Review for Larissa Ione's "HER GUARDIAN ANGEL"

 

HER GUARDIAN ANGEL
Paranormal Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0722Q152K

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Suzanne is a young Memitim – an earthbound angel who protects certain beings that hold importance to the future. When a dangerous demon threatens her Primori, Suzanne decides to “hire” him to act as her bodyguard. Love between a Memitim and their Primori is taboo. Being with Declan makes Suzanne realize some hard truths about herself. Will Suzanne earn Heaven’s wrath? Can she protect Declan from his demonic threat?

Former Air Force Pararescueman, Declan Burke works as a security expert and bodyguard. After an unusual situation, he finds himself put on bodyguard duty. Declan is assigned to protect a beautiful yet unusual rich socialite from a stalker. However, he suspects Suzanne is not entirely truthful with him. Will Declan learn what she is hiding from him? And is he mentally prepared for that truth?

I like the fact that Suzanne differs from her Memitim siblings. She is not weighed down by a crummy childhood, nor does she have a chip on her shoulders. Suzanne is upbeat and sunny. I empathize with Suzanne. She does not share her siblings’ desire to Ascend to Heaven. Suzanne wants to become a chef and have a cooking show, a no-no for her kind.

I did not expect to like Declan as I did. He has had the type of childhood that most Memitim do. I believe that is why Suzanne can understand him as others cannot. What I love the most about Declan is that he is a comic book nerd! And he is not a closet nerd but open about his hobby.

HER GUARDIAN ANGEL is the sixth book in Larissa Ione’s paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD. A spinoff from her popular DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books. It is also a crossover with Lexi Blake’s MASTERS & MERCENARIES series. I cannot stress enough the necessity of reading the prior series before this one. Yes, characters from the other books pop in here or there. Some mentioned, some play a small yet important role in the story. The prior books explain the situation the world is in and what it is about to face. Plus, it explains Underworld General Hospital. Why it is important. Why it came into being, etc.

Of course, many characters from the prior books from this series show up in some capacity or are mentioned. Azagoth is a given since Suzanne is a Memitim. Hawkyn has a role in the plot. It is fun seeing him behaving like an overprotective brother. Idess, Cat, Z, Aurora and Lilliana show up briefly. And the best appearance to show up is none other than Wraith (PASSION UNLEASHED). Oh man, how I missed him and his snarky brand of mayhem. Reaver, the Four Horseman (especially War and his mate Cara), and Kynan Morgan are mentioned.

What I love about this book is that DEMONICA appears to be a popular dark comic book in this world. I, myself, am more of a manga person. My hubby is the comic book, superhero and Star Wars nerd. I just want to put it out there that I would totally buy DEMONICA comics (or graphic novels) if they ever became a thing. It would go perfectly with my Sherrilyn Kenyon manga and her LORDS OF AVALON comics.

Review for Larissa Ione's HAWKYN

 

HAWKYN
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP65ZNHH

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Hawkyn is a Memitim – an earthbound angel charged with protecting certain beings important to the world’s future. He despises one of his current charges, an evil serial killer. Hawkyn breaks one of the rules governing his kind and rescues a woman from his Primori. Keeping her safe will derail his goal to sit on the Memitim Council. Which will Hawkyn choose? Aurora? Or the career that will benefit his Memitim siblings?

Aurora Mercer is a wytch – a human/demon hybrid species. She works as a masseuse at an exclusive spa in Portland, Oregon. Aurora becomes the unfortunate victim to a psychopathic serial killer. She is rescued by the unlikeliest of beings: her abductor’s guardian angel. But can Aurora trust Hawkyn with her safety? Can she successfully evade her tormentor’s detection? Or is it Aurora’s fate to die by his hands?

Hawkyn drew my curiosity since his appearance in an earlier book. He did NOT disappoint! I empathize with Hawkyn’s dilemma. Subconsciously, it ate at him to protect such a vile and evil person, until he had enough. What I adore the most about Hawkyn is his reasons for attaining Ascension. He wanted to join the Memitim Council to make crucial and necessary changes for his many siblings.

Aurora is so easy to like. She knows her abilities limitations. And Aurora uses her gifts to help and benefit those who desperately need it. I am a little surprised that she did not know too much about the supernatural world, since she is a human/demon hybrid. But then, I can since Aurora preferred to live more like a human. My heart ached for everything she endured at her captor’s cruel hands. However, the situation allowed Aurora to change and sort of embrace her species. She refused to remain a victim. Plus, Aurora did not know who she could trust to help her.

HAWKYN is the fifth book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. I feel it is necessary to start with the DEMONICA and LORD OF DELIVERANCE books before this series. They properly set up the author’s world, its current circumstances, and the important people at play. Much of what goes on behind the scenes will become relevant in future books.

