningún interés, por lo que me costó acabar el libro.
Me gusta que se alterne el punto de vista entre él y ella, aunque, como no les he cogido un cariño particular a ninguno de los dos, pues...
En resumen: por desgracia, una decepción para mí, aunque no creo que el libro tenga nada intrínsecamente malo, por lo que es posible que pueda gustar a otras personas que busquen en esta historia algo diferente a lo que buscaba yo.
May 17, 2022
A forbidden love, a cult trying to start the apocalypse, and a quest to save the word.
This book gave me Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes and I loved it! Paranormal romance was one of my first loves and the author delivered it in a fresh and fun way. While Luke and Callie experienced insta-love (which is not one of my favourite tropes), the high stakes of the plot made it necessary as the entirety of the book takes place over a single day. This book is the classic good girl x bad boy trope with a twist and I’m excited to read the second book.
3.5 stars
This book gave me Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes and I loved it! Paranormal romance was one of my first loves and the author delivered it in a fresh and fun way. While Luke and Callie experienced insta-love (which is not one of my favourite tropes), the high stakes of the plot made it necessary as the entirety of the book takes place over a single day. This book is the classic good girl x bad boy trope with a twist and I’m excited to read the second book.
3.5 stars
December 27, 2021
This had so much potential but the writing wasn’t for me and I couldn’t very into the characters at all.
February 17, 2023
2,5
Reseña completa http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...
Un libro muy ligero con una premisa muy original, una mezcla de comedia romántica con un poquito de spicy y una carrera contrarreloj por salvar el mundo, mientras los ángeles y los demonios se ciernen sobre la tierra. Esa mezcla me atrajo mucho, pero también ha jugado en su contra, me ha gustado la lucha entre el bien y el mal y la originalidad que desprende en algunos momentos, además de lo que supone en una relación que uno de ellos sea el príncipe del infierno, pero a la vez me ha resultado muy repetitiva y densa, todo el rato era lo mismo y lo que en un principio me hacía gracia terminó cansándome.
Lo mejor sin duda han sido Callie y Luke y su personalidad, ambos me han conquistado, y también me ha agradado mucho la relación entre ellos que es cuqui y ardiente por momentos, te hace desear que estén juntos y todo les salga bien. También está muy bien la parte cómica y sarcástica de todo el asunto y del carácter de Luke.
Paranormal, cómica y romántica se juntan en una historia infernalmente original.
Reseña completa http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...
Un libro muy ligero con una premisa muy original, una mezcla de comedia romántica con un poquito de spicy y una carrera contrarreloj por salvar el mundo, mientras los ángeles y los demonios se ciernen sobre la tierra. Esa mezcla me atrajo mucho, pero también ha jugado en su contra, me ha gustado la lucha entre el bien y el mal y la originalidad que desprende en algunos momentos, además de lo que supone en una relación que uno de ellos sea el príncipe del infierno, pero a la vez me ha resultado muy repetitiva y densa, todo el rato era lo mismo y lo que en un principio me hacía gracia terminó cansándome.
Lo mejor sin duda han sido Callie y Luke y su personalidad, ambos me han conquistado, y también me ha agradado mucho la relación entre ellos que es cuqui y ardiente por momentos, te hace desear que estén juntos y todo les salga bien. También está muy bien la parte cómica y sarcástica de todo el asunto y del carácter de Luke.
Paranormal, cómica y romántica se juntan en una historia infernalmente original.
January 12, 2022
Fun and exciting premise, lackluster execution. 😢
September 11, 2021
Hi there, everyone! Of course, I give this book five stars, because I wrote it and I love Callie & Luke and their friends and world and I hope you will all enjoy their journey in this book and continuing on with The Date from Hell!
I wrote an author's note over on my website, and I'm going to paste it here as well. If you'd like to get my newsletter, go hither.
I’ve always loved romantic comedies. They’re part of my DNA. This is one reason I’ve joked for years that I’m an escapee from a 1930s or ’40s screwball comedy. It’s why Cary Grant gets mentioned in so many of my books.
