aoifes_books's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The story follows Beezlebub, a Prince of Hell and one of the seven deadly sins, and Clara, a human who has always felt other's emotions. Zee, the personification of gluttony, is tasked with encourages humans to give in to their every desire, to want more. When he meets a human he has no sway on, he decides he must find a way to make her host him. Clara, who feels drained and exhausted from helping others, gladly accepts the help of an angel. That angel however, is not what he seems.
The book is the second in the series, but I haven't read the first and had no issues following the storyline. I'm unsure if these are meant as a stand alone, but I feel you could read it as such.
I won't lie, the first few chapters didn't grab my attention. I'm not sure if I was just not in the mood but it was hard to get through the first couple chapters. Once the story took off, I got intrigued by Zee and Clara, their relationship and how the other characters were all introduced. The seven sins being displaced with various names that people use for the devil was fun and I enjoyed the premise a lot.
There is a few steamy sections, and those are written very well. The overall book is a nice read and easy to understand. The writing style, when jumping between Clara and Zee, felt as if there was a different moral thought process and really felt like different people. The personalities of both came through very well and made it clear who the book was following at each point.
Neither character went through too much of a massive overhaul, though Zee did open himself up and find what he had been looking for previously. Clara came into herself and her confidence, though not feeling drained all the time would help!
I have to say the guide at the end was incredibly helpful! It has pronunciations for names and a guide on some of the baked goods that popped up throughout. I really love when stuff like this is included, makes it easier to stay in the flow of reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
The book is the second in the series, but I haven't read the first and had no issues following the storyline. I'm unsure if these are meant as a stand alone, but I feel you could read it as such.
I won't lie, the first few chapters didn't grab my attention. I'm not sure if I was just not in the mood but it was hard to get through the first couple chapters. Once the story took off, I got intrigued by Zee and Clara, their relationship and how the other characters were all introduced. The seven sins being displaced with various names that people use for the devil was fun and I enjoyed the premise a lot.
There is a few steamy sections, and those are written very well. The overall book is a nice read and easy to understand. The writing style, when jumping between Clara and Zee, felt as if there was a different moral thought process and really felt like different people. The personalities of both came through very well and made it clear who the book was following at each point.
Neither character went through too much of a massive overhaul, though Zee did open himself up and find what he had been looking for previously. Clara came into herself and her confidence, though not feeling drained all the time would help!
I have to say the guide at the end was incredibly helpful! It has pronunciations for names and a guide on some of the baked goods that popped up throughout. I really love when stuff like this is included, makes it easier to stay in the flow of reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
mrscorbin89's review
fast-paced
5.0
I can’t even begin to describe how amazing this book was, the character development alone was amazing. However this is not your normal fantasy romance, to say that this one takes steamy to a whole new level is an understatement. The author really weaves a beautiful web of characters, scenery, and plot. The characters are so well developed and depicted that you’ll feel like there standing right in front of you. So if your looking for a great new steamy romance or even a fantasy romance, then make sure you pick this one up today.
kmturner86's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have to say, I enjoyed Beelzebub The Gift of Gluttony far more than I anticipated I would. Once I started this book, I was all in and could not put it down. I loved the characters and the instant heat between Clara and Zee. I thought for sure I knew how the book would end, but then came unexpected twists that proved my predictions all wrong. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
jaimie0459's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was a very interesting twist on the demon angel dynamic and I loved it!! Beelzebub (aka Zee) is one of the Seven Princes of Hell. His job is to go around the world and tempt humans with any type of gluttony that he can. He jumps from different hosts, taking possession with permission, and gets the host to experience their hearts desires. He lives through them and experiences it all. It can never be enough to fill his glutenous soul. Once finished he leaves the body broken, weak, and marked for hell. When he comes across a woman who seems to be able to ignore his influence he is intrigued and must try harder to get into her. Clara is an empath and can sense other people's emotions. She uses her gift of baking to make people feel better. But taking care of others can be draining. She gets weaker with each person that she helps. When Zee appears to her and tells her he is there to help her, she feels a bit off. Thinking he is an angel she starts to trust him only to banish him once she finds out that he is in fact a demon and not the angel she thought. Demons don't scare away that easy though and unfortunately this demon is attracting other monsters into her life by being around her so much. Fighting to save a soul is not something that he does. He wants to erase them all from the earth! But she is different and he can't help but be drawn to her. Will his meddling cause more problems then it's worth? Will this demon protect her soul? Or will he mark it for hell. Will Clara forgive Zee for messing with her life? Or will she die because of it!?! You won't be disappointed in this book once you pick it up. So hard to put down even!! Enjoy!
