Claiming the Evil Dead
Soul Catcher
Book 1
Mary Abshire
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Date of Publication: December 28, 2015
ISBN: 9781772336528
ASIN: B019YIILU4
Number of pages: 303
Word Count: 99,845
Book Description:
An evil vampire preying upon children is on the loose in Chicago. Destroying him isn’t enough. Half-demon Jessie Garrett wants to send his soul where it belongs…in Hell.
Jessie lives a normal life—office worker by day and paranormal investigator on the side. She keeps her true nature and unique gift hidden. When a vampire approaches her with knowledge of her ability, her world starts to change. Drake, a member of Vampires for the Ethical Treatment of Other Vampires, propositions her for a job.
Although Jessie doesn’t trust him, she can’t turn down the opportunity to serve the ultimate justice to an evil vampire. Trying to capture the devout killer comes with a few complications. But as she partners with Drake she learns not all bloodsuckers are bad and discovers the cold-blooded vamp is a temptation too difficult to resist.
Excerpt Claiming
the Evil Dead:
the Evil Dead:
"Jessie
Garrett," he said, capturing my attention. "Twenty-four, single,
computer technician, paranormal investigator…" He paused and directed his
attention from the road to me.
Garrett," he said, capturing my attention. "Twenty-four, single,
computer technician, paranormal investigator…" He paused and directed his
attention from the road to me.
I stared back at
him and waited for him to say the word.
him and waited for him to say the word.
"Demon,"
he finished.
he finished.
"That's not
on my birth certificate."
on my birth certificate."
His lips
twitched. "You're a mystery to me."
twitched. "You're a mystery to me."
"Let's keep
it that way."
it that way."
I shifted one
leg over the other. From my peripheral vision, I saw him watching me. I wore a
knee-length black skirt with small, blue floral designs and three-inch black
sandals. I'd selected the skirt thinking I would stay cooler. Now that I
realized I had exposed my bare legs to his eyes, I wished I'd worn jeans.
leg over the other. From my peripheral vision, I saw him watching me. I wore a
knee-length black skirt with small, blue floral designs and three-inch black
sandals. I'd selected the skirt thinking I would stay cooler. Now that I
realized I had exposed my bare legs to his eyes, I wished I'd worn jeans.
"I have met
a few demons in my existence, and I have to admit that none compare to
you."
a few demons in my existence, and I have to admit that none compare to
you."
I silently
chuckled. What a sweet compliment. Maybe he had a warm personality hidden
within that cold body of his. Maybe.
chuckled. What a sweet compliment. Maybe he had a warm personality hidden
within that cold body of his. Maybe.
"Tell me,
Jessie Garrett, where have you been hiding all these years?"
Jessie Garrett, where have you been hiding all these years?"
"You
followed me and seem to know a lot about me. Why don't you tell me?" I
crossed my arms.
followed me and seem to know a lot about me. Why don't you tell me?" I
crossed my arms.
"How about
a deal?"
a deal?"
"Another
one?"
one?"
"Consider
it an exchange. You tell me about yourself, and I'll tell you whatever you want
to know about me."
it an exchange. You tell me about yourself, and I'll tell you whatever you want
to know about me."
His proposal
appealed to me. Since I was stuck in a car with him for the next three hours,
and I had limited knowledge of vampires, why not cash in on a golden
opportunity to learn more about him?
appealed to me. Since I was stuck in a car with him for the next three hours,
and I had limited knowledge of vampires, why not cash in on a golden
opportunity to learn more about him?
"Okay,"
I said with a shrug. "But I get to ask the first question."
I said with a shrug. "But I get to ask the first question."
He grinned.
"Always a concession with you."
"Always a concession with you."
I flashed a
smile at him. He should have known that bargaining with a demon was never easy.
smile at him. He should have known that bargaining with a demon was never easy.
Catching an Evil Tail
Soul Catcher
Book 2
Mary Abshire
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Date of Publication: February 26, 2016
ISBN: 9781772337464
ASIN: B01C2A2IO6
Word Count: 84,720
Book Description:
Half-demon Jessie Garrett longs to liberate herself from the debt she owes the demon yearning to seduce her. When Jeremy asks for her help, she jumps at the chance to make a new deal with him—one that will guarantee her freedom. The only catch? She has to send the soul of a werewolf to Hell.
As if Jessie didn’t have enough trouble in her life, her vampire lover remains out of the country. After Drake fails to offer an explanation as to why he hasn’t returned, she starts to wonder if she should move on without him. But when he finally shows up and defends his absence, his justification stuns and terrifies her.
Love, trust, and loyalty are on the line. Torn between her feelings for her vampire boyfriend, a hot Alpha wolf, and a demon vowing to protect her, Jessie must figure out her heart’s true desires and the best course of action to stay alive.