I also love romance in general. It’s a genre I discovered as an adult reader and–no pun intended–fell head over heels in love with. Certainly, romance books got me through the pandemic. But they’ve also just made my reading life that much more delicious. I also feel like science fiction and fantasy help provide constraints, which is one of the things that made those golden age rom-com movies work so well. And I’ve always loved books that riff on secret societies, on good vs. evil, and with angels and devils and supernatural stuff.
So that’s how the stage was set for Not Your Average Hot Guy to emerge. But where did this book actually come from? I was feeling a little burnt out and not sure what to write next. I was away from my desk at the Southeastern Young Adult Book Festival (SE-YA for short) with a bunch of writer friends dear and new. Our hotel happened to be next to Locked and I managed to convince a group of people to go do an escape room based on Sherlock Holmes.
It was a ton of fun, we escaped, and on the drive home, this idea occurred to me. What if you worked part-time at your family escape room business? What if you accidentally had a real magic item as part of it? And what if a cult showed up? What if the other person you had to team up with was from Hell? I’d always been slightly bugged by the weird dynamics of human young women dating age-old creatures (though I certainly read and enjoy many of the books featuring this! no judgement!), and so having the hero be the devil’s son seemed like a way to get around that.
I went out to dinner with my friend, the brilliant pastry chef and writer Stella Parks and told her about the idea and that the hero would be named Luke. Her enthusiasm and delight at Luke pushed me to sit down and start the book. It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had writing, and I wanted it to feel like a safe, nerdy, funny, sexy hug. And that is the story of where NYAHG began. I had no idea if anyone would want the book, and I kept the fact I was writing it secret for some time. I had to stop and write other things, so it took me awhile to finish. But I’m very proud of this one (and its sequel) and I hope you enjoy it. If you do, leave some love somewhere online or recommend it to a friend or ten.
I wrote an author's note over on my website, and I'm going to paste it here as well. If you'd like to get my newsletter, go hither.
I’ve always loved romantic comedies. They’re part of my DNA. This is one reason I’ve joked for years that I’m an escapee from a 1930s or ’40s screwball comedy. It’s why Cary Grant gets mentioned in so many of my books.
I also love romance in general. It’s a genre I discovered as an adult reader and–no pun intended–fell head over heels in love with. Certainly, romance books got me through the pandemic. But they’ve also just made my reading life that much more delicious. I also feel like science fiction and fantasy help provide constraints, which is one of the things that made those golden age rom-com movies work so well. And I’ve always loved books that riff on secret societies, on good vs. evil, and with angels and devils and supernatural stuff.
So that’s how the stage was set for Not Your Average Hot Guy to emerge. But where did this book actually come from? I was feeling a little burnt out and not sure what to write next. I was away from my desk at the Southeastern Young Adult Book Festival (SE-YA for short) with a bunch of writer friends dear and new. Our hotel happened to be next to Locked and I managed to convince a group of people to go do an escape room based on Sherlock Holmes.
It was a ton of fun, we escaped, and on the drive home, this idea occurred to me. What if you worked part-time at your family escape room business? What if you accidentally had a real magic item as part of it? And what if a cult showed up? What if the other person you had to team up with was from Hell? I’d always been slightly bugged by the weird dynamics of human young women dating age-old creatures (though I certainly read and enjoy many of the books featuring this! no judgement!), and so having the hero be the devil’s son seemed like a way to get around that.
I went out to dinner with my friend, the brilliant pastry chef and writer Stella Parks and told her about the idea and that the hero would be named Luke. Her enthusiasm and delight at Luke pushed me to sit down and start the book. It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had writing, and I wanted it to feel like a safe, nerdy, funny, sexy hug. And that is the story of where NYAHG began. I had no idea if anyone would want the book, and I kept the fact I was writing it secret for some time. I had to stop and write other things, so it took me awhile to finish. But I’m very proud of this one (and its sequel) and I hope you enjoy it. If you do, leave some love somewhere online or recommend it to a friend or ten.
