THE DEVIL INSIDE

Author: Jenna Black ISBN: 9780553590449 12/2007 PARANORMAL/FANTASY Publisher: DELL SPECTRA

POSSESSION. MURDER. MAYHEM. LET THE GAMES BEGIN…. Exorcism isn’t a job, it’s a calling—and a curse. Just ask Morgan Kingsley, a woman who has a stronger aura than any demon. Or so she thought. Now, in a pair of black leather pants and a kick-ass tattoo, Morgan is heading back to Philadelphia after a nasty little exorcism—and her life is about to be turned upside down…by the demon that’s gotten inside her. Not just any demon. Six feet five inches of dark, delicious temptation, this one is to die for—that is, if he doesn’t get Morgan killed first. Because while some humans vilify demons and others idolize them, Morgan’s demon is leading a war of succession no human has ever imagined. For a woman trying to live a life, and hold on to the almost-perfect man, being possessed by a gorgeous rebel demon will mean a wild ride of uninhibited thrills, shocking surprises, and pure, unadulterated terror…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

*WARNING - NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART OR THOSE OPPOSED TO HOMOSEXUAL LOVE SCENES*

It is not every day that I do a review with a warning label, and I struggled with the decision to put one on here. But even though I am objective enough to look at THE DEVIL INSIDE from all angles, I know some readers may not expect such graphic, S & M and homosexual sex from Jenna Black. It is over-the-top (and would be to me even if it was a traditional couple featured in the role), but I think readers should know that S & M between men has a significant role in the book. Is that what it is all about? No, but it is most definitely something to know before you spend your cash.

Now that I have your attention, let's get on to the rest of the review!

With strong writing, strange and unconventional plot(s), and brutal yet understandable characters, THE DEVIL INSIDE is quite an interesting book. It is very reminiscent of Kim Harrison and C.E. Murphy style reads. At times, I wish I could feel more for the heroine, Morgan, yet this is still a gritty urban fantasy romance that intrigues me.

I admit to having a bit of difficulty getting past the unnecessary roughness and smut that is more gratuitous in places than meaningful, but I like the story well enough to see what happens in the next book.

Shannon Johnson