This book was such a waste of my time, but I finished it easily, since it only took about a day to read, but it was so stupid! I kept wishing it would get good - and I guess that's what kept driving me to read it - thinking it would get better - but it didn't! Lesson learned.

http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2008/10/m... ( )

My Immortal by Erin McCarthy is the first in a series of (supposedly?) seven books following the Seven Deadly Sins. The first theme shown here is Lust. We learn the history of Damian, a demon servant, through letters left by his first wife and stories told by an elderly neighbor woman. I became completely engrossed in the novel due to these letters. We learn quickly that Damian was made immortal by the demon in exchange for encouraging lust. The more immoral sex going on the better, apparently. The letters are mixed in with the narrative told by Marley, a slightly chunky, straight-arrow woman in search of her missing, trampy sister. This story is extremely well-written and I look forward to reading more novels by this author due to that fact alone. The story so engaging that I found it hard to put away. We see many sides to Damian and Marley, to a lesser extent. (Seeing how he has 200 plus years on her, I guess thats understandable.) My problem with this novel wasn't the explicit sexual content. The book just went on and on about about how immoral sex was. When people were doing each other randomly and in groups and stuff, I could MAYBE stretch my imagination and say 'ok maybe' that could be considered immoral. But when the married woman believes she is becoming more and more immoral because she is having wild sex with her husband, that just seems like Ms.McCarthy was stretching a little bit to make the story fit her theme of Lust being a Deadly Sin. What happens between and man and his wife isn't immoral, its beautiful. Three stars for "My Immoral" for its portrayal of sexuality as always being a sin. This was very distracting to me as a reader. The plotlines were strong, and the story-telling even better, despite that. ( )

The cover intrigued me. I wasn't sure I would like it....but now I can't wait to read the second one in the series! A very satisfying read...hee hee hee. ( )

**Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques**

Centuries ago, Damien du Bourge craved immortality until he was cursed with it after making a deal with a demon. In exchange, he must promote sexual sin amongst unsuspecting mortals, encouraging them to damn their own souls while he reaps the dubious benefits of his unholy bargain. It was a bargain the young Damien thought ideal, but a deal an older, wiser Damien has spent centuries trying to make amends for.

When the very tempting Marley Turner lands literally on his doorstep, he finds his hard-won nobleness put to the test as he finds he is nearly powerless to resist the lovely schoolteacher. Yet her innocence is the ultimate prize to his master, and Damien must fight with everything he has to protect Marley – even if it means sacrificing himself.

From the moment I first saw a copy of My Immortal by Erin McCarthy, I was intrigued. The title first caught my attention, and the blurb on the back cover held it. The publisher’s synopsis made me feel as if this story would be something a little off-kilter, a little different from the typical romance. I was in no way disappointed.

Damien is certainly an atypical hero, with a past as checkered as they come, and a cross to bear that anyone would find difficult to carry. He has learned from his past mistakes, however, and strives to do what is right as much as the bindings of his unholy contract allows. The author does an admirable job of showing this character’s path to redemption, paving the way for both Marley and the readers to forgive him.

Marley is just about the epitome of goodness and light – but with a decided edge. Never boring, this somewhat repressed schoolteacher has no problem giving in to her more sensual side with the oh-so-sexy Damien. Even so, she never loses the innocence of spirit that makes her such an enticing target for the demons who control Damien. McCarthy succeeds in penning a wholesome heroine who manages to be very real as we see her struggle with her own temptations.

As with Marley and Damien, the author shows a moral duality in most of the characters in My Immortal, which serves to make this story feel more genuine, like it could actually happen, despite the paranormal elements. In the end, McCarthy leaves us with a subtle moral: that good and evil exist in everyone, and it is up to each of us to decide which path we shall follow.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Bravo to Ms. McCarthy on a job very well done. I will most certainly be looking for more of this talented author’s work.

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