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Lost Boys #1
Devil You Know
Damian Tate. One look into his sad green eyes and I was hooked. I wanted to be the one to make him laugh, to make him smile. I hadn't expected him to be the one to make me blush, to make me hot...to make me fall in love. He was my first kiss, my first love, my first everything. I wanted forever with him, but life got in the way.
He enlisted, I went to college, and for years we were never in the same place long enough to pick up where we left off.
Thirteen years after he left, tragedy brings him home. The stoic boy I fell in love with grew into a quiet, dangerous and wildly sexy man. He still tugs on all the right strings for me, but he seems determined to keep me at arm's-length.
However, when trouble comes knocking at my door, he is the one to put himself between that trouble and me.
Spending time with him might drive me insane, or it might be our second chance at first love.
He enlisted, I went to college, and for years we were never in the same place long enough to pick up where we left off.
Thirteen years after he left, tragedy brings him home. The stoic boy I fell in love with grew into a quiet, dangerous and wildly sexy man. He still tugs on all the right strings for me, but he seems determined to keep me at arm's-length.
However, when trouble comes knocking at my door, he is the one to put himself between that trouble and me.
Spending time with him might drive me insane, or it might be our second chance at first love.
ebook
First published March 10, 2017
About the author
L.A. Fiore
27 books2,779 followersA top 11 Amazon Bestselling author, LA Fiore, wife, mom, identical twin, hybrid author, and extraterrestrial, is a fan of the fermented grape and a dabbler in storytelling. She believes in a happily ever after, but she likes to make her readers work for it. When she's not writing, she can usually be found in the garden or hanging on the deck with her family and friends. She lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and their four fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
March 29, 2017
"He was beautiful, imperfect and mine."
- Thea
"I want it all—every kiss, every breath, every moan, every orgasm, every memory…good and bad." - Damian.
I'm obsessed with this book. Consumed by it. I cannot get over the story inside. I don't even know how to review it. I don't where to start. What to say. Devil You Know has taken me by storm. I'm it's captive. It's holding my heart prisoner.
This was my first L.A. Fiore book. Not sure why I haven't read her before this point. When I think over all the novels I've read in the last 4-5 years, this ranks up there with the top favorites! The emotions it pulled from me were more than powerful. I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but when I was reading, I was so entranced, so wrapped up in the words, I had moments where I literally had a physical reaction to it.
Fingers tingling.
Hot sweats.
Jolts of electricity.
Adrenaline spikes.
Tears. A mountain of tears.
Fast heart rate.
Flushed skin.
Rapid breathing.
More crying.
More tingling.
More. More. More. More of everything.
This novel not only affected me emotionally, but I felt it. In my bones. Under my skin. It lived a life inside me. Vividly! I don't know how else to describe it. And at this point, a couple days after finishing, I'm in a fog. I can't focus. I keep running over scenes inside my mind. I keep going over what the characters said. Reading quotes. Dreaming about it. And now screaming about it. I'm frenzied in my need to get this novel in your hands.
It's an EXPERIENCE, not just a book. And when you come out on the other end, you'll have gone on a journey so wrought with emotional struggle, so well written, and well thought out, you'll know you've read a book that you have lived. There’s no way you could read this and not feel it. It's just not possible. It’s an unforgettable story.
I said this to someone the other day, and I'll say it again, it's so refreshing to see an author TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE A BOOK WELL. There's no stone left unturned in this. No plot holes. The writing's impeccable. The story line seamless. I'm in AWE of this authors talent. And when I think of Devil You Know as a whole, I feel overwhelmed by it. All the scenes that were written, leading up to a jaw dropping picture, the journey that Damian and Thea took from start to finished, it was so well thought out, so well done.
These characters! They are multidimensional. Their personalities are big. You learn everything about them! What makes them tick. What they love. What they hate. Why they are who they are. There's NO TELLING in this book. It's all shown to you in a way that YOU get to experience it. It's so rare to find a novel like this. I swear, I saw the authors heart in this book. I felt it. And I want to commend her for taking the time to write a story that was so flawlessly executed.
Again, this is one of the best novels I've ever read. And every second of reading it has branded itself on me. I cannot stop thinking about it. I feel like I am on FIRE for these characters. I'm giddy over my reading experience. And I WANT THE SAME THING FOR YOU.
I want you to read it and feel all that I felt. This is a second chance romance. Thea and Damian meet when they are teenagers. They're both so smart and so mature for their age. Endearing and lovable beyond words. Your connection to them is instant. The first portion of this novel is gut-wrenching. I cried. A lot. We see Damian's childhood. What makes him HIM. And we get to live the romance between Damian and Thea.
I'm not going into detail. I don't want to give anything away. But this story is laid out in a way that you get to live ALL the years with Damian and Thea. You'll fall in love. You certainly won't know what to do with yourself. It's impossible not to become completely invested. There is a suspense element in this story that comes into play as well. It's a GREAT addition to the romance we have going on. A sub plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I'm telling you, you want to read this book. YOU WANT TO. It's so good. So powerful, so visceral, so moving. I just... I don't know what else to say. What else can I even say? Just READ IT. Read it now. You won't be sorry. This is the best second chance romance around. Absolutely a top favorite read of ALL TIME for me!
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"I want it all—every kiss, every breath, every moan, every orgasm, every memory…good and bad." - Damian.
I'm obsessed with this book. Consumed by it. I cannot get over the story inside. I don't even know how to review it. I don't where to start. What to say. Devil You Know has taken me by storm. I'm it's captive. It's holding my heart prisoner.
This was my first L.A. Fiore book. Not sure why I haven't read her before this point. When I think over all the novels I've read in the last 4-5 years, this ranks up there with the top favorites! The emotions it pulled from me were more than powerful. I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but when I was reading, I was so entranced, so wrapped up in the words, I had moments where I literally had a physical reaction to it.
Fingers tingling.
Hot sweats.
Jolts of electricity.
Adrenaline spikes.
Tears. A mountain of tears.
Fast heart rate.
Flushed skin.
Rapid breathing.
More crying.
More tingling.
More. More. More. More of everything.
This novel not only affected me emotionally, but I felt it. In my bones. Under my skin. It lived a life inside me. Vividly! I don't know how else to describe it. And at this point, a couple days after finishing, I'm in a fog. I can't focus. I keep running over scenes inside my mind. I keep going over what the characters said. Reading quotes. Dreaming about it. And now screaming about it. I'm frenzied in my need to get this novel in your hands.
It's an EXPERIENCE, not just a book. And when you come out on the other end, you'll have gone on a journey so wrought with emotional struggle, so well written, and well thought out, you'll know you've read a book that you have lived. There’s no way you could read this and not feel it. It's just not possible. It’s an unforgettable story.
I said this to someone the other day, and I'll say it again, it's so refreshing to see an author TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE A BOOK WELL. There's no stone left unturned in this. No plot holes. The writing's impeccable. The story line seamless. I'm in AWE of this authors talent. And when I think of Devil You Know as a whole, I feel overwhelmed by it. All the scenes that were written, leading up to a jaw dropping picture, the journey that Damian and Thea took from start to finished, it was so well thought out, so well done.
These characters! They are multidimensional. Their personalities are big. You learn everything about them! What makes them tick. What they love. What they hate. Why they are who they are. There's NO TELLING in this book. It's all shown to you in a way that YOU get to experience it. It's so rare to find a novel like this. I swear, I saw the authors heart in this book. I felt it. And I want to commend her for taking the time to write a story that was so flawlessly executed.
Again, this is one of the best novels I've ever read. And every second of reading it has branded itself on me. I cannot stop thinking about it. I feel like I am on FIRE for these characters. I'm giddy over my reading experience. And I WANT THE SAME THING FOR YOU.
I want you to read it and feel all that I felt. This is a second chance romance. Thea and Damian meet when they are teenagers. They're both so smart and so mature for their age. Endearing and lovable beyond words. Your connection to them is instant. The first portion of this novel is gut-wrenching. I cried. A lot. We see Damian's childhood. What makes him HIM. And we get to live the romance between Damian and Thea.
I'm not going into detail. I don't want to give anything away. But this story is laid out in a way that you get to live ALL the years with Damian and Thea. You'll fall in love. You certainly won't know what to do with yourself. It's impossible not to become completely invested. There is a suspense element in this story that comes into play as well. It's a GREAT addition to the romance we have going on. A sub plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I'm telling you, you want to read this book. YOU WANT TO. It's so good. So powerful, so visceral, so moving. I just... I don't know what else to say. What else can I even say? Just READ IT. Read it now. You won't be sorry. This is the best second chance romance around. Absolutely a top favorite read of ALL TIME for me!
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March 25, 2017
4.25 stars!!!
Devil You Know was a fantastic brother's best friend/first love/second chance romance. It was emotional, addictive, and had just enough suspense to keep me thoroughly engaged and addicted to the story. Thea and Damian had quite the journey from their teenage years, up to 10-15 years later.
Damian first sees Thea in a photograph. One of his best friends, Cam, happens to pull out his wallet and it has a picture of his twin sister inside. Damian is enthralled by her at first site. Her curly hair and beautiful smile- he's half way in love already. Then he meets her. Thea and Damian hit it off straight away. They become fast friends, and that quickly becomes more. They have a beautiful first love story.
When they go to graduate, things change a bit. Damian has a bad home life and awful parents. He's joining the military to get away from that life. He wants something different for himself, and hopefully Thea someday. Things get a bit... complicated from here. Damian doesn't want Thea to be affected by his past. He feels it's better to not be together at this point in their lives. And there goes my heart... breaking right along Thea and Damian's.
This story had a bit of a slow start for me, but towards the last half, things really picked up. I'm usually not a huge fan of the suspense element in my romance reads, but this really worked for me. LA Fiore's writing is captivating and she has a great story-telling ability.
I loved the present with Thea and Damian. There is nothing better than a couple that truly has to work for it, has to fight for their love. These two proved how deep they were time and time again. I loved them both. Thea was amazing. There was nothing about her I didn't love. Those daily letters... sigh. Damian was great as well. Some of his actions frustrated me at times, but I could understand why he made the choices he made. Honestly, the only thing about this book that would have made me love it more is
Now while I loved Thea and Damian, let me tell you who really stole the show here... My man, Anton. Anton is one of Damian's closest friends and is truly like a brother to Thea. He is kind of the glue that holds them together through their time apart. He's not got the best past, like Damian, but he choose a different kind of life. I truly hope we get an Anton book. And a Cam one, too! I would love to read more about these characters.
Thea and Damian don't have an easy love story, but their second chance romance is one you won't want to miss out on! Highly recommended to readers like me who love to feel, those who love second chance romances, and of course, brother's best friend books!
"He was beautiful, imperfect and mine.”
Devil You Know was a fantastic brother's best friend/first love/second chance romance. It was emotional, addictive, and had just enough suspense to keep me thoroughly engaged and addicted to the story. Thea and Damian had quite the journey from their teenage years, up to 10-15 years later.
Damian first sees Thea in a photograph. One of his best friends, Cam, happens to pull out his wallet and it has a picture of his twin sister inside. Damian is enthralled by her at first site. Her curly hair and beautiful smile- he's half way in love already. Then he meets her. Thea and Damian hit it off straight away. They become fast friends, and that quickly becomes more. They have a beautiful first love story.
