Review – ‘Kissed by a Demon Spy’ by Sharon Kay

Blurb 

Kidnapped as a teen and forced into a life of sexual slavery, Garnet vowed long ago to do whatever she could to spare others her fate. When karma comes full circle with an offer of freedom for her and her young son, she jumps at the chance.

Masquerading as a village innkeeper, Aden keeps his espionage work secret from the gentle pixies he lives among. Using his skills to prevent a group of vicious demons from attacking the innocent, his world is draped in mist, shadow, and danger.

Steeped in shame, Garnet is loath to share her past with Aden. But Aden senses a sweet, loyal strength in her that no amount of horror can erase. His dangerous work is the opposite of the stability Garnet craves. Yet Aden’s patience and strength make him the hero she never had. When the enemy targets them, Garnet and Aden realize that honesty is the truest form of courage. 

Review 

The timeline of this novella takes place after book 2 of the Solsti Prophecy series and during the beginning of book 3, but can be read as a standalone from the other books.

We met Garnet in book 2, a plant pixie/fairy and a kitchen slave at the Stroehm prison compound, and she helped Kai and Brooke escape the prison.

In this novella, the evil tyrant Draven is killed not long and now the compound is in an uproar. Garnet and her son, Dash, are in hiding from the sadistic guards and the gladiator slaves who are running mad through the compound. Help arrives in Matthias and Bianca, the Lash Hunter and a Deserati demon/porter respectively. Garnet returns to her hometown of Ivydale after being kidnapped 172 years ago. A lot has changed but she’s determined to rebuild her life and make a better one for her son.

Aden is a Deserati demon. He’s an innkeeper who desperately needs a new chef but he’s also a spy sent to Ivydale to protect the peaceful villages and towns in the area from Viper demon attacks. Aden is also a scryer, meaning he can weave a little magic and spy on other people in real-time, no matter the distance. Garnet takes the job as the new chef and romance slowly blooms between them.

I really enjoyed this book. The trauma Garnet experienced could drive a weaker person to suicide, but she’s so strong and brave. Despite all the horrors she seen and suffered, she’s still kind and good-natured but lacks self-esteem. It’s completely understandable. As she grows and finds herself, she also finds Aden, a man who understands and loves her for who she is.

This is a very sweet love story about redemption and triumph, and fits well with the series.

5 Stars

Disclaimer – I won an ebook copy of this book in a contest and volunteered to review it. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.