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Damned When I Didn't

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"This novel serves up a unique story that brings many different characters together in a breathtaking read." - InD'Tale Magazine

Death isn't the end for eighteen-year-old Avery Williams, and her final resting place isn't beyond the Golden Gates. No, the Queen of the Damned has plans for her and, unbeknownst to Avery, fought hard to gain possession of her soul. As Hell's newest succubus, Avery is expected to siphon life from the living. It only takes a long, meaningful kiss, but for a virgin like Avery, kissing guys she barely knows isn't something she's comfortable doing. Avery focuses on the upside of her fate—she'll be returning home, or so she thinks. When the Queen of the Damned cuts her off from her old life, Avery is determined to find a way back to her family and friends, even if it means facing Hell's fury if she's caught.
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About the author

Cherie Colyer

8 books664 followers
Cherie Colyer (CL Colyer) is an award-winning author of fiction with a paranormal twist. Her published works include books for children through adults.

CL Colyer on Goodreads: https://bit.ly/CLColyerGR
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jQelPo
Facebook: https://bit.ly/CherieFB
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3vYlMZt
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3mr22dZ
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/CherieBB

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5 stars
15 (48%)
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13 (41%)
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2 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff.
1,615 reviews148 followers
February 5, 2021
I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review
I was a bit afraid that i wouldn`t like it. Because sometimes the story is too clichè and awkward to work out. But i ended up really liking it, Cole was such a softie and Avery had character development and became likable fast. She did not back down when facing danger or problems. She was not annoying or clichè.
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews42 followers
February 16, 2021
Eighteen year old Avery Williams is dead. She doesn't figure it out right away, but it kinda tips her off when Lilith, the Queen of the Damned, sends her off with her incubus chaperone, Cole. And those rivers of burning souls truly open Avery's eyes to her dangerous new predicament. Go to one high school party and end up in Hell? Even Avery isn't sure why. Cole isn't thrilled to have a succubus partner, especially one so clueless and unwilling to do even the basic things necessary to keep her strong and virile in the human realm: like make out with people and mark their souls for Hell. It's a lot for a virgin to take, though few of the folks Avery encounters can actually tell she's still a virgin.

Thing is, she's a bit of a prude, and some well-placed rumors had Avery's schoolmates believing she was less wholesome than she truly was. And now, as a succubus she's meant to feed of the life force of strangers...through acts of intimacy she'd barely tried as a living person. In fact, Avery'd like to just give the whole thing up except Cole makes it clear that doing so would result in swift and gruesome punishment from Lilith. More pressing is Avery's immense need to learn if her sister died in the same accident that ended her own life. If Gracie still lives Avery has some important messages about living a good life and saving a mutual friend from a Hell-damned fate. If only she could contact Gracie! Lilith severed every connection Avery can make to her past life, and it's up to Cole and a band of misfit paranormals to help Avery breach her own wake to say her final goodbyes--without Lilith finding out. Because she didn't become Queen of the Damned without frying a few souls. And, Avery's soul won't survive Lilith's wrath.

This was an unexpected treat of a contemporary paranormal romance, with Avery being a conniving and petulant succubus whose attitude problems are redeemed by her aversion to marking souls and stealing even hours off the life of unsuspecting humans. Cole is a stable presence, and their attraction is both unconventional and unprecedented. Cole and his chums can see the good in Avery, to the point they aren't sure why she's not in Heaven. Unfortunately, being reborn in Heaven would not necessarily facilitate Avery's plans--which do include getting some contact with her family. It's a bit of a caper, actually, how she and Cole enlist his contacts to do the unthinkable--hide her transit from Hell just long enough to get her message across. I liked it lots, and the connection between Avery and Cole has a slow build that suits Avery's sensibilities surrounding love and how to make it.

This is a YA suitable read, with a fun and dynamic cast of characters I'd love to experience more adventures with. Can an incubus and a succubus find love with one another? Well, Avery sure is willing to find out.
Profile Image for Katie O'Sullivan.
Author 27 books168 followers
November 18, 2020
Paranormal romance takes many forms - weres, vampires, ghosts, witches, demons - and succubi are usually one of the racier sub-genres since a succubus is really all about sex. Imagine my surprise in finding a new Young Adult story about a teenage succubus who is still - get this - a virgin.

