The Unhallowed Series by Tara Fox Hall
A Good Year (Unhallowed Love Book 1)
Faced with losing Pandora Productions as well as her best friend Rebecca to the smarmy Paul, savvy film executive Debbie makes a pact with the demon Shaker, agreeing to bind herself to him as his human master in return for killing Paul and securing Pandora’s future. Yet even as Pandora gains accolades and renown, Debbie’s strong resolve begins to crumble under the weight of her actions. And the pleasure she finds in Shaker’s arms is becoming more than sex. Is Debbie doomed to lose her heart as well as her soul to a demon who has only been waiting for the chance to claim both?
Year of the Demon (Unhallowed Love Book 2)
CEO Debbie and demon Shaker’s first year of partnership was a smashing success for both Pandora Productions and their own new intimate relationship, ending with the announcement of their engagement last New Year’s Eve. Shaker now inhabits a human host, Pandora’s rising action star Jett Black, putting the possibility of a family within Debbie’s tentative grasp as the couple pledges their love at the altar. But as before, one crisis after another ensues, beginning with Titan’s push to assimilate Pandora and the death of Debbie’s father, bringing her back together with her estranged family, and into the sights of a demon-hunting priest, Father Matthew, who will stop at nothing to not only send Shaker back to the Hell he came from, but also ensure Debbie is free of sin…permanently. When Shaker is sent back to Hell, Debbie is left bereft, her team of allies decimated, her best friend in a coma, she must decide if she will succumb…or rise from the ashes and fight ruthlessly for everything she loves, no matter the cost.
Behind the Songs: A Good Year Playlist
Even when life, movies, books, or everyday life can’t help me muster up the next plot twist, music never ceases to inspire. There are only a few songs referenced in my novel A Good Year, so I thought I’d share some links for readers who might never have heard them before, and also my reasonings behind using them in my book.
- Primal Rhythm
At the celebration of demons that Debbie attends with Shaker, they dance to drumming by more demons. While the song itself is not listed, this is the one I had in mind when I penned the scene for its lusty beat.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGrCoIYCUZg
- Bone Music
On Christmas Debbie and Shaker gather with their friends Sheila, Harp and Song, and are serenaded by Harp. These are the 2 music recordings I was thinking of when I wrote the passage.
Scene: As the party wound down to the wee hours, Harp serenaded them on his harp of bones, playing hauntingly beautiful music. While he and his instrument were at odds with the decorations, Debbie enjoyed his moving music immensely. It had all the longing inside her, all her angst, and all her joy in this night contained in its unearthly
melody. I’m so happy…
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-LCnGojnw
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDbNPMJPENo
- Sympathy for the Devil by Guns and Roses
This song comes on as Debbie arrives at the Pandora New Year’s Eve party.
Scene: The large conference room was decked with black and red ribbons and elaborate banners with silhouettes of demons in red foil on a black border. Scattered braziers burned, sweet incense filling the air. Life-size cardboard statues of various Pandora heroes and villains stood here and there. The nearest one was Jett Black, as Storm of Smoke and Ashes. Debbie looked at him with delight, imagining his skin pressed against hers. Later on, it will be…
“It does look beautiful,” Sheila said. “Who is the band?”
“Some local talent,” Song said nervously. “But they play covers. I picked songs with demon references.”
As if on cue, the band began playing, the lively tones of “Sympathy for the Devil” filling the room.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAgT8FpJbPY
- Original Sin by Elton John
This song comes on at Pandora’s New Year’s Eve party where Debbie and Shaker are celebrating their year of success, and is the signature song of the book. Shaker and Debbie are playing a dangerous game, as the song states. I also really liked the references to film in the song, such as “In the balcony, all the Romeos are bleeding for your hand, blowing theater kisses, reciting lines they don’t understand.”
Scene: “…still I hunger for you when you look at me…”
Debbie had a mental flash suddenly of herself, surrounded by guests. She looked up to see Shaker watching her from across the room. He had let her see through his eyes.
“…that face, those eyes, all the sinful pleasures deep inside…”
His blue eyes suddenly flashed red, then faded back to blue as he gave her a sensual smile. Debbie smirked at him. He grinned back happily.
I didn’t know the bond worked both ways, Debbie thought to Shaker. That I could see through your eyes.
I wanted you to see you as I see you, Mistress. You look very beautiful tonight.
Giorgio patted Debbie on the shoulder, breaking her concentration. “This is a great party, Debbie.”
“I had a great team,” Debbie said graciously. “Enjoy yourself tonight.”
As Giorgio walked off, Debbie turned towards the music, trying to make out the words.
“Tell me how you know now
the ways and means of getting in
underneath my skin
Oh, you were always my original sin.”
You were, you know, Debbie thought to Shaker. I never sinned so much in one year…or had so much fun, either. I know there were some bad times, but we really made a great team, even when times were bad. Sometimes it’s hard to believe it was all real and not a dream.
The year’s not over yet, Mistress, he replied. Meet me in your office at five of midnight.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=occgl5Y_d8k
