Deal with the Demon
Deal with the Demon, the first book in The Mate Games: Pestilence series by Meg Anne and K. Loraine, is an electrifying, steamy, and utterly addictive paranormal romance that sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. From the very first page, this book grabs you by the heart (and maybe a few other places) and doesn’t let go until the jaw-dropping cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more. With its vibrant cast of characters, sizzling chemistry, and a plot that weaves humor, suspense, and spice into a seamless tapestry, this novel is a masterclass in why we love reverse harem romances.
At the center of the story is Roslyn “Rosie” Blackthorne, a half-vampire princess who fakes her own death to escape a loveless marriage to the cold and calculating vampire duke, Gavin Donoghue. Rosie’s determination to protect her family drives her to take drastic measures, and her journey to reinvent herself in the remote town of Aurora Springs, Alaska, is both thrilling and inspiring. Rosie is a heroine you can’t help but root for—she’s naïve yet brave, sweet yet resourceful, and her evolution from a sheltered princess to a woman embracing her desires is beautifully crafted. Her wit and humor shine through, making her relatable and endlessly likable, even as she navigates a world of danger and seduction.
The ensemble of love interests is where Deal with the Demon truly excels, delivering a diverse and dynamic harem that caters to every romantic fantasy. First, there’s Asher Henry, the elusive hacker with a sharp tongue and a penchant for disguises. His moody sarcasm and unexpected vulnerability make him a standout, and his chemistry with Rosie is electric. Then we have the Mercer twins, Ben and Remi, wolf shifters who own a bar and bring their own unique flavors to the story. Remi is the flirty, playful charmer, while Ben’s quiet sincerity and protectiveness steal your heart in a different way. The inclusion of an MM element between Asher and Remi adds an exciting layer of depth, hinting at future developments that fans of polyamorous dynamics will eagerly anticipate.
Enter Pan, the demon with a devilish charm and a penchant for dominance that sets the pages ablaze. His “deal” with Rosie—exchanging her blood and body for his protection—ignites a sexual awakening that is as intense as it is captivating. Pan’s larger-than-life presence (and, ahem, unique attributes) makes him a fan favorite, and his scenes with Rosie are some of the most memorable in the book. Finally, there’s Gavin, Rosie’s estranged vampire husband, whose dark, sadistic edge and unrelenting pursuit add a layer of tension and intrigue. Whether you love him or love to hate him, his morally gray complexity keeps you guessing about his role in Rosie’s future.
What sets this book apart is the way Anne and Loraine balance the steamy romance with a compelling plot. The quiet town of Aurora Springs is anything but ordinary, and when dead bodies start appearing, Rosie realizes her past may have followed her. The suspense is expertly woven into the narrative, keeping you on edge without overshadowing the romance. The world-building is rich yet accessible, and while Deal with the Demon is a spinoff of The Mate Games series, it stands on its own. That said, fans of the original series will delight in the subtle references and familiar characters, like Asher, that tie the two together.
The audiobook version elevates the experience to another level, with a full-cast narration featuring Stella Hunter as Rosie, Teddy Hamilton as Asher, Jacob Morgan as Remi, J.F. Harding as Ben, James Joseph as Pan, and John Hartley as Gavin. Each narrator brings their character to life with such authenticity and passion that you’ll feel like you’re living in Aurora Springs. Stella Hunter’s British accent perfectly captures Rosie’s blend of innocence and strength, while James Joseph’s sultry performance as Pan is pure perfection. The chemistry between the narrators mirrors the chemistry on the page, making the audiobook a must-listen for fans of immersive storytelling.
The writing itself is a triumph, blending snarky banter, heartfelt moments, and scorching heat into a narrative that flows effortlessly. Anne and Loraine are masters of pacing, knowing exactly when to dial up the tension or let the characters’ relationships breathe. The humor is spot-on, with Rosie’s quips and the twins’ playful dynamic providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. And yes, the spice is off the charts—expect plenty of steamy scenes that range from tender to downright decadent, all written with a confidence that makes every encounter feel earned and meaningful.
If there’s one minor critique, it’s that Rosie’s rapid connection with her harem might feel a tad rushed for readers who prefer a slower burn. However, this is a minor quibble in the face of such a well-crafted story, and the cliffhanger ending ensures that there’s plenty more development to come in future books. The authors also provide content warnings on their website, which is a thoughtful touch for readers who want to be prepared for the book’s mature themes and potential triggers, such as violence and various kinks.
In short, Deal with the Demon is a tour de force of paranormal romance that delivers everything fans of the genre crave: a fierce heroine, a swoon-worthy harem, a gripping plot, and enough heat to melt the Alaskan snow. Meg Anne and K. Loraine have outdone themselves, proving once again why they’re powerhouse authors in the PNR world. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Mate Games or a newcomer looking for a wild ride, this book is an absolute must-read. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment, and I have no doubt that Rosie and her men will continue to captivate and surprise us.