November 30, 2021
What could be more dystopian than Armageddon, right? And yet this is the perfect book to take us away from everything in real life. Who knew the Son of Satan could be so engaging? A fun romantic comedy suitable for adults and teens alike. Highly recommend.
August 8, 2023
This was kinda silly, but I needed silly so here we are.
I don't think I mind a single thing about this book? Not even the insta love, I actually think it worked. Callie and Luke are super cute together, and I love how she was just "we gotta save the world? Yeah why not".
THAT is what I need more heroines to be like. I want them to go with the flow, not spend half of the book wondering how supernaturals are real.
I'll read the sequel too, I wanna see where the story goes from here.
I do want to mention before I end this, that there's Harry Potter references, which never bother me, but the way it was done here was kinda weird. Like there would be a reference and then right after something about JKR, then again a reference then something about JKR.
And the things about JKR weren't full criticisms or endorsements, kind of just off handed mentions, because I guess the author felt the need to include them.
I think, if you want to include HP references nobody is stopping you, so either include just them, or state the character's full opinions on her views, or don't include them at all. That's it.
I don't think I mind a single thing about this book? Not even the insta love, I actually think it worked. Callie and Luke are super cute together, and I love how she was just "we gotta save the world? Yeah why not".
THAT is what I need more heroines to be like. I want them to go with the flow, not spend half of the book wondering how supernaturals are real.
I'll read the sequel too, I wanna see where the story goes from here.
I do want to mention before I end this, that there's Harry Potter references, which never bother me, but the way it was done here was kinda weird. Like there would be a reference and then right after something about JKR, then again a reference then something about JKR.
And the things about JKR weren't full criticisms or endorsements, kind of just off handed mentions, because I guess the author felt the need to include them.
I think, if you want to include HP references nobody is stopping you, so either include just them, or state the character's full opinions on her views, or don't include them at all. That's it.
August 31, 2021
Reading Notes:
- It’s trying to set a tone, something quippy and quick, but it’s coming off a little too slap-dash instead.
- There’s a certain “weight” lacking.
- The otherworldly insta-lust is not working for me. I don’t feel it at all.
- Luke is too soft. He’s like a bumbling puppy. Theres no edge or heat to him. As the son of Lucifer there should be SOMETHING to him.
- Callie is interesting and her backstory is a great idea for a modern-day origin story of a Robert Langdon- Indiana Jones-like treasure hunter/heroine … but her easy acceptance and gung-ho attitude about everything is too fast.
- I now know why this is somehow listed as Adult, New Adult, and YA on goodreads. It’s feels like ALL of them at various times. I kept getting confused as to how old these people are.
- The journey through hell had a lot of great visuals, but all the entities we meet are too tame.
- I am not on board with how that all ended and wrapped up. At that point it was just so, “yeah, okay, whatever, HEA!”
- Okay, I like silly and absurdist comedic books, but this lacks the irreverence and clever flippancy that usually makes it work. The romance was flat and forced and the characters are just flying along without any substance to them.
- Some people are going to enjoy it, that’s the beauty of books, but for me it didn’t work.
* I received a free copy from the publisher via netgalley.
- It’s trying to set a tone, something quippy and quick, but it’s coming off a little too slap-dash instead.
- There’s a certain “weight” lacking.
- The otherworldly insta-lust is not working for me. I don’t feel it at all.
- Luke is too soft. He’s like a bumbling puppy. Theres no edge or heat to him. As the son of Lucifer there should be SOMETHING to him.
- Callie is interesting and her backstory is a great idea for a modern-day origin story of a Robert Langdon- Indiana Jones-like treasure hunter/heroine … but her easy acceptance and gung-ho attitude about everything is too fast.
- I now know why this is somehow listed as Adult, New Adult, and YA on goodreads. It’s feels like ALL of them at various times. I kept getting confused as to how old these people are.
- The journey through hell had a lot of great visuals, but all the entities we meet are too tame.
- I am not on board with how that all ended and wrapped up. At that point it was just so, “yeah, okay, whatever, HEA!”
- Okay, I like silly and absurdist comedic books, but this lacks the irreverence and clever flippancy that usually makes it work. The romance was flat and forced and the characters are just flying along without any substance to them.