Excerpt
Catching an Evil Tail:
Catching an Evil Tail:
I sat on the
floor of my fancy suite with my back against the sofa, drinking my third bottle
of expensive vodka. One minute, I hated the world and everyone, especially men.
The next, I wanted to ball my eyes out over being alone. Remote in one hand and
bottle in the other, I flipped through the channels, searching for something
violent, something horrific, or something that would appease my inner demon.
One thing I knew for sure was that I hated Jeremy.
floor of my fancy suite with my back against the sofa, drinking my third bottle
of expensive vodka. One minute, I hated the world and everyone, especially men.
The next, I wanted to ball my eyes out over being alone. Remote in one hand and
bottle in the other, I flipped through the channels, searching for something
violent, something horrific, or something that would appease my inner demon.
One thing I knew for sure was that I hated Jeremy.
The time on the
news channel showed it was past 1:00 a.m. Thanks to my pity party, I'd drowned
into a world I hadn't seen in a long time—not since college when Christopher
and I split. Men—couldn't live with them and couldn't live without them. And
turning into a lesbian wouldn't work for me. I needed a man to hold me, kiss
me, and love me in the most passionate way. Why couldn't I find such a man?
news channel showed it was past 1:00 a.m. Thanks to my pity party, I'd drowned
into a world I hadn't seen in a long time—not since college when Christopher
and I split. Men—couldn't live with them and couldn't live without them. And
turning into a lesbian wouldn't work for me. I needed a man to hold me, kiss
me, and love me in the most passionate way. Why couldn't I find such a man?
I gulped down
another fourth of the bottle. The fiery liquor raised my temperature. Sweat
beaded on my face and neck. As I lowered the bottle to my side, everything in
the room started spinning while all worries and cares drifted away. Hell yeah,
I was feeling damn good!
another fourth of the bottle. The fiery liquor raised my temperature. Sweat
beaded on my face and neck. As I lowered the bottle to my side, everything in
the room started spinning while all worries and cares drifted away. Hell yeah,
I was feeling damn good!
Hearing the
click of the adjoining room door, I turned my head. The room spun, but I
managed to see two figures. They headed toward me.
click of the adjoining room door, I turned my head. The room spun, but I
managed to see two figures. They headed toward me.
"Wanna
drink?" I held up the bottle as an offering. Two seconds later, I withdrew
my offer. Screw sharing.
drink?" I held up the bottle as an offering. Two seconds later, I withdrew
my offer. Screw sharing.
Jeremy squatted
at my side. His body moved sideways and I busted out in laughter.
at my side. His body moved sideways and I busted out in laughter.
"Are we in
an earthquake?" The words came out slurred.
an earthquake?" The words came out slurred.
"Is she
drunk?" the man behind Jeremy asked.
drunk?" the man behind Jeremy asked.
I leaned
sideways to get a look at the man, only my control didn't exist and I nearly
crashed into the floor until Jeremy caught me. I laughed, then recognized the
person behind Jeremy.
sideways to get a look at the man, only my control didn't exist and I nearly
crashed into the floor until Jeremy caught me. I laughed, then recognized the
person behind Jeremy.
"Hey, I
know you," I said, pointing the bottle toward Ryan. "You're Jeremy's
werewolf friend. Here, wolfie-wolfie."
know you," I said, pointing the bottle toward Ryan. "You're Jeremy's
werewolf friend. Here, wolfie-wolfie."
"How much
has she had?" the werewolf asked.
has she had?" the werewolf asked.
Jeremy jerked
the bottle from my hand.
the bottle from my hand.
"Hey,
that's mine." I reached for it.
that's mine." I reached for it.
The room tilted
and everything moved so fast that I gave up trying to reclaim my bottle before
I could fell face-first on the floor.
and everything moved so fast that I gave up trying to reclaim my bottle before
I could fell face-first on the floor.
"Here."
I pushed two empty bottles toward him. "You can have these, too. I don't
want them anymore."
I pushed two empty bottles toward him. "You can have these, too. I don't
want them anymore."
"Damn!"
Ryan shouted. "I don't think we should have left her alone."
Ryan shouted. "I don't think we should have left her alone."
I giggled.
"I had a great time." I slapped my hand on my thigh. "With me,
myself, and I."
"I had a great time." I slapped my hand on my thigh. "With me,
myself, and I."
Jeremy's fingers
grazed my cheek as he brushed aside the hair from my face. "Where did you
get the liquor?"
grazed my cheek as he brushed aside the hair from my face. "Where did you
get the liquor?"
"Your
fingers are so warm." The snake tattoo on his arm captured my gaze.
fingers are so warm." The snake tattoo on his arm captured my gaze.