How does something like that even happen?

Turns out that the job of a succubus is actually to feed on men's souls, shading them grey with a bit of sin. Acting as part of the recruiting squad for Team Hell. Except 18-year-old Avery, Hell's newest recruiter, isn't as loose with her kisses as she needs to be to get the job done. Before she died, she'd never gone further than stolen kisses - unfortunately they were with a friend's boyfriend, which caused the grey stains on her soul.

Luckily, Avery is sent to live with Cole, who is supposed to show her the ropes of her new immortal existence. The handsome hunk has been an incubus for over hundred years, having sold his soul at nineteen to save his older brother. Together with his rag tag band of human and no-so-human friends, he tries to help Avery come to grips with and adjust to her new "life" as an immortal demon. I can't go into too many actual details as the fun of this story is the twists and turns of the journey.

I've read several of Cherie Colyer's previous young adult books, including the Embrace series.Colyer does a great job with first person POV and snappy teenage dialogue. Colyer keeps the action moving right along, complete with bad decisions and close calls between Avery and the Queen of the Damned. i found the characters likeable, and kept rooting for some kind of happily ever after, even though all the best characters were already, um, damned. Buckle in for an interesting ride, for a book that seems to be the first in a new series.

5 stars, in hopes that there are more Avery books to come!
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books1,975 followers
December 2, 2020
One minute Avery Williams is alive, the next minute she’s dead. The afterlife is nothing like it is in books or the movies. Avery’s confusion hits new heights when she meets Cole and her new boss, Lilith. Avery is a succubus now, which is even stranger than it sounds because she’s a virgin. Lilith pairs her with Cole, an incubus, and instructs her to suck souls for a living. Avery knows she’s not cut out to be some sultry succubus so she devises a plan to skirt her duties until she can see her family one final time. But skirting her burgeoning feelings for Cole is a whole different matter. If she gives her heart to Cole, will he chuck it away or will he give her afterlife the one thing she never got as a human?

Damned When I Didn’t is such a fun paranormal romance, I loved every minute of it. The characters I connected with most are Avery and Cole, though I relished the scenes with Lilith, too. Cherie Colyer does such a magnificent job with her world-building. I let myself escape inside Avery’s world and it was hard for me to put it down. The plot moves at a nice clip with plenty of characters to interact with. The attraction between Avery and Cole was obvious from the start but Cherie Colyer threw in just the right amount of conflict to keep me turning the pages. The ending surprised me yet completed the story arc. I wish it would become a series because I honestly didn’t want to leave Avery and Cole and all the other characters. If you’re looking for a paranormal romance with a fresh take and snarky dialogue, pick up Damned When I Didn’t. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for Katie Sparks.
Author 3 books22 followers
March 3, 2021
I'm already a HUGE fan of Cherie Colyer's other books (Embrace series and Challenging Destiny are must-reads!) so when I saw that Colyer had a new book released, I knew I needed this book in my own personal library.

Any readers who are fans of Twilight, Vampire Diaries, the Originals, or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue will love the supernatural vibe that emanates from the pages. I'm also a huge fan of the old Charmed TV show, where I first learned about a succubus, so when I realized that one of the main character's Avery Williams is one, I knew this would be right up my alley. I especially love how the reader learns how Avery is supposed to act as a succubus, what the rules are, etc.

I couldn't put this book down! Without giving too much away, anyone who loves reading about Heaven vs Hell and being cursed for an eternity will enjoy this book just as much as I did. If you're looking for a different spin on a romantic tale, Avery and Cole's relationship is evident from the very beginning and continues to spark throughout the story. The tension brought on by the Queen of the Damned combined with Avery's fate creates a well-balanced, page turner dynamic.

Make sure this book is on your list! Hope this storyline continues!
Profile Image for Books+Coffee=Happiness Blog.
267 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2020
Demons, Nephilim, and so much more... If you're looking for your next paranormal read, you can't go wrong with Damned When I Didn't!

