Delaney Murphy is learning what it really means to be the daughter of the Devil and that not everyone appreciates her father's kinder, gentler side. When tragedy strikes and upsets the fragile balancing act of her life, Delaney will have to choose between the world she's sworn to protect and the father who has changed the whole of Hell just for her.
As betrayals around her mount, she begins to question herself and those closest to her.
Cut off from her magic, Laney's tie to humanity is fraying. She’s slipping closer and closer to giving in to the overwhelming darkness growing inside her.
Ultimately, she’ll have to confront her demons or risk losing herself entirely.
USA Today Bestselling Author K.A. Fox is a proud military brat who has lived all over the world but now calls the Midwest home. When not writing, she can usually be found hiding somewhere with a book and a bit of chocolate or chasing after her own adorable Hell Hound.
"The hand in my hair was cruel, yanking on the sweat soaked strands while shoving my face toward a collision with the cold wall in front of me. I gasped, resisting the forward momentum working against me, but the force was too strong. I sucked in a breath and prepared myself for the coming impact. This was going to hurt."
03-14: 'Judas Kiss (Murphy's Law #2)' by K.A. Fox starts off with a bang. Course, from the quote above you can see that bang just might be the main character's head striking the wall, but volatile as it is.. the opening scene is just for training. It made me wonder just how severe the actual battles might be as I continued ahead.
This story is about Laney, the daughter of the Devil and a very human woman. Apparently, some of his followers are not happy about the changes wrought in him by his feelings for the weaker species, and all Hells are about to break loose.. literally.
Working with a small group of friends, Callum--her teacher with the fiery sword, Torren--the male learning to fight beside her, and Moose--the cutest shapeshifting Hound of Hell I've ever seen.. Laney is thrust into the middle of what seems to be an attack on her father's "kinder, gentler" way of doing things.
"He was steady and strong. Like before, I knew he wouldn't leave me, even if I tried to send him away. He'd claimed me long before I realized I'd made him mine."
If I have anything to complain about, it's trying to get accustomed to the Devil being referred to as Angus. Admittedly, I always enjoy alternate Lucifer stories.. so that's just me sulking. There's absolutely a motive for the writer's direction, personally it was distracting and made it difficult for me to take him too seriously at first. However, that serves the author's serves the author's needs and makes contrasting scenes all the more dramatic in the moment.
Throughout the beginning, it's clear that Laney's power seems to be growing, as well as her mastery of it. But eventually a tragedy severs her connection with the source and with the abilities she's grown to count on.. gone.. she has to find other ways to manage. Meanwhile, an encroaching darkness threatens to push her to do things she wouldn't normally do.
"Devil save me from those who want to protect me."
There are some interesting supporting characters, in addition to her group.. though they're either completely decorative or they exist to explain certain things to the reader and provide fixes to a couple of weaker plot points. All in all, they're small weaknesses that are handled well enough by Fox.
Action sequences are plentiful, but not overdone. Sometimes they run and sometimes they fight, so there's a reasonable balance of realistic decision making. Depending on your level of awareness while reading, there may be a surprise or two there for you along the way as well.. and the author doesn't focus too heavily on a love connection. There are certainly indications of something more here and there, but the book is far more story driven.
"Midnight in the garden, I handed you my heart No hint of the cost, how it would tear us apart The gift of forever, a promise I could keep Not knowing the path, the souls it would reap"
It's a fun book and if you're looking for a quick page-turner that doesn't view itself as overly self-important, this is a good choice.
I enjoyed this book even more than The Devil's Own. K. A. Fox goes deeper with her main character and her relationships with both parents. And we get some big surprises I, for one, didn't see coming. So looking forward to the next installment in this series. Great read
For those who may be on the fence about this series, book 2 will change all that! I enjoyed The Devil's Own and it held my interest throughout, but I felt something was missing, not enough to keep me from picking up the next book though. Book 2, Judas Kiss, gave me what I was looking for. Here are my reasons for rating this as superior to book 1 and why I cannot wait for book 3:
1. Character development: Each of the main characters exhibit strengths and flaws that form a perfect balance and make them credible and easy to relate to, like, and root for. 2. Relationships: There is none of that ridiculous instant love/attraction that seems to fill this genre. I love how the characters relationships are built on friendship, trust, reservations, etc. That is what makes for good reading and development, allowing the actual plot to be the focus. 3. Plot: The story moves at a smooth pace with things not quite being what they seem; although, I did figure out the villain early on. I was completely engrossed in the story and only put it down once because the family was complaining about their hunger pains. 4. Moose!
I don't know when book 3 will be available (hope it's soon!), but I will definitely pick it up when it releases.
Delaney has better control of her ever-growing magic. Her daily practices with Cal are keeping her in top shape. Even Torren’s body is getting fitter after their daily workouts. But is all this training enough to protect them from what lay ahead?