- Some people are going to enjoy it, that’s the beauty of books, but for me it didn’t work.
* I received a free copy from the publisher via netgalley.
September 19, 2021
This was not what I was expecting this book to be about when I first requested it from NetGalley. I thought it would be "romance between mortal and demon", not.. whatever this was.. a paranormal biblical journey with a touch of romance between the mortal and demon? I don't know. Needless to say I didn't enjoy it, but I did finish it despite struggling through it, so at least there's that?
Definitely unique, however poorly written. Not for me - Rated 2/5
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book for my honest review.
Definitely unique, however poorly written. Not for me - Rated 2/5
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book for my honest review.
November 24, 2022
Ame AMEEEE 🤩
Demonios, fantasía y amor amor 😍❤️🔥.
La historia es buena y la trama de alguna manera también, aunque el final se me hizo algo apresurado, la historia y el romance es bueno.
Y me acabo de dar cuenta que tiene segundo libro, así que espero leerlo pronto pronto 🤩🫶.
Demonios, fantasía y amor amor 😍❤️🔥.
La historia es buena y la trama de alguna manera también, aunque el final se me hizo algo apresurado, la historia y el romance es bueno.
Y me acabo de dar cuenta que tiene segundo libro, así que espero leerlo pronto pronto 🤩🫶.
January 6, 2022
Super darling!
Callie helps run her family's escape room business, and her pride and joy is an occult-themed room she decorated with unusual finds...including a rare grimoire that turns out to be the real deal.
Enter Luke Morningstar, son of Lucifer, who has 48 hours to bring at least one soul to hell, or he will seriously disappoint his father. Not a great idea!
I was rooting for both Callie and Luke, and rooting for Callie+Luke the whole way, and I loved the secondary characters like Porsoth and Mag. And Bosch, of course!
Callie helps run her family's escape room business, and her pride and joy is an occult-themed room she decorated with unusual finds...including a rare grimoire that turns out to be the real deal.
Enter Luke Morningstar, son of Lucifer, who has 48 hours to bring at least one soul to hell, or he will seriously disappoint his father. Not a great idea!
I was rooting for both Callie and Luke, and rooting for Callie+Luke the whole way, and I loved the secondary characters like Porsoth and Mag. And Bosch, of course!
September 16, 2021
Thank you St. Martins for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Not Your Average Hot Guy
By: Gwenda Bond
Review ☆☆☆☆
Although many women may claim to have dated the spawn of Satan, I think the likelihood of that is infinitesimal. But, what do I know? In Gwenda Bond's NOT YOUR AVERAGE HOT GUY, Callie, the feisty female lead, can truthfully say she has the hots (pun intended) for the actual silver tongued prince of darkness himself, Luke.
Callie is a mere mortal who accidentally becomes entangled in the devious plans of a devil worshipping cult. These crazies want literal fire and brimstone, but Callie, with Luke's help, intends to thwart them. This endeavor, however, will require much more than either of these two expect.
To enjoy this book, like I did, a big suspension of disbelief is required. The story is wickedly entertaining with clever and sharp dialogue, zany shenanigans and hot character chemistry. The storyline is way out there, but that's the point. Don't question, and just go with it!
Callie and Luke are able and intelligent but doubtful of their own capabilities. I found them endearing together and sympathetic separately. Callie is whip smart, full of goodness and delightful on the page; however, where Luke is concerned, she is very unsure of his trustworthiness and reliability. Luke is the charming, reluctant, devil may care heir to Hell who has never lived up to his father's expectations. Maybe he doesn't want to be like Lucifer, but it's kind of his destiny.
As couples go, these two are polar opposites, but opposites attract, right?
Despite whatever attraction Callie and Luke might feel, is it really possible for a mortal woman and the literal prince of darkness to have a true and loving relationship? If so, is it even a good idea? As they battle the impending apocalypse, will everything become clear? I'm not going to tell you, so read and find out! Available October 5th, 2021!
