I received this book as a part of the Early Reviewer project. However, it took me ages to finally read and review this book because I honestly just couldn't get into it. The tone of the book tried to not be pedantic, but I constantly felt as if it were proselytizing to me as I read. I took several attempts to read it, and finally forced my way through it so that I could review it. Unfortunately, while the premise sounded interesting in the blurb, I just don't think I was the target market for this book. ( )

I can't say that I really like this book. I've tried to read it several times, and can't finish it.The main character has had a bad life, but she isn't very likable in my opinion. I like the description of the area, and the folklore, but Livia, Ian, Pig face Demon never could interest me. Kind of disappointing, since urban fantasy is one of my favorite genres, and I so wanted to like the book. ( )

Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance
ISBN: 9780982175682
Rating: 4

Livia hasn't had a perfect life—in fact she hasn't even had a good life. It all started when her father died when she was young, then got worse when her mother and baby brother died in a fire that she may or may not have started. She also starts painting pictures of evil horrible demons in her sleep, and is forced to burn the pictures and ban them… but one demon escapes, and comes for her.

She finds out that he had been pursuing her in every life—she's been reincarnated? what?—and has killed her every time for the past 200+ years. She also finds out that she has a soul mate, (who jumped into the body that the demon had used to hurt her, and now she can't look at him without getting sick) but has hidden herself from him in almost every life, subconsciously, because of something that happened in the past. She and Ian set off to find answers and to kill the pig-faced demon… for good this time. But this time ends up being the most dangerous life she's ever lived.

Soul Catcher was an addicting read. I would have read it in one sitting if I'd been allowed. It actually stuck with me all night and I'm pretty sure I dreamed about it.

I liked the philosophy of the world that Livia lived in. There were soul jumpers, like Ian and Dante, who could jump into any body he needed to be in at the time. There were soul catchers like her, who could banish dark spirits and talk to the light ones. The plot itself was very complex, and every chapter added something new to the story. One thing that made Soul Catcher stand out was how Livia and Ian's love grew. It wasn't immediate you're-my-soul-mate-you're-perfect-for-me kind of love. It was a lot more real than that. Livia starts by trying to avoid him at all costs, but ends up having to go on a trip with him to find out about their pasts. You could say they "bonded," or you could say that Ian finally got to her—even while he was in the body she hated passionately—either way, their love was real enough to be believable.

I really liked Livia, even though she had her downfalls and her insecurities. She was definitely the bad-ass heroine we know and love: slightly sarcastic, very obnoxious, stubborn as an ox, and head over heels in love but unwilling to admit it because she sees it as a weakness. Ian was a great character: he'd have to be to put up with Livia. He'd do anything for her, is dying for her to love him, thinks she is the most beautiful girl in the world—and even bends so low as to trick her into kissing him (she didn't appreciate that.). But he's all light-hearted, fun to be around, with a sexy Irish accent.

I really liked the ending. The whole story had good humor and good comic relief, but the ending was sweet, cute, and funny. It pulled everything together nicely, and left you with a smirk on your face. I say take it to the beach with an umbrella and lemonade. Or whatever other drink you like best.

Content/recommendation: some sex and sexual references, heavy language, ages 18+
~ Haleyknitz ( )

I really didn't find much to like in this book, despite loving this genre. I never felt a connection to any of the characters. ( )

If you like action-packed, thrilling horror fantasies, then you have to get a copy of this book!
When I first started reading this book, I didn't appreciate the vulgarity, which continued throughout, but immediately was pulled into this story about the Soul Catcher and her Soul Hunter husband. Their journeys through many lifetimes is a great tale, filled with excitement.
The author, now trying her hand at a new pen-name, is a wonderful story-teller. bringing the characters to life so fully at times I was really afraid!
Definitely one I recommend, but not to kids! ( )