Phew, I needed to breathe for a bit after reading this one because, wow! I adored book 1, so when I had the opportunity to request this, I jumped at the chance. I felt invested in Delaney’s story and Fox did not disappoint. As the blurb says: “As betrayals around her mount...” and that is just a small sign of what you can expect reading this. It’s going to kick you in the feels, in a very good way.
Fox has created wonderful characters in Delaney, Cal, Torren, and even Moose, her faithful Hell Hound sidekick. From Moose’s emotions to Cal’s swords, to their fights, the details in Judas Kiss are impressive. This foursome works as a strong unit and their endurance is tested repeatedly as there are few moments of peace. I need more of all of them, and I need it yesterday. Judas Kiss has a superb storyline that is well-written and insanely addicting. Such a super fun read and series.
K.A. Fox has blessed us with yet another devilish tale in her latest urban fantasy, Judas Kiss. The entire cast is back from Book 1: Laney, Callum, Torren, Moose, Angus, Newt, and the Hazelwood townspeople. And legions and legions of vengeful demons!
Judas Kiss will thrill you as Laney continues to try to come to grips with her hold on Tor and her feelings for Cal. But Below the surface is a diabolical thread that snakes through this story--an incredible, unpredictable betrayal that threatens to take Laney’s life and the lives of those she loves on multiple occasions.
One of the hallmarks of Fox’s writing is her ability to describe action with such precision that the reader can’t help but turn page after page at a galloping pace. You will be transported to each frightening scene and feel the angst and injuries the characters sustain to the depths of your bones.
So get your ward stones, magic, and blessed bullets ready! You’ll need every one of them.
Hell’s Bells! I read this book within seconds hours of starting it. The feisty heroine electrifies the magical realism. Ms. Fox creates vivid word pictures, sizzling and emotional zings and zaps on Earth and in the Netherworld below.
Demons are abundant as are sidekicks who are male, each fighting epically for the heroine’s heart. Realistic and gritty fight scenes had me gasping for air, taking bets with myself on who or what would win!
Relentless training for whatever may come amps the energy of this read – and it’s ticking clock. What dooms will the Team that evolves between the protagonist and her separate-but equal male partners conquer? Will the young lady’s shape-shifting dog be the savior?
Or will the fully human and phenomenally buffed heroine save everyone when all Hell breaks loose?
I admire an author who uses a word I’ve never seen or heard before: thrum. Don’t you want to know what it means, too?
No plot spoilers here because... I want fortunate readers to fasten their seat belts and enjoy every second of the rocket ride of a read.
I loved the first book and this one was better! More action, more twists, more drama and more character development.
Delaney has been training with Cal to learn how to develop and control her magic and to learn how to fight, which she thought she knew but with Cal it's amped up to a whole new level. Since she unknowingly created a bond with Tor this is hard for him to deal with and she must maintain her shields so she's not constantly overwhelmed by his feelings and concerns. Cal is also training him and he's being just as hard on him as is her. She is still working to regains Cal’s and Moose trust after she tricked them during the first book.
Laney is going to have to make some difficult choices, she will lose more than she dreamed and discover betrayal where she least expected it as demons keep coming after her and those she loves and cares for.
I need the next book now!
4.75/5 STARS: I received a free digital ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I sincerely thank Netgalley, author and/or publisher for giving me this opportunity.**
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from the publisher and author. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. K.A.Fox writes a quick read with personable characters and an interesting mystery. She is an author I will follow.
Judas Kiss is the second in a series featuring Delaney Murphy and her HellHound Moose, a dog gifted to her by her devil daddy. A Young Adult Urban Fantasy series, this is a book series for that day you need a distraction and a lift from our Covid world. I found this series entertaining and fast-paced. I am happy to recommend K. A. Fox to friends and family. She writes a world completely furnished, one you will find amusing. Reviewed on May 11, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, BookBub, and Barnes&Noble. Not available for review at Kobo or GooglePlay.
Delaney is the daughter of the devil. Who is being trained to fight demons by her partner Callum. When Delaneys mother was murdered, it's time to put those skills of survival into action. And fight one of the hardest battles ever. Will Delaneu survive?
A great story that leads right into the action! I was easily drawn in, wanting to know what was happening.
I didn't know before but this is actually book 2. I felt like I should have read the first book. As I think I would get this book much better, ie the relationship and background of the characters.
Book 2 in the Murphy’s Law series picks up not too long after book 1 ended; we see the characters turning more into a family and getting better at working together. The pace picks up; while I couldn’t put down the first one, this one really didn’t want to let me go, even more.
Character development is brilliant with more core personalities of all the key players being revealed … even the dog, who I find to be one of the most fun characters I’ve met in a long time.