He lifted my
chin so my eyes met his. "Where did you get the bottles, Jessie?"
chin so my eyes met his. "Where did you get the bottles, Jessie?"
I drew in a deep
breath. "I visited the lounge, and the manager served me a bottle. I asked
if he'd sell me a couple, but he turned me down." I jerked my chin away
from him. Suddenly, the room started moving.
breath. "I visited the lounge, and the manager served me a bottle. I asked
if he'd sell me a couple, but he turned me down." I jerked my chin away
from him. Suddenly, the room started moving.
Jeremy put his
hands on the sides of my face and brought my gaze back to his. "How did
you get the bottles?"
hands on the sides of my face and brought my gaze back to his. "How did
you get the bottles?"
Everything
stopped spinning. "I showed him a little ass, and he sold them to
me." I smiled.
stopped spinning. "I showed him a little ass, and he sold them to
me." I smiled.
Ryan chuckled
behind Jeremy, but the sound turned into a cough. "Sorry."
behind Jeremy, but the sound turned into a cough. "Sorry."
I stared into
Jeremy's soft brown eyes. "You're a fucker, Jeremy. A mean
motherfucker."
Jeremy's soft brown eyes. "You're a fucker, Jeremy. A mean
motherfucker."
His lips pulled
into a bright smile. "Now there's the woman I love."
into a bright smile. "Now there's the woman I love."
I shoved him and
he fell backward on his ass.
he fell backward on his ass.
Fighting Evil
Soul Catcher
Book 3
Mary Abshire
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Date of Publication: March 15, 2016
ISBN: 9781772337747
ASIN: B01D1SF2FK
Number of pages: 271
Word Count: 86,480
Book Description:
Half-demon Jessie Garrett’s battles seem endless. While Jeremy, the demon out to win her heart, teaches her how to fight, Jessie’s relationship with her vampire lover, Drake, reaches a breaking point. Adding to her struggles, she must defend her life against a group of vampires who consider her a threat to their existence.
Held captive on a remote island with both Drake and Jeremy protecting her, she is tested in ways she’s never imagined. Jessie fights back; only her actions do more harm than good. The group offers her a choice, but no matter what she decides, her life will change forever.
Excerpt
Fighting Evil:
Fighting Evil:
"Drake?"
I gave him a questioning look with my brows closing in near my nose.
I gave him a questioning look with my brows closing in near my nose.
He approached
me, threading his fingers through his long brown hair. His face was tight, his
lips pressed together in a thin line. Dark eyes pierced me. "We need to
talk."
me, threading his fingers through his long brown hair. His face was tight, his
lips pressed together in a thin line. Dark eyes pierced me. "We need to
talk."
The tension
claiming him had to be a result from my less than appropriate appearance with
Jeremy at the karate school.
claiming him had to be a result from my less than appropriate appearance with
Jeremy at the karate school.
"Is it
about earlier?" I asked.
about earlier?" I asked.
He stopped in
front of me and gripped my shoulders. "What in God's name were you doing
without your clothes on?" His tone was deep, full of anger and concern.
front of me and gripped my shoulders. "What in God's name were you doing
without your clothes on?" His tone was deep, full of anger and concern.
"We were
fighting. After he broke my neck—"
fighting. After he broke my neck—"
He growled, and
he tightened his grip. "He broke your neck?"
he tightened his grip. "He broke your neck?"
"I made a
stupid move—and that gave him time to remove my clothes. But when my bones
healed, I beat the shit out of him. For once, I actually beat him." I
smiled, hoping Drake would find my accomplishment as worthy as I did.
stupid move—and that gave him time to remove my clothes. But when my bones
healed, I beat the shit out of him. For once, I actually beat him." I
smiled, hoping Drake would find my accomplishment as worthy as I did.
The tightness in
his face ebbed. "You created that bloody mess on his face?"
his face ebbed. "You created that bloody mess on his face?"
I lifted a
shoulder. "He made me angry when he tried to take advantage of me."
shoulder. "He made me angry when he tried to take advantage of me."
A smile spread
across Drake's face. "I hope I never make you that angry."
across Drake's face. "I hope I never make you that angry."
"Don't give
me a reason, and you won't have to worry." Grinning, I recalled times when
he had made me angry. After we'd first met, the ancient vamp and I had many
communication issues. Add my lack of trust and our relationship went beyond
tense. Yet, somehow, we worked out our problems and fell madly in love, a feat
I never would have thought possible two months ago.
me a reason, and you won't have to worry." Grinning, I recalled times when
he had made me angry. After we'd first met, the ancient vamp and I had many
communication issues. Add my lack of trust and our relationship went beyond
tense. Yet, somehow, we worked out our problems and fell madly in love, a feat
I never would have thought possible two months ago.
