I tried really hard to finish this book but I ended up giving up around 30%. The idea sounded amazing but it just wasn't for me.

*I received an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher Jimmy Patterson Books in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely adored the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco so I was very excited when I heard she was starting a new series. I am over the moon that I was able to review this early! Thank you Netgalley and Jimmy Patterson Books.

I was totally unprepared for this book! I was completely and utterly spellbound, and drawn in from the very first page. A beautiful witch, a demon prince, and an Italian backdrop, who could ask for more?!

The story begins with a family in Palermo, Sicily that runs a popular restaurant called the Sea & Vine. I could totally relate to this family, their love and affection for each other, and the phrases used by Nonna, the main character’s grandmother. I had an Italian American grandmother and an Italian great grandmother that was from Sicily, and the descriptions of Nonna cooking with Emilia and Vittoria just made me feel so happy, and it felt like home. The twins help their parents and Nonna with all the cooking and the cleaning at the restaurant. The thing that makes this family different though, is that Emilia and her twin, Vittoria, are witches that live secretly among humans. They have been told since they were little girls to always wear their amulets, or cornicello, and to beware the Malvagi.

Vittoria does not show for dinner service at the restaurant one night, and Emilia finds her body completely desecrated. Emilia is completely devastated, goes out looking for vengeance, and doesn’t care what the consequences are. She uses dark magic to summon one of the Malvagi, or seven princes of hell. In comes Wrath, the demon prince who chooses duty over pleasure. Their fates become intertwined and Emilia gets pulled into Wrath’s investigation of the murders of women on the island.

I loved Emilia Di Carlo, and watching her character throughout the journey. After the loss of her sister, she goes through so much, but she keeps fighting. She’s so smart and so fierce! I completely fell for the sexy demon Prince Wrath! I always seem to fall for the bad boys, lol. I highly enjoyed the witty banter between him and Emilia.

If you’re looking for something deliciously wicked, then look no further! I suggest that you preorder/library request/add to your TBR as soon as possible. You are not going to want to miss this one! Now to wait for the sequel with bated breath.

**I received this book from netgalley in exchange for a review**
"Of course. One must always have good manners while ripping the hearts from their enemies."†

I love Kerri Maniscalco, so this is one of my most anticipated releases of the year (have multiple copies pre-ordered). I really enjoyed myself while reading it. I think Maniscalco managed to build a really creative version of something that's been done a lot of times (hell princes). As usual with her writing, the book is filled with witty banter, super dark happenings, betrayals, etc. AKA all of my favorite things. OOH, and such a gorgeous spooky cover. <3

Early in the novel, I do think things seemed to almost fall into place a bit too easily (for example, answers just dropped into Emilia's lap and obstacles were easily defeated). Some of the dialogue and actions of the main characters didn't quite seem to fit in well with what have been considered appropriate the time period. Also, several super private conversations were held in crowded spaces. Wrath continuously called Emilia "witch" in public, which would have probably gotten her burnt at the stake.

My only real issue (which lost it a star), is that I predicated LITERALLY every single plot twist. I am not the type to catch on to every single twist in that way, but from start to finish I was calling things from almost the moment we met characters. In fact, I'm fairly certain I know the NEXT plot twist coming (in book 2).

Either way, it was fun read and I can't wait to read the next two books in the trilogy!

†check against final text

I loved this book so much! As soon as I put the book down I wanted the next one! I have so many question bubbling over in my head and I’m so excited to see what happens next for Emilia!

First of all, let me say that Kerri is the best in creating a new book-boyfriend. Hawt demon prince from Hell by the name of Wrath? A little bit protective but not showing it too much? Definitely count me in already! Super curious with his name for now, maybe we'll find about it the next book!

Emilia as a main character was also interesting, although a bit reckless but she's 18 in here, so I guess it was understandable. Plus it was quite fun to see how conflicted she could in her decision, especially about a certain demon prince from Hell. There were times when I just wanted her to sit down and do nothing, but I couldn't find Emilia really annoying, somehow I could just relate to her in a way.

The ending was quite bit rush for me that I may have to reread the last chapter just to understand again. I just think that suddenly everything was thrown in the last part of the book. And not sure about how the cliffhanger actually.

However, overall this book is so satisfying! I'm just fangirling over the next book already.
PS: Reading all the food part in the book just made me hungry at night!

This is the perfect Halloween book - full of witchy black magic, a brooding prince of hell, and a spooky murder mystery.

I really love seeing KM's creativity shine through in this story. With her SJTR series, there's only so much originality that can seen because it's based on historical events. But with this unique magic system and the different classes of witches and demons, I think it shows a much more interesting side of KMs' writing. It's still just as easy to devour as ever, but I found it to be a lot more entertaining.

My only critique would be the cliff hanger. I hate when authors have to rely on them to convince a reader to pick up the next book because it creates a lack of closure, but oh well. I have at least a year until the next book comes out, so I'm sure I will get over by then. :P