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Santiago World #6
Devils & Dust
A NEW standalone mafia romance from bestselling author Catherine Wiltcher
★★★★★ "An emotional, suspenseful, and incredibly sexy story with unforgettable characters and a breathtaking plot..." - Just Let Me Read
RICK
I rose from nothing to own this city.
A smooth-talking bastard with an empire of sin.
I have the connections to crush my enemies.
I have the looks to take what I want.
I was so used to winning that I never saw her sleight of hand.
Now I’m dancing with the devil, and she’s holding all the aces.
NINA
I jumped from my father’s penthouse to drown in this city.
Just another damaged princess hiding in plain sight.
They offered me freedom in exchange for his downfall.
Get close.
Uncover his secrets.
Destroy his empire from the inside out.
It seemed so easy…and when you’re as broken as I am, there’s nothing left to lose.
Except for my heart.
★★★★★ "An emotional, suspenseful, and incredibly sexy story with unforgettable characters and a breathtaking plot..." - Just Let Me Read
RICK
I rose from nothing to own this city.
A smooth-talking bastard with an empire of sin.
I have the connections to crush my enemies.
I have the looks to take what I want.
I was so used to winning that I never saw her sleight of hand.
Now I’m dancing with the devil, and she’s holding all the aces.
NINA
I jumped from my father’s penthouse to drown in this city.
Just another damaged princess hiding in plain sight.
They offered me freedom in exchange for his downfall.
Get close.
Uncover his secrets.
Destroy his empire from the inside out.
It seemed so easy…and when you’re as broken as I am, there’s nothing left to lose.
Except for my heart.
262 pages, ebook
Published November 5, 2019
642 people are currently reading
1911 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Wiltcher
35 books2,757 followersSign up to her newsletter for giveaways and Santiago exclusives —> www.catherinewiltcher.com/newsletter
Catherine Wiltcher is a USA Today and Amazon Top 15 bestselling romance author. Her books include The Santiago Series and the Cristo Sinners World.
In 2017, Catherine wrote her first book while undergoing cancer treatment. These days, she writes flawed and dangerous characters who always fall hard for their women, whatever the cost.
She lives in the U.K. with her husband, their two young daughters, and their crazy spaniel, Bella.
Insta: @catherinewiltcher
TT: @catherinewiltcher
F/B Group: Dante's Devils
SANTIAGO READING ORDER
Santiago World:
The Santiago Trilogy Collection:
-Hearts of Darkness
-Hearts Divine
-Hearts on Fire
The Grayson Duet Collection:
-Shadow Man
-Reckless Woman
Devils & Dust
Lovers & Liars (coming soon)
Rush & Ruin, Parts 1 & 2
Cristo Sinners World:
Black Skies Riviera
A London Villain
The Viper (coming soon)
TBAT (coming soon)
The Castillo Empire:
(coming soon)
Corrupt Gods World/Next Generation:
Born Sinner
Bad Blood
Tainted Blood
City of Thieves
Rush & Ruin, Parts 1 & 2
Catherine Wiltcher is a USA Today and Amazon Top 15 bestselling romance author. Her books include The Santiago Series and the Cristo Sinners World.
In 2017, Catherine wrote her first book while undergoing cancer treatment. These days, she writes flawed and dangerous characters who always fall hard for their women, whatever the cost.
She lives in the U.K. with her husband, their two young daughters, and their crazy spaniel, Bella.
Insta: @catherinewiltcher
TT: @catherinewiltcher
F/B Group: Dante's Devils
SANTIAGO READING ORDER
Santiago World:
The Santiago Trilogy Collection:
-Hearts of Darkness
-Hearts Divine
-Hearts on Fire
The Grayson Duet Collection:
-Shadow Man
-Reckless Woman
Devils & Dust
Lovers & Liars (coming soon)
Rush & Ruin, Parts 1 & 2
Cristo Sinners World:
Black Skies Riviera
A London Villain
The Viper (coming soon)
TBAT (coming soon)
The Castillo Empire:
(coming soon)
Corrupt Gods World/Next Generation:
Born Sinner
Bad Blood
Tainted Blood
City of Thieves
Rush & Ruin, Parts 1 & 2
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
October 26, 2019
This book was SO SO good, and I am not just saying that because my name is in the dedication (of course I had to mention that 😂). This author is legit one of my favorites, and she is also one of my favorite human beings. 😍 So onto the deets...Rick captured my attention in the The Santiago Trilogy there was just something so unapologetically skeevy yet likable about him. And I think this author did a bang-up job of keeping those qualities alive, but also softening the edges and giving us a Rick with much more depth. As always, the writing was excellent. It was a well paced. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. It was a little tamer than I was expecting, but I think that worked in the story's context. There was no OW or OM drama, but there are a few OW moments and mentions worth noting. Nothing too big of a deal, and if you want details, feel free to message me. Of course, we again have a great cast of secondary characters and I am putting in my vote for Roman's story next! Nina was a very likable heroine, and it was all wrapped up in a sweet happy for now ending.
Not much left to say, really. Another fantastic read by this author. I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next! 👍👍
February 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (reread)
''Sad and fierce''
Safety warnings:
- H 33 / h 22
- No cheating (between MCs)
- No OW/OM drama
- Child s*xual assault/abuse
- R*pe/human trafficking
- Violence/torture/d*ath
- Loss of loved ones
- Su*cide
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Rick Sanders in the original Santiago Trilogy and the Grayson duet came off as a massive asshole and playboy and now that we get his book, those two things were still true but there were massive layers to it.
