I Summoned a Demon for Views… Now What? (Her Soul to Take)

This week on Did We Read the Same Book?, I dive into Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux… completely blind. No synopsis. No prep. Just vibes.

What I thought was a dark romance quickly turned into demons, sacrifices, creepy cult energy, and a VERY bold main character making questionable life choices.

We’ve got:
 – A ghost-hunting YouTuber who accidentally summons a demon 
 – A morally gray (but hot??) demon named Leon
 – A grimoire, a cult, and a sacrifice plot that escalates FAST
 – And yes… spice. A lot of it.

Did we read the same book? 

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Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:01

Hey everyone, it's Sadie here, and welcome to Did we read the same book? Okay, so this week I am reading Her Soul to Take by Harley LaCroix. And I actually was not, I didn't read what it was about, like I didn't read the description or anything ahead of time. I just have had it on my TBR, and it was one of those, oh okay, everybody says to read this. Let me just add it. I'll get to it one day. So I decided, you know, all right, let's get into it. I was thinking that it was gonna be like a dark romance, but what I was not prepared for was that it is a supernatural dark romance. So I just started it today, and I was like, what the heck is happening? But um yeah, so I had a few questions marks like above my head, I feel like, like in a cartoon, like, huh? Wait, what is this book? So I did go back, I read the description, and I'm like, oh, okay, got it. Cool, that makes more sense. Uh I I do like it so far. Uh, I am also seeing now that I'm looking at the description, that it's a trilogy. I just started it this morning, and I've gotta say I really am enjoying it. It is like I want to kind of get off this and get back to the book, but also there's a lot happening. There's so much happening. So I wanted that's why I paused. I paused and I said, let me talk about it now because I'm gonna forget so much already. Um, yes. What is so there's been it opens with like a murder, there's a death there at the school, there's a sacrifice, there's a lot happening, there's demons, there's monsters, there's all sorts of things going on, and then there's the main character thrown in there, Raylan. She is a ghost hunter, uh paranormal, you know, investigator type thing. She's trying to like do things by the books and not be gimmicky and fake things, which is cool, but her YouTube channel is not gaining much traction because you know it's kind of boring, like nothing's really happening, and she isn't finding anything spooky or scary or you know, like an actual ghost. So she goes to the school, and that's where she finds out there was a murder earlier, I think earlier that week at the school or like the week before, and she's like, whoa, okay. Also, she's in like her birth town, her birth, like her hometown, and she hasn't been there in a long time, and it's like this kind of older, more gothic kind of town. Um, there's a lot of lore around it, and she's just back, she's back for school, and she's like, I am originally from here. Although I have not lived here in forever, I've lived in California, but anyhow, so yeah, that's our main character. Her name is Ray, Raylan, I think, but Ray is what she's going by right now. She is introduced to this dude who is guarding the like the hallway where the student was murdered. Anyways, he's like super fine, he has blonde hair and glowy-looking eyes, and I don't know, she's just swooning over him, kind of, but also she feels like he's a little bit dangerous and a little suspicious, and she's right because he is a demon in disguise, so his true form is super scary, has not been fully revealed yet, although, you know, he's talked about it. So the book is from both points of views. It's from Ray's point of view and Leon, the demon's point of view. So Leon, he is a demon. I'm not really sure. I know he was summoned there like at one point. He has this book, or there's this book, the grimmer. I want to say the grimmerly, but I know that's from like wicked. So so and no, that's not what it's actually called. But every time they say it, I'm like, wicked. Anyways, no, that's not what it's called. It's not the grimmerly, but it's some something. Um, it's a book. It has it has spells in it, and it has like witchy things happening, it has a bunch of names and drawings of other demons, and then it has a picture of him, Leon, in the book as well, and a description of him. And so here is little Miss Ray, and she's like, Oh, I need views. I need people to go check out my YouTube. Okay, I'm gonna do something super hoaxy, and I'm gonna do something just for views because I just need people to just find my page. So she decides she's gonna go to this um abandoned church, and she's gonna set up like she's gonna use the book, and she's gonna set up like a little pretend kind of uh seance thing. And what she actually ends up doing is summoning a real live demon, Mr. Leon. They have already met early on in the book, they've had like small encounters. In fact, he even like made her oh at one point outside outside of a bar, um, just I don't know, like it was like a challenge kind of thing, and she's like, Yeah, I'm not gonna back down from this, and then it was weird, it was weird, um, but also like okay, whatever, whatever's happening here. I can't explain it. You guys just have to read that part, but anyways, so they are acquainted, they are not close, they are not friends, they