Drake's gaze
honed in on my mouth. He touched my chin and gently glided his thumb over my
bottom lip, the repeatedly busted one. "I can heal this for you." His
voice was as soft as his touch and made my insides quiver.
honed in on my mouth. He touched my chin and gently glided his thumb over my
bottom lip, the repeatedly busted one. "I can heal this for you." His
voice was as soft as his touch and made my insides quiver.
My eyes drooped.
"No, he'll know."
"No, he'll know."
Slowly, he slid
his hand down my arm, spawning an increase of goose flesh. "Are you saying
we can't even kiss now?"
his hand down my arm, spawning an increase of goose flesh. "Are you saying
we can't even kiss now?"
Oh, I wanted to
kiss his soft lips, enjoy the touch of his playful tongue, and feel his cool
embrace wrapped around me. I hated we had to pretend we weren't lovers.
"Maybe when the cut is healed." Denying a simple kiss felt worse than
any hit or broken bone.
kiss his soft lips, enjoy the touch of his playful tongue, and feel his cool
embrace wrapped around me. I hated we had to pretend we weren't lovers.
"Maybe when the cut is healed." Denying a simple kiss felt worse than
any hit or broken bone.
Drake wrapped
his arms around me and crushed me to him. His energy passed through me in a
peaceful wave. "My heart and soul long to be with you."
his arms around me and crushed me to him. His energy passed through me in a
peaceful wave. "My heart and soul long to be with you."
I hugged him
with all the strength I had while I breathed in his rosemary cedar wood scent.
On the outside, his body was cool and solid, pleasing to my feverish flesh.
Inside, passionate love filled him. I wanted to hold onto him and his love
forever. "You have no idea how much I want to forget about everything and
just be alone with you."
with all the strength I had while I breathed in his rosemary cedar wood scent.
On the outside, his body was cool and solid, pleasing to my feverish flesh.
Inside, passionate love filled him. I wanted to hold onto him and his love
forever. "You have no idea how much I want to forget about everything and
just be alone with you."
Love Conquers All Evil
Soul Catcher
Book 4
Mary Abshire
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Date of Publication: April 21, 2016
ISBN: 9781772338188
ASIN: B01EK4A916
Number of pages: 304
Word Count: 97,650
Book Description:
Hiding from the VETOV, Jessie and Drake move to a small town in Alaska—home to humans, demons, and werewolves. They soon discover a serial killer is on the loose and it's a demon stealing good souls. Jessie longs to end the fiend's rampage so she can send his soul to Hell. But finding the murderer won't be easy, especially after she bumps into a werewolf who had kidnapped and tried to kill her.
Jessie reaches out to Alan, the Alpha she'd helped in Arizona. Alan and Drake work together to eliminate the threat against Jessie, but removing the werewolf may come with a steep price.
Over a roller coaster ride of events, Jessie battles for survival and her soul.
Through all her struggles, she maintains a feverish love for Drake. On Christmas Eve, he presents Jessie with a surprise. Eternity never looked better for the half-demon soul catcher.
Excerpt Love Conquers
All Evil:
All Evil:
Lightly biting
my tongue, I paced in the room. A violent demon stabbed people, then stole
their souls and money. Why would a person—no, a demon—do such a thing? How long
had they been killing? Did they just start, or was it an addiction? And why
weren't people fighting back? Was the demon taking their souls first? No, that
couldn't be the answer since the demon stabbed some of the victims in the back.
my tongue, I paced in the room. A violent demon stabbed people, then stole
their souls and money. Why would a person—no, a demon—do such a thing? How long
had they been killing? Did they just start, or was it an addiction? And why
weren't people fighting back? Was the demon taking their souls first? No, that
couldn't be the answer since the demon stabbed some of the victims in the back.
"You still
have not told me what is on your mind," Drake said.
have not told me what is on your mind," Drake said.
I stopped pacing
near the door. "I'm thinking about the kind of demons who steal
souls."
near the door. "I'm thinking about the kind of demons who steal
souls."
"You know
what I am talking about," he said, smiling. "Our agreement from
earlier. You owe me an answer and I intend to get it."
what I am talking about," he said, smiling. "Our agreement from
earlier. You owe me an answer and I intend to get it."
Get it? Oh, I
could give it, but why not make him work for it? "And I seem to recall
telling you to give me what I want and I will tell you. Well, Mr. Dark Eyes,
you still owe me."
could give it, but why not make him work for it? "And I seem to recall
telling you to give me what I want and I will tell you. Well, Mr. Dark Eyes,
you still owe me."
"Mr. Dark
Eyes?" Drake slowly rose from the chair. "I owe you?"
Eyes?" Drake slowly rose from the chair. "I owe you?"
I took a step
back, placing myself in the doorway. Any closer and I'd run. He'd have to catch
me and work for the answer.
back, placing myself in the doorway. Any closer and I'd run. He'd have to catch
me and work for the answer.
