DEMONIC PASSIONS - Rena Marks
Ellora's Cave  www.ellorascave.com
ISBN: 978-1-41991-689-2
July 2008
Erotic Paranormal Romance

 Present Day

A half-breed demon, Keara Knight uses her unique ability to punish evildoers. Basically, if you're a guy and you've messed up big time, don't go home with her...because she'll suck the sanity out of you! Keara gave up on love with a mortal man when, as a teenager, she accidentally turned a normal jock into a crazed stalker, and to this day, he is still locked in a mental institution. Now, she uses her special abilities to not only fill the hunger inside of her, but for revenge as well. And everything is going according to plans...until Caleb Van Trump takes a liking to her. There's something about Caleb that is so familiar to Keara, but she can't quite put her finger on it. Someone else has also taken notice of Keara, though; Enishka, the demon lord, who wanted Keara's mortal mother for his bride has now set his sights on her daughter. Just another day in the life of a demonic half-breed.

He knows her as Jenesi, but no matter the name change, Caleb knows that Keara is meant to be his. After all, he's dreamed about her. They've had a connection since Keara hit puberty, and he was there for her, mentally counseling Keara through some of the most difficult times of her life. Now, all Caleb has to do is get her to remember him, before the evil who is intent on seducing her wins out.

With such a promising premise, Rena Marks' DEMONIC PASSIONS doesn't quite live up to the expectations. The author has created a unique character in Keara, who feeds on men who have evil in their soul. But, she's so closed off from real men, that it takes her a while to see Caleb for what he is. I didn't really feel a connection between Keara and Caleb until much later in the book, at least on Keara's side. Caleb has dreamed of this woman for a long time, and his connection is instantaneous. Keara is also a character who is too aware of herself, which became annoying at times. Also, for those readers looking for a monogamous heroine, this isn't it. Keara uses all the sexual energy she can get to fight Enishka, and it's not always from Caleb. There are also some graphic male/male scenes. Still, the author has a fresh voice, and I look forward to giving Rena Marks another try.

Courtney Michelle