This book completely left me wanting more and I’m dying for book 3. While this installment offered plenty of action, the promise of even more is in the air … a couple of twists I hadn’t seen coming occurred in this one and that pretty much never happen to me so I’m giving this 5 stars.
Judas Kiss by K.A. Fox is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series writen by a brand new author for me to read and I can notwait to see what this author will write about next. I highly recommend is story to everyone who loves reading about magic and fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finally, a well written paranormal book without porn. The characters were well developed,and not a single grammatical error in the whole book. I also loved that it was a complete story without a cliff hanger, yet I looked forward to reading another adventure with the same characters.
The story here is really good. Obviously told by a true storyteller. I dare say the story is told so well you can easily overlook the punctuation, the missed words, and the typos. A refreshing new take on magic, demons, and the devil.
Judas Kiss delivered on intrigue and adventure. The author expertly joins the reader to the protagonist’s emotions, allowing the story to unfold naturally.
Highly recommend this book and wish I had my own hellhound!
Great read, I did read book 2 with out book one.... My mistake lol this is well written and was a first book for me by KA I'll be going back to read the first book great story!🤩😍
The chapters are short, and the story is well paced. There is great tension (sexual and otherwise) amongst the characters. I definitely want my own Hell Hound after reading this. 😉 I enjoyed this second book immensely, and look forward to Delaney's next adventure.
This was such a great book! Loved everything about it. Can't wait for the next installment. I started with this book, which is book 2, in the series. I quickly bought book 1 because this is a series you don't want to miss!!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Delaney and the men in her life are working on how to be a team while dealing with trust and other issues stemming from the events in the first book. At the same time she is also learning to use the magic she spent much of her earlier life suppressing. As the book description and title hint, betrayals and other events happen that Delaney has to deal with.
Like the first book in the series by KA Fox, this book is fast paced and fun. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions (Moose continues to be great!). I definitely felt the struggles Delaney in particular is going through while trying to figure out how to deal with everything.
I do suggest reading The Devil’s Own before reading this one, as there are things going on that may be difficult to understand otherwise. I am curious where the author will go next and what will happen with the Delaney's relationships. Definitely planning to read the next book and I am looking forward to friends reading this one so I can talk about it.
COULD. NOT. PUT. DOWN. This took me on a wild ride that made me question my trust in some of my favorite characters!! Didn't think it was possible, but this book may have even topped the first in the series! I can't decide... I love them both!
4.5 stars. This is a great second novel for the Devils Own series. I was happy to revisit characters that I loved. There were points I didn't see coming but overall, I enjoyed it a lot.
This book was provided to me by Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I read for little over an hour and I am completely bored to tears. I have so many other books that need my attention that I won't force myself to read this one. A definite DNF for me.
Writing style: The writing is so sloppy and boring. This seems like an episode of a bad fantasy series you might watch when you have nothing else to do, but definitely won't enjoy and you'll end up on your phone the whole time. That feeling right there is how I feel about this book (and pretty much about the first one too which I miraculously finished).
Characters: They are soooo boring 😭 I cannot believe how flat these characters are. No one has a personality. I don't even know who's talking half the time, because I just don't know who would what since they don't talk in a certain way...
Story: Delaney and Callum keep being sent out to hunt/kill demons for the Devil, aka Delaney's father... I know he's the devil but isn't making your daughter into an assassin considered bad parenting even in hell? The storyline just doesn't make any sense at all.
I'm done talking about this book, what a waste of time.
K.A. Fox has a knack for good character dialogue and smooth writing. I enjoyed this sequel and it was a great continuation of the first book in the series. The characters continue to be entertaining and the writing style is fluid, making the book easy to immerse yourself in. Where this book could have improved is with the pacing and with the plot. The first third of the book was incredibly slow, while the last two thirds were so action packed that there was no room for exploration of how and why the characters were reacting to the events the way they were. This made the action and events affecting the characters less poignant for the reader, and didn't take advantage of the full potential of the story line. Having said that, I think that the author has great potential. I really enjoy her writing style and the world she has built. With a little more finessing of the finer details and ironing out the pacing issues K.A. Fox has have the capacity to really wow audiences with her stories.
This is a pretty quick read, three, maybe four hours, but man, does it move along. Lots of action, a little romance, a couple of revelations and hard to put down once you get started.
This is a transitional book, act two if you will. The end is satisfying, but it's not "The End." The good news there is that book three is already out, so you don't have to wait.
Another incredible installment in the series about the devil’s daughter. Normally a second novel has a difficult time living up to the first, but I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it in a matter of hours! I can’t wait for the third one!!!
I love that the MC in this book works from a place of honour, but she's also real. Also her love interest isn't an abusive controlling jerk, he's a true partner.