The book opens with a 17-year-old Rick meeting a 6-year-old Nina at a park, he has been beaten up and is bleeding badly. These two share a conversation that imprints on them both for years to come.
Another part to mention is Rick's fake ass marriage and that whole situation. Rick married his ''wife'' because she got pregnant and he believed the child was his, they both were never faithful in their marriage, and it was never real but kept only for pretense for their kid Sam. Three years later he finds out the child is not his and divorces her. Though he first steps away from Sam to keep his distance from the son he believed was his, he later in the end takes him as his own and we know Sam grows up with Rick has his only father figure...his book is ''Born Sinners'' part of the Corrupt Gods duet and next gen books.
We finally get the whole story of Nina Morozov. We met her during the Grayson Duet when Rick went against orders and brought her into the island where Dante lives. All we got were glimpses of a scared girl who is then revealed to being the daughter of the enemy and the man behind the human trafficking ring Dante and the group want to destroy.
The words ''Sad and fierce'' are going to be repeated a lot in this book and there is a big reason why and an even bigger reason as to where it comes from.
Rick meets Nina who is working as a waitress in his bar, and he immediately knows she does not belong in this place but allows it as he is intrigued by her. We find out Nina is being forced by her disgusting father to infiltrate Rick's place to get closer to him and get more info and coordinates to Dante's location in exchange for her older sister to be returned to her safely.
Nina describes her childhood somewhat normal until her mother’s dies at the age of 6. Right after that her father started sexually abusing her and her sister constantly and even going so far as selling them into the sex trafficking ring for years where they were forced to be with whoever her father wanted. They were abused and used and it's a massive hard pill to swallow realizing how much pain these two girls have.
Nina would do anything for her sister and risking her life is nothing new. However, the second she steps foot in Dante's island, tensions rise, and they know she is lying. Everyone constantly tells Rick she looks Russian despite her claims of being Romanian and our trusted FBI (corrupted) Agent makes the call letting them know she is Morozov's daughter.
Rick has gone through a major change in his demeanor and feels protective of Nina which leads him to ultimately choose her over Dante and risk years of friendship. They both leave the island and Rick starts losing everything he built back in New York; his empire is crumbling but he doesn't seem to care because his entire focus is Nina and getting her sister Tatiana safe.
We find out more and more about Rick's past and it's a big one. Rick is the reason Nina's mother died but not in the way you think. Flashback to the day in the park and Rick was first sent days before to kill Nina's mother and the two daughters after Sevastien (Petrov's evil brother) finds out about the families connections and when Rick arrives the mother knows immediately that it is to come to kill her but she instead makes the decision for him and jumps out the window but not before imparting wisdom and letting him know he would not be harming the girls because she sees his hesitation.
Nina finds out about their big past connection and of course this causes her to no longer believe a word he says.
Eventually we get big standoff with Morozov, and we find Tatiana on the verge of death after he brutalized her but that isn't the biggest shock to me, you feel her death coming after everything she was put through. The biggest shock comes when Morozov admits his wife was the mistress of Petrov aka Roman Peter's father aka the Pakhan who died whilst trying to destroy the sex trafficking ring. Both girls were his and that is why Morozov so easily did what he did to them.
Roman might of lost two of his sisters because of sex traffickers but he finally has one sister to take care of, one he had no idea existed and I am happy to see the silver lining for him.
Rick and Nina get their long-awaited HEA, she is pregnant in the epilogue, and we know in the next gen books about their kids.
-------------------------------------------------
Original review (Sept 1, 2021):
Can I just admire Catherine's writing and plot?
I loved this book and the way things unfolded.
I figured out one of the twists because I read Black Skies Riviera before reading the original trilogy and this book and I knew Nina was Roman's half-sister and she married Rick.
But everything else was great. Manda's death was sad, and I wish it was avoided but yeah, I can move on from it.
''Sad and fierce''
Safety warnings:
- H 33 / h 22
- No cheating (between MCs)
- No OW/OM drama
- Child s*xual assault/abuse
- R*pe/human trafficking
- Violence/torture/d*ath
- Loss of loved ones
- Su*cide
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Rick Sanders in the original Santiago Trilogy and the Grayson duet came off as a massive asshole and playboy and now that we get his book, those two things were still true but there were massive layers to it.
The book opens with a 17-year-old Rick meeting a 6-year-old Nina at a park, he has been beaten up and is bleeding badly. These two share a conversation that imprints on them both for years to come.
Another part to mention is Rick's fake ass marriage and that whole situation. Rick married his ''wife'' because she got pregnant and he believed the child was his, they both were never faithful in their marriage, and it was never real but kept only for pretense for their kid Sam. Three years later he finds out the child is not his and divorces her. Though he first steps away from Sam to keep his distance from the son he believed was his, he later in the end takes him as his own and we know Sam grows up with Rick has his only father figure...his book is ''Born Sinners'' part of the Corrupt Gods duet and next gen books.
We finally get the whole story of Nina Morozov. We met her during the Grayson Duet when Rick went against orders and brought her into the island where Dante lives. All we got were glimpses of a scared girl who is then revealed to being the daughter of the enemy and the man behind the human trafficking ring Dante and the group want to destroy.
The words ''Sad and fierce'' are going to be repeated a lot in this book and there is a big reason why and an even bigger reason as to where it comes from.
Rick meets Nina who is working as a waitress in his bar, and he immediately knows she does not belong in this place but allows it as he is intrigued by her. We find out Nina is being forced by her disgusting father to infiltrate Rick's place to get closer to him and get more info and coordinates to Dante's location in exchange for her older sister to be returned to her safely.