"I
fulfilled my obligation," he said, his head slightly tilted to the side.
His pupils swelled.
fulfilled my obligation," he said, his head slightly tilted to the side.
His pupils swelled.
I licked my
lips. "Only to an extent. We were interrupted."
lips. "Only to an extent. We were interrupted."
"You are
teasing me." He took a step toward me.
teasing me." He took a step toward me.
Grinning, I darted
down the hall, then raced down the stairs. Footsteps came fast behind me. I had
no hope of escaping him, but that was all part of the fun. And he knew it.
down the hall, then raced down the stairs. Footsteps came fast behind me. I had
no hope of escaping him, but that was all part of the fun. And he knew it.
Drake caught me
two steps past the staircase. He picked me up and my legs flew in front of me.
He carried me into the bedroom, all while I laughed, screamed a little, and
wriggled in his arms. Reaching the bed, he let go and I fell onto the soft
mattress.
two steps past the staircase. He picked me up and my legs flew in front of me.
He carried me into the bedroom, all while I laughed, screamed a little, and
wriggled in his arms. Reaching the bed, he let go and I fell onto the soft
mattress.
I quickly
twisted around to face him. Below his curled upper lip, two sharp teeth said
hello. Amusement played on his face. He grabbed my legs and yanked me toward
him.
twisted around to face him. Below his curled upper lip, two sharp teeth said
hello. Amusement played on his face. He grabbed my legs and yanked me toward
him.
"Do you
refuse to tell me after we agreed—"
refuse to tell me after we agreed—"
"Refuse is
such a strong word. I don't refuse. I simply want something in return," I
said with a playful smile.
such a strong word. I don't refuse. I simply want something in return," I
said with a playful smile.
He lowered his
body over mine, then rubbed his solid cock against me. Damn, he felt so good
and ready.
body over mine, then rubbed his solid cock against me. Damn, he felt so good
and ready.
"I intend
to get my answer," he said before he pressed his lips to mine. He kissed
me tenderly.
to get my answer," he said before he pressed his lips to mine. He kissed
me tenderly.
I raked my
fingers through his soft hair, brushing it away from his face. "Show me how
badly you want it."
fingers through his soft hair, brushing it away from his face. "Show me how
badly you want it."
After a quick
tug, my shorts came off. He showed me how much he wanted my answer, repeatedly,
until my body was sore, throbbing with ecstasy, and totally exhausted.
tug, my shorts came off. He showed me how much he wanted my answer, repeatedly,
until my body was sore, throbbing with ecstasy, and totally exhausted.
Freedom From the Evil Dead
Soul Catcher
Book 5
Mary Abshire
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Date of Publication: May 18, 2016
ISBN: 9781772338577
ASIN: B01FTR0J4U
Number of pages: 269
Word Count: 87,790
Book Description:
Drake and Jessie have spent a few years hiding from the group of vampires who believe she is a threat to their existence. When Drake learns the organization may be willing to negotiate, he decides to take a chance and meet with them. For over three years, Jessie waits for her vampire lover to return. She fears the worst and seeks to locate him from the only man who can help her.
Jessie bargains with Jeremy, the demon she turned away so long ago. But locating Drake comes with many sacrifices. After Jeremy nearly pays with his life, Jessie takes matters into her own hands. Willing to surrender her own existence, she leaves to free Drake.
Through great heartache and suffering, Jessie struggles to survive. Fury gives her strength and she vows revenge. Given freedom and a chance to live a normal life she's always dreamed, Jessie must decide her future.
Excerpt
Freedom From the Evil Dead:
Freedom From the Evil Dead:
Jeremy poured
more vodka. "I missed our days of drinking together. We had some good
times." He set the bottle upright.
more vodka. "I missed our days of drinking together. We had some good
times." He set the bottle upright.
I stared at the
glass. "You know I wouldn’t be here unless I needed your help. I’m putting
your life in danger by coming here."
glass. "You know I wouldn’t be here unless I needed your help. I’m putting
your life in danger by coming here."
"Yeah,
well…" He gave a casual shrug with one of his shoulders. "I’ve always
had a soft spot in my heart for blue-eyed half-demons."
well…" He gave a casual shrug with one of his shoulders. "I’ve always
had a soft spot in my heart for blue-eyed half-demons."
I almost
chuckled. Almost, then I grabbed the shot and downed it. The fluid warmed me
again.
chuckled. Almost, then I grabbed the shot and downed it. The fluid warmed me
again.
"In case
you’ve forgotten, I’m quite capable of handling any vampires," he said.
you’ve forgotten, I’m quite capable of handling any vampires," he said.
"The skill
is a handy one." I nodded.
is a handy one." I nodded.
