Author: Mary Abshire
Genre/Age: Paranormal Romance
Series: Soul Catcher Series (Book One)
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Format: ebook via Bewitching Book Tours
Rating: ✺✺✺✺
Links: Goodreads
Synopsis: 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.
This is a previously published work. It has been expanded and edited for Evernight Publishing.
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for honest review.**
This was a roller coaster!
I signed up for this tour and offered to review the first book of the series. I now wish I had signed up to review more of them. After only a couple of chapters, I had a hard time putting this book down!
In Claiming the Evil Dead, we meet Jessie, our half-demon, soul-sucking, paranormal investigating leading lady. I don't have a lot of reading experience with demons, but I was immediately intrigued by Jessie and her abilities. Ridding the world of evil spirits sounds exhausting.
Shortly after meeting Jessie, we get our first few glimpses of Drake, an ancient vampire with a conscious. He reaches out to Jessie for help vanquishing a fellow vampire who has been up to no good. After making a generous offer that Jessie can't refuse, they set out to track the bad guy.
I never lost interest in the story and the budding romance, while quick, didn't feel forced to me. The ending does toss an obstacle in the path. I am curious to see where our half-demon ends up. And with who...?
In closing...
4 easy suns for this smooth read. Action, danger, spice, and sass! Great combination!
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.
Links:
The following are excerpts from each book in the Soul Catcher Series. Be advised, they do contain mature content.
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:
"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.
I stared back at him and waited for him to say the word.
"Demon," he finished.
"That's not on my birth certificate."
His lips twitched. "You're a mystery to me."
"Let's keep 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.
"I have met 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.
"Tell me, 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.
"How about a deal?"
"Another one?"
"Consider 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?
"Okay," I said with a shrug. "But I get to ask the first question."
He grinned. "Always a concession with you."
I flashed a smile at him. He should have known that bargaining with a demon was never easy.
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:
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.
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?
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!
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.
"Wanna 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.
"Are we in an earthquake?" The words came out slurred.
"Is she 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.
"Hey, I 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.
Jeremy jerked the bottle from my hand.
"Hey, 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.
"Here." 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."
I giggled. "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?"
"Your 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?"
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.
Jeremy put his 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.
Ryan chuckled 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."
His lips pulled into a bright smile. "Now there's the woman I love."
I shoved him and he fell backward on his ass.
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:
"Drake?" 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."
The tension 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.
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.
"We were fighting. After he broke my neck—"
He growled, and 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.
The tightness in 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."
A smile spread 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.
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.
My eyes drooped. "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?"
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.
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."
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."
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:
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.
"You still 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."
"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."
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."
"Mr. Dark 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.
"I 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."
"You are 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.
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.
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.
"Do you 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.
He lowered his body over mine, then rubbed his solid rod 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.
I raked my 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.
Soul Catcher
Book 5
Mary Abshire &n bsp;
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:
Jeremy poured 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."
"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."
I almost 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.
"The skill 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."
I breathed in deeply. "I want you to help me find Drake."
The amusement on his face disappeared. "Seriously?"
"I don’t know if he’s alive—"
"He’s been 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."
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.
"In a 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."
"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.
He took the shot fast, then set the glass on the counter. "Then you know this will cost you."
I lowered my gaze as I nodded. "I know."
He rubbed his 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?
"I…I don’t know. It looks good on you."
"You think? 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."
"So you like it?"
I tossed my 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.
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 screen 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.
He secured the 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 do, but 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.
"I can't stop. Those women need help."
"Not from 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—"
"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."
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.
"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."
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.
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.
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