Review for Larissa Ione's "Z"

 

Z
Paranormal Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP5LXTHX

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.larissaione.com/

 

 

Zhubaal (aka Z) is Azagoth’s fallen angel assistant. He has spent hundreds of years searching for his angelic lover’s reincarnation. When Z is about to give up hope, an emim daemani arrives in Sheoul-gra. He suspects she is carrying his beloved’s soul. Vex is more than what Z bargained for… And he does not want to be attracted to the bold and brash woman. Can Zhubaal accept Vex for who she is? Or will he continue to be stuck on the past?

Vex is a daemani – a person who unwillingly attracts and absorbs demonic souls. She hopes to secure a deal with the Grim Reaper to take the five souls she is carrying, especially her latest acquisition. Vex first encounters Azagoth’s prickly assistant. Something about the handsome fallen angel calls to her soul. Can Vex entice Z to let go of the past? Or will his angelic beloved’s memory continue to be an obstacle?

Zhubaal surprised me. At first, I did not care for him because he behaved like a jerk towards Lilliana in AZAGOTH. My opinion of Z started to change in HADES.  I found myself empathizing with him when he told Cat about waiting for someone special. Zhubaal did annoy me when he expected Vex to be more like Laura, once he learned the truth.

Vex is the perfect contrast for Zhubaal. She is daring, independent, and secure in her promiscuity and lasciviousness. I like how Vex stands her ground with Z about Laura. She knows she is completely different from her past life. Vex refuses to become that woman for Z. She wants Zhubaal to love and accept her for the woman she is now.

Z is the third book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. I do recommend starting with D and LoD before reading this series, especially if you are new to the author’s world. The Four Horsemen (LoD) are mentioned in this story. Naturally, Azagoth and Lilliana play important roles in the story. I am kind of bummed that Hades is only mentioned because I love his personality.

Z’s first publication came in April 2016 by Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. The author has re-released nine volumes of the series with new covers, tweaked/fleshed out scenes, and added bonus content.