Title: “Her Soul to Take” – A Dark and Seductive Paranormal Romance
“Her Soul to Take,” the first book in Harley LaRoux’s Souls Trilogy, is a captivating and unsettling paranormal romance that blends elements of horror, suspense, and eroticism. Narrated by the talented duo of Gregory Salinas and Desireé Ketchum, this audiobook follows the story of Rae, a passionate ghost hunter who accidentally summons a demon, and Leon, the notorious magician-turned-killer tasked with taking her soul.
LaRoux’s writing is dark, atmospheric, and unapologetically sensual. From the very first chapter, the author immerses readers in a world where the supernatural is not only real but dangerous and alluring. The descriptions of the monsters roaming the woods and the ancient evil awakening are both chilling and evocative, creating a sense of unease that permeates the entire story.
The two main characters, Rae and Leon, are complex and multi-layered, with their own unique motivations and desires. Rae is a strong and determined heroine, whose passion for the supernatural leads her down a dark and dangerous path. Her attraction to Leon is both physical and emotional, and LaRoux does an excellent job of exploring the nuances of their relationship.
Leon, on the other hand, is a morally ambiguous character whose past is shrouded in mystery. As a magician and a killer, he is both feared and respected by those in his circle. His obsession with Rae is both possessive and protective, and the dynamic between them is electric.
The sexual content in “Her Soul to Take” is explicit and graphic, with scenes of kink and fetish that may not be suitable for all readers. However, LaRoux handles these scenes with care and sensitivity, using them to deepen the characters’ connection and explore the darker aspects of desire. The eroticism is not gratuitous but rather an integral part of the story and the characters’ journeys.
One of the strengths of “Her Soul to Take” is its ability to blend different genres seamlessly. The horror elements are genuinely unsettling, with descriptions of gruesome monsters and ancient evils that will send shivers down readers’ spines. At the same time, the romance between Rae and Leon is both passionate and tender, with moments of vulnerability and tenderness that balance out the darker aspects of the story.
The narration by Salinas and Ketchum is superb, with each narrator bringing their own unique style and energy to the story. Salinas’s portrayal of Leon is particularly noteworthy, capturing the character’s intensity and barely-contained violence with skill and nuance. Ketchum’s performance as Rae is equally impressive, conveying the character’s strength and determination even as she grapples with the darkness within herself.
As the first book in the Souls Trilogy, “Her Soul to Take” does an excellent job of setting up the larger story arc and introducing readers to the world of the series. The ending is satisfying in its own right but also leaves plenty of room for further exploration in future installments.
However, it’s important to note that “Her Soul to Take” is not a light or easy read. The book deals with heavy themes such as violence, trauma, and the nature of evil. LaRoux does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and some readers may find the content triggering or disturbing.
Additionally, while the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers who are invested in the larger story arc may find themselves frustrated by the lack of resolution in certain plotlines. The Souls Trilogy is clearly meant to be read as a series, and “Her Soul to Take” is just the beginning of a much larger tale.
Series Review:
The Souls Trilogy, of which “Her Soul to Take” is the first installment, is a dark and seductive series that pushes the boundaries of paranormal romance. LaRoux’s writing is consistently strong throughout the series, with each book building upon the themes and characters introduced in the previous installment.
One of the strengths of the series is its world-building. LaRoux has created a rich and immersive universe where the supernatural is woven seamlessly into the fabric of reality. The monsters, magicians, and demons that populate this world are both terrifying and alluring, and the author does an excellent job of exploring the moral ambiguity that comes with wielding such power.
The characters in the Souls Trilogy are another highlight of the series. Each book introduces new players into the larger story arc, and LaRoux takes the time to develop each one fully. The relationships between the characters are complex and multi-layered, with bonds of love, loyalty, and betrayal that shift and change over the course of the series.
However, the Souls Trilogy is not without its flaws. One criticism that could be leveled at the series is its reliance on certain romance tropes, such as the possessive alpha male and the innocent heroine who is drawn into a dark and dangerous world. While LaRoux does an admirable job of subverting these tropes and giving them her own unique spin, some readers may find them tiresome or cliché.
Additionally, the explicit sexual content in the series may not be to everyone’s taste. While the eroticism is well-written and serves a purpose within the larger narrative, some readers may find it gratuitous or uncomfortable.
Despite these criticisms, the Souls Trilogy remains a compelling and addictive series that will appeal to fans of dark romance and paranormal fiction. LaRoux’s writing is confident and assured, and her ability to blend different genres and themes is impressive.
In conclusion, “Her Soul to Take” is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a good paranormal romance with a dark and sensual edge. Harley LaRoux has created a world that is both terrifying and seductive, filled with characters who are as complex as they are compelling. The audiobook, brought to life by the talented narration of Gregory Salinas and Desireé Ketchum, is an immersive and unforgettable experience that will leave listeners eager for more.
As the first book in the Souls Trilogy, “Her Soul to Take” sets the stage for a larger story arc that promises to be just as thrilling and addictive as the book itself. While the series may not be for everyone, those who enjoy a good dark romance with plenty of supernatural elements will find much to love in LaRoux’s world.
So why not give “Her Soul to Take” a listen? With its perfect blend of horror, romance, and eroticism, this audiobook is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Just be sure to keep the lights on and the doors locked – you never know what kind of monsters might be lurking in the shadows.