When they go to graduate, things change a bit. Damian has a bad home life and awful parents. He's joining the military to get away from that life. He wants something different for himself, and hopefully Thea someday. Things get a bit... complicated from here. Damian doesn't want Thea to be affected by his past. He feels it's better to not be together at this point in their lives. And there goes my heart... breaking right along Thea and Damian's.
"The only thing worse than a life without you, is a world without you in it. Remember me like this. Just like this and know I'm remembering you.”
This story had a bit of a slow start for me, but towards the last half, things really picked up. I'm usually not a huge fan of the suspense element in my romance reads, but this really worked for me. LA Fiore's writing is captivating and she has a great story-telling ability.
I loved the present with Thea and Damian. There is nothing better than a couple that truly has to work for it, has to fight for their love. These two proved how deep they were time and time again. I loved them both. Thea was amazing. There was nothing about her I didn't love. Those daily letters... sigh. Damian was great as well. Some of his actions frustrated me at times, but I could understand why he made the choices he made. Honestly, the only thing about this book that would have made me love it more is
Now while I loved Thea and Damian, let me tell you who really stole the show here... My man, Anton. Anton is one of Damian's closest friends and is truly like a brother to Thea. He is kind of the glue that holds them together through their time apart. He's not got the best past, like Damian, but he choose a different kind of life. I truly hope we get an Anton book. And a Cam one, too! I would love to read more about these characters.
Thea and Damian don't have an easy love story, but their second chance romance is one you won't want to miss out on! Highly recommended to readers like me who love to feel, those who love second chance romances, and of course, brother's best friend books!
May 28, 2017
3 Something Stars?
This thing was all over the place and very disjointed.
Multiple times throughout I questioned myself as to why I didn't just DNF it, but there was something that kept me going.
Not sure what that something was...but it was...something.
And that something was enough to make me keep going and finish the book.
I feel like this had so much potential that wasn't fully realized (for me at least).
If the price point is decent, I I might read another book by this author or the next in series (if and when that comes outs).
This thing was all over the place and very disjointed.
Multiple times throughout I questioned myself as to why I didn't just DNF it, but there was something that kept me going.
Not sure what that something was...but it was...something.
And that something was enough to make me keep going and finish the book.
I feel like this had so much potential that wasn't fully realized (for me at least).
If the price point is decent, I I might read another book by this author or the next in series (if and when that comes outs).
February 25, 2019
ON SALE FOR ONLY 99c!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
In Devil You Know readers are introduced to Damien Tate and given a view of his world. You're taken on his journey with him of finding his true family, discovering his one true love, losing her, and fighting to get her back. It's not an easy journey but Damien is a determined Hero and won't let life stand in the way of him getting his woman.
This story starts in 2003 when Damien is a young boy and progresses quickly up until he is sixteen. There is when you get to see him make his friendship with Cam Ahern, which changes his life and lets him meet Cam's twin Thea. From there you get to see him and Thea circle each other until they just can't deny their feelings for each other.
I really loved that the beginning of this book was kind of slow but gave us a ton of information on Damien. I fell in love with him when he was still a young boy in this book and there wasn't a doubt in my mind that he was going to grow up to be an amazing Hero. I don't actually want to say too much from where the book moved on from there because it's something readers should experience by going in bling.
Damien and Thea did not have an easy love story but it was one that had my eyes glued to my Kindle for hours until I finished. I seriously did not move from my spot on my couch from the second I started reading until the very end. I don't think I can recommend this book hard enough so please please read it.
In all honesty there were a few parts where I thought there was maybe a tad too much information going on and the story started to drag just a little, but it didn't stop me from loving the story. Bottom line, pick up this book and don't plan on putting it down or paying attention to real life until you're finished.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
In Devil You Know readers are introduced to Damien Tate and given a view of his world. You're taken on his journey with him of finding his true family, discovering his one true love, losing her, and fighting to get her back. It's not an easy journey but Damien is a determined Hero and won't let life stand in the way of him getting his woman.
This story starts in 2003 when Damien is a young boy and progresses quickly up until he is sixteen. There is when you get to see him make his friendship with Cam Ahern, which changes his life and lets him meet Cam's twin Thea. From there you get to see him and Thea circle each other until they just can't deny their feelings for each other.
I really loved that the beginning of this book was kind of slow but gave us a ton of information on Damien. I fell in love with him when he was still a young boy in this book and there wasn't a doubt in my mind that he was going to grow up to be an amazing Hero. I don't actually want to say too much from where the book moved on from there because it's something readers should experience by going in bling.
Damien and Thea did not have an easy love story but it was one that had my eyes glued to my Kindle for hours until I finished. I seriously did not move from my spot on my couch from the second I started reading until the very end. I don't think I can recommend this book hard enough so please please read it.
In all honesty there were a few parts where I thought there was maybe a tad too much information going on and the story started to drag just a little, but it didn't stop me from loving the story. Bottom line, pick up this book and don't plan on putting it down or paying attention to real life until you're finished.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2017
I'm reading an arc, ebook copy of this and the time and effort this author has put into the formatting of this is gorgeous. From the playlist associated with this book, the graphics of each break between POV'S is so nicely set up I'd love to see the paperback version of this.
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW: In the ‘Prologue’ we’re first introduced to a very young Damien at the age of five life changed in the blink of an eye, a father he loved walked out the door never to be seen again, he’s left behind with a bitter mother who takes her hate and anger out on Damien. The negativity that spewed out of her mouth had a lasting effect on Damien years later.
He took the best years of my life and left me with you. He’s a monster, a fucking devil, and you are just like him. HIs ever little spawn.
This slowly progresses through the years from 2003 to (to present day) and is spoke in ‘Dual Perspectives’
At the age of sixteen during high school Damien meets Cam Ahern who takes him under his wing, Cam is the only person he’s confided in about his childhood and they become fast friends. He also meets Thea who is Cam’s twin sister and straight away these two connect, she’s sees the sadness within and wants to help him. It’s not long that he’s brought into the fold of the Ahern family. If it wasn’t for this family I don’t know what would’ve become of Damien.
Seeing Damien nearly every day it’s not long before what was a budding friendship between Damien and Thea became so much more. He became her first everything.
Her first kiss
Her first love
Her first heartbreak
Damien has always had a dream of once he finished high-school he would enlist with the army to be the person he thought he could and always wanted to be. Their lives branch off down separate roads, she’s gone off to Uni and he’s off fighting for a cause he believes in.
If you love something, let it go. If it returns, it’s yours; if it doesn’t, it wasn’t.
If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were.
This is a roller coaster of epic proportions, I love books that start off from friends to lovers, to what could also be termed as a second chance romance, moving up through the years we’re thrust right into every feel that author can throw at us and like a magician casting a spell she delivers those feels on a silver platter.
I want it all, every kiss, every breath, every moan, every orgasm, every memory, good and bad. This is so much more than just a love story, the author pulls out all the stops when it comes to throwing every feel imaginable to us readers. The love for these characters, the nail biting sit on the edge of your seat, the emotional turmoil of their separation, the feels in this book are to infinity and back. I've only read a few books from this author but that's something I really need to rectify because I loved this book, I can't fault anything, her words, the pace of the story, the flow of the story was absolutely perfect.
I will move heaven and earth to keep you right where I've always wanted you, at my side. I will walk in the rain so you stay dry, I will forgo food so you can eat, I will take the pain so you won't feel any and I will absolutely step in front of danger to keep you safe. So to wrap up my review there's nothing more I can really say other than I highly recommend a one click come release day. Sit back and fall in love with this book a much as I did, be consumed as much as I was by Damien, he's mighty fine..
March 10, 2017
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW was another second chance romance from L.A. Fiore and she hit it out of the ballpark!! It was a sweeping tale of love that spanned more than a decade and I was immediately enamored and captivated with the story of its characters.
I fell in love at first read with Damien. He was first introduced as a sweet five year old boy whose father ended up abandoning him, leaving destruction in his wake. His mother became abusive and he became a little lost. She had so much anger and hatred inside and pushed it all on poor Damien's shoulders. Therein lies the seed that made him doubt his own self-worth. Luckily, at the age of 16, he becomes best friends with Cam and through this friendship he meets Thea, Cam's twin sister. It was almost love at first sight for them. Initially intending to enlist in the army, as his relationship with Thea deepened and grew, he started to envision their future together. That is until his mom reared her ugly head, spewed her nastiness, and had him doubting all over again. Those doubts separated the young lovers for almost 15 years!!
There was a passage in the book that not only tells of the great love between Damien and Thea, but beautifully sums up how powerfully poignant their story really is.
I hope the author isn't too upset that I revealed this portion because I just couldn't help it. I need you to truly understand how incredibly amazing this story is. It blends romance, family, friendship, and even a bit of a murder mystery. Each character remained relevant and the strength of their connections were palpable. I want an Anton in my life too!! Damien's POV gave this story a special deepness and gravity yet there were so many lighthearted moments that things didn't turn dour or dark. In all honesty, love didn't just make an appearance in this book, it was this story's statement. It didn't languish and it didn't die. It didn't only survive, it prevailed and the evidence was in the way that Damien and Thea found their way back to one another and finally captured their own version of a happy ending.
Release Date: March 10, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 3.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 1 of the Lost Boys series - Anton's book is next!!
"I've waited for you for half of my life. I want a lifetime with you."
I fell in love at first read with Damien. He was first introduced as a sweet five year old boy whose father ended up abandoning him, leaving destruction in his wake. His mother became abusive and he became a little lost. She had so much anger and hatred inside and pushed it all on poor Damien's shoulders. Therein lies the seed that made him doubt his own self-worth. Luckily, at the age of 16, he becomes best friends with Cam and through this friendship he meets Thea, Cam's twin sister. It was almost love at first sight for them. Initially intending to enlist in the army, as his relationship with Thea deepened and grew, he started to envision their future together. That is until his mom reared her ugly head, spewed her nastiness, and had him doubting all over again. Those doubts separated the young lovers for almost 15 years!!
There was a passage in the book that not only tells of the great love between Damien and Thea, but beautifully sums up how powerfully poignant their story really is.
"I've waited a long time for you and now that I finally have you I will move Heaven and Earth to keep you right where I've always wanted you, at my side. I will walk in the rain so you stay dry, I will forgo food so you can eat, I will take the pain so you won't feel any and I will absolutely step in front of danger to keep you safe."
Tears rolled down my cheeks and he wiped them away. "I've waited a long time for you too, so let's get an umbrella big enough for two, let's plant a garden so we always have food, let's share the pain because we have each other to seek comfort in and let's just avoid danger because living a life without you would be worse than death."
I hope the author isn't too upset that I revealed this portion because I just couldn't help it. I need you to truly understand how incredibly amazing this story is. It blends romance, family, friendship, and even a bit of a murder mystery. Each character remained relevant and the strength of their connections were palpable. I want an Anton in my life too!! Damien's POV gave this story a special deepness and gravity yet there were so many lighthearted moments that things didn't turn dour or dark. In all honesty, love didn't just make an appearance in this book, it was this story's statement. It didn't languish and it didn't die. It didn't only survive, it prevailed and the evidence was in the way that Damien and Thea found their way back to one another and finally captured their own version of a happy ending.
Release Date: March 10, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 3.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 1 of the Lost Boys series - Anton's book is next!!
