Just the mere mention of Niol Lapen’s name sends shivers down the spines of both humans and Other in the Atlanta community. Being the most powerful demon has its privileges as well as drawbacks as he finds many give him a wide berth as he conducts demon business. Living with his mystique, he wonders why the little human Holly Storm keeps coming into his Paradise bar. He finds her attractive, but fights it since he feels he’s destined to walk alone. When two demons she’s associated with are brutally slain and its obvious Holly will be next, Niol decides to work with her to uncover the killer.  Can Niol keep Holly safe while simultaneously keeping his hands off her? 

When a book starts out so good that you almost miss your morning commute, you know you’re in for a great reading experience!  I started Cynthia Eden’s Midnight’s Master and didn’t want to put it down. Ms. Eden has such a smooth writing style you quickly become enmeshed within her characters’ worlds, forgetting the outside.  I’ve wondered if Niol would get his own happy ending because I enjoyed his cocky unrepentant attitude in Midnight Sins and Hotter After Midnight. 

He sure meets his match in the capable, intrepid Holly Storm. Fans of this superb paranormal series will remember Holly recalling her own nearly disastrous close encounter with the Other when Niol saves her life the previous story. Holly knows Niol is the supreme demon and instead of fearing him like others do, she’s drawn like a moth to the flame over his hot demon body. They both try to fight it, but the stench of death sure has a way working on the libido, making them almost mutually combust in a passionate affair.   

In a great plot twist, Niol unwittingly discovers a secret about Holly which makes him look at her in whole new light. Holly must convince Niol he’s worthy of her affections and love which isn’t easy with a level 10 demon. Holly and Noil make a great couple, learning about each other’s pasts while forging a new future. I’m such a fan of Cynthia Eden’s Midnight series, that I was sad when it ended. Dare I hope another story is in the wings featuring a certain troubled police commander and a kick-ass coroner?