He chuckled.
"Nice choice of words." He crossed his arms. "Now tell me what I
can help you with."
"Nice choice of words." He crossed his arms. "Now tell me what I
can help you with."
I breathed in
deeply. "I want you to help me find Drake."
deeply. "I want you to help me find Drake."
The amusement on
his face disappeared. "Seriously?"
his face disappeared. "Seriously?"
"I don’t
know if he’s alive—"
know if he’s alive—"
"He’s been
dead for several centuries," he interrupted, and I paused.
dead for several centuries," he interrupted, and I paused.
"I need
proof he’s still here or…not. No pictures. No videos. I need to see with my own
eyes if they destroyed him, or if they’re holding him hostage. If they are
keeping him against his will, then I want him freed. And if they did destroy
him…" I paused to gather more air. "I want them extinguished. And if
by all means possible, I want to send their souls to Hell."
proof he’s still here or…not. No pictures. No videos. I need to see with my own
eyes if they destroyed him, or if they’re holding him hostage. If they are
keeping him against his will, then I want him freed. And if they did destroy
him…" I paused to gather more air. "I want them extinguished. And if
by all means possible, I want to send their souls to Hell."
Jeremy stared
calmly at me, then he rose. He started pacing. "Let me get this straight.
You want me to help you find your old lover, whom I despise. And if he’s been
burned to ashes, you want me to help you get revenge." He stopped to look
at me.
calmly at me, then he rose. He started pacing. "Let me get this straight.
You want me to help you find your old lover, whom I despise. And if he’s been
burned to ashes, you want me to help you get revenge." He stopped to look
at me.
"In a
nutshell, yes."
nutshell, yes."
He chuckled as
he grabbed the bottle and filled the glass. "Not only am I risking my
life, I would be putting others in danger."
he grabbed the bottle and filled the glass. "Not only am I risking my
life, I would be putting others in danger."
"I realize
this." The notion of harm to other people bothered me greatly and I vowed
to minimize the risk as much as possible. But ultimately, I realized someone
could get hurt, or worse.
this." The notion of harm to other people bothered me greatly and I vowed
to minimize the risk as much as possible. But ultimately, I realized someone
could get hurt, or worse.
He took the shot
fast, then set the glass on the counter. "Then you know this will cost
you."
fast, then set the glass on the counter. "Then you know this will cost
you."
I lowered my
gaze as I nodded. "I know."
gaze as I nodded. "I know."
He rubbed his
hand over his mouth, then scratched his cheek. "What do think? Should I
shave?"
hand over his mouth, then scratched his cheek. "What do think? Should I
shave?"
I gave him a
quizzical look. How could ask me such unimportant questions when we were in the
middle of a serious matter?
quizzical look. How could ask me such unimportant questions when we were in the
middle of a serious matter?
"I…I don’t
know. It looks good on you."
know. It looks good on you."
"You think?
Doesn't it make me look older though?" He sat on the stool.
Doesn't it make me look older though?" He sat on the stool.
I shook my head,
disliking his pettiness. "So what if it does? It looks fine on you."
disliking his pettiness. "So what if it does? It looks fine on you."
"So you
like it?"
like it?"
I tossed my
hands up. "Yes. Yes. Can we get on with negotiations, please?"
hands up. "Yes. Yes. Can we get on with negotiations, please?"
He grinned and
slowly dragged his gaze down to my chest. I rolled my eyes. It was only a
matter of time before his naughty mind would start working.
slowly dragged his gaze down to my chest. I rolled my eyes. It was only a
matter of time before his naughty mind would start working.
The Evil Next Door
Soul Catcher
Book 6
Mary Abshire
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Date of Publication: June 13, 2016
ISBN: 9781772338898
ASIN: B01GZLO9BI
Number of pages: 220
Word Count: 69,820
Blurb/Book Description: Jessie is enjoying life as she settles into her new home with Jeremy in New Mexico. She's ready to fulfill her agreement with the demon, but the doctor delays her plans. While she continues to recover from her ordeal with the VETOV, she learns women on the Indian reservation next door are being abused, raped, and sometimes murdered. Jessie starts her own investigation and with the help of a Chief, she's able to trace years of mistreatment to three men.
But Jeremy doesn't want her risking her life. Seeking to protect her, he pleads with her to let him handle the issue. Tension between the two escalates as she takes matters into her own hands. When he proves his devotion to her in ways she never imagined, she discovers her true feelings for the demon. Together, will they be able to end the violence toward women on the reservation?
Excerpt
The Evil Next Door:
The Evil Next Door:
The screen door
squealed before we reached the kitchen. Jeremy stepped inside, then closed the
front door.
squealed before we reached the kitchen. Jeremy stepped inside, then closed the
front door.