Nina describes her childhood somewhat normal until her mother’s dies at the age of 6. Right after that her father started sexually abusing her and her sister constantly and even going so far as selling them into the sex trafficking ring for years where they were forced to be with whoever her father wanted. They were abused and used and it's a massive hard pill to swallow realizing how much pain these two girls have.
Nina would do anything for her sister and risking her life is nothing new. However, the second she steps foot in Dante's island, tensions rise, and they know she is lying. Everyone constantly tells Rick she looks Russian despite her claims of being Romanian and our trusted FBI (corrupted) Agent makes the call letting them know she is Morozov's daughter.
Rick has gone through a major change in his demeanor and feels protective of Nina which leads him to ultimately choose her over Dante and risk years of friendship. They both leave the island and Rick starts losing everything he built back in New York; his empire is crumbling but he doesn't seem to care because his entire focus is Nina and getting her sister Tatiana safe.
We find out more and more about Rick's past and it's a big one. Rick is the reason Nina's mother died but not in the way you think. Flashback to the day in the park and Rick was first sent days before to kill Nina's mother and the two daughters after Sevastien (Petrov's evil brother) finds out about the families connections and when Rick arrives the mother knows immediately that it is to come to kill her but she instead makes the decision for him and jumps out the window but not before imparting wisdom and letting him know he would not be harming the girls because she sees his hesitation.
Nina finds out about their big past connection and of course this causes her to no longer believe a word he says.
Eventually we get big standoff with Morozov, and we find Tatiana on the verge of death after he brutalized her but that isn't the biggest shock to me, you feel her death coming after everything she was put through. The biggest shock comes when Morozov admits his wife was the mistress of Petrov aka Roman Peter's father aka the Pakhan who died whilst trying to destroy the sex trafficking ring. Both girls were his and that is why Morozov so easily did what he did to them.
Roman might of lost two of his sisters because of sex traffickers but he finally has one sister to take care of, one he had no idea existed and I am happy to see the silver lining for him.
Rick and Nina get their long-awaited HEA, she is pregnant in the epilogue, and we know in the next gen books about their kids.
-------------------------------------------------
Original review (Sept 1, 2021):
Can I just admire Catherine's writing and plot?
I loved this book and the way things unfolded.
I figured out one of the twists because I read Black Skies Riviera before reading the original trilogy and this book and I knew Nina was Roman's half-sister and she married Rick.
But everything else was great. Manda's death was sad, and I wish it was avoided but yeah, I can move on from it.
November 4, 2020
NOW LIVE
"Fuck, darlin', you taste even better than you lie..."
✫ Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2md1SdL
✫ Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2kbiJwD
✫ Amazon AUS: https://amzn.to/2nmUv45
✫ Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2o3D88y
"Fuck, darlin', you taste even better than you lie..."
✫ Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2md1SdL
✫ Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2kbiJwD
✫ Amazon AUS: https://amzn.to/2nmUv45
✫ Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2o3D88y
November 25, 2019
4 ❤️❤️🖤❤️ make it count 🌟s❣️
An intense and intriguing mafia romance read.
Rick and Nina’s introduction 16 years ago was beautiful although under bad circumstances.
Both characters had been through hell, broken underneath, yet they made an awesome couple.
This story was perfectly well written and developed, the characters had depth and radiated so many emotions, while they were surrounded by lies, secrets, deception and betrayal.
The author really made it count... ❤️👍
An intense and intriguing mafia romance read.
Rick and Nina’s introduction 16 years ago was beautiful although under bad circumstances.
Both characters had been through hell, broken underneath, yet they made an awesome couple.
This story was perfectly well written and developed, the characters had depth and radiated so many emotions, while they were surrounded by lies, secrets, deception and betrayal.
The author really made it count... ❤️👍
November 3, 2019
5 Sad and fierce Stars
Beaten. Shot at. Still smiling. Like me. . .
Rick Sanders. A man of few words. Death and violence runs through his veins, yet don't let that grin fool you. He is always one step ahead of the game. Until Nina stumbles into his life, two sides of the same coin they both share a dark past they would rather forget. Thus forming a bond that is unbreakable. These two have suffered by the hands of many, yet together they will reign fire and blood.
Nina & Rick
“I’m not ready for this…for him. The most dangerous criminal in New York City. The man I’m planning to destroy from the inside out.”
Catherine Wiltcher has once again reeled my heart in like a clenched fist. One that will never let go. Devils & Dust was action packed, and I was on the edge of my seat bitting my nails anticipating what was to come next. Rick was such an unlikely antihero that I fell over heels for. This book was intoxicating, Nina and Ricks chemistry was undeniable, and a love like that truly never dies. A definite one click by my favorite author.
“My heart is the moon, and he is the tide.”
Devils & Dust is the definition of PERFECTION. Utterly addictive, addicting, and unputdownable. My spine is still tingling after reading the last page. Nina and Rick both carry secrets. One's that could destroy everything they built. Yet can their relationship stay strong against the deception? Or will it crumble to dust?
“No need to fear life or death, sweetheart. I got you now.”
Dark romance lovers, pick this book up and get ready to fall hard with this raw and poetic love story that will stay with you.
October 25, 2019
Devils and Dust is an emotional, suspenseful, and incredibly sexy story with unforgettable characters and a breathtaking plot. Through incredible storytelling, Catherine Wiltcher gives her readers an intricately woven story that will thrill and captivate until the very end.
”I’m not ready for this…for him. The most dangerous criminal in New York City. The man I’m planning to destroy from the inside out.”
