Release Day Review: Devouring Flame by EJ Russell (Giveaway)

Title: Devouring Flame
Series: Enchanted Occasions: Book 2
Author: E.J. Russell
Release Date: January 8, 2019
Category: Paranormal, Dreamspun Beyond
Pages: 220

Dreamspinner Press


While cutting through the Interstices—the post-creation gap between realms—Smith, half-demon tech specialist for Enchanted Occasions Event Planning, spies the person he yearns for daily but dreads seeing again: the ifrit Hashim of the Windrider clan.

On their one literally smoldering night together, Smith, stupidly besotted, revealed his true name—a demon’s greatest vulnerability. When Hashim didn’t return the favor, then split the next morning with no word? Message received, loud and clear: Thanks, but no thanks.

Although Hashim had burned to return Smith’s trust, it was impossible. The wizard who conjured him holds his true name in secret, and unless Hashim discovers it, he’ll never be free.

When their attraction sparks once more, the two unite to search for Hashim’s hidden name—which would be a hell of a lot easier if they didn’t have to contend with a convention full of food-crazed vampires on the one day out of the century they can consume something other than blood.

But if they fail, Hashim will be doomed to eternal slavery, and their reignited love will collapse in the ashes.

Luckily Smith is the guy who gets shit done. And Hashim is never afraid to heat things up.

5 Stars!

I am the first to admit that I have a thing for antiheroes, from Spike (BtVS) to Loki (Marvel, Thor), there's just something about them that just calls to me. We met Hamish in book 1 of the series, Nudging Fate, and while he's not exactly a villain, neither was he a hero. I was still interested in getting to know him better and that's exactly what I got in Devouring Flame.

And guess what? Surprise, surprise, I absolutely loved Hamish! My heart broke for him, for everything he had to endure after he was conjured and even more after he left Smith after their night together and ended up indentured to that awful Ringmaster. *cuddles Hamish* And OMG, just how adorable was he with Rion? *melts all over the place* And yes, Smith wasn't that bad either. He was understandably hurt after what he shared with Hamish and at least he let Hamish explain why he acted like he did. Of course, it didn't hurt that they were really hot together. *fans self*

Rion was lovely, and sweet and naive and I was surprised by Mikos revelation about him in the end. Still, he was one of my favorite characters in this book and I hope we see him again in the future. And it was great catching up with Brooke and learning that Andy and Con were doing so well.

This book was fantastic and I love this 'verse that EJ Russell has created, not that I'm surprised, I've said it before and I'll say it again, she's one of my favorite Urban Fantasy authors. The story started a bit slow, but once it picked pace, wow, I couldn't put it down. I was completely spellbound by the characters and the plot and very invested in what would happen. I can't recommend this book enough!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***


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