Not Your Average Hot Guy
By: Gwenda Bond
Review ☆☆☆☆
Although many women may claim to have dated the spawn of Satan, I think the likelihood of that is infinitesimal. But, what do I know? In Gwenda Bond's NOT YOUR AVERAGE HOT GUY, Callie, the feisty female lead, can truthfully say she has the hots (pun intended) for the actual silver tongued prince of darkness himself, Luke.
Callie is a mere mortal who accidentally becomes entangled in the devious plans of a devil worshipping cult. These crazies want literal fire and brimstone, but Callie, with Luke's help, intends to thwart them. This endeavor, however, will require much more than either of these two expect.
To enjoy this book, like I did, a big suspension of disbelief is required. The story is wickedly entertaining with clever and sharp dialogue, zany shenanigans and hot character chemistry. The storyline is way out there, but that's the point. Don't question, and just go with it!
Callie and Luke are able and intelligent but doubtful of their own capabilities. I found them endearing together and sympathetic separately. Callie is whip smart, full of goodness and delightful on the page; however, where Luke is concerned, she is very unsure of his trustworthiness and reliability. Luke is the charming, reluctant, devil may care heir to Hell who has never lived up to his father's expectations. Maybe he doesn't want to be like Lucifer, but it's kind of his destiny.
As couples go, these two are polar opposites, but opposites attract, right?
Despite whatever attraction Callie and Luke might feel, is it really possible for a mortal woman and the literal prince of darkness to have a true and loving relationship? If so, is it even a good idea? As they battle the impending apocalypse, will everything become clear? I'm not going to tell you, so read and find out! Available October 5th, 2021!
Read
October 6, 2021DNF at 20%. I had such high expectations for this book. The premise is bonkers: a romance involving an escape room, a satanic cult and the prince of hell? Amazing. But I wasn’t into the writing, and I couldn’t deal with these characters. They made the stupidest possible decisions. And life’s too short to finish books you’re not on board with. 🤷🏻♀️
October 15, 2021
I really thought this is going to be fun paranormal romance but it was kind bland.
February 6, 2022
“Shelter dogs can survive anything..even the apocalypse.”
Oh my this was too cute for words! I have said it before, but I love my rom coms to be silly and FUN. This definitely fit the bill! A fight between good and evil (though the boundaries do blur quite a bit!), a sweet rescue dog, and some insta- love but make it supernatural. If you are a fan of shows like Lucifer or Sabrina you will probably get a kick out of this loose retelling of the Persephone myth. Luke Morningstar is the son of the devil, but he’s having some trouble being evil and cannot seem to earn his wings. He is the sweetest bad boy ever. All the characters here were endearing and made for a fun ride! I also loved all the random facts our heroine Callie drops (like the fact that Hans Christian Anderson was scared of being buried alive and would leave notes that said not dead just sleeping-look it up.) overall I had a blast with this story, it is light but fun with some very neat imagery.
Oh my this was too cute for words! I have said it before, but I love my rom coms to be silly and FUN. This definitely fit the bill! A fight between good and evil (though the boundaries do blur quite a bit!), a sweet rescue dog, and some insta- love but make it supernatural. If you are a fan of shows like Lucifer or Sabrina you will probably get a kick out of this loose retelling of the Persephone myth. Luke Morningstar is the son of the devil, but he’s having some trouble being evil and cannot seem to earn his wings. He is the sweetest bad boy ever. All the characters here were endearing and made for a fun ride! I also loved all the random facts our heroine Callie drops (like the fact that Hans Christian Anderson was scared of being buried alive and would leave notes that said not dead just sleeping-look it up.) overall I had a blast with this story, it is light but fun with some very neat imagery.
November 4, 2022
Me ha parecido bastante infantil y surrealista. Al principio me estaba encantando porque es una lectura ágil y la premisa es muy integrante. Pero conforme se va sucediendo la historia todo comienza a ser de lo más inverosímil. Desde el amor a primera vista hasta las conversaciones con personajes tan interesantes como Lucifer que tiene encuentros en los que no sabes si es él el que habla o mis alumnos de 14 años… Luego la trama va perdiendo fuerza y se dan algunas cosas de la nada y en tan tan poco tiempo que causa incredulidad en el lector. Tenía mucho potencial pero se ha quedado en mucho ruido y pocas nueces :(
August 23, 2021
Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond is a cute, paranormal romantic comedy, and is the first book in Gwenda Bond’s Not Your Average Hot Guy series.
