The Demon Lover

The Fairwick Trilogy, Book 1

By: Juliet Dark

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

I gasped, or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked my breath in and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of her having written the best-selling book The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and gothic literature - which is why she’s found herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover - an incubus - and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: Her incubus is not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the demon, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult - banishing this supernatural lover from her heart.

©2013 Juliet Dark (P)2013 Blackstone Audio

Different but Good!

This was my first book by this author and it did take me a little bit to get into this story but once I did I really enjoyed it. It is not your typical paranormal romance because of its Gothic touches and a more classic literature feel but once you get past the first few hours of the book you will be hooked. I am listening to the second in the series now and it is just as good. Give it a chance. Justine Eyre does a great job with the narration.

Unexpectedly Refreshing

An unexpectedly refreshing story with rich characters. I am looking forward to the next book.

Unusual topic for me, a Carol Goodman fanatic

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have countless times recommended the Carol Goodman books because of their complete and total ability to immerse yourself in a creatively, descriptively, well detailed storyline and emotional landscape. I was a tad hesitant to start into a different path with this author, NOT being a demon-devil-fairy type book reader. Love mysteries and thrillers, but "Juliet" writes with some serious complexity and strong prose... and it''s hard to put her books down, darn it, regardless of the subject matter. I'm IN!PS: I know the narrator as well, the lovely Justine Eyre so of course, I HAD to try the first Juliet Dark book. It's very very addicting, and I'm on to the sequel and pre-ordered the 3rd of the trilogy.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Demon Lover?

the strong bind between certain characters and I really like how she steadfastly refused to introduce is the the soon to be ex boyfriend, as if he didn't matter much, which he did not.

What about Justine Eyre’s performance did you like?

Her variety of voices, old and young! She is very talented!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Callie's elimination of Liam. That had to be terribly hard for her.

Any additional comments?

Even if you don't like other-world themes in your books, stop and take the time to try this one. Then, go into audible.com and download The Night Villa and anything else Carol Goodman's written. You won't be disappointed!!

Full of a lot of the things i like in stories but lack of self help moral type and happiness

It lacks morals that resonate and lacks happiness, beauty of the magic of life and scenery and just fun

Oh you naughty Incubus you!

What made the experience of listening to The Demon Lover the most enjoyable?

At first I bought this just for a light read, not expecting much except for it to be a paranormal romance novel. Picked it out just to have something to listen to on the way to work... it is a hot little number to say the least! After listening for a bit I didn't think there was going to be much to the story line except sex, and good sex to boot.. but the storyline did progress and I became engrossed... the second book is even better.

What other book might you compare The Demon Lover to and why?

I would say that - Laurell K Hamilton and the Merry Gentry Series is pretty close, though she has not yet gotten the breadth and scope of Hamilton's writing...

What about Justine Eyre’s performance did you like?

She has a nice voice, but used that breathy tone just a little too much for my taste. Though i got used to her...

Charming and Sensual

I really enjoyed listening to this first book in the trilogy. The world building is skillful and the characters are quirky and alternately sweet and a little sinister. I love the idea that Callie is a Professor of Folklore and that much of the story takes place at a quaint college in upstate New York. Since I live in Vermont, it was easy for me to envision the environment and the change of seasons, adding to my enjoyment.

My only hesitancy was that the narration was done by Justine Eyre. I really enjoy her in Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series, but her voice is so distinctive that I find it distracting in most other books. She read beautifully here, without being overly dramatic or emotive.

At first I was wary...

Any additional comments?

I have been trying to decide whether or not to buy this book for awhile now. One review said it was like A Discovery of Witches or The Historian...and I loved those books very much. BUT...another review said it was nothing of the sort. Luckily I remembered Audible's return policy and so I took the risk and bought the book. At first the book seemed like a bodice ripper so just as I decided to return it, I fell asleep. The part I later woke up to was certainly NOT a bodice ripper, in fact was much like ADoW...so I went back to the beginning and listened again. Honestly, I like it!

could not stop listening

love love loved it would. recommend. it for sure. will also be buying all her books

Encapturing story

Juliet weaves a detailed descriptive tale nestled in a small college town a kind of sanctuary city for magical beings. There are tests of love, desire and strength all needed for the heroine to find her way. Will she, and if so at what cost?

I loved it! Couldn't stop till I finished it!

I loved this book. It grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you till the end. I can't wait to start the next book!