There was so much depth to the writing and the characters. Both Rick and Nina had painful upbringings that molded them into the people they currently are. The thread that ties them together slowly unravels throughout the storyline in a brilliant way that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Their connection was so full of passion and suppressed emotions. These were two people brought together by pain, sacrifice and betrayal. The tension between them was delicious and surrounded them constantly. Both of them were hiding so much from the world, yet they saw each other in ways that no one else did.
“No need to fear life or death, sweetheart. I got you now.”
The plot of this story was so smooth and engaging, and the twists and revelations were fantastic. There was some serious angst and drama, there was humor and great dialogue, and through it all, a beautiful love story that blossomed in the most unlikely of places. This is one of those stories where you keep waiting for the inevitable chaos to ensue, and when it did, it was flawless in it’s execution. This author is incredibly talented in this genre. I am absolutely giddy with excitement knowing Joseph and Roman’s stories should be coming soon!
”I’m not ready for this…for him. The most dangerous criminal in New York City. The man I’m planning to destroy from the inside out.”
There was so much depth to the writing and the characters. Both Rick and Nina had painful upbringings that molded them into the people they currently are. The thread that ties them together slowly unravels throughout the storyline in a brilliant way that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Their connection was so full of passion and suppressed emotions. These were two people brought together by pain, sacrifice and betrayal. The tension between them was delicious and surrounded them constantly. Both of them were hiding so much from the world, yet they saw each other in ways that no one else did.
“No need to fear life or death, sweetheart. I got you now.”
The plot of this story was so smooth and engaging, and the twists and revelations were fantastic. There was some serious angst and drama, there was humor and great dialogue, and through it all, a beautiful love story that blossomed in the most unlikely of places. This is one of those stories where you keep waiting for the inevitable chaos to ensue, and when it did, it was flawless in it’s execution. This author is incredibly talented in this genre. I am absolutely giddy with excitement knowing Joseph and Roman’s stories should be coming soon!
November 5, 2019
Gutted…
But only in the best of reading ways… Rick and Nina’s journey was beyond dark. Black with shades of black? No, I think there is a special shade of black just for this story. How to describe their lives and everything that led them to each other is beyond any words I can think of. The author, however, had all the delicious words and more…
Set in this author’s Santiago world, this standalone gives more of the grit and heart I’ve come to expect. The twists and turns are endless and fueled by anger and fire, fear and sorrow and a yearning for more. Rick and Nina deserved love and they fought for it. Hard. They put everything else aside as they battled each other, their enemies and even their friends. This stomach in your throat, tightrope-walk kind of read was addictive, having me turn those pages even through my fear... A lot of uncertainty, a wheelbarrow of hope and a few tears later.... Was it worth it? OMG, it was so, so worth it!
This is one of the best stories I’ve read this year. This review may say five stars but there are a whole lot more you just can't see...
*5 Sad and Fierce Stars*
October 29, 2019
I have been a huge fan of Catherine Wiltcher and her Santiago trilogy and could not get my hands on Rick's book fast enough. He was always an intriguing character and I for one was ready for his story. For that reason I read Devils & Dust so fast and inhaled every word! Rick's chemistry with Nina was sexy, delicious and their connection was fantastic. I loved every word and never wanted it to end!
AHHH!! I loved this story! It was chock full of secrets and lies but the one thing that could not be denied was the draw between Rick and Nina. The author did a phenomenal job showing the parallel upbringing between both characters and how that connected them. I enjoyed the angst in the story and am so here for Ms. Wiltcher's stories! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
AHHH!! I loved this story! It was chock full of secrets and lies but the one thing that could not be denied was the draw between Rick and Nina. The author did a phenomenal job showing the parallel upbringing between both characters and how that connected them. I enjoyed the angst in the story and am so here for Ms. Wiltcher's stories! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
Read
December 5, 2022-5 stars
Dnf @70%
Do you really want to believe that Rick (H)—a ruthless killer—would spare Nina’’s (h) life after he found out she betrayed him just because he discovered that she was the same 6 yo girl who whispered sad and fierce to his 17 yo self and unintentionally changed and saved his life? I. Call. Bullshit!He could have easily made this a 5 star read by ignoring her confessions and proceeding to rape her with his gun before discarding her cheating ass on the streets. And then taking her back, ofc. 🫦👺
Dnf @70%
“I let my thighs fall open as tears of humiliation sting my cheeks. “Please…please let me explain.”
“I think you’ve told enough lies, don’t you?” He flashes me a smile that drives icicles into my soul, and then I’m flinching as he trails the Glock sideways between my breasts, before moving downward. “Wider,” he orders.
Biting my lip, I do as he says, gripping the bed sheet as I feel cold, hard steel slip between my legs. I tense and anticipate a searing pain, but he stops with the muzzle of his gun pressed up against my entrance, his clenched fingers like steely knives against the inside of my thigh.”
Do you really want to believe that Rick (H)—a ruthless killer—would spare Nina’’s (h) life after he found out she betrayed him just because he discovered that she was the same 6 yo girl who whispered sad and fierce to his 17 yo self and unintentionally changed and saved his life? I. Call. Bullshit!
January 21, 2021
Sono rimasta sorpresa perchè mi aspettavo una novella, e invece il libro è molto più lungo. Catherine mi ha confessato che semplicemente questi due avevano molto da dire e da fare, ed è proprio vero.
Una storia davvero bella quella di Rick e Nina, che per lei inizia come un semplice lavoro, un lavoro ordinato dal suo padre malato e psicopatico, mentre Rick rimane incantato dalla sua nuova barista.
Ci sono tantissimi segreti che quando verranno a galla vi lasceranno basiti, il tutto è condito dalla solita scrittura fluida, scorrevole e super hot di Catherine che rende tutto perfetto.