It was fun, bizarre, and an interesting read.
Callie works at her family’s Escape Room business and enjoys her job very much. When her mother leaves her alone one evening with her friend Mag to run the business, she does not expect her evening to be anything other than routine. So, when thirteen members of a Satanic Cult show up and summon a Demon. The Demon is Luke, the actual Prince of Darkness, the son of the devil. Luke is a very handsome bad boy, with a leather jacket and everything.
The cult members find the artifact they are searching for and set off to destroy the world. Callie and Luke set off to save the world from the cult and an evening of crazy adventures commence.
I started off really enjoying this book. I like Callie and her friend Mag and loved the idea of the escape room. Luke was definitely an interesting character and I enjoyed his charm and easy banter with Callie. The book has many laugh-out-loud moments and I did enjoy the romance between Callie and Luke. However, I never got used to Luke being the son of the devil AND such a nice guy? The story is bizarre, and I wasn’t able to suspend my disbelief for this book. I’m sure it’s the perfect book for somebody, but it was just a bit too different for me to enjoy it completely. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It was fun, bizarre, and an interesting read.
Callie works at her family’s Escape Room business and enjoys her job very much. When her mother leaves her alone one evening with her friend Mag to run the business, she does not expect her evening to be anything other than routine. So, when thirteen members of a Satanic Cult show up and summon a Demon. The Demon is Luke, the actual Prince of Darkness, the son of the devil. Luke is a very handsome bad boy, with a leather jacket and everything.
The cult members find the artifact they are searching for and set off to destroy the world. Callie and Luke set off to save the world from the cult and an evening of crazy adventures commence.
I started off really enjoying this book. I like Callie and her friend Mag and loved the idea of the escape room. Luke was definitely an interesting character and I enjoyed his charm and easy banter with Callie. The book has many laugh-out-loud moments and I did enjoy the romance between Callie and Luke. However, I never got used to Luke being the son of the devil AND such a nice guy? The story is bizarre, and I wasn’t able to suspend my disbelief for this book. I’m sure it’s the perfect book for somebody, but it was just a bit too different for me to enjoy it completely. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 29, 2022
2,5⭐️ Quizá el problema ha sido mío y después de ver el hype que había en redes con este libro, yo haya ido con las espectativas muy altas. No me resultó para tanto 😅 Me ha costado conectar con los personajes y con la historia, no me ha terminado de convencer el modo de narrar de la autora, no sé por qué, pero no sentí que fuese una narración fluida y eso me sacaba de la historia. Quizá no era mi momento para leerlo o no sea un libro para mí.
September 25, 2021
I'm so disappointed in this book lol. I don't know if it's because it's an arc but the writing was choppy in the sense that scenes felt cut off. What's worse is that everything is anti-climatic.
June 7, 2021
Unfortunately, this book just fell flat for me. I was enticed into reading this when it was compared to Darynda Jones and honestly, that was a disservice to the author of this book. It's nothing like Darynda Jones and would just evoke disappointment if that is what you are expecting.
This book is not badly written and it does have an interesting concept, it just wasn't my kind of humor. It was just too silly and that's why it wasn't for me. But, I can see that this would be a fun book for those who do enjoy this type of romcom.
If I were to describe this, it felt more Young Adult and it had a pollyanna version of evil, which was a big part of my struggle. I just can't buy the concept of hell as not evil.
This book is not badly written and it does have an interesting concept, it just wasn't my kind of humor. It was just too silly and that's why it wasn't for me. But, I can see that this would be a fun book for those who do enjoy this type of romcom.
If I were to describe this, it felt more Young Adult and it had a pollyanna version of evil, which was a big part of my struggle. I just can't buy the concept of hell as not evil.
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