Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Devil's Mark

Loved this! I was a bit skeptical of the insta-love going in, but actually it proved an interesting way to explore how freeing it might be for an abuse survivor to have rock-solid but pressure-free commitment from a potential partner. The brother dynamic is fantastic, the world building is intriguing, and the plot is exciting while not overshadowing the relationships. Also Bailey is the best. Can't wait to read more!

Content Warnings

jessie_h's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

4.0

Content Warnings

tamke's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

CW: emotional abuse and domestic violence in a previous relationship. PTSD including anxiety attacks involving a main character shown on page. Stalking, violence, torture, kidnap, murder/death all referenced.

Content Warnings

_isabel_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

5.0

I loved this book to ABSOLUTE BITS. I'm still in awe. Lark Taylor's debut is an emotional, action-packed, steamy, funny and romantic ride. It's literally my perfect kind of jam, 100%.
I took me a few days to finish this, because I literally could not bear the thought of not having the sequel ready for me to devour. And now? I'm an emotional mess after that perfect ending (and I'd also sell my soul to the Devil - sorry Cal, sorry boys - to have the second book in my grabby, greedy hands).

"Devil's Mark" has everything I love in a romance, and then more: heaps and heaps of hurt/comfort, found family vibes that were *chef's kiss*, steam that's so steamy I had to take a breather, a cast of characters that were all beautifully complex and endearing, plus a nice dose of humour that left me cackling with glee. PLUS, the writing was an absolute dream: effortlessly snarky, graceful and fluent.

I absolutely adored both MCs. Cal was, hands down, the most charming, endearingly eager, but still sexy as hell, protagonist I've encountered in quite a bit. He's so dreamy and so unachievable it's not even funny: how am I meant to meet a real, live human if authors keep creating such *gesticulates* perfect specimens?
Oscar was equally fantastic. He's been hurt and he's been scarred, but I admired him and his quiet strength and resilence so, so much. He's also funny and flirty and lovely and just, so endearing. He and Cal together were chemistry incarnate. I loved them to bits.

And the side characters? WHERE DO I START!! I'm 100% obsessed with Cal's brothers. Harlow is an absolute riot (and I cannot wait to witness him being vulnerable and scared in the next book); Mori is still mysterious as hell, but such a lovable grump; Dagon? Well, I've had Dagon for approximately two hours, and I'd already die for him. I cannot wait to read his story. Bailey too, was an absolute dream come true and I'm so damn excited for what's to come, especially after that intriguing ending.
Now, how do I time jump to November? Somebody help me.

Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.

Content Warnings

More...