Azagoth and Lillian have important parts to play in this story in the background. Underworld General Hospital makes an appearance (man, I miss that place!). Idess (ECSTASY UNVEILED) and her son Mace appear in the book along with Gemella - sister to Tayla (PB) and wife/mate to Kynan. I believe Gem and Kynan’s relationship is touched on in the background of the D series. It has been YEARS since I last read the books. Several characters are mentioned such as Eidolon (PLEASURE UNBOUND), Thanatos (LETHAL RIDER), Hades, Z, and Razr. These characters are the reasons I recommend reading the prior two series before this one.

HAWKYN’s first publication came in February 2018 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.

Review for Larissa Ione's "RAZR"

 

RAZR
Paranormal Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP6F8HPQ

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Rarz (aka Razriel) is an angel that is neither Fallen nor Unfallen but a unique case. He is sentenced to serve Azagoth in Sheoul-gra. Rarz needs to find two of the missing Gems of Enoch to restore his heavenly angel status. A lead takes him straight to Jedda Brighton. He knows that she has information about the gems’ whereabouts. Can Rarz convince Jedda to give them to him? Or is there more at play than what he realizes?

Jedda Brighton is a gem elf – an elf who needs to consume jewels to live. She finds herself the unfortunate target of two angelic beings, both wanting the Gems of Enoch. There is something about Rarz that draws Jedda to him. And she is unable to resist the attraction brewing between them. Can Jedda trust Rarz with the truth about herself? And what will she sacrifice to give Rarz the diamond he needs?

Rarz made me laugh with his elf references and nicknames. I am a little disappointed that he did not make a D&D reference when he found out about Jedda’s race. But that is just me. What I adore about Rarz the most is the sacrifice he was willing to make for Jedda.

It is a given that the whole elf-thing is what I like the most about Jedda. And I like that she is not a push-over. What I love the most about Jedda is how she mirrors Rarz in sentiment. She is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for him.

RAZR is the fourth book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. It is best to start with the prior two series before this one. They properly introduce the author’s supernatural world and the state it is in (and why). Naturally, Azagoth and Lillian appear in the story. And Hades! I grinned when he and his warped sense of humor made a brief appearance. Shh, Hades is a new favorite of mine!

Larissa introduces a new realm to her Demonica-verse. An elven one! I have been elf-obsessed since reading R.A. Salvatore and Elaine Cunningham’s books (Salvatore’s Drizzt books and Cunningham’s Liriel Baenre and Arilyn & Danilo books, plus EVERMEET). I can be extremely finicky when it comes to high fantasy elements. But, I must give the author kudos for making an elven realm that captured my interest.

I like the creativity behind the gem elves. It fondly reminds me of a creation that a friend and I made during our role-playing era (we called ours jewel elves, and they were born with gems attached to certain parts of their bodies). We never really got to do much with ours. What a bittersweet memory that provokes.

RAZR’s first publication came in April 2017 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.

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.

Review for Larissa Ione's "HADES"

 

HADES
Paranormal Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP664W5R

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Hades is Azagoth’s second-in-command. He is responsible for punishing the evil demon souls that arrive in Sheoul-gra’s Inner Sanctum. His world is turned upside down when a beautiful Unfallen slips into his realm and creates chaos. Hades knows Cat is off limits to him. But he cannot help but be drawn to her. Can Hades protect Cat from the turmoil happening in his domain? And will he risk Azagoth’s wrath to have her?

Cataclysm (Cat) is an Unfallen who works for Azagoth. She wants to redeem herself, so she can earn back her wings and return to Heaven. Cat accidentally allows unauthorized souls into the Inner Sanctum. She tries to fix her mistake only to wind up trapped in the hellscape domain. Cat must rely on Hades to get her back to Sheoul-gra. Will Cataclysm act on her attraction to Hades? But at what cost?

Hades is a riot! Oh man, how I love that man’s snarky, warped sense of humor. I do not know how many times his antics and quips had me laughing – something I have not done in the last two weeks since my dog died. Hades made me not want to put the book down. I found myself glued to my kindle, dying to find out what happens next.

Cataclysm is so easy to like. She has this energy about her that makes her endearing. I like how accident-prone Cat is. That added to her charm. Then there is Cat’s chemistry with Hades. Woozers! Off the charts hot. What I adore about Cat the most is that she owns up to her faults. But, she earnestly tries to fix the mistakes that she has caused.

HADES is the second book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. I suggest starting there before venturing into this series. Lilliana and Azagoth play important roles in the story. Reaver makes a couple of appearances. And Thanatos, from LETHAL RIDER, the third book in the LORD OF DELIVERANCE series, is mentioned frequently.

HADES’s first publication came in March 2015 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.

Review for Larissa Ione's "AZAGOTH"

 

AZAGOTH
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
February 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GP6DDJH8

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Azagoth is a powerful fallen angel commonly known as the Grim Reaper. He governs Sheoul-gra, a realm where the souls of demons are kept. Azagoth informs Heaven he will no longer father Memitim, and that he desires a mate. Heaven sends him Lilliana – an angel unlike any of the others sent before her. Will Lilliana be Azagoth’s downfall? Or his greatest strength?