March 12, 2017
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.25 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There’s this saying that good or bad, words can change your life. We’ve all read more than a thousand words, soaked up their meaning, and disected the undercurrent of their complexities. And you know what happens when you have the best words? You make the best sentences, you develop the perfect plot, and you have one hell of a story. So you see in this case, words were not only good, they were damn near brilliant and I’m glad I got to experience such a well crafted strong story that’s going to stay with me for a long time.
“I’ve waited for you half of my life. I want a lifetime with you”.
Damien Tate has been a grown up longer than he was a kid. Having his father leave at such a young age, Damien became the object of his mother’s cruelty which was filled with nothing but verbal abuse and hatred. Knowing kindness was not a part of his daily routine but one moment changed everything for this Sixteen year old and little did he know, that same moment would shape and change his future as well.
Thea knows what true love and kindness is. She’s been surrounded by it from the moment her and her twin brother Cam entered the world and she couldn’t imagine someone else not experiencing that kind of love. So when she meets her brother’s friend for the first time, Thea knew that she was going to show Damien that kind of love and kindness. But what she didn’t expect was to fall for the boy who would become her savior and her future heartbreak all at the same time.
This was a story that spanned close to fifteen years and let me tell you, it was beautiful, utterly heartbreaking and at times frustrating. I wasn’t expecting to be so invested in these characters and their lives to the point where I found myself secretly wishing for more of EVERYTHING. There were plenty of characters that made me fall in love with them, some broke my heart, while the others gave me the humor I was craving and I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that.
I also loved the fact that this had a bit of mystery/suspense that kept me guessing up to the end. Thea became one of my favorite heroines and I liked the fact that she wasn’t a push over and she said what was on her mind. She was quirky, fun,, and when it came to Damien, her love was unconditional and timeless. Together these two had a long journey set out for them and I will admit at times I was worried but with a love like theirs, I knew it was only a matter of time. And timing is everything.
If you haven’t read this book yet, there is something seriously wrong with you and I encourage you to talk to someone because that’s unacceptable. READ THIS BOOK!
There’s this saying that good or bad, words can change your life. We’ve all read more than a thousand words, soaked up their meaning, and disected the undercurrent of their complexities. And you know what happens when you have the best words? You make the best sentences, you develop the perfect plot, and you have one hell of a story. So you see in this case, words were not only good, they were damn near brilliant and I’m glad I got to experience such a well crafted strong story that’s going to stay with me for a long time.
“I’ve waited for you half of my life. I want a lifetime with you”.
Damien Tate has been a grown up longer than he was a kid. Having his father leave at such a young age, Damien became the object of his mother’s cruelty which was filled with nothing but verbal abuse and hatred. Knowing kindness was not a part of his daily routine but one moment changed everything for this Sixteen year old and little did he know, that same moment would shape and change his future as well.
Thea knows what true love and kindness is. She’s been surrounded by it from the moment her and her twin brother Cam entered the world and she couldn’t imagine someone else not experiencing that kind of love. So when she meets her brother’s friend for the first time, Thea knew that she was going to show Damien that kind of love and kindness. But what she didn’t expect was to fall for the boy who would become her savior and her future heartbreak all at the same time.
This was a story that spanned close to fifteen years and let me tell you, it was beautiful, utterly heartbreaking and at times frustrating. I wasn’t expecting to be so invested in these characters and their lives to the point where I found myself secretly wishing for more of EVERYTHING. There were plenty of characters that made me fall in love with them, some broke my heart, while the others gave me the humor I was craving and I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that.
I also loved the fact that this had a bit of mystery/suspense that kept me guessing up to the end. Thea became one of my favorite heroines and I liked the fact that she wasn’t a push over and she said what was on her mind. She was quirky, fun,, and when it came to Damien, her love was unconditional and timeless. Together these two had a long journey set out for them and I will admit at times I was worried but with a love like theirs, I knew it was only a matter of time. And timing is everything.
If you haven’t read this book yet, there is something seriously wrong with you and I encourage you to talk to someone because that’s unacceptable. READ THIS BOOK!
March 28, 2017
BIIIIIIIIITTTTTTCCHHHHHHHH !!!!!! this book had me everywhere and nowhere all at once
Thea has a life that I've always wanted . shes weird ,crazy, creative sweet and awesome. She's some how always surrounded by protective men who love and care for her, and like who wouldn't want that.
I loove how she has crazy curly hair , it basically reflects her inner self.
Damian from young age has had the worst happen to him ,to the point where he closes himself off from any possible connection from the outside world. That's until he meets Thea.
Now i really liked the book cause it basically felt like a journey with new adventures. happiness, sadness, anger, confusion were just a few of the emotions that i got while reading .
Not giving any thing away, But if you read this you should be prepared for ALOT of twist/turns and I mean this seriously cause there were times where I thought one thing and assume stuff and it would end up being nothing.
But overall a very enjoy able, successful read :)
Thea has a life that I've always wanted . shes weird ,crazy, creative sweet and awesome. She's some how always surrounded by protective men who love and care for her, and like who wouldn't want that.
I loove how she has crazy curly hair , it basically reflects her inner self.
Damian from young age has had the worst happen to him ,to the point where he closes himself off from any possible connection from the outside world. That's until he meets Thea.
Now i really liked the book cause it basically felt like a journey with new adventures. happiness, sadness, anger, confusion were just a few of the emotions that i got while reading .
Not giving any thing away, But if you read this you should be prepared for ALOT of twist/turns and I mean this seriously cause there were times where I thought one thing and assume stuff and it would end up being nothing.
But overall a very enjoy able, successful read :)
April 1, 2017
4.5 stars!
I've no time to review right now but I must say that I loved this book and I highly recommend it! It is a second chance romance that was done very well! It is the start of a series and believe me the secondary characters are just as interesting as the main characters! I will write more when I can; but I'm very satisfied with the story I read!!!
I've no time to review right now but I must say that I loved this book and I highly recommend it! It is a second chance romance that was done very well! It is the start of a series and believe me the secondary characters are just as interesting as the main characters! I will write more when I can; but I'm very satisfied with the story I read!!!
March 12, 2017
One of the things that really drew me into this story was how the characters had an instant, almost unspoken connection. They just knew what the other needed and no questions asked, gave it. You know the saying, "like recognizes like", and how some people relate that to their sounds finding one another? To me, it felt like that with these two main characters.
So the beginning of the book is set in their teenage years, and the ending is when they are in their early thirties, but that doesn't mean that they didn't see each other during this time. Small, stolen moments, kisses, touches and glances were what kept these two going for all of those years. The hope and love for what they could be, and even if they couldn't, just having the other safe and close. There were definitely harboured feelings and these moments didn't help the characters to move on whatsoever, I think they actually strengthened their relationship. But with this, while the situation was heartbreaking, it was also hopeful. I always had hope for these two finding their way back to one another, that fate would make it happen. It's almost romantic, in a twisted way. Never being able to give someone up but only ever getting small pieces of them in return.
Have you ever started a book and known right away that you were going to fall in love with it? That was me while reading Devil You Know. But before I get to that, one of the first pages had a drawing of Damian's tattoo. HOLY CRAP I needed a warning, LOL! I started this book late at night while sitting in the dark. I was a little scared for a second. I was hooked by the prologue. Enamoured by chapter one. Heartbroken by chapter two. Aching by chapter three. Crying by chapter four. Shall I go on? Angst is my thing. I love it. But for those who aren't huge angst lovers, don't fret, because you do get a reprieve. It's more so just the beginning which is heavy laden, but with good reason. After the first few chapters it gets easier. But all in all, beginning, middle and end, it was as good, if not better, than I had hoped for.
Now, let's talk about POV, and this is going into two parts. My first thought was that I really liked how it was not only dual POV, but how it changed rather frequently. You didn't have to sit through an entire chapter before you got back to the other character. I think this was not only important but an extremely strategic decision given how many years there two spent apart and how they lead two different lives for so long. This way, you got to see what was happening with both of them and how their relationship effected the other. On the flip side to this, I think it would benefit the reader to have these swaps more identified. And this could be just because I read an early copy, but there were several changes that weren't labeled. Especially when starting a new chapter. I just believe that this is important to reduce and hopefully eliminate any possible confusion.
At first, I just assumed that this was going to be a military book that focused on PTSD when the hero finally came home. I mean, I kind of have a right to expect that, do I not? Most of the military or military inspired books that I've read are sort of along those lines. But it's so completely different that I was both floored and super excited. The hero is haunted because of what he believes he is, not because of what he's done. The military was his solace, his place to belong and become a leader. It truly shaped him into the protective, observant, alpha, swoony package that he is. The military was a way for him to find himself and give him purpose. He became harder, stronger, and created a skill set to be rivalled by the best. The military was more so to explain and show how he became the man he is, rather than be the focus of the book which was a different take than normal but one that I really enjoyed.
One of the main things to tug at (*cough* rip out *cough*) my heart strings were the letters that Thea and Damian exchanged. Now I need to emphasize this. It is no where near the same as Dear John. Yes, he's in the military. That's about the only similarity. They are few and far between, but each letter broke my heart more and more. I couldn't believe all of the pain these two had while trying to let go of each other. So incredibly sad.
In the same thought, can I please just give a round of applause to our service men and women? And besides them, the family that are waiting for them at home. I can't imagine what these would be like. I don't think I'd be a strong enough person to handle all of this pressure and worry all the time, so I have that much more respect for these people and their families for what they go through.
So while this book covers a lot of ground over the years while the characters are separated, there is still a majority of it set in the present day, so don't worry, you see plenty of these characters interacting. When they're finally in the same place at the same time again, my heart basically sighed. I was so excited for them to have a chance together.
This is the type of story that shows a large portion of the characters lives, so sit back and prepare for over a decade with these two. I love how it started as a young adult age group. I have a huge soft spot for YA and it's one of my biggest guilty pleasures. There's an innocence and a charm to it. Damian, while still quite and controlled, absolutely had this charm on display. Like Thea, I couldn't help but to be drawn to him. Even at a young age, there was always a tension and an energy between these two. I FREAKING LOVED seeing this as a constant when they got older. Sparks and tempers flew because there was so much energy. Because of this, Damian at times goes from hot to cold. At first, I was a bit confused and couldn't really understand why. But when the pieces fell together, wow. He was still that vulnerable boy that Thea first met. He was still battling his past everyday. He was trying to be a protector to those who he loved.
Along those same lines, I want to touch in a bit of an underlying theme. Family doesn't always mean blood. You don't get to choose your family, they're just there. They could be the best, or most miserable people in your life, and we saw both sides of that coin in this story. What the important part is, is that you can create your own family from those of your own choosing. Even without meaning to, Damian created his own family, and the one of Thea and Cam grew exponentially. Family is everything. Blood is not. It was truly spectacular seeing everyone come together and their love for one another. From the main characters to Anton, Cam, Kimber and Ryder, Mic and Razor, Rosalie, the list goes on.
Thea was such a fantastic character. Not only was she honest, smart and kind, but she was extremely charming, witty, and at times, sarcastic. I loved her sense of humour! I feel like she would be the type of girl I would normally hang out with. Plus she was so understanding, levelheaded, and smart about everything that was going on.
