Review: Ascension by A.S. Fenichel

A while back (July 8th), A.S. Fenichel's Deception was featured on this blog. If you read the review and were wondering about the first book in the series, here it is!

Ascension, book 1 in The Demon Hunters series, combines historical and paranormal romance in an exiting and sexy story about a woman who battles demons.

Lady Belinda Carlisle trained to be a demon hunter while her betrothed, Lord Gabriel Thurston, was at war on the continent. When Gabriel returns and finds out what Belinda is up to, he is both concerned and fascinated.

Demons are alive and well and living in London. The good thing is they are not very smart. The bad thing is, there are a lot of them. And, by they way, they have a master that is trying to enter earth's dimension so he can take over the world.

As Belinda and Gabriel join to battle demons, they explore their relationship. Gabriel is determined that Belinda will marry him. Belinda loves him but she doesn't believe that Gabriel will want a demon hunting wife.

In the beginning of the story, the betrothal between Belinda and Gabriel is tenuous at best. Belinda's demon hunting has become very important to her. Gabriel is suspicious of Belinda's night time activities.

Speaking of which, early in the book, Gabriel was angry because he assumed that Belinda had been having an affair and was no longer pure. On the other hand, Belinda had no problem with Gabriel's premarital activities. After a particularly satisfying sexual encounter, Belinda asks “Are there other ways of doing this?” Not, “Where did you learn how to do that?”. Regardless of societal norms, Belinda is top notch demon hunter in an organization that treats men and women equally. With people that are close to her, she should expect equal treatment in other areas of her life and respond accordingly.

Okay, that was my only complaint. I loved the kick-ass demon hunters, especially the women. I liked how Gabriel's respect and love for his betrothed grew with each demon encounter. Likewise, Belinda's marriage issues seemed to fade as she and Gabriel fought evil together.

Lillian Dellacourt and Reece FoxJohn made interesting secondary demon hunter characters. (Lillian's story is in book 2, Deception). Thor Strumm, Gabriel's hired man, is also of interest. He seemed to always show up when extra muscle was needed. Everyone ought to have someone like that in their lives.

The combination of a historical setting, romance and paranormal beings makes for a fun adventure! The verdict - I enjoyed Ascension and I may be hooked on a new series.

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes |

ARC Review: Deception A.S. Fenichel

I enjoy historical romance. I also like paranormal romance. When I can read one book and experience both genres, it's a good day! Deception by A.S. Fenichel is such a book.

Demons exist among humans in Scotland and England in the early 19th century. Unknown to most of the population, they live to worship their master and to bring him into this dimension. Luckily there are a few humans that bravely battle demons and work to ensure humanity stays safe. The Company was formed to protect humans from demons.

After the demon master tried to pass into earth's dimension using her friend (see Ascension, The Demon Hunters, #1), Lillian Dellacourt is on a mission. As one of the Company's most lethal kick-ass hunters, she will do anything necessary to stop the master.

Dorian Lambert, the exiled Marquis de Montalembert, has admired Lillian since she first joined the company. Now he is working with her to find the demon's gate. While Dorian courts Lillian, they both fight demons and track down the answers needed to solve the demon problem once and for all.

Usually, I like a slow burning romance. Deception is an exception. In this case, the relationship between Dorian and Lillian actually began before the events of this story. They were acquainted with each other and there was already attraction. Well, on Dorian's part, it might have been more than attraction. He wants a long-term relationship but Lillian only wants to scratch an itch. I like that there was the attraction punctuated with Dorian's enthusiastic courting words and Lillian smart comments. They make a fun, sexy couple.

Lillian's non-virginal status is no problem for Dorian, an unusual attitude for a noble. But perhaps not so unusual in the Company, where all employees are treated as equals, regardless of gender or societal rank. I wish that Lillian's attitude toward sex would have reflected this equality. She had no problem with taking lovers and she had no concerns about Dorian's prior sex life, but Lillian worried that Dorian would think she was a whore. This self-image issue didn't feel right for Lillian.

Deception has a few interesting secondary characters. Angus Fletcher, thief/businessman, is an honorable thug. Mrs. Abigail Higginbotham is a witch that is employed by the Company from time to time. The Company trainer of hunters, Blake Lambert, is the brother of Dorian. And Drake Cullum is the undisputed head of the Company who proves he can battle demons with the best of the hunters. Of the four, I think I like Drake best. I'd really like to know more about how he came to the Company. If there are future books in the Demon Hunters series, perhaps one or more of these characters will be featured.

In Deception, the origins of the Company are revealed. I was looking for this type of background in book 1, so I was please to see it explained. The Company had a questionable beginning, and a shaky past, which makes certain characters all that more interesting. But the past may also contain a clue that will help the hunters deal with the demons.

If you have not read book 1 in The Demon Hunters series, no problem. Deception can be enjoyed as standalone. If you enjoy historical and paranormal romance – in the same book – you would do well to check out Deception.

**ARC copy provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo |

Guest Post with Author A.S. Fenichel and Giveaway

Meet A.S. Fenichel author of Deception.

A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

Multi-published in erotic paranormal, contemporary and historical romance, A.S. is the author of the Mayan Destiny series, Christmas Bliss and many more. With several books currently contracted to multiple publishers, A.S. will be bringing you her brand of romance for many years to come.

Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

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