Non ho messo cinque stelle perchè ho trovato l'instalove un po' strano, nel senso che lei si innamora quasi subito senza che lui abbia avuto tempo di fare niente, mentre lui sembra che lo dica alla fine proprio perchè deve. Ma comunque si vede sin dall'inizio che questi due si piacciono e davvero tanto.
E si rivede Dante con la sua Eve gente, e i suoi marmocchi. Una scena da uccidermi dal ridere, senza spoiler, Dante ordina a Tizio di uccidere Caio in CASA SUA con I BAMBINI IN CASA. Lo amo, è sanguinario.
Up next, Grayson o Roman? Can't wait!
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
Una storia davvero bella quella di Rick e Nina, che per lei inizia come un semplice lavoro, un lavoro ordinato dal suo padre malato e psicopatico, mentre Rick rimane incantato dalla sua nuova barista.
Ci sono tantissimi segreti che quando verranno a galla vi lasceranno basiti, il tutto è condito dalla solita scrittura fluida, scorrevole e super hot di Catherine che rende tutto perfetto.
Non ho messo cinque stelle perchè ho trovato l'instalove un po' strano, nel senso che lei si innamora quasi subito senza che lui abbia avuto tempo di fare niente, mentre lui sembra che lo dica alla fine proprio perchè deve. Ma comunque si vede sin dall'inizio che questi due si piacciono e davvero tanto.
E si rivede Dante con la sua Eve gente, e i suoi marmocchi. Una scena da uccidermi dal ridere, senza spoiler, Dante ordina a Tizio di uccidere Caio in CASA SUA con I BAMBINI IN CASA. Lo amo, è sanguinario.
Up next, Grayson o Roman? Can't wait!
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
August 9, 2020
Wow! To say I loved this book is an understatement. This is my first by Catherine Wiltcher. Although, Date Santiago is a character in this book, it's not necessary to read The Santiago Trilogy books first.
This is the true definition of a JOURNEY! Immediately we realize that 16 years ago the H and H met in a brief, yet life changing moment in a park in New York. God this is such a beautiful story. Everything came together in the end in such a well thought out way.
Without giving too much away, I was incredibly happy to read this at a time when dark romance books seemed to follow the same format of a hero torturing the heroine. This is not that book but Rick’s character is still sexy and alpha AF.
This was so good that I could not stop reading it. It felt like it was longer than 300 pages but in the best way.
This is the true definition of a JOURNEY! Immediately we realize that 16 years ago the H and H met in a brief, yet life changing moment in a park in New York. God this is such a beautiful story. Everything came together in the end in such a well thought out way.
Without giving too much away, I was incredibly happy to read this at a time when dark romance books seemed to follow the same format of a hero torturing the heroine. This is not that book but Rick’s character is still sexy and alpha AF.
This was so good that I could not stop reading it. It felt like it was longer than 300 pages but in the best way.
October 30, 2019
4 SAD AND FIERCE STARS!!
If you haven’t read the Santiago trilogy don’t worry, this book can be read as a stand-alone but that trilogy is too good to miss out! I read about Rick in the Santiago trilogy and was instantly intrigued by him and couldn’t wait to put my hands on his book. This beautiful story full of lies and secrets is so smoothly written that you can connect every dot.
In the prologue you will read about the Nina and Rick’s upbringing. Both the characters, Rick and Nina connected through their “sad and fierce” upbringing. You will love to see how they build up their relationship, full of trust, in a plot full of lies and secrets. READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS!!
*i received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
If you haven’t read the Santiago trilogy don’t worry, this book can be read as a stand-alone but that trilogy is too good to miss out! I read about Rick in the Santiago trilogy and was instantly intrigued by him and couldn’t wait to put my hands on his book. This beautiful story full of lies and secrets is so smoothly written that you can connect every dot.
In the prologue you will read about the Nina and Rick’s upbringing. Both the characters, Rick and Nina connected through their “sad and fierce” upbringing. You will love to see how they build up their relationship, full of trust, in a plot full of lies and secrets. READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS!!
*i received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2020
I like the way that Rick and Nina had a intertwined early life connections but I'm over the trafficking backgrounds and terrible russian fathers. It seems like there is too much formula for that in her books.
If Eve was too much of sexual pushover for Dante in the trilogy before this book, in this one, I just didn't find the sexual attraction between Rick and Nina convincing. Frankly, with Nina's background, there was a lot of disbelief on my part for her unproblematic sexual mental health anyway so I was already a bit skeptical about her easy reaction to her attraction. But even so, I still didn't find their physical attraction very powerful, but I did feel like this one had more romance and more connection to each other than I was expecting.
If Eve was too much of sexual pushover for Dante in the trilogy before this book, in this one, I just didn't find the sexual attraction between Rick and Nina convincing. Frankly, with Nina's background, there was a lot of disbelief on my part for her unproblematic sexual mental health anyway so I was already a bit skeptical about her easy reaction to her attraction. But even so, I still didn't find their physical attraction very powerful, but I did feel like this one had more romance and more connection to each other than I was expecting.
March 11, 2020
Review Coming
January 8, 2020
This book was fuxking AMAZING!! Devils & Dust is a spin off from the fantastic Santiago Trilogy.
Rick Sanders.....WOW! I'm ashamed to admit I kinda overlooked him during the other books, I think my attention was focused to much on Joseph. But after reading this book I'm a convert and I'm now naming him Slick Rick...he's shrewd, streetwise, suave and sinfully sexy, I bloody love him.