I have always loved romantic suspense novels and I've come to the conclusion that I don't read enough of them. But then I remembered why. I'm a stickler for plot. I sniff out holes, obvious answers and slip ups like a bloodhound, so it has to be a well thought out and meticulously executed plot to keep me guessing while trying to fit all the pieces together. Considering I loved this book, I sure you can deduce quite quickly that the author did just that. So bravo, LA! I'm giving a standing ovation to you. It was complex but easy to follow. The reader never has to guess where the characters are drawing their ideas or conclusions from and the entire dynamic makes sense.
There were a few scenes (in particular, the more intense ones) that I think could've benefitted from some more detail. Nothing major, but they moved fast and I found myself having to reread to make sure I understood all that was happening.
For me, the perfect (Ha! See what I did there?) song to emulate this book is Perfect by Ed Sheeran. Between starting out young and the love spanning ages, to an unsure hero, his angel and a soul sweeping, dive in head first kind of love, I really get a Damian and Thea vibe from this song. I've only included the first verse, but really, each verse is amazing for them.
I LOVE Anton! Seriously! What's not to like? Even early on he reminded me so much of Lucien Black, then I was thrilled to see the connection between them. This guy is such an enigma and I'm so enchanted by him, I can't wait to see what his character will bring to the table when he gets his own book! I feel like I need to start a countdown now.
Everyone loves different things about books and that's freaking fantastic. Some want an alpha. Others like swoony and charming. Kick ass heroines, rockstar, sports romance, etc. But if I could pick my favourite thing to read, it's angst. I LOVE having my heart ripped out of my chest. Tear it to shreds, stomp it in the dirt. When an author makes me feel an ache this strong, that's my favourite part.
I was only a quarter of the way into Devil You Know and I'd already had tears. My heart hurt. I was so insanely crazy about this story that I wanted to press a big 'pause' button on my life so I could do nothing but read about Thea and Damian. And wow, what a journey they had. LA Fiore put her heart on the pages and it shows - it's her best work yet! Devil You Know is heartbreaking, yet hopeful. Beautiful, yet scarring. This is not a story to miss. Buy it. Buy now!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
"Three words and I was a goner. I didn’t understand what I felt for this boy nor did I appreciate the uniqueness of it at the time, but I did know that little smile and those three words was all it took for Damian Tate to claim a piece of me that I would never get back."
So the beginning of the book is set in their teenage years, and the ending is when they are in their early thirties, but that doesn't mean that they didn't see each other during this time. Small, stolen moments, kisses, touches and glances were what kept these two going for all of those years. The hope and love for what they could be, and even if they couldn't, just having the other safe and close. There were definitely harboured feelings and these moments didn't help the characters to move on whatsoever, I think they actually strengthened their relationship. But with this, while the situation was heartbreaking, it was also hopeful. I always had hope for these two finding their way back to one another, that fate would make it happen. It's almost romantic, in a twisted way. Never being able to give someone up but only ever getting small pieces of them in return.
"He didn’t say anything and neither did I. We had already said everything we needed to. He just held me for a really long time and when he walked away he took my heart with him."
Have you ever started a book and known right away that you were going to fall in love with it? That was me while reading Devil You Know. But before I get to that, one of the first pages had a drawing of Damian's tattoo. HOLY CRAP I needed a warning, LOL! I started this book late at night while sitting in the dark. I was a little scared for a second. I was hooked by the prologue. Enamoured by chapter one. Heartbroken by chapter two. Aching by chapter three. Crying by chapter four. Shall I go on? Angst is my thing. I love it. But for those who aren't huge angst lovers, don't fret, because you do get a reprieve. It's more so just the beginning which is heavy laden, but with good reason. After the first few chapters it gets easier. But all in all, beginning, middle and end, it was as good, if not better, than I had hoped for.
Now, let's talk about POV, and this is going into two parts. My first thought was that I really liked how it was not only dual POV, but how it changed rather frequently. You didn't have to sit through an entire chapter before you got back to the other character. I think this was not only important but an extremely strategic decision given how many years there two spent apart and how they lead two different lives for so long. This way, you got to see what was happening with both of them and how their relationship effected the other. On the flip side to this, I think it would benefit the reader to have these swaps more identified. And this could be just because I read an early copy, but there were several changes that weren't labeled. Especially when starting a new chapter. I just believe that this is important to reduce and hopefully eliminate any possible confusion.
"Wherever you are, the places you go, the horrors you’ll see, the people you’ll befriend, please remember me…remember the girl with the crazy hair who is thinking about you every day. You’re not alone, Damian."
At first, I just assumed that this was going to be a military book that focused on PTSD when the hero finally came home. I mean, I kind of have a right to expect that, do I not? Most of the military or military inspired books that I've read are sort of along those lines. But it's so completely different that I was both floored and super excited. The hero is haunted because of what he believes he is, not because of what he's done. The military was his solace, his place to belong and become a leader. It truly shaped him into the protective, observant, alpha, swoony package that he is. The military was a way for him to find himself and give him purpose. He became harder, stronger, and created a skill set to be rivalled by the best. The military was more so to explain and show how he became the man he is, rather than be the focus of the book which was a different take than normal but one that I really enjoyed.
One of the main things to tug at (*cough* rip out *cough*) my heart strings were the letters that Thea and Damian exchanged. Now I need to emphasize this. It is no where near the same as Dear John. Yes, he's in the military. That's about the only similarity. They are few and far between, but each letter broke my heart more and more. I couldn't believe all of the pain these two had while trying to let go of each other. So incredibly sad.
"The only thing worse than a life without you, is a world without you in it. Remember me like this. Just like this and know I’m remembering you.”
In the same thought, can I please just give a round of applause to our service men and women? And besides them, the family that are waiting for them at home. I can't imagine what these would be like. I don't think I'd be a strong enough person to handle all of this pressure and worry all the time, so I have that much more respect for these people and their families for what they go through.
So while this book covers a lot of ground over the years while the characters are separated, there is still a majority of it set in the present day, so don't worry, you see plenty of these characters interacting. When they're finally in the same place at the same time again, my heart basically sighed. I was so excited for them to have a chance together.
This is the type of story that shows a large portion of the characters lives, so sit back and prepare for over a decade with these two. I love how it started as a young adult age group. I have a huge soft spot for YA and it's one of my biggest guilty pleasures. There's an innocence and a charm to it. Damian, while still quite and controlled, absolutely had this charm on display. Like Thea, I couldn't help but to be drawn to him. Even at a young age, there was always a tension and an energy between these two. I FREAKING LOVED seeing this as a constant when they got older. Sparks and tempers flew because there was so much energy. Because of this, Damian at times goes from hot to cold. At first, I was a bit confused and couldn't really understand why. But when the pieces fell together, wow. He was still that vulnerable boy that Thea first met. He was still battling his past everyday. He was trying to be a protector to those who he loved.
"I love you, but sometimes love isn’t enough. Be happy. Live your life, Thea, and know there’s a man out there who remembers you…will always remember you."
Along those same lines, I want to touch in a bit of an underlying theme. Family doesn't always mean blood. You don't get to choose your family, they're just there. They could be the best, or most miserable people in your life, and we saw both sides of that coin in this story. What the important part is, is that you can create your own family from those of your own choosing. Even without meaning to, Damian created his own family, and the one of Thea and Cam grew exponentially. Family is everything. Blood is not. It was truly spectacular seeing everyone come together and their love for one another. From the main characters to Anton, Cam, Kimber and Ryder, Mic and Razor, Rosalie, the list goes on.
Thea was such a fantastic character. Not only was she honest, smart and kind, but she was extremely charming, witty, and at times, sarcastic. I loved her sense of humour! I feel like she would be the type of girl I would normally hang out with. Plus she was so understanding, levelheaded, and smart about everything that was going on.
“Have you ever thought about following in your old man’s footsteps? You have a knack for reading people.”
“Becoming a cop? There are a couple of problems with that idea. First, you know my feelings about running, so chasing down a suspect is not going to happen. And blue is not a good color on me.”
I have always loved romantic suspense novels and I've come to the conclusion that I don't read enough of them. But then I remembered why. I'm a stickler for plot. I sniff out holes, obvious answers and slip ups like a bloodhound, so it has to be a well thought out and meticulously executed plot to keep me guessing while trying to fit all the pieces together. Considering I loved this book, I sure you can deduce quite quickly that the author did just that. So bravo, LA! I'm giving a standing ovation to you. It was complex but easy to follow. The reader never has to guess where the characters are drawing their ideas or conclusions from and the entire dynamic makes sense.
"I cracked the door to my bedroom and smelled coffee. Someone broke into my apartment and started brewing coffee? There was a part of me that had to give the home invader points for having their priorities straight, but that was my coffee. Damn it. I smelled bacon and that was the last straw. Fear gave way to anger. It was one thing to break into someone’s home and kill them, but you were stepping over the fucking line eating their bacon and drinking their coffee."
There were a few scenes (in particular, the more intense ones) that I think could've benefitted from some more detail. Nothing major, but they moved fast and I found myself having to reread to make sure I understood all that was happening.
“Who’s your friend, Thea?”
Seriously? Her too?
“Who? Him? I don’t know. We just left the bank at the same time.”
As I hoped, her attention snapped to me and she glared. “And that’s why he’s standing here with you now.”
“I think he’s a little slow,” I whispered then added, “I didn’t want to be rude.”
“I’m sorry for my daughter, Damian. I really did try to teach her manners, but she is just so damn stubborn.”
For me, the perfect (Ha! See what I did there?) song to emulate this book is Perfect by Ed Sheeran. Between starting out young and the love spanning ages, to an unsure hero, his angel and a soul sweeping, dive in head first kind of love, I really get a Damian and Thea vibe from this song. I've only included the first verse, but really, each verse is amazing for them.
I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine
I LOVE Anton! Seriously! What's not to like? Even early on he reminded me so much of Lucien Black, then I was thrilled to see the connection between them. This guy is such an enigma and I'm so enchanted by him, I can't wait to see what his character will bring to the table when he gets his own book! I feel like I need to start a countdown now.
Everyone loves different things about books and that's freaking fantastic. Some want an alpha. Others like swoony and charming. Kick ass heroines, rockstar, sports romance, etc. But if I could pick my favourite thing to read, it's angst. I LOVE having my heart ripped out of my chest. Tear it to shreds, stomp it in the dirt. When an author makes me feel an ache this strong, that's my favourite part.
“I want a lifetime, Thea.”
“We’ll start with that.”
I was only a quarter of the way into Devil You Know and I'd already had tears. My heart hurt. I was so insanely crazy about this story that I wanted to press a big 'pause' button on my life so I could do nothing but read about Thea and Damian. And wow, what a journey they had. LA Fiore put her heart on the pages and it shows - it's her best work yet! Devil You Know is heartbreaking, yet hopeful. Beautiful, yet scarring. This is not a story to miss. Buy it. Buy now!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
May 16, 2017
4.5 stars, this book was fantastic, angsty yet funny, sweet yet dark. Loved it!
April 19, 2017
5 Beautiful Stars
"Please be safe. The only thing worse than a life without you, is a world without you in it."
This story is about Damian and Thea. Thea is Damian’s best friend’s sister. She has a really good family. I loved her parents and her brother. When Damian was five, his father abandoned him and never looked back. Her mother worshiped him and when he left, she lost herself too and she no longer knew who she was. So her love turned to hate and she became a hateful and selfish woman who took her avenge on Damian, her only child! Then Thea’s family became his family too but his mother would not let him alone. So he found hope for a life away from her. then he joined military. But what about Thea? If you want to know what they decide about their relationship and the events, you should read the book!
