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booksandcatslife 's review for:
White Hot Kiss
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Layla is a 17 year old and an unusual combo of half warden and half demon. She is raised by Wardens (who the world knew as Gargoyle statues until they went public around 6 years before the events in this book), helps them find and kill demons and has never questioned that she's on the right side of this eternal battle... until she's saved from one demon by another, her eyes begin to open and she realises the world is not as black and white as she has been brought up to believe.
The story takes place in our world, in modern times, infuses it with an angel and demons trope with the twist of the Wardens/Gargoyles, and has an urban, gritty air to it that also feels oddly cosy and fresh. There is a love triangle but it’s well done and while angsty, it’s realistic considering the ages of the characters. I found it light, fun, and easy to get through and digest despite the darker elements that make up the foundation of the story. The writing is riveting, and the wit and snark of Layla, Roth and Cayman in particular made me laugh regularly. I loved all the Supernatural references and other more modern shows. The inclusion of a new species in a demon/angel book theme was a great one, I loved the addition of the Wardens, beings apparently of pure souls whose whole life purpose is to defend the human population against demons and keep demons a secret but can still do bad things, and they’re not as weird & creepy as they sound. In regards to characters, I love Layla, her perspective of the world from her precarious situation and position is a great juxtaposition to Zayne’s personality as a pure and incorruptible Warden, and Roth’s Princely demon personality. She struggles so much with her basic instincts as part demon, while being surrounded by Wardens who abhor everything demons stand for and have brought her up to deny and repress any urges she may have. All in all an enjoyable read and one I’ll definitely add to my reread list.
The story takes place in our world, in modern times, infuses it with an angel and demons trope with the twist of the Wardens/Gargoyles, and has an urban, gritty air to it that also feels oddly cosy and fresh. There is a love triangle but it’s well done and while angsty, it’s realistic considering the ages of the characters. I found it light, fun, and easy to get through and digest despite the darker elements that make up the foundation of the story. The writing is riveting, and the wit and snark of Layla, Roth and Cayman in particular made me laugh regularly. I loved all the Supernatural references and other more modern shows. The inclusion of a new species in a demon/angel book theme was a great one, I loved the addition of the Wardens, beings apparently of pure souls whose whole life purpose is to defend the human population against demons and keep demons a secret but can still do bad things, and they’re not as weird & creepy as they sound. In regards to characters, I love Layla, her perspective of the world from her precarious situation and position is a great juxtaposition to Zayne’s personality as a pure and incorruptible Warden, and Roth’s Princely demon personality. She struggles so much with her basic instincts as part demon, while being surrounded by Wardens who abhor everything demons stand for and have brought her up to deny and repress any urges she may have. All in all an enjoyable read and one I’ll definitely add to my reread list.