Rick has always been a smooth talking Casanova with a witty retort for every situation. A string of women at his beck and call but nothing really holds his interest. Then a broken little bird catches his attention and the need to fix her becomes his obsession.
Nina is a survivor she will do whatever it takes for those she loves she may be broken on the inside but she's incredibly resilient. I really liked Nina a lot.
I absolutely loved this story the dark and dangerous world this Author has created is terrifying but spine chillingly realistic. That's why I'm drawn to her writing style, It lures you in, keeps your imagination and curiously piqued and your adrenalin pumping throughout. The perfect balance.
Rick and Nina captivated me with their story, I loved the witty humour and sizzling chemistry but their histories are what captured my heart the most. ♥
I can't wait for what's next, this Author is now an instant 1Click for me. I'm really excited for Joseph to get his story, the anticipation is killing me. I really hope he's next.
Rick Sanders.....WOW! I'm ashamed to admit I kinda overlooked him during the other books, I think my attention was focused to much on Joseph. But after reading this book I'm a convert and I'm now naming him Slick Rick...he's shrewd, streetwise, suave and sinfully sexy, I bloody love him.
Rick has always been a smooth talking Casanova with a witty retort for every situation. A string of women at his beck and call but nothing really holds his interest. Then a broken little bird catches his attention and the need to fix her becomes his obsession.
Nina is a survivor she will do whatever it takes for those she loves she may be broken on the inside but she's incredibly resilient. I really liked Nina a lot.
I absolutely loved this story the dark and dangerous world this Author has created is terrifying but spine chillingly realistic. That's why I'm drawn to her writing style, It lures you in, keeps your imagination and curiously piqued and your adrenalin pumping throughout. The perfect balance.
Rick and Nina captivated me with their story, I loved the witty humour and sizzling chemistry but their histories are what captured my heart the most. ♥
I can't wait for what's next, this Author is now an instant 1Click for me. I'm really excited for Joseph to get his story, the anticipation is killing me. I really hope he's next.
October 27, 2019
I am a huge fan of Wilcher's Santiago series, and made several inappropriate squeals when I found out that she was writing Rick Sanders story. Rick is a street smart coke dealer who could charm the pants off of anyone. He has a joke for every occassion, as well as brutal retribution for anyone who crossed him. He has a unique friendship with Dante Santiago...mutually beneficial with a healthy dose of wariness. This story is about Nina, who is forced to infiltrate Rick's world. They collide with violence and similar pasts. Like a invisible forcefield, they can't seem to leave each other alone...even after brutality.
Nina just gets Rick immediately. She's drawn to who he really is. A broken man.
"That’s when I see the first chink in his armor. His jokes are a smokescreen for whatever is going on inside. The more he mocks, the greater he’s affected."
"I stare at the handsome criminal with the wicked dancing eyes and the smarts that conceal a thousand hurts. The ones I know are lurking just behind that crooked smile because it looks like a painting gone askew, and I want so desperately to straighten it before I go and break us."
But Rick also sees who Nina is. A broken woman.
"I’m not interested, unless they’re a slender green-eyed bird with a couple of broken wings for me to fix."
This story was so emotional. I felt like Wilcher was yanking it out of me violently...forcing me to feel what Nina and Rick felt. And the feeling was glorious. Rick says some things that just ripped my heart out.
“Keep listening , baby, ‘cos this is the really, really hard part…” The stuff I can't even admit to myself. I grit my teeth as the scar in my chest explodes with pain. “She was the first person to see the good in me, Nina. Even though I’ve done everything I can to prove her wrong since then. I’ve lied, I’ve cheated; I’ve heisted more hearts than a travelling circus, and all for the same &%$#-up rationale: I couldn't save her so I was going to make damn sure I’d be the type of man who would have pulled that trigger without hesitation. And then I met you ... And I can't hide what I am from you, sweetheart, anymore than I could from your mother, because you see me, too. You see me, Nina, the same way you look at a canvas and see magic. You see all the order in my chaos. Just give me a chance to see yours. "
Omg. I cried reading that dialogue. How can you not? Wilcher paints these two lovers as destined to be each other's hero. It's a magical connection...chemistry that can't be denied.
The book is full of mafia wars, bad men, huge twists and a beautiful dysfunctional bromance. It's edited flawlessly and written with love for Anti-hero Rick Sanders. Some might say he doesn't deserve his HEA. But in the Santiago world, characters don't need our version of moral to be King of their castle.
Nina just gets Rick immediately. She's drawn to who he really is. A broken man.
"That’s when I see the first chink in his armor. His jokes are a smokescreen for whatever is going on inside. The more he mocks, the greater he’s affected."
"I stare at the handsome criminal with the wicked dancing eyes and the smarts that conceal a thousand hurts. The ones I know are lurking just behind that crooked smile because it looks like a painting gone askew, and I want so desperately to straighten it before I go and break us."
But Rick also sees who Nina is. A broken woman.
"I’m not interested, unless they’re a slender green-eyed bird with a couple of broken wings for me to fix."
This story was so emotional. I felt like Wilcher was yanking it out of me violently...forcing me to feel what Nina and Rick felt. And the feeling was glorious. Rick says some things that just ripped my heart out.