I loved this story so much that when I finished it, I was searching for another one of this author's books and added it to my tbr. This story was a mix of romance, fun and drama. I think something that was so special about this book, was the balance of feelings like cry/lough, happiness/sadness, fun/drama. This story is beautifully written, well-paced and all the characters were well-defined. You don’t fall in love just with main characters. I mean you will love all of them and want to know all their stories. At some point the story was heartbreaking and you really get upset but at other plost you just lough, like when Damian don’t speak with her intentionally and she’s just blabbering. The story is told in dual POV, 1st person and it can be read as standalone. I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as well!
"Please be safe. The only thing worse than a life without you, is a world without you in it."
This story is about Damian and Thea. Thea is Damian’s best friend’s sister. She has a really good family. I loved her parents and her brother. When Damian was five, his father abandoned him and never looked back. Her mother worshiped him and when he left, she lost herself too and she no longer knew who she was. So her love turned to hate and she became a hateful and selfish woman who took her avenge on Damian, her only child! Then Thea’s family became his family too but his mother would not let him alone. So he found hope for a life away from her. then he joined military. But what about Thea? If you want to know what they decide about their relationship and the events, you should read the book!
I loved this story so much that when I finished it, I was searching for another one of this author's books and added it to my tbr. This story was a mix of romance, fun and drama. I think something that was so special about this book, was the balance of feelings like cry/lough, happiness/sadness, fun/drama. This story is beautifully written, well-paced and all the characters were well-defined. You don’t fall in love just with main characters. I mean you will love all of them and want to know all their stories. At some point the story was heartbreaking and you really get upset but at other plost you just lough, like when Damian don’t speak with her intentionally and she’s just blabbering. The story is told in dual POV, 1st person and it can be read as standalone. I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as well!
March 18, 2017
4 stars
This is a good read if you're after a second chance romance with a side of suspense.
I loved that the main characters remained devoted to their feelings for each other although life just kept getting in the way. I love Damien Tate and everything he tried to be. Super loyal, trustworthy and mouth-watering hot!
This is a good read if you're after a second chance romance with a side of suspense.
I loved that the main characters remained devoted to their feelings for each other although life just kept getting in the way. I love Damien Tate and everything he tried to be. Super loyal, trustworthy and mouth-watering hot!
March 10, 2017
*****5 AMAZING STARS*****
Wow....what an amazing book!
And I'm so, so, happy that is going to be a series. Can't wait to read the others characters stories.
I don't enjoy the second chance stories. I want to know the complete story of the characters. Their first flirt, feelings, reactions, chemistry, how their love grows. So I'm so happy this book was not the case.
It contains their love story from the beginning and thru the end.
This book is the first war/military book that I read. I don't want to read books with war/military stuff. Don't get me wrong, I respect them and their job, but life is so rough, ugly, sad and full of problems and unhappiness already, that I don't want to read about suffering and hurt. I find happiness in books, a fairytale life, and love. So I run away from that kind of books, but this book was amazing.
I love every minute of it. Every word, every page. EVERYTHING!
The book starts with Damian...
...and how his sweet life as a child is knockout of haven right in the deep hell.His father abandons him and his mother. And so all her mother's love transforms in hate, and all that hate is centered on him. His mother makes his life a living hell. One day at school he meets Cam and is struck by a picture of Cam's twin sister, Thea. The most beautiful girl he ever saw. A girl with wild hair and a smile from ear to ear. Damian and Cam became very fast best friends so Thea becomes too part of his life. Cam and Thea suspect that something is wrong in Damian's family life, so...
Damian becomes a regular in Cam's and Thea's house, family and life.
“I thought you were staying for dinner. We won’t have dessert because I burned the damn cookies, but...”
She drew her lower lip between her teeth and her big brown eyes glanced down. Understanding nearly knocked me over. She was nervous talking to me. This beauty was nervous around me?“
They were teenagers. Their love was so pure so innocent sweet but and in the same so mature and so strong. The chemistry between them was like fireworks.
Their feelings were so intense.
“I need to take you home.”
“Why?”
He touched my chin to hold my gaze on his. “Because I want you, every part of you, and I’m feeling reckless enough to not care about the consequences.”
Heat pooled between my legs and I felt both embarrassed by my body’s reaction and reckless too. “I want you. Be my first.” And my last.
“Don’t offer me that, Thea.”
Even before he meet Thea, Damian had only one dream. To make something big with his life, to make a difference. So, after he graduates, he enlisted in the army.
For me, this part was in two ways. I adored them both for their strength, especially Thea. If it was me....I'm sure as fuck I couldn't do it. I couldn't let the man I loved go that way. But the other part of my heart hated them both. How can they do that to themselves??? To their love? I was devastated. I wouldn't have their strength. And after that....On and off for years. And....
OMG...I can't find words, I can't find feelings to describe. My heart was broken ...
"Please be safe. The only thing worse than a life without you is a world without you in it".
A tear rolled down Damian's cheek and the lone tear decimated me. I wiped from his cheek and brought the finger to my lips. "Remember me like this. Just like this and know I'm remembering you".
He left not long after, my heart going with him. That night I prayed for the first time since I was a little girl."
The second characters were...amazing. It was like the whole book centered on them too, not just Damian and Thea. The whole action of the book was very good curdled. Since Thea's father was a cop/detective, we have real action, with the mafia and dirty cops. And of course, we have a bad guy, which...
I'm very proud to say that it was the guy that I suspected in the first place.
The book was intense from the beginning to the end.
“To offer her a blanket and my body when she watches a scary movie. To hold her hair when she is sick and to supply the water when she drinks. To keep the house stocked with cookie ingredients and working fire extinguishers. To make her eggs and bacon and two cups of black coffee with two sugars every morning. To fall asleep next to her every night and to wake to her beautiful face every morning. To plant my babies in her, to build a life and family with her, to grow old with her…watching as life etches itself on her face. My intention, Cam, is to spend the rest of my life with her.”
I'm just....fu@@ed. I'M in love. :D
If I wasn't married and if I have read this book years ago, I would hunt this God ass and make him MINEEEE. :D
Thea did not regret how their life and relationship evolved over time, because, that time apart from each other and the army made Damian the man he is right now. If she was in love with him when they were teenagers, now...
...She is crazy about him, the man that Damian became.
His hand moved down my back to my ass where he lightly swatted me. “Behave.”
Everything below my waist throbbed. “That’s not the way to encourage me to behave.”
“When I get you home…”
“Where is home?” I loved New York, but I missed the cottage.
His answer settled happily in my chest. “Wherever you are.”
My review is nothing beside this jewelry of a book. It will remain for always in my heart. It has a special place in my soul.
And as I said in the beginning of the review......I can't wait to read the others in this series.
Just read the book and you will fly!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Wow....what an amazing book!
And I'm so, so, happy that is going to be a series. Can't wait to read the others characters stories.
I don't enjoy the second chance stories. I want to know the complete story of the characters. Their first flirt, feelings, reactions, chemistry, how their love grows. So I'm so happy this book was not the case.
It contains their love story from the beginning and thru the end.
This book is the first war/military book that I read. I don't want to read books with war/military stuff. Don't get me wrong, I respect them and their job, but life is so rough, ugly, sad and full of problems and unhappiness already, that I don't want to read about suffering and hurt. I find happiness in books, a fairytale life, and love. So I run away from that kind of books, but this book was amazing.
I love every minute of it. Every word, every page. EVERYTHING!
The book starts with Damian...
...and how his sweet life as a child is knockout of haven right in the deep hell.His father abandons him and his mother. And so all her mother's love transforms in hate, and all that hate is centered on him. His mother makes his life a living hell. One day at school he meets Cam and is struck by a picture of Cam's twin sister, Thea. The most beautiful girl he ever saw. A girl with wild hair and a smile from ear to ear. Damian and Cam became very fast best friends so Thea becomes too part of his life. Cam and Thea suspect that something is wrong in Damian's family life, so...
Damian becomes a regular in Cam's and Thea's house, family and life.
“I thought you were staying for dinner. We won’t have dessert because I burned the damn cookies, but...”
She drew her lower lip between her teeth and her big brown eyes glanced down. Understanding nearly knocked me over. She was nervous talking to me. This beauty was nervous around me?“
They were teenagers. Their love was so pure so innocent sweet but and in the same so mature and so strong. The chemistry between them was like fireworks.
Their feelings were so intense.
“I need to take you home.”
“Why?”
He touched my chin to hold my gaze on his. “Because I want you, every part of you, and I’m feeling reckless enough to not care about the consequences.”
Heat pooled between my legs and I felt both embarrassed by my body’s reaction and reckless too. “I want you. Be my first.” And my last.
“Don’t offer me that, Thea.”
Even before he meet Thea, Damian had only one dream. To make something big with his life, to make a difference. So, after he graduates, he enlisted in the army.
For me, this part was in two ways. I adored them both for their strength, especially Thea. If it was me....I'm sure as fuck I couldn't do it. I couldn't let the man I loved go that way. But the other part of my heart hated them both. How can they do that to themselves??? To their love? I was devastated. I wouldn't have their strength. And after that....On and off for years. And....
OMG...I can't find words, I can't find feelings to describe. My heart was broken ...
"Please be safe. The only thing worse than a life without you is a world without you in it".
A tear rolled down Damian's cheek and the lone tear decimated me. I wiped from his cheek and brought the finger to my lips. "Remember me like this. Just like this and know I'm remembering you".
He left not long after, my heart going with him. That night I prayed for the first time since I was a little girl."
The second characters were...amazing. It was like the whole book centered on them too, not just Damian and Thea. The whole action of the book was very good curdled. Since Thea's father was a cop/detective, we have real action, with the mafia and dirty cops. And of course, we have a bad guy, which...
I'm very proud to say that it was the guy that I suspected in the first place.
The book was intense from the beginning to the end.
“To offer her a blanket and my body when she watches a scary movie. To hold her hair when she is sick and to supply the water when she drinks. To keep the house stocked with cookie ingredients and working fire extinguishers. To make her eggs and bacon and two cups of black coffee with two sugars every morning. To fall asleep next to her every night and to wake to her beautiful face every morning. To plant my babies in her, to build a life and family with her, to grow old with her…watching as life etches itself on her face. My intention, Cam, is to spend the rest of my life with her.”
I'm just....fu@@ed. I'M in love. :D
If I wasn't married and if I have read this book years ago, I would hunt this God ass and make him MINEEEE. :D
Thea did not regret how their life and relationship evolved over time, because, that time apart from each other and the army made Damian the man he is right now. If she was in love with him when they were teenagers, now...
...She is crazy about him, the man that Damian became.
His hand moved down my back to my ass where he lightly swatted me. “Behave.”
Everything below my waist throbbed. “That’s not the way to encourage me to behave.”
“When I get you home…”
“Where is home?” I loved New York, but I missed the cottage.
His answer settled happily in my chest. “Wherever you are.”
My review is nothing beside this jewelry of a book. It will remain for always in my heart. It has a special place in my soul.
And as I said in the beginning of the review......I can't wait to read the others in this series.
Just read the book and you will fly!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
March 17, 2017
4.5
Honestly, The first 70-ish% of this book and I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I liked the writing and the mystery but the romance felt a little off to me. The last 20% everything came together and it was fantastic. Unpredictable, angsty, sexy, sweet and suspenseful- I really loved it! This is the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read more!