are just attracted to each other at this point, but she accidentally summons him for real, and then he's like, Oh my god. Okay, sorry, it's not he's not really saying that because he's like a big, big bad demon, but so in my view, he's like, Oh my god, she has the book. Well, first he's like, Let me put on the dramatics. I'm being summoned right now. Okay, let's be so scary right now for whoever is summoning me. Um, and also I need that book to be free. So whoever it is, I'm gonna I'm gonna get that book from them. And like they're kind of fucked. But anyway, so he comes, he's being summoned, and then he's like, da-da-da, smoke, lights, thunder, rain, storms. Let's make it so scary. I love a grand entrance, and then he's there, and and Ray is like shit in her pants because she's like, Oh my god, this wasn't supposed to happen. I was pretending for like views, uh, what is happening? There's a real demon coming. Oh no, oh no. So she's freaking out, and then he realizes who it is, and he's like, What the heck? How does she get how does she get this book? And so he like turns off the dramatics a little bit because he doesn't want to actually like scare her, so he shifts back into like his um you know human form and is not as super scary, but he's like, I'm gonna keep the smoker on my feet though, still for dramatics. And so he's like, What are you doing here? And then finally she calms down and she's like, Wait a minute, have you been stalking me? Why are you here? Um, this is kind of where I'm like leaving off, where I like where I'm reading, so yeah. So she is upset now because she feels like, How did you do that? How are why are you trying to scare me here? But he is realizing, like, oh no, this couldn't be bad. How did she get the book? And he can't take it from her by force, she has to willingly give it to him. But once he has it, I think he can like free himself from being bound to somebody or being summoned by people, and you know, like bound to them and made to do whatever they want. So he wants the book, she doesn't know this, and he's like kind of scaring her now. And he's like, Give me the book. She's like, No, I'm not gonna give you the book, and so she leaves and she runs off, and he doesn't chase her because he's like, eh, it's okay, I'll let her go. Let me just make sure like no other weird creatures out here get her, and I'm just gonna like make sure she's safe, she'll be back eventually. So she realizes later as she's like laying in bed at home, that I think he's actually a demon, and then she rewatches the video that she made and he's in it, and then she sees a glimpse of him in demon form, and she's like, Aha, yes, I knew it. Okay, but nobody's gonna believe me. What am I? I can't tell people because they're gonna think I just edit this. So she confronts him later at school, and he's like, Yeah, okay, I am a demon. Like, what are you gonna do about it? Uh, and then that's where I left off. So I don't know what's gonna happen next, but I'm excited to find out. I am loving the book so far, it's a little different. Um, I know that it's a spicy book, so I'm kind of like, all right, there's already tension, there's already been a scene, and so I'm just I guess I'm in for the ride, guys. Let's see where this book takes me. All right, I'm gonna keep reading. Okay, so I am I have like a quarter left of the book. So, you know, 75% in the book, almost done. There's a lot that's happened. I just I know I should have like paused and come back and talked about things because I'm like, oh my gosh, what's happening? But I am so engrossed in this book and I had to know what was gonna happen. It's very paranormal, and I really like the genre. So for the people that have not read it, please read the triggers, like all the trigger warnings and stuff ahead of time, because this just might not be for everybody. I'm gonna be honest. I am not really into like the I don't know the rougher kind of spicy scenes, you know what I mean? Like I personally am not into that, but it works some for some reason in the book. I'm just like, oh, okay, okay, if that's what you're into, I'm I'm fine with it. But anyways, um, if you're into like the you know fear and arousal arousal like response thing, there's a lot of that in this book. So, you know, and they and there's a lot of like kinky stuff happening, and there's a lot of role play, which I'm actually kind of like, oh, I feel like I don't we don't see that a lot, at least I don't, in the books I read, they're not doing a lot of like role play. I feel like the book itself is kind of like, you know, most dark romances are already kind of like, you know, fantasy role play kind of thing happening, but for the characters to acknowledge it and be like, okay, this is definitely something that you know I feel safe with and I'm consenting to, and we're living out fantasies right now. We have safe words if need be, and like, let's do this, you know, and then they go full on into it. Yeah, I don't know. I I've not read a book where that has really been a theme and talked about. It's you know what I mean? I don't know if that makes sense. But yes, so they're consenting adults, uh, a human and then a demon. But I'm not hating it. I'm I'm kind of like, okay, cool, cool, cool. I'm not gonna skip through all the spicy scenes because uh kind of want to know what's gonna happen here, anyhow. Besides the spice and the kinks and all that stuff, this is actually pretty good, I feel like, storyline that I'm interested in too. Like, I want to know what's gonna happen. It is