You can buy Deal with the Demon by Meg Anne with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3ShjfFG
At the center of the story is Roslyn “Rosie” Blackthorne, a half-vampire princess who fakes her own death to escape a loveless marriage to the cold and calculating vampire duke, Gavin Donoghue. Rosie’s determination to protect her family drives her to take drastic measures, and her journey to reinvent herself in the remote town of Aurora Springs, Alaska, is both thrilling and inspiring. Rosie is a heroine you can’t help but root for—she’s naïve yet brave, sweet yet resourceful, and her evolution from a sheltered princess to a woman embracing her desires is beautifully crafted. Her wit and humor shine through, making her relatable and endlessly likable, even as she navigates a world of danger and seduction.
The ensemble of love interests is where Deal with the Demon truly excels, delivering a diverse and dynamic harem that caters to every romantic fantasy. First, there’s Asher Henry, the elusive hacker with a sharp tongue and a penchant for disguises. His moody sarcasm and unexpected vulnerability make him a standout, and his chemistry with Rosie is electric. Then we have the Mercer twins, Ben and Remi, wolf shifters who own a bar and bring their own unique flavors to the story. Remi is the flirty, playful charmer, while Ben’s quiet sincerity and protectiveness steal your heart in a different way. The inclusion of an MM element between Asher and Remi adds an exciting layer of depth, hinting at future developments that fans of polyamorous dynamics will eagerly anticipate.
Enter Pan, the demon with a devilish charm and a penchant for dominance that sets the pages ablaze. His “deal” with Rosie—exchanging her blood and body for his protection—ignites a sexual awakening that is as intense as it is captivating. Pan’s larger-than-life presence (and, ahem, unique attributes) makes him a fan favorite, and his scenes with Rosie are some of the most memorable in the book. Finally, there’s Gavin, Rosie’s estranged vampire husband, whose dark, sadistic edge and unrelenting pursuit add a layer of tension and intrigue. Whether you love him or love to hate him, his morally gray complexity keeps you guessing about his role in Rosie’s future.
What sets this book apart is the way Anne and Loraine balance the steamy romance with a compelling plot. The quiet town of Aurora Springs is anything but ordinary, and when dead bodies start appearing, Rosie realizes her past may have followed her. The suspense is expertly woven into the narrative, keeping you on edge without overshadowing the romance. The world-building is rich yet accessible, and while Deal with the Demon is a spinoff of The Mate Games series, it stands on its own. That said, fans of the original series will delight in the subtle references and familiar characters, like Asher, that tie the two together.
The audiobook version elevates the experience to another level, with a full-cast narration featuring Stella Hunter as Rosie, Teddy Hamilton as Asher, Jacob Morgan as Remi, J.F. Harding as Ben, James Joseph as Pan, and John Hartley as Gavin. Each narrator brings their character to life with such authenticity and passion that you’ll feel like you’re living in Aurora Springs. Stella Hunter’s British accent perfectly captures Rosie’s blend of innocence and strength, while James Joseph’s sultry performance as Pan is pure perfection. The chemistry between the narrators mirrors the chemistry on the page, making the audiobook a must-listen for fans of immersive storytelling.
The writing itself is a triumph, blending snarky banter, heartfelt moments, and scorching heat into a narrative that flows effortlessly. Anne and Loraine are masters of pacing, knowing exactly when to dial up the tension or let the characters’ relationships breathe. The humor is spot-on, with Rosie’s quips and the twins’ playful dynamic providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. And yes, the spice is off the charts—expect plenty of steamy scenes that range from tender to downright decadent, all written with a confidence that makes every encounter feel earned and meaningful.
If there’s one minor critique, it’s that Rosie’s rapid connection with her harem might feel a tad rushed for readers who prefer a slower burn. However, this is a minor quibble in the face of such a well-crafted story, and the cliffhanger ending ensures that there’s plenty more development to come in future books. The authors also provide content warnings on their website, which is a thoughtful touch for readers who want to be prepared for the book’s mature themes and potential triggers, such as violence and various kinks.
In short, Deal with the Demon is a tour de force of paranormal romance that delivers everything fans of the genre crave: a fierce heroine, a swoon-worthy harem, a gripping plot, and enough heat to melt the Alaskan snow. Meg Anne and K. Loraine have outdone themselves, proving once again why they’re powerhouse authors in the PNR world. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Mate Games or a newcomer looking for a wild ride, this book is an absolute must-read. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment, and I have no doubt that Rosie and her men will continue to captivate and surprise us.
You can buy Deal with the Demon by Meg Anne with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3ShjfFG
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