Lilliana is an angel with the ability to travel through time. Unfortunate events lead her to be chosen to become Azagoth’s mate. Raphael orders her to steal a certain artifact and bring it to Heaven to gain her freedom. Lilliana starts to waver once she gets to know the dangerous fallen angel. Will she decide to remain in Sheoul-gra? Or will Lilliana choose her old life?

Larissa Ione sure knows how to write a nummy, bad-boy character that you cannot help but love. And whoa is Azagoth bad with a capital B. But he is so much more! For all his Altitude (yes, I purposely capitalized the A), Azagoth has a soft side that he rarely shows.  It is only for his children and Lilliana. I understand Azagoth’s desire to have a mate. After years of loneliness, he simply wants someone to share his life with. What I adore the most about Azagoth is his fierce protectiveness towards Lilliana. He refuses to allow anyone, even him, to cause her harm or pain.

Lilliana is a good balance for Azagoth. Even though he frightens her, she still stands her ground against him. She refuses to be a push-over. I like how Lilliana’s opinion and feelings toward Azagoth changes once she gets to know the true him. She learns there is more to him than what is taught in Heaven. Lilliana is a good balance for Azagoth. Even though he frightens her, she still stands her ground against him. She refuses to be a push-over. I like how Lilliana’s opinion and feelings toward Azagoth changes once she gets to know the true him. She learns there is more to him than what is taught in Heaven.

AZAGOTH is the first book in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA UNDERWORLD – a spinoff from her DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE series. I highly recommend starting there before delving into this series. Characters and situations from those books are mentioned intermittently. Even a certain underground hospital that long-time fans love is mentioned. Idess from ECTASY UNVEILED and Conall from SIN UNDONE do make a small appearance.

AZAGOTH’s first publication came in June 2014 by Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. The author has re-released nine volumes of the series with new covers, tweaked/fleshed out scenes, and bonus content.

I have been a fan of this author and series since the MySpace era – where I was first introduced to her by a friend. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to read the DEMONICA UNDERWORLD books when they first came out.  I am grateful for the chance now!

Review for Christina Britton's "YOU HAD ME AT HEIST"

 

YOU HAD ME AT HEIST
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Christina Britton

RELEASE DATE:
June 16-, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538769133

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
http://christinabritton.com/

 

 

Iris Rumford is a member of the Wimpole Street Widows Society, a group of widows who covertly rectify injustices. She has been searching for the one responsible for stealing her late mother’s botanical works. Iris is shocked to discover the thief intends to take credit for her mother’s ground-breaking research. When she and the widows try to reclaim the stolen journals, a lone guard thwarts their every attempt. Can Iris keep the culprit from publishing her mother’s works as his own?

Oliver Beckett is a former (and disgraced) Bow Street Runner. He struggles to find employment to support his widowed mother and younger sister. Oliver accepts a position to safeguard a noble’s botanical collection. He senses something suspicious about his new employer, but he chooses to ignore his instincts. Oliver spots a mysterious yet beautiful stranger near a glasshouse he guards. Her presence threatens his job. Will Oliver continue to put his family’s safety over his instincts?

I could not help but connect with Iris in the prior book. She is different from the heroines I generally prefer. Her idiosyncrasies are what made Iris stand out to me. I understand why some people would find them off-putting or odd to deal with. Not me, I thought they added to her charm. What I love the most about Iris is her steadfast determination to reclaim her mother’s stolen work. She wants her mother to receive the recognition, especially in her field, that she rightly deserves.

I admit that I am a little disappointed that Iris was not paired off with Parsons. However, I do feel that Oliver is a better fit. This generally does not happen to me. Once I get stuck on wanting a certain pairing, I tend to lose enthusiasm for the story if it does not happen.

My heart went out to Oliver. He is the unfortunate victim to the corruption within his previous job’s hierarchy. I understand the dilemma that Oliver faced. He made the difficult decision to swallow his morals for his mother and sister’s benefit. I imagine Oliver despised himself for that. What I love the most about Oliver is how easily he accepted Iris. He did not find her odd but refreshing. Oliver also got outraged on her part whenever someone disparaged her.

YOU HAD ME AT HEIST is the second installment in Christina Britton’s historical romance series, WIMPOLE STREET WIDOWS SOCIETY. This story can easily stand alone. I do recommend starting with TO HEIST AND TO HOLD before starting this book. What I adore the most about this series is that most of the characters (save for one) belong to the working/middle class than aristocracy. It is a nice change of pace for me, especially in this genre. Yeah, I am still not fond of the widow aspect, but that is my own personal quirk.

Heloise and Ethan, the couple from the prior book, do make an appearance. Though Heloise appears more in the story than her husband. I am a little bummed that Ethan’s business partners did not have a role in the story. Perhaps the author will consider writing a spin-off series about them. Teagan and Parsons deserve a book!