spooky, I guess, you know, like spooky book, um, very gothic kind of Halloween y vibes happening here. There's a lot of like scary creatures, and they're all following her for some reason, and there's a god that's trying to be awakened, um, and then it's like sacrifices happening, and okay, so Raylan is one of the three sacrifices that needs to happen, so then that way this god can come back to like full power and kind of rule the world, I guess, the human world. There's a family that is doing the sacrifices in his honor, and right now they're like, Okay, we did one, and that was the death in the very beginning of the book. Um, they're doing like a real a weird ritual with him, but it was kind of like messy and a little botched, but it still worked, right? Then they're like, Okay, Raylan's the next one, and go get her. So then there's these two twins that are you know going to the school and they befriend her and they're like, you know, Raylan, be our friend, come to our parties, blah blah blah blah blah. And they seem super cool and chill and nice, but they are not. They're trying to lure her in and sacrifice her. Then we just I just learned, you know, so she goes she ends up going to their Halloween party, and she's thinking, like, well, they're not gonna sacrifice me here. There's a bunch of people from school, so what's the worst that can happen? And also, I want to go through their things and I want to find a weapon to protect me because I'm being stalked by a bunch of like crazy creatures uh that are scary. So she is at this party, and a lot happens at the party. I'm not gonna summarize it all because it's just like a whole lot of things are happening, right? But, anyways, she's basically getting roofied. They're like, hey, drink this. I made it for you. And for some reason, Raylan has like zero self-pressed preservation. Oh my god, perservation. Yes, I think that's anyways. She is not so she's not very smart right now, you know. She's like, whatever, this is really good. I love whatever they're giving me. I'm gonna keep drinking. And so, two bystanders that I feel like are gonna be really important in they're like important in the book right now, but they're not main characters, they're definitely side characters. Um, and hopefully, like throughout the series, we get to know them a little bit better because I like them. But, anyways, they step in and they're like, girl, stop drinking this. They are literally poisoning you. What is wrong with you? You know, like why are you doing that? And they are friends with her demon boyfriend, or whatever. Well, the girl is not, she was a sacrifice once long ago, and when she was 15, she escaped. A lot, a lot of stuff, right? But okay, so they're like, Yeah, stop drinking this, and so she does, and then here comes Leon, her super sexy uh demon boyfriend guy, and he's like, What are you doing? Why are you I don't understand why are you putting yourself in danger? I already told you to stay away from these people, they want to sacrifice you, and she's like, Oh, I know, but you left me for weeks, and I have no way to protect myself, and so now here you are back. What are you doing here? Okay, so rewind. I'm all over the place, but Leon left her for a few weeks because he was looking for um the grimoire. So and it's the grimoire, guys, not the grimmerly. I know, I know I called it that last time because I could not think of the name, but the anyways, he's looking for the grimoire, and he's just like, Oh, yeah. Um, but anyways, the grimoire was stolen from Ray, and um, he was like, Oh shoot, what am I gonna do? I really need that so I can be free. I don't want to be summoned all the time, and so he he ends up hunting it down, and it's um is stolen by a witch, and anyways, he does get it. He finds her, she has summoned like a super powerful demon that is really, really strong, and they are like together now, and uh so he ends up getting it back, is what I'm saying. Leon gets his page torn out. The witch is like, that's fine, yeah. I'll give it to you. But in return for like your freedom and me giving this to you, I really need you to watch over Ray, Raylan, and make sure that she doesn't get sacrificed because I have a plan and I'm gonna kill the god. Like, he's not coming back full term. I have to destroy him somehow. Anyways, Leon's like, okay, good luck with that. Thank you for my thank you for giving my sigil back so that way I can't be summoned anymore. And instead of returning back to his home in hell, he's like, I wasn't planning on leaving Rayland, anyways. Like, I have come to the conclusion that I have strong feelings for her. In fact, I think I might love her, and but I'm not gonna tell her that. I'm just gonna go protect her, and I'm also not gonna tell her I found the book and I got my sigil back. It's gonna be a secret. So, anyways, yeah, he has not left her alone, even though he said he was going to. He has been watching out for her and protecting her this whole time, but she doesn't know that. And so she so back to the party scene. Um, he's like, Why are you doing all these things? And she's telling him, Because I'm super scared. That's why I need something to protect me since you are not. And then he's like, Okay, fine, I'll help you. So they go through the house and they find relics, and she ends up finding these daggers that are super powerful, but she doesn't know what they do yet, really. Um, Leon knows that they're repulsive and he's repelled by them, and he's like a little scared, right? He's like, Yeah, those will probably keep you