"Is
everything okay now?" I asked as I approached him.
everything okay now?" I asked as I approached him.
He secured the
lock before he faced me. "I don't want you investigating this matter
anymore."
lock before he faced me. "I don't want you investigating this matter
anymore."
Staring at him,
I felt as if I'd been punched in the gut. "Have you no compassion for
those women?"
I felt as if I'd been punched in the gut. "Have you no compassion for
those women?"
"I do, but
your life means more to me."
your life means more to me."
His response
didn't surprise me given the extremes he'd taken to save me and provide me a
good life. But his excuse still angered me.
didn't surprise me given the extremes he'd taken to save me and provide me a
good life. But his excuse still angered me.
"I can't
stop. Those women need help."
stop. Those women need help."
"Not from
you."
you."
"Then
who?" I asked in an elevated tone while I threw up my arms. "The
police don't do anything. Nobody helps them. Women are—"
who?" I asked in an elevated tone while I threw up my arms. "The
police don't do anything. Nobody helps them. Women are—"
"Stop,"
he said loudly. "I will not let you get involved. You are mine to protect
and I will do it as I see fit."
he said loudly. "I will not let you get involved. You are mine to protect
and I will do it as I see fit."
His words lit a
fire within me. I wouldn't stand by and let him tell me what to do. Did he
think he could control me because I didn't have any money, a job, or any
friends outside his circle? I didn't have any of those things, but I was alive
and free. While I would honor our deal, I would not allow him to push me
around. And I refused to be treated like a glass doll. Temper shooting through
the roof, I balled my hands and stepped toward him.
fire within me. I wouldn't stand by and let him tell me what to do. Did he
think he could control me because I didn't have any money, a job, or any
friends outside his circle? I didn't have any of those things, but I was alive
and free. While I would honor our deal, I would not allow him to push me
around. And I refused to be treated like a glass doll. Temper shooting through
the roof, I balled my hands and stepped toward him.
"You do not
own me. I own my life and my soul. Not you." Fury strengthened my voice.
Staring into his eyes, I moved closer and he stepped back. "If you think
for one second you can control me, think again." He bumped into the door
and I stood inches from him. "I am not afraid of you."
own me. I own my life and my soul. Not you." Fury strengthened my voice.
Staring into his eyes, I moved closer and he stepped back. "If you think
for one second you can control me, think again." He bumped into the door
and I stood inches from him. "I am not afraid of you."
His eyes widened
as realization slapped him in the face. He grabbed hold of my arms, then spun
me around until my back hit the door. Before I could take my next breath, he
covered my mouth with his. The kiss stunned me and I didn't want it. I was too
outraged. Then, he claimed my tongue and sucked on it. I tried to ignore the
intensity of his desire and pushed my hands on his chest. He wouldn't budge. He
took hold of my wrists, then pinned them to the door. Body pressed to mine, he
rubbed his groin against my belly. My nipples hardened while heat swelled
within me. The feel of his solid erection transformed my anger in a flash. When
he pushed his length against me again, I wanted nothing more than to have him
buried deep inside me.
as realization slapped him in the face. He grabbed hold of my arms, then spun
me around until my back hit the door. Before I could take my next breath, he
covered my mouth with his. The kiss stunned me and I didn't want it. I was too
outraged. Then, he claimed my tongue and sucked on it. I tried to ignore the
intensity of his desire and pushed my hands on his chest. He wouldn't budge. He
took hold of my wrists, then pinned them to the door. Body pressed to mine, he
rubbed his groin against my belly. My nipples hardened while heat swelled
within me. The feel of his solid erection transformed my anger in a flash. When
he pushed his length against me again, I wanted nothing more than to have him
buried deep inside me.
I moaned under
his kiss while I struggled to breathe. My fight to stop him quickly ended, but
he continued to pin me to the door. Body wet with need, I yearned for him. He
stroked my tongue and I returned the same care. He let go of my wrists, then
slid one of his hands between us. While he sought to touch me, I did the same
to him. I slipped my hand into his sweat pants and quickly found my prize. It
was thick and hard and I never wanted to let go.
his kiss while I struggled to breathe. My fight to stop him quickly ended, but
he continued to pin me to the door. Body wet with need, I yearned for him. He
stroked my tongue and I returned the same care. He let go of my wrists, then
slid one of his hands between us. While he sought to touch me, I did the same
to him. I slipped my hand into his sweat pants and quickly found my prize. It
was thick and hard and I never wanted to let go.