“Keep listening , baby, ‘cos this is the really, really hard part…” The stuff I can't even admit to myself. I grit my teeth as the scar in my chest explodes with pain. “She was the first person to see the good in me, Nina. Even though I’ve done everything I can to prove her wrong since then. I’ve lied, I’ve cheated; I’ve heisted more hearts than a travelling circus, and all for the same &%$#-up rationale: I couldn't save her so I was going to make damn sure I’d be the type of man who would have pulled that trigger without hesitation. And then I met you ... And I can't hide what I am from you, sweetheart, anymore than I could from your mother, because you see me, too. You see me, Nina, the same way you look at a canvas and see magic. You see all the order in my chaos. Just give me a chance to see yours. "
Omg. I cried reading that dialogue. How can you not? Wilcher paints these two lovers as destined to be each other's hero. It's a magical connection...chemistry that can't be denied.
The book is full of mafia wars, bad men, huge twists and a beautiful dysfunctional bromance. It's edited flawlessly and written with love for Anti-hero Rick Sanders. Some might say he doesn't deserve his HEA. But in the Santiago world, characters don't need our version of moral to be King of their castle.
August 3, 2020
Another winner from this author. I thought that I’d hate Rick based on what I saw in the other books but boy was I wrong. Yes he was an arrogant jerk but strangely, he was a lovable one. Some authors can’t make asshole Heroes likable but this author sure pulled it off. I really enjoyed how the Hero was all about the heroine and didn’t waver. Yes there was a brief sex scene at the beginning that the heroine overheard but at that point the MCs hasn’t even formally met. The story itself was intersting and suspenseful and I loved it all. The ending was perfect for the couple. Can’t wait for more books by Catherine Wiltcher.
November 5, 2019
Wow! I DEVOURED this book! I’m still trying to catch my breath! Devils & Dust had me from the very start, and I just couldn’t put it down! I love Rick so much. Gah... so dreamy! And Nina is the perfect heroine, so sad and fierce. Their connection is so beautiful!
This is definitely one I recommend. It’s gritty and sexy. If you haven’t read The Santiago Trilogy, don’t worry. This book is a standalone! However, I do recommend reading them all because they are so good!!
This is definitely one I recommend. It’s gritty and sexy. If you haven’t read The Santiago Trilogy, don’t worry. This book is a standalone! However, I do recommend reading them all because they are so good!!
December 9, 2019
Another late night courtesy of Catherine Wiltcher's fantastic books. I was super excited to see that Rick got his own book and it did not disappoint! Now, for the most important question... when will we get Roman's book...?!
March 5, 2020
Rick MF'ing Sanders.
That is all.
Sorry, Dante. We had a good run.
It's not you, it's me.
And Rick.
Lots and lots of Rick.
😈
That is all.
Sorry, Dante. We had a good run.
It's not you, it's me.
And Rick.
Lots and lots of Rick.
😈
March 10, 2020
A fun, sexy read!
She did it again! Rick Sanders is every bit as arrogant (in the best way) and commanding as I knew he could be. The little half smile he gets... I can just see him. The adult equivalent of that one incredibly sexy guy we all knew in high school. The one who was bad. The one who broke the rules, smoked, and could have any girl he wanted. That's Rick, but as an adult. He is bad (or is he?). He is arrogant (yeah, that one is without question). He gets what he wants, when he wants it. Including women. But what happens when a woman well removed from his normal type crashes into his life and catches his eye? Well, I think we know what happens... (cue the sexy times music).
Just as she did with the Santiago trilogy before it, Wiltcher has again crafted a sexy alpha man who will have any woman (including me, admittedly) swooning (is that drool?) right from go. Naturally the relationship progressed a bit quicker in this one than in the trilogy because of it being a standalone, but it still had a natural arc of push and pull from both sides.
I loved all of the suspense and secrets. All of the reveals that came out in the end. And I really loved getting to "see" our beloved favorite characters from the Santiago trilogy (looking at you, Joseph!).
The steam she has created with this universe, burst forth from her imagination, will incinerate us all. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
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She did it again! Rick Sanders is every bit as arrogant (in the best way) and commanding as I knew he could be. The little half smile he gets... I can just see him. The adult equivalent of that one incredibly sexy guy we all knew in high school. The one who was bad. The one who broke the rules, smoked, and could have any girl he wanted. That's Rick, but as an adult. He is bad (or is he?). He is arrogant (yeah, that one is without question). He gets what he wants, when he wants it. Including women. But what happens when a woman well removed from his normal type crashes into his life and catches his eye? Well, I think we know what happens... (cue the sexy times music).
Just as she did with the Santiago trilogy before it, Wiltcher has again crafted a sexy alpha man who will have any woman (including me, admittedly) swooning (is that drool?) right from go. Naturally the relationship progressed a bit quicker in this one than in the trilogy because of it being a standalone, but it still had a natural arc of push and pull from both sides.
I loved all of the suspense and secrets. All of the reveals that came out in the end. And I really loved getting to "see" our beloved favorite characters from the Santiago trilogy (looking at you, Joseph!).
The steam she has created with this universe, burst forth from her imagination, will incinerate us all. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Find me at:
Blog
November 11, 2019
Gutted me in the best of ways!
It is my suggestion that y'all should experience the Santiago trilogy before delving into Devils&Dust and believe me, this is hardly a hardship. The series and this spinoff are astoundingly fabulous and just a fair warning ....upon opening page one you shall be addicted to our Catherine's magic.By no means the self entitled rookie,she weaves a web in her storyline and with her characters from which you joyously will never wish to escape.
Rick and Nina 's Love story is fated,written in the stars and oh so beautiful despite its dark origins and despite the horrific topography of the depraved childhoods that intersected and molded them.
I always worry that my reviews will not do justice or pay the deserved or required tribute to an author and with Catherine Wiltcher, this is especially true.She was able to transverse perhaps the most challenging experience an individual can encounter,convert it into an object of beauty and then share it with any and all willing to open their hearts and souls.