Honestly, The first 70-ish% of this book and I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I liked the writing and the mystery but the romance felt a little off to me. The last 20% everything came together and it was fantastic. Unpredictable, angsty, sexy, sweet and suspenseful- I really loved it! This is the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read more!
March 18, 2017
Every instinct in me said to get out of the damn car, to follow her, to claim her. To hold her close and never let her go. But she was beauty and I was sin.
This is seriously one of the best second-chance romance stories I have ever read and I am not even sure where to start. I think I am going to keep this pretty vague because the less you know or expect going into this book, the better. The blurb says enough.
The first 30% of this book had me on my knees. The story was ultimately captivating and the characters were perfectly flawed and intricate. My only complaint was that certain points seem to drag on and I wish the pace was consistent with the first third of the book.
“I like your pajamas. There’s only one thing I like on you more.” That comment was unexpected and tummy flipping, especially recalling how he had looked when I opened the door. “What do you like on me more?” He had reached the door and was halfway through it when he looked back and grinned. “Me.”
Don't mind me melting on the floor over here. Both Thea's and Damian's perspectives were incredible. How they both loved and lost. How they both endured, defeated, and prevailed. Ultimate romance with the guaranteed HEA. Just gonna end this here and go have my moment.
This is seriously one of the best second-chance romance stories I have ever read and I am not even sure where to start. I think I am going to keep this pretty vague because the less you know or expect going into this book, the better. The blurb says enough.
The first 30% of this book had me on my knees. The story was ultimately captivating and the characters were perfectly flawed and intricate. My only complaint was that certain points seem to drag on and I wish the pace was consistent with the first third of the book.
“I like your pajamas. There’s only one thing I like on you more.” That comment was unexpected and tummy flipping, especially recalling how he had looked when I opened the door. “What do you like on me more?” He had reached the door and was halfway through it when he looked back and grinned. “Me.”
Don't mind me melting on the floor over here. Both Thea's and Damian's perspectives were incredible. How they both loved and lost. How they both endured, defeated, and prevailed. Ultimate romance with the guaranteed HEA. Just gonna end this here and go have my moment.
March 13, 2017
4 "Love Always" Stars
WOW!! My head is spinning and my heart is bleeding. This book was sweet, tender, heartbreaking and beautifully healing. This was like a punch of intense emotions, sexy characters and amazing writing!!
"Devil You Know" introduces us to Damian and Thea. This is Damian's journey of losing the family he never had, his journey of self discovery, finding love and losing it and then finding his lost love again and holding onto it with his dear life.
She was beauty and I was sin
The story takes us through different stages of Damian's and Thea's life.The prologue introduces the readers to a five or six years old Damian whose life turns upside down when his dad leaves him and his mom. Damian's mother is the shittiest mother in the history of fictional mothers. The verbal abuse he inflicted on Damian broke my heart.
He took the best years of my life and left me
with you. He's a monster, a fucking devil, and you are just like him. His evil little spawn
The story proceeds and we are introduced to a 17 years old Damian. He develops friendship with Cam, Thea's brother. Cam introduced him to his family where he met Thea and was just smitten with the wild haired beauty. As to story continued Thea and Damian developed a unique, unbreakable bond and the innocent friendship transformed into passionate love.
I want you, every part of you, and I'm feeling reckless enough to not care about the consequences~Damian
Damian loved Thea from the core of his heart, Thea was his life, his everything but he left her in order to find himself and joined army. Thea as stubborn as ever waited for him to return.
I wanted to be better for her and me and to that I had to leave, even when everything in me wanted to stay.
The story takes a time leap and we meet 31 years old Thea and Damian. They wanted to start from where they ended but nothing is same, everything is just twisted and they both are different but their love for each other is even stronger.
...You own me. Every dark part of me
There are so many twists and turns in this story and you won't be able to wrap your head around everything. This book is an epic roller coaster ride of emotions. I cried, I laughed, I swooned. I loved Damian and even hated him. I wanted to hug him and kiss him and then shake some sense into him. I definitely loved Thea. She is one of the best heroines, I've ever come across.
I loved how the story ended. It was just perfect and the epilogue was just amazing. Thea and Damian didn't have an easy love story. This book is not just a love story but also a story of self discovery. "Devil You Know" proved that love can conquer anything and everything, no matter how difficult is the path.
I had wished as a girl to know all about the quiet, reserved boy he had been, and I did now, I knew every part of his beautiful, complicated and damaged soul and I loved all of him.
Fav Scene
Thea's first letter to Damian just broke my heart. I loved that scene. Damian opened her letter and cried for the first time and I cried with him. It was the most emotional scene. He even carried that letter everywhere with him*swoon*.
General Ratings
Damian- 4.5 Stars
Thea- 5 Stars
Cam- 5 Stars
Anton- 5 Stars
Ryder and Kimber- 4 Stars
Thea's Parents- 5 Stars
Other supporting characters- 4 Stars
Plot- 4 Stars
Storytelling- 4.5 Stars
Sexual Tension- 5 Stars
Sexual Scenes- 4 Stars
Romance- 4 Stars
Humor- 4.5 Stars
Story ending- 5 Stars
Would I recommend this book? YES
Would I read other books from this author? YES
Did I enjoy this read? YES
Is it worth reading? YES
===Follow me on===
Blog-http://ammiesbookobsession.blogspot.in/
Twitter-https://twitter.com/AmmieTheBlogger
Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/ammie.thebo...
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Ammie.theblo...
WOW!! My head is spinning and my heart is bleeding. This book was sweet, tender, heartbreaking and beautifully healing. This was like a punch of intense emotions, sexy characters and amazing writing!!
"Devil You Know" introduces us to Damian and Thea. This is Damian's journey of losing the family he never had, his journey of self discovery, finding love and losing it and then finding his lost love again and holding onto it with his dear life.
She was beauty and I was sinThe story takes us through different stages of Damian's and Thea's life.The prologue introduces the readers to a five or six years old Damian whose life turns upside down when his dad leaves him and his mom. Damian's mother is the shittiest mother in the history of fictional mothers. The verbal abuse he inflicted on Damian broke my heart.
He took the best years of my life and left me
with you. He's a monster, a fucking devil, and you are just like him. His evil little spawn
The story proceeds and we are introduced to a 17 years old Damian. He develops friendship with Cam, Thea's brother. Cam introduced him to his family where he met Thea and was just smitten with the wild haired beauty. As to story continued Thea and Damian developed a unique, unbreakable bond and the innocent friendship transformed into passionate love.
I want you, every part of you, and I'm feeling reckless enough to not care about the consequences~DamianDamian loved Thea from the core of his heart, Thea was his life, his everything but he left her in order to find himself and joined army. Thea as stubborn as ever waited for him to return.
I wanted to be better for her and me and to that I had to leave, even when everything in me wanted to stay.The story takes a time leap and we meet 31 years old Thea and Damian. They wanted to start from where they ended but nothing is same, everything is just twisted and they both are different but their love for each other is even stronger.
...You own me. Every dark part of meThere are so many twists and turns in this story and you won't be able to wrap your head around everything. This book is an epic roller coaster ride of emotions. I cried, I laughed, I swooned. I loved Damian and even hated him. I wanted to hug him and kiss him and then shake some sense into him. I definitely loved Thea. She is one of the best heroines, I've ever come across.
I loved how the story ended. It was just perfect and the epilogue was just amazing. Thea and Damian didn't have an easy love story. This book is not just a love story but also a story of self discovery. "Devil You Know" proved that love can conquer anything and everything, no matter how difficult is the path.
I had wished as a girl to know all about the quiet, reserved boy he had been, and I did now, I knew every part of his beautiful, complicated and damaged soul and I loved all of him.Fav Scene
Thea's first letter to Damian just broke my heart. I loved that scene. Damian opened her letter and cried for the first time and I cried with him. It was the most emotional scene. He even carried that letter everywhere with him*swoon*.
General Ratings
Damian- 4.5 Stars
Thea- 5 Stars
Cam- 5 Stars
Anton- 5 Stars
Ryder and Kimber- 4 Stars
Thea's Parents- 5 Stars
Other supporting characters- 4 Stars
Plot- 4 Stars
Storytelling- 4.5 Stars
Sexual Tension- 5 Stars
Sexual Scenes- 4 Stars
Romance- 4 Stars
Humor- 4.5 Stars
Story ending- 5 Stars
Would I recommend this book? YES
Would I read other books from this author? YES
Did I enjoy this read? YES
Is it worth reading? YES
===Follow me on===
Blog-http://ammiesbookobsession.blogspot.in/
Twitter-https://twitter.com/AmmieTheBlogger
Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/ammie.thebo...
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Ammie.theblo...
December 18, 2018
3.5 stars
March 16, 2017
3.5 stars! It's good not great though.
March 13, 2017
I can't believe I'm saying this, but this book was way too long. About 100 pages too long. Maybe more. The first half of the book was a 5 star read for me. Then I felt like Kristen Ashley took over and started writing about every-single-day for two months. The last half of the book felt like a totally different book. That portion was a suspense book, with a teeny bit of romance.
This book had so much potential. The character development was amazing and exactly what I'm looking for. The first half of the book was a wonderful second chance romance, and it could have ended there. Seriously.
This book had so much potential. The character development was amazing and exactly what I'm looking for. The first half of the book was a wonderful second chance romance, and it could have ended there. Seriously.
November 24, 2018
I am in dilemma with this book.
What i like:
1. Thea. She is sassy and kick ass heroine. She not taking any shit from damien even though he is the love of her life.
2. She is not shy or damsel in distress. She can save herself and protect herself. She is more than capable to kick the bad guys herself.
3. She knows what she wants. She was not shy wanting damien. Not waiting for damien to make the first move.
What i do not like:
1. The story. I feel like reading sub plot stories instead of one. And its very very confusing. We were introduced into damien past, then he has this insta love with thea. Life happens and they seperated for 13 years. Then it focus on thea family. Trouble coming and damien swepts thea into deadwood. Then focus on their banter. I dont understand why damien pushes thea at an arm lenght. While thea is more than happy to be his.
Therefore i end up 3 stars.
What i like:
1. Thea. She is sassy and kick ass heroine. She not taking any shit from damien even though he is the love of her life.
2. She is not shy or damsel in distress. She can save herself and protect herself. She is more than capable to kick the bad guys herself.
3. She knows what she wants. She was not shy wanting damien. Not waiting for damien to make the first move.
What i do not like:
1. The story. I feel like reading sub plot stories instead of one. And its very very confusing. We were introduced into damien past, then he has this insta love with thea. Life happens and they seperated for 13 years. Then it focus on thea family. Trouble coming and damien swepts thea into deadwood. Then focus on their banter. I dont understand why damien pushes thea at an arm lenght. While thea is more than happy to be his.
Therefore i end up 3 stars.
March 10, 2017
Where do I start in describing a book, a book that took me on such an emotional journey that brought me to tears, that took my heart thru such a beating yet it kept on going. It’s a military story and one that involves 2nd chances regarding the heroine and hero. Their love story is followed from the beginning and thru the end which was great from a storytelling standpoint but for my nerves, not so much (smile). This story is told thru the dual POV most of the time. This book tells the story of two people who feel in love as young adults, who fell who completely in love and then made decisions that tore them from each other arms and then them finding their way back to each other was a slow and at times, brutal process.
