Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, #1) by Larissa Ione

• Title: Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, # 1) by Larissa Ione
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Forever (June 20, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 9780446401036
• ISBN-13: 978-0446401036
• ASIN: 044640103X
• Notes: There is a description of a rape that took place in the past. While I'd prefer not to have a rape scene happen or discussed in a book, I felt it was relevant to the story and to the understanding of one of the main characters.  Also, f-bomb is dropped in this one.

Tayla Mancuso is a Aegis Guardian. At least that is what she and her fellow guardians call themselves. Demons, on the other hand, refer to them as slayers, for they slay all demons indiscriminately. After a battle with a demon that left her partner dead and her in the hospital, she will find that all she believed is not true. She is part demon. So if she isn't evil then how can all demons be? To complicate things further, the handsome doctor who saved her life is a full blooded demon. The two find themselves unreasonably attracted to each other. Gives new meaning to the saying "love thine enemy".  How will she be able to live with herself and the feelings that no mere mortal has been able to stir in her?

I absolutely loved this book. I read it with some friends in my Goodreads group and had trouble keeping myself to the three chapter a day limit. Truth be told, I wasn't supposed to finish this one for another 3 days, but couldn't keep myself from reading beyond the designated stopping point. *blush* . The love scenes are definitely of a hot and steamy nature that had the group of us feeling this one should be labeled an erotic read. I have to admit there seems to be a blurry line between where regular romance and erotic romance diverge. I could not find any reference to it being erotic. I'll let you be the judge of whether you think it should be labeled erotic.

This book also delves into the land of paranormal makeovers. Whereas demons are usually considered evil entities, Larissa has taken demons and given them very human characteristics that make the reader sympathize with them. I felt she managed to make it work. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.

Fun note: If you look at the cover you will see the caduceus that is unique to the Underworld General Hospital (which Tayla refers to as UGH! - lol ). The staff in the real caduceus has been replaced by a dagger and  the feathered wings replaced by bat-like wings.