rayne's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Angels, demons and temptations
Filled with a unique storyline this book is a page turner. Beelzebub is a flirty, mischievous and sexy demon who is confident with what he wants and what he does. Until he meets Clara, a baker and empath. I enjoyed their banter and connection. Once the battle between angels and demons starts the story takes a life of its own. A sinfully delicious read.
aims2read's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I must be honest, I have read novels prior to this one with a very similar premise that I was completely engulfed by the characters within those pages, and was pleasantly surprised to find that Clara and Zee as we have come to know him as, also hit the mark for me. There is something to be said for two completely different people (and demons in this case,) that want to build each other up, and not tear each other down, despite their differences and goals/desires. I quite enjoyed the way that this story is told via third person narrative, though allows the reader to feel the emotions and connect with both main characters and understand the supporting characters as well. Personally, I think my quaint little hometown is in dire need of a shop like The Sweet Spot, as I not only could picture it in my mind but found myself craving home baked goods throughout this adventure.
Overall, the world building, along with the twists and turns throughout the novel, and the development of Clara and Beelzebub (Zee,) had me turning each page in anticipation of what was to come next. It didn’t take me long to get through this novel, and I formed an attachment to those within these pages. I very much enjoyed the authors writing styles and commend them on their creativity when it came to mixing it up a bit! I was on the edge of my seat during the last little bit, practically yelling as I devoured the last few chapters. Overall, a fantastic getaway from reality, and I will be returning for more! Highly recommend.
shellyk51's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Oh, that Zee likes to get into trouble. This story is a fascinating one. Beelzebub is the demon of gluttony (and a liar to boot). He gets himself mixed up in a bit of a scuffle that involves Clara, a bakery owner with a heavenly glow. He tells a whopper of lie that he gets caught in. She boots him and tries to get back on the right path. Can they come back together? Are the meant to be? This is definitely a story you must read to believe. The characters are so well=written. I thought Max was a little bit of a jerk until I realized there was a crush there. He and Anjo (the dog) are just watching out for her. Clara is very sensitive to other's emotions. It can wipe her out. She is still pretty badass. One tough cookie is my best description for her. I love the descriptive details. Everything Zee touches or does, the author gives so much detail too. The plot, though it seems a little disjointed at times, still runs together effortlessly. This is a terrific story for romance lovers and paranormal lovers together. I recommend it. I will definitely be looking for more by this author.
van829_86's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is not your ordinary fantasy romance novel, this one takes steamy to a whole new level. The characters are amazingly depicted and it makes you feel like you can see how they would look in real life. The setting and experiences are beautifully depicted so the story comes alive in your mind as you read it.
We start out meeting Beelzebub who is a demon that we love to hate, as he has the gift of gluttony. We’ve all eaten one too many sweets or overindulged in something we desperately wanted. Beelzebub whispers in his marks ears to always want more, always have more so he can mark their souls and send them to hell when they pass without them knowing what they are getting into. That is until he meets Clara who can’t be swayed by his ministrations. This is where the fun starts and Beelzebub starts to change his outlook and his mannerisms which catches the eyes of others. Now Clara is caught in a battle for those wanting to claim her that tests each entity and their actions. Can Clara make it out unscathed or will her soul be caught up in a civil war in the bowels of hell?
If you like steamy romance novels with a fantasy twist on angels and demons then you should definitely read this book. I became lost in the pages and couldn’t stop reading once I started. I just had to know what happened next. This is a book full of characters you’ll love to hate and others you simply love!
jennadb's review
4.5
4.5 stars
He is delightfully sinful but then again gluttony is his sin. He is one of the Seven Princes of Hell. Angels and Demons are on the verge of war. Demons are out in full force in this paranormal, romance story.
This delightful tale is unique and a pleasurable different read for a change. The characterisation and world building are done so well you are drawn into the shenanigans.
It is flirty and fun as we journey along whilst this demon shares what most can’t resist. That is until he comes across her. She is one he is determined to have. She has made him feel.
Now she is fighting for her soul and pulling out all the stops to resist his gluttonous ways.
He is delightfully sinful but then again gluttony is his sin. He is one of the Seven Princes of Hell. Angels and Demons are on the verge of war. Demons are out in full force in this paranormal, romance story.
This delightful tale is unique and a pleasurable different read for a change. The characterisation and world building are done so well you are drawn into the shenanigans.
It is flirty and fun as we journey along whilst this demon shares what most can’t resist. That is until he comes across her. She is one he is determined to have. She has made him feel.
Now she is fighting for her soul and pulling out all the stops to resist his gluttonous ways.
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