Damian has fended for himself since he was a young child since his father walked out on him and his mother , which sent his mother into this abusive tailspin. It sent him and his life into this cruel, twisted , and sick way of life with his mother whose mind was never the same after his father left. It’s a wonder that Damian came out of that with such a kindness and a good head on his shoulders. He ended up though this dark and silent alpha male who was this look but don’t touch type of person. Cam and Damian meet up in HS and his whole family take him under their wing and pretty much adopt him.
Thea, Cam’s twin sister, fell for Damian immediately but he didn’t see her as anything but Cam sister. She is sweet, sassy and just adorable. It takes a spark and before you know it, these Two have fallen in love as teenagers. Things are moving along until decisions get made and that’s when the train goes off the tracks. Thea didn’t like what Damian was doing but she supported him anyway.
When reality kicks in and things happen, its like Im yelling at my kindle because I could see heartbreak coming from a mile away for these lovebirds but they couldn’t hear me. Their story moved me greatly and I cried when “that moment” happened and Thea lost him. It wasn’t her fault but Damian trying to protect her when he didn’t need to. Stupid alpha male… their love story spans years. Thea and Damian's journey was such a huge emotional rollercoaster. Also besides the struggles they went through in keeping their relationship together , they were having to deal with something so much bigger that was threatening their lives and the lives of others that they loved.
This story deals with 2ndchances, deals with how much family means, the importance of love and to never give up on love … I loved how L.A. Fiore gets her message across and writes such a beautiful story that moved me, made me laugh and had me rooting for Damian and Thea for them to get their HEA. This is one story that stayed with me long after the reading because of such fabulous writing and beautiful characters, both main and secondary. I cannot wait for the next book in this new series “Lost Boys”.
My rating: 5.0 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Damian has fended for himself since he was a young child since his father walked out on him and his mother , which sent his mother into this abusive tailspin. It sent him and his life into this cruel, twisted , and sick way of life with his mother whose mind was never the same after his father left. It’s a wonder that Damian came out of that with such a kindness and a good head on his shoulders. He ended up though this dark and silent alpha male who was this look but don’t touch type of person. Cam and Damian meet up in HS and his whole family take him under their wing and pretty much adopt him.
Thea, Cam’s twin sister, fell for Damian immediately but he didn’t see her as anything but Cam sister. She is sweet, sassy and just adorable. It takes a spark and before you know it, these Two have fallen in love as teenagers. Things are moving along until decisions get made and that’s when the train goes off the tracks. Thea didn’t like what Damian was doing but she supported him anyway.
When reality kicks in and things happen, its like Im yelling at my kindle because I could see heartbreak coming from a mile away for these lovebirds but they couldn’t hear me. Their story moved me greatly and I cried when “that moment” happened and Thea lost him. It wasn’t her fault but Damian trying to protect her when he didn’t need to. Stupid alpha male… their love story spans years. Thea and Damian's journey was such a huge emotional rollercoaster. Also besides the struggles they went through in keeping their relationship together , they were having to deal with something so much bigger that was threatening their lives and the lives of others that they loved.
This story deals with 2ndchances, deals with how much family means, the importance of love and to never give up on love … I loved how L.A. Fiore gets her message across and writes such a beautiful story that moved me, made me laugh and had me rooting for Damian and Thea for them to get their HEA. This is one story that stayed with me long after the reading because of such fabulous writing and beautiful characters, both main and secondary. I cannot wait for the next book in this new series “Lost Boys”.
My rating: 5.0 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
March 13, 2017
5 Stars!
I knew this book was going to rip me apart when I was already in tears before the prologue was even over. Just wow. This isn't just a second chance romance, this is an epic love story that takes you through 14 years of two people that were meant to be, but never quite got it right. These two go through some pretty crazy circumstances both together and apart, and it is truly a heady journey you go on while reading their story.
Damien Tate had a rough life, with both parents abandoning him, one physically the other emotionally and all he wanted to do was escape the evil that was his mother and let me tell you she is absolutely horrific. So, when Damien found Thea Ahern, the twin sister of his best friend, he finally found some peace in knowing that not all women were bad. Just seventeen years old when they first met, they had a first love romance that could never be forgotten, but once they turned 18 they knew they had a decision to make.
Thea was off to college at NYU and Damien enlisted in the Army for a long time, longer than expected considering he went into special forces. And when he finally came home for good, so many years later he was a different man shrouded in mystery and a broody temperament that Thea took on as a challenge. He was her theoretical onion that needed peeling.
This book goes way deeper than your typical love story. Thea's family is the heart and soul of this book, and Damien is and always has been a part of the Ahern family, so when the twists and turns come into play it really gives you a broader idea of what is going on. The character development is great, even with the side characters like Anton (Oh how I love Anton!!) and Thea's brother Cam. I really fell in love with those guys as the book progressed. The same goes for Kimber and Ryder, Thea's best friends. But things aren't always as they seem and when truths are revealed I was filled with all kinds of emotions. The angst was oh so present, because even though it wasn't glaringly obvious, the undertone of something big was always just below the surface. It's what drove me to keep going, because I was like ahhhhh what is going onnnnn, when will I find outttttt?!? Yes, if that sounds like whining it is. Because I was.
I loved the weird dynamic to Thea and Damien's relationship, and it cracked me up that the silliest things like pizza toppings or Thea's mindless rambling could bring Damien back to Earth, or that a simple rare smile from Damien would make his despondent and abrasive temperament irrelevant in Thea's eyes. I was really pulling for these two because after all those years I was ready for them just to be happy already!
This is really a great story that takes you on an unexpected journey of love and deceit and SO many other things, the writing was great and the author did a wonderful job of keeping my interest piqued the whole time, I'm really excited to read more by this author. Great, GREAT read.
I knew this book was going to rip me apart when I was already in tears before the prologue was even over. Just wow. This isn't just a second chance romance, this is an epic love story that takes you through 14 years of two people that were meant to be, but never quite got it right. These two go through some pretty crazy circumstances both together and apart, and it is truly a heady journey you go on while reading their story.
Damien Tate had a rough life, with both parents abandoning him, one physically the other emotionally and all he wanted to do was escape the evil that was his mother and let me tell you she is absolutely horrific. So, when Damien found Thea Ahern, the twin sister of his best friend, he finally found some peace in knowing that not all women were bad. Just seventeen years old when they first met, they had a first love romance that could never be forgotten, but once they turned 18 they knew they had a decision to make.
Thea was off to college at NYU and Damien enlisted in the Army for a long time, longer than expected considering he went into special forces. And when he finally came home for good, so many years later he was a different man shrouded in mystery and a broody temperament that Thea took on as a challenge. He was her theoretical onion that needed peeling.
This book goes way deeper than your typical love story. Thea's family is the heart and soul of this book, and Damien is and always has been a part of the Ahern family, so when the twists and turns come into play it really gives you a broader idea of what is going on. The character development is great, even with the side characters like Anton (Oh how I love Anton!!) and Thea's brother Cam. I really fell in love with those guys as the book progressed. The same goes for Kimber and Ryder, Thea's best friends. But things aren't always as they seem and when truths are revealed I was filled with all kinds of emotions. The angst was oh so present, because even though it wasn't glaringly obvious, the undertone of something big was always just below the surface. It's what drove me to keep going, because I was like ahhhhh what is going onnnnn, when will I find outttttt?!? Yes, if that sounds like whining it is. Because I was.
I loved the weird dynamic to Thea and Damien's relationship, and it cracked me up that the silliest things like pizza toppings or Thea's mindless rambling could bring Damien back to Earth, or that a simple rare smile from Damien would make his despondent and abrasive temperament irrelevant in Thea's eyes. I was really pulling for these two because after all those years I was ready for them just to be happy already!
This is really a great story that takes you on an unexpected journey of love and deceit and SO many other things, the writing was great and the author did a wonderful job of keeping my interest piqued the whole time, I'm really excited to read more by this author. Great, GREAT read.
March 7, 2018
#fact...
L.A. Fiore is one of my favorite authors...
Her writing is flawless and beautiful...
Her stories will take you away from where you are to a place you want to be...
If you read the reviews I wrote on her books so far I may sound biased but like I am friends with her or I would gain something from this here. And to be honest I might not really know her in "real" life - but YES I do gain something when I write my reviews.
The Gain is that this author hopefully knows how much I appreciate the fact that she writes books the way they should be and that I hope that she will do that for a long time to come.
Sometimes I read a book a day and I read so many books I love only to have friends asking me weeks later “you mentioned this book” and I can not seem to recall the author or the title.
It is the hazard of reading this much that book contents blend into each other because they were so similar (even if they were beautiful) and author names are only distant memories if you remember them at all. That is not me being mean – just honest.
But then there are these authors that you always compare others too. You tell your friends – there is this book I just read I can not remember the author but – it was a little like “insert THAT AUTHOR’s book”. And L.A. Fiore is one of those authors … I am not sure how often I told a friend of mine “that book is a little like “A glimpse of a Dream” for example.
In my mind on this List there are authors like Rachel van Dyken, Colleen Hoover, Jodie Ellen Malpas and several others – some known - some unknown but all dearly loved. And any author on this list can be sure that I will one-click their book before even reading the blurb.
BUT that will not stop me from being honest if I do not like a book from them.
This might be the point where you start wondering if I am ever going to mention the book I was supposed to be actually reviewing. Well yes I am … I just read L.A. Fiore’s latest creation called “Devil you know” and I noticed that I have no idea how to write the review without any spoilers.
So I decided to stall time and talk about the author instead.
Seems that my time is up and spoilers at least some tiny ones can not be avoided. Lets see – The readers can call themselves lucky, after several standalone novels L.A. has ventured into the standalone but still series department and I am beyond happy, because the secondary characters she creates deserve their own stories to be told.
I was asking myself what I could tell fellow readers about this book that would describe it appropriate without giving away anything and as a joke I said “Well I could copy my review from
My emotions during reading were still the same. TIMES 10 Unusual for me was while I am usually a sucker for the ”book boyfriend” in this case kind of “fell in love” with the female lead.
Thea is so far the most unique female I read. Even in the most depressing situations she managed to come up with a point of view at things that was admirable. Others might say she was blind to the real life but not me I admire her determination.
Damian … I am not going to comment on my first thought when I read his name and the name of the book … (ups I might have done that just now #laughing) – No – seriously – Damian is a remarkable character – but I would expect nothing less from this author. His quiet presence is something that every woman would wish for in real life – but it was Thea’s balancing light that made him shine.
And even though on my kindle there are markings and notes on about 70% of the book there is this one passage near the end that really did a thing on me. No spoilers but you will have found the moment when you come across Thea’s brother asking a simple question “what are your intentions” … and everything after that left me speechless sitting there with my jaw hanging open and agreeing on Thea’s comment about the “Umbrella for two” #cryptic much – sorry I know …
Your day isn’t looking to good – everything looks bleak ? Its raining and your are bordering a weather depression? You are desperately in need of a few hours to yourself dreaming ?
Get yourself a copy of this book – it will not solve the problems of the world but it will make you feel better – so much from me on a book that has made me smile every time I think about it and its been almost 2 days since I read it…
I wished I had the approval to throw out a longer teasing quote or two … to make you understand but I guess you will have to simply trust me on this one.
