Book Review for Devil in the Details by Cheri Lynn Feener

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form. 

Devil in the Details, by Cheri Lynn Feener, is a dark romance about about learning, understanding, and falling in love with the most corrupt parts of yourself. Gael Thiago is still reeling over the betrayal his partner, Shade, had dealt him. He can’t wrap his mind around the idea that a detective, someone he worked with and grew to trust and depend on, had given everything up to be with a serial killer. As such, he decides to go to Alter, a World Ship that prides itself on sexual gratification and privacy (keyword). When he, as well as other guests, become trapped with a psychotic serial killer on board, Gael is forced to reconcile his beliefs with the justice that so many others have tried to ingrain in him. 

I liked the friendship Gael and Shade shared. Even though it’s been a year, he’s relying on Shade for guidance, detective work, or otherwise. And personally, I understand his confusion and frustration. To an outsider, the relationship Shade and Apollo have can be considered abuse. Then again, it’s one of the reasons why BDSM practitioners sell the sign “safe, sane, and CONSENSUAL”. It’s a dynamic that Kai is willing to offer to Gael; he wants Gael on his side, but he knows he’s got to ease him into things. And as much as Gael disapproves, he’s eager to learn. There is a bit of escapism there, but I’m okay with it. It’s hot, it’s steamy, and it satisfies every BookToker’s fantasies, including mine. 

That being said, I’m not sure how I feel about the relationship and the crimes committed. It’s one thing to punish people for making snuff films and videotaping others without their consent. It’s another to get someone so desperate for an orgasm that they’re willing to do whatever you say. I do enjoy dark romance. Don’t get me wrong; again, the scenes are sexy and filled with violent lust, but when it comes to consent, that’s where I am having a bit of an issue. Talking would definitely help, and I do have to agree with Kai; it would’ve been better to have Gael see everything, including the insanity. I’m glad that it worked out. Truly I am. But consent is sexy, and I’m not budging on that. 

Nonetheless, I did like the book, and I will be on the lookout for Feener’s next dark romance. So for now, I’ll give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.