The Demoness of Waking Dreams (Company of Angels) [Mass Market Paperback]

I started reading this book and quickly realized that this was book 2 of a series (if you've ever read any of my reviews you know I do this quite often). So, to get the full effect of the story I put this one down and downloaded the first book, Where Demons Fear to Tread, and read it and I'm very happy I did. I got more of a sense of how deliciously wicked Luciana Rossetti really is. And in the first book she is an evil bitch, there's really no other way to say it. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book but then in walks Brendan Clarkson, an angel who is definitely a little rougher then the rest with his bad-boy attitude and all those yummy tattoos. The two MCs certainly made a great match both being able to see something in each other that no one else could. I also liked the location of this book, Venice, and felt the descriptions of that city were pretty good. I've never been to Venice, but I could actually see what she was writing about.

The one thing I didn't like about this book was the way it ended. I understand it was done that way to set-up the next book in the series, but I felt as if I was just left hanging for the next 6-12 months (or however long it takes for the book to be published). I can't think of a way to write about the ending without giving spoilers so I'll just say that I like for one story to be finished before I read the next, because I read so many books that unless the book is outstanding I tend to forget details between one book and the next. That being said I would still recommend this book to anyone wanting a change in the normal paranormal romance genre.

THE DEMONESS OF WAKING DREAMS (Company of Angels #2) by Stephanie Chong

THE DEMONESS OF WAKING DREAMS is the second storyline in Stephanie Chong's Company of Angels series. The Company is a heirarchy of `guardian' angels under the direction of Michael, working to protect the human race. But while Satan's demons wreak havoc and hell, one Guardian will find that his latest assignment will test his honor and allegiance as an angel.

Brandon Clarkson is a guardian angel. Ten years prior, as a cop in Detroit, he was gunned down during a stake-out, only to find himself in the Company of Angels. The Angel Michael saw something good and pure in Brandon, and introduced him to a `second' life as a guardian of mankind. His latest assignment is to find and capture a rogue demoness in Venice, who has escaped the confines of the Company. Her long list of sins is a starting place, but the Company is not the only group hoping to put an end to her tyranny.

Luciana Rosetti is a rogue demoness, on the hunt for her latest sacrificial offering to the powerful being who gave her a second chance at revenge. Every year, a blood offering must be made, and Lucianna had yet to make the offer. Only now it was too late, as she found herself bound to a Guardian from the Company, and the deadline has passed. Lucianna was gifted with the ability to walk through dreams, and her only hope for escape was to ensure that she entered Brandon's dreams. Only their connection appeared to go both ways, and Brandon is able to experience the full extent of his dreams. But he must know whether or not he is awake or asleep.

As a human, Lucianna suffered horribly at the hands of many men, and in death she continues to experience the hardships and assaults by those in control. Betrayal by family and at the hands of a former lover would turn her heart cold, but the hands of an Angel would begin a melting process that would too soon end with both of them on the run.

The relationship between Angel and Demon is forbidden, but the allure of the forbidden is something neither is able to control. And it is their growing attraction to one another that will be used to bring both under control. Those hoping to destroy the Company will demand Luciana pay, and Brandon's superiors will demand that he finish his assignment. But at the end of the day, Brandon knows, that those in control have much more planned for the demoness than confinement at the compound, and as a Guardian, his duty is to protect. But betrayal by someone he once called a friend, will find an unlikely offering for Luciana and push her into a world she never thought she would cross.

THE DEMONESS OF WAKING DREAMS is a well-written story. The background information allows for a smooth transition between book one and two. Although Stephanie's characters are referenced and derived from Christianity, this is by no means a book about religious beliefs or systems. The story goes from current day, to dream state and sometimes into the past.

Character development flows throughout the novel, allowing for the mystery to build until the final reveal. Luciana believes herself condemned to walk the earth alone and unloved, but Brandon is hoping to one day show the woman that even those who have been condemned, can be forgiven once they are able to forgive themselves.

A surprising twist or two will add to the character development allowing the reader to see from `where and why' these demons and angels are who they are. Brandon is as dangerous as he is sexy, and Lucianna is the epitome of a siren looking for her next conquest. I enjoyed reading The Demoness of Waking Dreams and I am looking forward to the next instalment, because there is no HEA--only several unanswered questions.

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Good reviews are always hard to write. I want to just gush about the book, but I can't do that without giving away the plot. So, what I can tell you......I really loved the characters. The good, the bad and the ugly! They were all written very well. And as with any good book with a hunky character, I am smitten with Brandon. I even like Luciana who throughout the book does some seriously evil things! But, she's not as hard as she tries to act. The only one who can see this is Brandon. Brandon and Luciana were made for each other. They can look into each other and see the real person behind the facades. While I didn't find this book overly gory, it may not be for the faint of heart. If you don't like dark, gritty reads, then this may not be for you. And twists! Wow, I didn't see those coming. This book will keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen! Can't wait to see what is in store for Brandon and Luciana next!

This is the second book of The Company of Angels series, but I didn't feel like I missed anything not having read the first book. The first book, Where Demons Fear to Tread, features Serena and Julian.

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I loved the fact that the ending wasn't all tied up and delivered in a nice package with a bow. When you're dealing with good and evil, not everything will end happily.