And yes – Damian and Thea you were right - there aren’t enough cookies in the world for this …
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May 9, 2017
**** Warning: Review contains SPOILERS! ****
3 Lovelorn Stars!!
This was my first L.A. Fiore read and I have to say I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. I'll definitely be on the prowl for Damian's BFF's books (Anton & Thea's twin Brother Cam)!
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this because of the horrible verbal abuse a very young Damian was subjected to by his bitter drunken mother for years....I almost stopped listening, it was just so heartbreaking. But, I trudged through because I wanted to meet a Damian who was healed of those scars and loved.
One of the best things about this book is the love and support he received from Cam, Thea, their parents, and his shady (definitely shady) friend Anton who was also accepted by Thea's entire family even though her father is a police detective and knows there is some shady attached to Anton.
Damian and Thea fell in love in high school, Damian was Thea's first love, her first everything. Upon graduation Damian ask her to move on as he's going into the Army with an eye on Special Forces. Thea's heartbroken but she agrees to Damian's demands.
Thea continues breathing with her broken heart but she never really lives and moves on, she dates but never anything serious or long lasting. Thirteen years later a tragedy brings Damian home for good....
Annnnd.....this is where I start to get frustrated with the storyline. Both Damian and Thea are obviously still in love, neither have moved on, and yet Damian keeps Thea at arms length.......FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!
Damian's tough shell finally begins to crack when Thea's safety is in jeopardy, he works with Cam (who's now a police officer) and Anton to keep Thea safe and find the threat. It's a long bumpy road to their HEA and I cheered when they finally got it!!
All-in-all, I was satisfied with the suspense, the family and friend ties, and finally the HEA. It just seemed to take FOREVER! It's definitely worth reading and I'm absolutely looking forward to Anton and Cam's books!!
3 Lovelorn Stars!!
This was my first L.A. Fiore read and I have to say I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. I'll definitely be on the prowl for Damian's BFF's books (Anton & Thea's twin Brother Cam)!
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this because of the horrible verbal abuse a very young Damian was subjected to by his bitter drunken mother for years....I almost stopped listening, it was just so heartbreaking. But, I trudged through because I wanted to meet a Damian who was healed of those scars and loved.
One of the best things about this book is the love and support he received from Cam, Thea, their parents, and his shady (definitely shady) friend Anton who was also accepted by Thea's entire family even though her father is a police detective and knows there is some shady attached to Anton.
Damian and Thea fell in love in high school, Damian was Thea's first love, her first everything. Upon graduation Damian ask her to move on as he's going into the Army with an eye on Special Forces. Thea's heartbroken but she agrees to Damian's demands.
Thea continues breathing with her broken heart but she never really lives and moves on, she dates but never anything serious or long lasting. Thirteen years later a tragedy brings Damian home for good....
Annnnd.....this is where I start to get frustrated with the storyline. Both Damian and Thea are obviously still in love, neither have moved on, and yet Damian keeps Thea at arms length.......FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!
Damian's tough shell finally begins to crack when Thea's safety is in jeopardy, he works with Cam (who's now a police officer) and Anton to keep Thea safe and find the threat. It's a long bumpy road to their HEA and I cheered when they finally got it!!
All-in-all, I was satisfied with the suspense, the family and friend ties, and finally the HEA. It just seemed to take FOREVER! It's definitely worth reading and I'm absolutely looking forward to Anton and Cam's books!!
March 23, 2017
5 "Trigger" Stars
Sooo, I had a book Hangover from Hell from a previous series & I be damn now I have another one!!!
When Horny Damian wants to come out & play, you know where to find me!
This story... Sigh
Damian & Thea, that was THE Love Story of a LIFETIME! This book had it all... Everything I needed anyway... Love, Suspense, Back Story, Loyalty, Forever Friendships, Men In Uniform, Hawt Sex, Humor, Delicious Side Characters, Strong Heroine, Tortured Hero, plenty of action & dialog...
I'm telling you, Had. It. All!!!
There was a complete ending with no cliffhanger, it looks to be a Series Standalone that may be continuing (or author's life may be in danger) that you need to pick up immediately!
TTL we had humor spaced throughout to keep my nerves from giving me that coronary that I kept feeling come on. I thought I would have a heart attack from the suspense one minute, then heatstroke or 3rd degree burn from the dirty talk followed by action the next. This author gave you just enough clues to make you comfortable in your theories but just enough to also make you question. Then again, Maybe I'm just not cut out to figure these things out. I might not the brightest star in the galaxy but I sure can bring out some sunshine.
So back to book... Thea was a Hoot & a Half! Bless her heart she had the same issue I do with EVERYTHING that came in her thought pattern took a detour to avoid the filter & FLEW straight out her mouth. I Loved It & so did Damian. He also loved to irritate the fire outta her. Thea is one of my favorite heroines! She loved everybody & everybody loved her. My heart broke over & over again for this couple. So many times I wondered if they would ever catch a break. It seems like every single time they took their eye off the ball they got Way-Laid. They had lots of support but sometimes even that didn't help.
Speaking of support, I need a Book on Anton, Razor & Cam Stat!! Please, please, please can we have Anton Next??
Damn that was one good book! Looking forward to the next one...
February 10, 2017
I am a sucker for a well written second chance love story and we are given that in Devil You Know.
The timing was never right.
The love never changed.
One is dark.
One is light.
One is silent
One is vocal.
Both smart.
Both witty.
Both get thrown into the fight of their lives.
Neither will back down.
It was an angst filled read. You shout at them to “just get it together and work it out! Enough already!” Then you realize, “ok, this is needed.” I definitely needed to take some deep breaths. But when Thea and Damian are “together” it is explosive!
Then we have the element of suspense and who is ultimately behind what is happening and you be surprised of who it is. I was certainly miffed and might have flicked them off, (totally did).
Throughout the book we get to see what makes each character who they are, how they are essential to each scene and the part they play to the plot and subplots. They are developed and lifelike and will show you what family and loved ones are all about.
The “good” characters:
You will cheer them on.
Laugh with them.
High five them.
You cry with them.
You will smile with them.
The “bad: characters:
Be disgusted with them.
Totally hate a them.
Want to throttle them.
Want to scream at them
My main thought on this book is this: Teenage love takes a journey through time that is faced with a different path of choices and unexpected danger, to root itself in their souls to bind them eternally.
For more reviews, visit
The timing was never right.
The love never changed.
One is dark.
One is light.
One is silent
One is vocal.
Both smart.
Both witty.
Both get thrown into the fight of their lives.
Neither will back down.
It was an angst filled read. You shout at them to “just get it together and work it out! Enough already!” Then you realize, “ok, this is needed.” I definitely needed to take some deep breaths. But when Thea and Damian are “together” it is explosive!
Then we have the element of suspense and who is ultimately behind what is happening and you be surprised of who it is. I was certainly miffed and might have flicked them off, (totally did).
Throughout the book we get to see what makes each character who they are, how they are essential to each scene and the part they play to the plot and subplots. They are developed and lifelike and will show you what family and loved ones are all about.
The “good” characters:
You will cheer them on.
Laugh with them.
High five them.
You cry with them.
You will smile with them.
The “bad: characters:
Be disgusted with them.
Totally hate a them.
Want to throttle them.
Want to scream at them
My main thought on this book is this: Teenage love takes a journey through time that is faced with a different path of choices and unexpected danger, to root itself in their souls to bind them eternally.
For more reviews, visit
February 7, 2017
Oh My God, this book! I don't know where to start! I received an early ARC and I'm so so sooo grateful for that. Devil You Know was even more perfect than I expected it to be. L.A. Fiore claimed her way into my heart with her previous book Collecting the Pieces, and with this one - well, she sure proved that she deserves that place for good.
Damian Tate had a rough childhood. His dad left when he was just a kid and his mom...well, let's just say she didn't do justice to the role of mom as expected of her. During his high school years he meets Cam and they become best friends. He also meets Thea, Cam's twin sister, and they click immediately. Damian becomes a part of their family and with every day that goes by, the connection between him and Thea grows stronger and stronger until they fall in love. Everything is good and right in their love bubble, 'til reality kicks in and they need to make some hard decisions about their future together.
From the first page I knew this book was going to rip my heart out and I was right. It touched me so deeply and I was on edge through all of it. Thea and Damian's journey was an emotional rollercoaster. Besides the struggles they went through keeping their relationship together, they had to deal with something so much bigger that was threatening their lives.
The importance of love and family is the main issue in this book and I love L.A. for that. Through her words, she knows how to touch every part of the reader's soul, makes your heart beat faster with every page and the sex scenes - so yummy! Like I said, it was a rollercoaster! The characters were developed amazingly, as well as the storyline. I laughed A LOT, I cried A LOT, and I also fell in love more than once...
Damian Tate had a rough childhood. His dad left when he was just a kid and his mom...well, let's just say she didn't do justice to the role of mom as expected of her. During his high school years he meets Cam and they become best friends. He also meets Thea, Cam's twin sister, and they click immediately. Damian becomes a part of their family and with every day that goes by, the connection between him and Thea grows stronger and stronger until they fall in love. Everything is good and right in their love bubble, 'til reality kicks in and they need to make some hard decisions about their future together.
From the first page I knew this book was going to rip my heart out and I was right. It touched me so deeply and I was on edge through all of it. Thea and Damian's journey was an emotional rollercoaster. Besides the struggles they went through keeping their relationship together, they had to deal with something so much bigger that was threatening their lives.
The importance of love and family is the main issue in this book and I love L.A. for that. Through her words, she knows how to touch every part of the reader's soul, makes your heart beat faster with every page and the sex scenes - so yummy! Like I said, it was a rollercoaster! The characters were developed amazingly, as well as the storyline. I laughed A LOT, I cried A LOT, and I also fell in love more than once...
March 17, 2017
I had read so many good reviews on this that I couldn't wait to read it. But this book just didn't do it for me. It was missing something. I didn't really feel what the characters were feeling. I never even got emotional. I'm not quite sure exactly why it missed it's mark with me. I know it was way too long for these characters to get together. I love a good second chance romance, but this was just a long drawn out story that I didn't really connect with. Having said that, I truly believe no two people ever read the same book, so, please, do not let my opinion stop you from making one of your own. This book might just be what you've been looking for.
October 23, 2017
***ARC Provided by the author and The Next Step PR***
Damian and Thea were, at times, almost star crossed lovers. There was a push and pull with them, some miscommunication, some expectations and disappointments...and all of this draws the reader through the story.
You meet them at the beginning of their story. You follow them through all of it, to see where they go, how they change, how they grow apart and together again.
There is definitely angst here, as you know that their hearts are still with the other, even when life seems to be saying they need to go in different directions.
A large part of the book is spent with them not together, and you still feel a connection between them. This is, in my opinion, the strongest part of this story...the connection being there for the reader even when they are apart.
I definitely recommend this book...it is one you will think about even after it is finished.
Damian and Thea were, at times, almost star crossed lovers. There was a push and pull with them, some miscommunication, some expectations and disappointments...and all of this draws the reader through the story.
You meet them at the beginning of their story. You follow them through all of it, to see where they go, how they change, how they grow apart and together again.
There is definitely angst here, as you know that their hearts are still with the other, even when life seems to be saying they need to go in different directions.
A large part of the book is spent with them not together, and you still feel a connection between them. This is, in my opinion, the strongest part of this story...the connection being there for the reader even when they are apart.
I definitely recommend this book...it is one you will think about even after it is finished.
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