safe. So she takes one. Um the the dad of the house, I forget their names, but anyways, he's like waiting for them when they come back out from the relic room, and he's like, Hey, Raylan, that's super cool and everything that you were being sneaky in the house. Um, but you are gonna still be sacrificed, you know. Not today. I'll let you go today. That's fine. But this is for the greater good, and we need the god to be a awake, awoken, awaken. We need him to be here uh because you know, he's promised us a lot of stuff, and and we promised him in return that we would do this and sacrifice. So sorry, honey, but you could go for now, take your demon boyfriend, and you will still be hunted, you still will be taken at some point, and you will be sacrificed for the greater good. It's for the greater good. Okay, bye. So then they leave, and Leon is like, no one's gonna take you from me. But she does not want to give up her soul. He's like, give me your soul for eternity, and I will you will be mine forever, and I will protect you. And she's like, I don't know, I don't know if I want to do that. So no, thank you. Um, that's a great offer, but like, can we just be together without me giving you my soul? Can you just like protect me and help me without me promising eternity and possibly damnation? Like, I don't really know if I want that right now, but thank you. Anyhow, so that's kind of where I'm at right now. Um, I stopped after the party scene, they left. Uh, there's these really creepy. Things, they're ghouls, I think, is what he said that are that have been stalking her. So right now they're fighting those off, and that is where I stopped. I am gonna finish the book and then I will jump back on to let you guys know my final thoughts. I know this episode has been crazy messy and I'm all over the place, but I'm having a hard time kind of like articulating exactly what I'm reading and how I feel. Not that it's a confusing book because it's not, but there's just I feel like there's so many elements to it and there's so much happening. And I'm I'm just like, oh, what am I talking about? Because there's a lot going on. But yes, overall, I am really liking it. I do like this book. I can see why it is trending everywhere and why it's been sitting on my TBR forever, but I'm glad I am in it now. Okay, I'll be back. Okay, so I finished the book, and uh okay, I'm not gonna lie, I do like the book, and I am excited to read the rest of the series, especially because it's from like different character points of views. Uh, I think I'm most excited for like the witch story, but anyways, I just feel like it kind of like ended abruptly. Okay, so she does get taken by like the god thing, and then he's like, I'm gonna take your soul, and you're gonna be mine and suffer eternally. Ha ha ha ha ha. And she's you know, I mean, she's sacrificed kind of, and she's scared, and then uh Leon can't save her because you know, the whole scene before in the forest, like they take they kind of like weaken him, and then he's dying in the forest. So now they're separated, and she's trying to like fight for her freaking life, and while she's down there, she does like the ritual thingy really quick, and she's like, I give you my soul, Leon. Like, please, please hang my soul. I love you, I'm so sorry. And then they're their souls bind, or whatever, and so the god cannot kill her and sacrifice her anymore because her soul does not belong to him or her, it belongs to Leon now, so he can't take it. Uh Leon eventually comes, saves her. No, the witch saves them. No, wait, I'm totally lying. Uh, somebody else saves them. Oh my god. Sorry. But so they get saved. The end, pretty much. They the house gets burnt down, not by Leon, not by Ray. Anyways, they run away, like they run off, and they're like, We're finally safe. You know, nobody's coming after you to sacrifice you anymore. Woo-hoo, and I don't know, it just kind of ends that like there, and then their story is over. But I'm more like, wait, hold on. Okay, so she just gave you her soul, right? Like, that's a big deal. Um, now you guys are eternally together and bonded. Like, that's huge, right? Okay, what happens now, right? Like, the the whole book is her soul to take. You took it. Now what's gonna happen? That's what I want to know. So for me, I don't feel like the ending was as satisfying as I wanted it to be. I kind of was hoping like we get more about their story a little bit, because really the whole book is just they meet, they have they like have a lot of sexual attraction and energy, they do some role-playing, she's running around trying not to get taken and killed, he's protecting her, and then all of a sudden, they're bonded or whatever. I guess they're not bonded. He, anyways, he takes her soul, and then the end, I don't know, uh, yeah. Uh, and he's like, you know, talking about she's gonna love like hell and everything, and that it's actually there's beautiful parts, and he can't wait to show her, but then we don't get to know like does she see it? What is it like? Does she actually like it? Because they're just gonna stay there on earth and let her finish her school and do whatever. That's all, guys. I don't know, it was okay. I'm still gonna finish the rest of the series because I want to know what happens, but I'm hoping not all of them end like that, you know what I mean? I hope there's like actual conclusions and uh and more in depth like plots, I guess. Okay. Well, thank you guys for listening to my messy thoughts. Let me know in the comments if we read the same book.