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but I rather like the cover for Damned When I Didn't. In fact, it's a large part of what made me want to read this particular title. I saw it and needed to know more. But when it comes to people, what you see isn't always what you get. It's a lesson Avery has to learn, especially when it comes to her mentor, Cole. It never occurred to Avery that just as she didn't earn her way to hell, and her new position as a succubus, that perhaps the super hot Cole didn't earn his place there either.

I loved seeing the push and pull between Avery and Cole. Both drawn to one another, yet not willing to accept their attraction. Not only does their budding romance draw the reader in, but the banter between them, and the mix of other awesome characters, makes Damnmed When I Didn't a page-turning read you won't want to put down. A half-demon, a Nephilim, and another incubus are just some of the charming characters you'll find in this intriguing, must-read book. I truly hope we'll get to see more of them in the future.

Damned If I Didn't is the perfect mix of romance, drama, and friendship. You won't be disappointed!

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of Damned If I Didn't. The review above is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,010 reviews39 followers
November 22, 2020
Damned When I Didn't by Cherie Colyer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc
Genre: New Adult | Sci Fi & Fantasy | Teens & YA
Release Date: November 18, 2020

Damned When I Didn't is a standalone paranormal romance novel by Cherie Colyer. I'm really hoping there will be more books featuring this world/characters because I am here for it! (Please write more of these books!)

A virgin succubus, how much cooler can this book be? Honestly, this execution of this book was incredible! I loved the characters and their stories are so much fun. Avery, the main character, is a girl with fight, snark and quick wit. I want her to be part of my squad!

I look forward to reading more books by the author. I love her writing style. The story had a great pace and was a fast read. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop. Please keep them coming, I need more Avery and Cole!

I'm so grateful to Cherie Colyer, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
483 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2020
4.5 stars
I usually don't read YA books since I'm almost 50, but I'm glad I read this one. The story line was well written and easy to follow. Avery was young, but grew up on the pages of the book. Cole was a good guy and was very easy to like. There is big time push and pull between Avery and Cole that makes reading this story so much fun!
Profile Image for Tracy Trixy.
629 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2020
I loved this book!
I wasn’t sure what to except when I started reading, but I really enjoyed it, and read it all within the day :)

This is about Avery who has recently died, and has to negotiate a new way of life, and struggles with the idea of not letting her family know that’s she’s ok.

I love the characters.. Cole, Ian, Wyatt and Hunter. I’m really hoping that this is book 1, as I’d love more adventures with these guys :)

Yes, I would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Bookish.
1,472 reviews27 followers
November 18, 2020
Waking up dead is more than meets the eye for Avery. As Hell's newest recruiter she must siphon life by kissing. A well thought out plot with interesting characters and good writing. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
Profile Image for Linda Rea.
2,180 reviews15 followers
December 14, 2020
What happens when you die? Avery found out but she didn’t know how she ended up between heaven and hell but she has Cole to help her even though she doesn’t want it,she just wants to go back home. Many times she tried to call anyone from her old life and it was blocked but she finds a way except now she made Lilith the Queen of the Damned mad. It’s now a race to save Avery from the River of Souls and maybe Cole can save her.
Cute story and I loved how sweet Avery is.
57 reviews
December 24, 2020
I enjoyed readying this book. Avery was a young loving kid that died to young. But some how her life got marked as going to hell. She is now a succubus and is being mentored by Cole, a incubus. To stay alive she has to siphon souls by kissing and sleeping with them. Avery is a little hesitant in doing this since she has no experience in that department. Loved ready this book.
Profile Image for Lacy Mercado.
133 reviews14 followers
January 6, 2021
I love this book . I cant wait to read more from this author. I love the story line.
Profile Image for S.L.Moore.
103 reviews
November 26, 2020
I got a free copy of 'Damned When I Didn't' from Netgalley.

This is a fun fast paced read that is good for anyone who is looking for a good pick-me-up reading while you're not sure what to read next. Avery can be a little granting at first but she does have a good reason for wanting to do what she wants.

I did enjoy Cole and Avery's relationship, Cole is surprisingly a gentleman for being an incubus. He is a lot of fun and I did end up rooting for the two of them towards the end. The cast is also a joy to read about though I got a little lost with remembering who was who when it came to Cole's friends.