My Review
Ok so I'm going to do something a little different. Since I've read all 5 books- currently reading number 6- I am going to write a series review so far. I will be writing individual reviews as well but since we're spotlighting the whole series, I'm going to try this. Let me start by saying this, I read the first three books' blurbs and then stopped. I was intrigued. I didn't want to spoil anything else and I didn't think I'd like the books as much as I have. Let me rephrase- I have been obsessed reading this series lol! So book one starts out with Jessie, her roommate Dani, and their two friends Kyle and Lester, searching for paranormal activity. They somehow find time from their day jobs tondo this on the side. But Jess has a secret that she's kept very close to heart- she's a half demon who can send souls to hell. Not all souls, just the evil ones but she wants to stay way far away from supernaturals like herself and others so she hides everything. But a vampire shows up and says he's followed her and he knows her secret. He will keep it quiet if she will do a job for him. He pays her will, so she finally agrees. And here starts an adventure that has kept me glued to any electronic device at all times. Dani her BFF says she thinks Jess she not only take the job but take Drake then vampire to bed, yet her friend knows nothing of the supernatural world. And the job, find one of the most evil vampires and kill him and send his soul to hell. Well, said vampire almost killed them all. And in the mean time, Jess has her heart stolen by a vamp. I wasn't sure about him at first, but Drakes just lovable lol. And along the way, we also meet Jeremy who's a full blooded demon and will do ANYTHING to have Jess. He swears she's the love of his life but when you meet Jeremy, you'll understand why she holds him off lol. However, I fell straight for him :)
Next in book two, Drake is off dealing with the fall out and consequences from book one, while Jess gets tangled in to help Jeremy with his werewolf friend's problems. We meet Tyan, Jeremy's college roommate and BFF, and his alpha Alan. They are trying to stop and evil werewolf and Jessie is gunna help out. I won't lie, this whole series, Jessie almost dies like 9,000 times. I've never had so many heart stopping moments before. Jeremy is still trying to win Jess and Drake is being shady and gone. And when he shows up, well he saves the day only to throw it back down the toilet. He had a lot to learn with modern women lol. And ps, I'd drop them all like hot potatoes for Alan! Holy crap is he freaking awesome. Jeremy may be second on my list, but Ryan is super close if not tied!
Book three, well that damn secret Drake had was Jessie has to meet with his vampire superiors who are all freaking ridiculous. There's a reason I don't usually like vampers and they made all the reasons more clear. Jeremy has helped Jessie learn to fight and goes with them across the world, and man oh man did it get bad. I won't lie though, Jeremy broke my heart and Drake won serious brownie point. And we're seeing that Jessie is really willing to do almost anything for Drake, she loves him and he her. I also cried several times for this book, be prepared. It's heart wrenching and I won't lie that I felt Jessie's rage and the blood suckers.
Book 4, well Jessie and Drake are hiding, but trouble follows them everywhere. While they find a new home, with a pretty good life and some new friends, murders are happening and her old friend's in trouble. While Jess begs for Drake to help her friend, she calls her werewolf pals for backup. I seriously missed Jeremy. Like a lot! But I get it. And don't think the heart ache is over. This book continues from the last with characters dying that will break your heart. It broke mine. And while Drake have up everything just like Jess, I knew it wouldn't hold. Sometimes too much of a good thing is bad. And I loved Donnie and Gail. And I'm super freaking happy about Gabe :)
Book 5, dear sweet baby Jesus, get a tissue and a bucket of ice cream. Oh my God. Oh my God. One more time, omg! This author almost killed off everybody. THANK YOU for not doing that to my heart. I must say this one has been the darkest yet. It's not humorous like the others and I completely loved that the author took the risks here because even though my heart hurt, it still does, she did a fantastic job of trying to level the playing fields and bringing back the Jess that we fell in love with. She'll never be the same from all her experiences but she has a chance now. And YES!!!! I knew it, I know it's going to be a rocky road but this ending, going into book 6, just YES!!!
So since I'm in book 6 now, I won't comment. I've left many things vague but I wanted to not spoil too much. I'm thoroughly enjoying this one. The writing has been flawless throughout and it's been spectacular with the plot lines and twists. The suspense is great and the humorous touches mixed in with the dark gritty feel made for a perfect read for me. Great action- seriously steamy good romance, and a wonderful leading female with magnificent male characters to boot. I want one!!! Ryan please lol since I can't have Alan or Jeremy ;) And let me just say this- a MAGNIFICENT series! It's my new favorite and I'm so freaking happy I took a chance and said I wanted to read it! Now I will have my whole individual reviews once I finish book 6, but I think if you haven't found something worthwhile in this review- you may be crazy! I'm so impressed and I'm not sure if this is the end of the series but I hope not!! :) 5 PAWS!!!
About the Author:
Mary lives in Indiana and is a lifetime lover of the paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy. When she's not slaving away at her government job or binge watching TV, she creates fantastical worlds with vampires, demons, werewolves, angels, and other supernatural creatures. Dive into her books and find action, suspense, a dash of mystery, and seductive men with passionate hearts.
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