But if you want a longer spoiler filled review, please go to my blog text
Profile Image for Meleaha Howard.
376 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2020
This is a new to me author. I really enjoyed this story! I felt bad for Avery. For reasons we don't know until later in the book, she is sent to hell and made into a succubus demon when she dies at 18. She struggles with her new reality, until she realizes there are worse things than her new life. I can't say more without giving things away, so do yourself a favor and read the book. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for MandyViolete.
921 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2020
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened the cover for this book. The first page, I was still a little unsure. But then the hook grabbed me and slammed through so many emotions that I paused to go tell my best book chicks that they needed to read this. I don’t cry easy, at all, but this book had me tearing up and blubbering multiple times. Not only that, but it had a great balance of humor and the storyline was on point.
Profile Image for Kym Brunner.
Author 4 books66 followers
October 19, 2020
Good Lord, you need to take breaks between chapters or you will need to set 24 hours for yourself to read this book from cover to cover. Totally absorbed and engrossed in the story! Loved it! Read this if you love a light fantasy that feels like realistic fiction, but takes you to another place. Perfect book to read before you go to bed so you can dream of alternate locations! :-)
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,279 reviews22 followers
November 16, 2020
When Avery dies she ends up with the Queen of the Damned. She doesn't remember how she dies but her mentor Cole told her that her memories will return. When she is expected to siphon souls she doesn't know how she will do it. Cole guides her on how to keep her life force. As Avery tries to trick the Queen what will happen if she gets caught? Who will pay the price? As Avery and Cole try to navigate their lives they battle strong feelings for each other. The push and pull makes for a great read. Will they have a happy ending?
Profile Image for Sydney Winward.
Author 27 books316 followers
November 9, 2020
This was an easy book to get sucked into. The descriptions pulled me in. The story idea was one I hadn’t read before. I loved the world the author created and the detailed characters. I enjoyed the dynamic between Avery and Cole, and I was surprised when Wyatt quickly became one of my favorite characters. I would looovvee to see a book from his point of view.

If you’re looking for a unique read with interesting dynamics between angels and demons, this is a good read for you.

4.5 stars
811 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2020
A solid 4.5

I really enjoyed this book. It's quite different from my usual reads but totally worth the change. We have a sweet 18 yr old who is suddenly on the wrong side of dead and now need the essence of humans to sustain the life she now has. Memories of her family and friends push her to defy the queen of the damned and try to make contact with them. This includes roping in her new life guide and hot guy room mate Cole and his merry band of misfit friends including half demons, half angles and a few other world helpers. I would definitely read more by this author.
1,126 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2020
Avery wakes up to find she is dead and ended up in hell. She has ended up a succubus and Cole is her mentor. As a virgin Avery quickly realizes this is going to be a tough way to stay alive.

This is a new author to me and a fun introduction into her world. I don't read a lot of YA but would definitely read more by Colyer. Loved Avery and Cole, Ian, Hunter and Wyatt as well as their human friends. Avery is young and it is interesting to watch her mature in a short amount of time. Cole is fun and really a good guy. Would be fun to see more in this world.
Profile Image for Cherie Colyer.
Author 8 books664 followers
December 30, 2022
Find out if an eighteen-year-old virgin can fulfill her succubus duties without losing her innocence.

What readers have said about Damned When I Didn't:

"Damned When I Didn’t is such a fun paranormal romance, I loved every minute of it. " ~ N.N. Light

"Any readers who are fans of Twilight, Vampire Diaries, the Originals, or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue will love the supernatural vibe that emanates from the pages." ~ Katie Sparks

"Totally absorbed and engrossed in the story!" ~ Kym Brunner
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews153 followers
November 19, 2020
3.5 Cranky Stars


Avery was your quintessential teenage girl with a good family and a sister she loved. Life was rather good minus the few rumors flying around that she didn’t bother to correct and one sin that stained her soul. It was a story she would literally take to her grave. One day after a night of partying with her friends and sister she has gaps in her memory and finds herself in a hospital. It’s here she is escorted to a room to meet Cole who has the job of being her mentor. She finds herself in Lilith’s office and is assigned the job of a succbi. Yep a virgin succubi who has barely been kissed. She fights Cole every step of the way as he tries to teach her the ways of their new life. She ropes his friends into a risky mission and almost risks everyone’s life for one final goodbye.


I wanted to like this book and honestly the last few chapters had a chance at swaying me. I felt at times it was very judgy by the constant use of the word “slut” anytime it was mentioned she kiss someone. Like heaven help you if you kiss more than one boy you casually know you get tossed into this category and well that’s not true. I felt like maybe the author was taking us on a journey to accept oneself at times I suppose. Avery seemed very immature at her age and had some fits but then again, some teens aren’t known for their stellar maturity. I kept coming back to the book to see if and when Avery would grow, and she had a good chance toward the end. I liked Cole and that he accepted his life and how he was supposed to keep that life going. He was a good mentor in my opinion. Avery did gain some good friends. Also the use of the phrase Queen of the Damned had me thinking of Anne Rice constantly so that took me a while to get used to. I guess me and my harlot ways will say this book had potential, but I guess it wasn’t for me and that’s ok. This book might totally be for someone else and I hope it is.
Profile Image for Leah ❂.
252 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2022
3.5 ~~~rounded up to four stars.

This was a fun little read, a pretty strangely entertaining topic. A newly turned succubus who was a virgin in her life and an extremely innocent, kind girl. Not exactly what you picture for a lust demon!

The story of Avery’s return to earth after her death was pretty interesting. She was thrown into the world of demons and lust that she was woefully unprepared for!

The writing of this book is pretty fast paced and easy to read, definitely a book you could read in one sitting.

We have a sweet, oddly adorable incubus, Cole, who was given the mentorship of Avery when she is sent back to earth.

I liked Cole, he was sweet and not what you’d expect. But I did feel like there was a definite feeling of insta-love which isn’t really my thing, I tend to like to see more development between the two love interests before their relationship blossoms, but they were still cute.

While this goes over topics like sex and lust, I think it still reads relatively YA, maybe NA depending on your comfort level, so I think this could attract a wide variety of readers.

I received an ARC of this book, this in no way impacted my review.
Profile Image for Erica Field.
139 reviews
April 13, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Damed When I Didn’t. No spoilers, but if you’re into teen romance, demons and fantasy then this is the book for you.

The newly dead 18 year old heroine is an interesting mix of teen angst and strong woman. Cole, her counterpart, is handsome and far from the heartless demon you might have been expecting. I found myself routing for Avery from the outset and while I might not have made all the same choices she did I was still more than happy to be along for the ride.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lydia Carson.
230 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2023
I really didn’t have much of an idea what this book was about until I started reading it, and then I almost didn’t. However, I’m glad I did because I really like it. I like that the characters are all relatable. Avery finds herself in hell and is required to do things that go against her moral fiber. Cole is her mentor, therefore if she fails he fails. Not pleasing the Queen of the Damned has dire consequences. Avery has her mind set on defying her boss so she can tie up loose ends of her life. And Cole is so sweet, he didn’t deserve to be in hell. Avery thinks he protective of her because it’s his job, but could there be more to it?
I received a free ARC of this book and I giving this review by my own choice.
One would think a book about hell would be depressing and sad but somehow it works.
Profile Image for Paula Rule.
32 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2023
What a lovely book, Avery is a sweet, innocent 18 year old who dies and becomes a virgin succubus, and Cole looks out for her. As there friendship grows so do their feelings but to find out more you will need to read the book…

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
4,617 reviews43 followers
December 15, 2020
The premise of the story was really intriguing. It started off really good but then it started to drag a little. I definitely had more questions at the end of the book than at the beginning.
Profile Image for Leslie.
146 reviews
May 14, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I thought this book was ok. Definitely geared for the YA/NA audience. I don't read much in that genre and this is why. I was intrigued about the character being a virgin and a succubus. I felt that to really do justice to the story it needed to be more of an adult book. I didn't like the labeling, pressure and coercion that she had to face to change who she was.
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