Her work is dark erotic romance and it's best,taken a step beyond the fray by its inspiration and it sings of triumph with its life affirming heat which is simply another escalation of the talent and fortitude exhibited by this savy ,gutsy wordsmith.
So many thanks Ms.Wiltcher. In me,you've gained a life long fan.XXOO
PS. Thanks for Italy!
It is my suggestion that y'all should experience the Santiago trilogy before delving into Devils&Dust and believe me, this is hardly a hardship. The series and this spinoff are astoundingly fabulous and just a fair warning ....upon opening page one you shall be addicted to our Catherine's magic.By no means the self entitled rookie,she weaves a web in her storyline and with her characters from which you joyously will never wish to escape.
Rick and Nina 's Love story is fated,written in the stars and oh so beautiful despite its dark origins and despite the horrific topography of the depraved childhoods that intersected and molded them.
I always worry that my reviews will not do justice or pay the deserved or required tribute to an author and with Catherine Wiltcher, this is especially true.She was able to transverse perhaps the most challenging experience an individual can encounter,convert it into an object of beauty and then share it with any and all willing to open their hearts and souls.
Her work is dark erotic romance and it's best,taken a step beyond the fray by its inspiration and it sings of triumph with its life affirming heat which is simply another escalation of the talent and fortitude exhibited by this savy ,gutsy wordsmith.
So many thanks Ms.Wiltcher. In me,you've gained a life long fan.XXOO
PS. Thanks for Italy!
November 14, 2019
The mystery deepens and comes into the light.
Rick is a smooth-talking well connected, handsome businessman that oversees his city. His alliances are only one misstep away, never assured or guaranteed.
Rick's world is imploding by a feisty woman he never saw coming that's rocking his world and may destroy his empire; that's taken years to build. The devil himself may end him even before he knows who's pulling all strings.
Nina is a broken princess, a pawn in her father's world. She's broken, battered, and abused her whole life. Given a chance, she will drag herself and her sisters out of the machine that keeps eating them both up. One job and they will find freedom from the abuse they both have suffered by their so-called father.
Nina must bring Rick down to save herself and her sister, but in the process, will she lose her heart to the devil, or will she be the pawn in the game she never wanted in the first place.
Nina and Rick will suffer in the game that others are playing, and in the process, their hearts may be battered and bruised forever.
Rick is a smooth-talking well connected, handsome businessman that oversees his city. His alliances are only one misstep away, never assured or guaranteed.
Rick's world is imploding by a feisty woman he never saw coming that's rocking his world and may destroy his empire; that's taken years to build. The devil himself may end him even before he knows who's pulling all strings.
Nina is a broken princess, a pawn in her father's world. She's broken, battered, and abused her whole life. Given a chance, she will drag herself and her sisters out of the machine that keeps eating them both up. One job and they will find freedom from the abuse they both have suffered by their so-called father.
Nina must bring Rick down to save herself and her sister, but in the process, will she lose her heart to the devil, or will she be the pawn in the game she never wanted in the first place.
Nina and Rick will suffer in the game that others are playing, and in the process, their hearts may be battered and bruised forever.
July 28, 2020
After the Santiago books my interest was peaked about Rick Sanders. Who is this elusive man and his backstory ? Again Catherine wrote a romance novel but again its real world problems that are going on behind the dark curtain of main stream society. It had the right amount of action , drama, and ROMANCE! It really is a story of two lost souls coming together in the dark and forming their own light. You will enjoy this book I promise! There are dark themes in this book but the world is full of dark themes , you should take a peek around the dark curtain of Catherines world you wont be disappointed.
November 4, 2019
Bravo! I was thoroughly entertained by this mafia romance! Friendships are tested as secret agendas are in play. Rick was a hot as hell self-made businessman who learned how to come out on top the hard way, yet he was still that vulnerable little boy who wanted to do right. Sad and fierce, so perfect! Nina was a damaged woman who took life's lessons and a mother's love and survived the hardships, and she was tough as nails under that frightened little girl's heart. I loved her character! This was a balls to the walls story from beginning to end!
July 29, 2023
Another winning story
I loved Rick and Nina ! The only complaint I have is that their story was too short . The Santiago Trilogy is my favorite and It being three books long is a bonus. We get some of Rick in those but when he’s with Nina he’s a different guy. I loved him . Catherine is my new favorite author and I can’t wait to read anything else that she writes!
I reread/listened this on audio and I have to say the male narrator was great. His voice is gravely and hot. When he says “be a good girl” I get chills. 😂 I definitely recommend this just for the male narrator!
I loved Rick and Nina ! The only complaint I have is that their story was too short . The Santiago Trilogy is my favorite and It being three books long is a bonus. We get some of Rick in those but when he’s with Nina he’s a different guy. I loved him . Catherine is my new favorite author and I can’t wait to read anything else that she writes!
I reread/listened this on audio and I have to say the male narrator was great. His voice is gravely and hot. When he says “be a good girl” I get chills. 😂 I definitely recommend this just for the male narrator!
October 28, 2019
I can’t say enough about this book ! It was so good and the plot twists I never saw coming. We met Rick in the Santiago Trilogy. He was a cocky alpha male who didn’t seem to care about anything or anyone until a beautiful broken bird shows up in his club .
Then nothing matters but her. I really enjoyed Rick finding the woman who challenges him and loves him no matter what.
Ms. Wiltcher continues to write engaging plots and complex characters who keep us engaged and a little bit in love.
Then nothing matters but her. I really enjoyed Rick finding the woman who challenges him and loves him no matter what.
Ms. Wiltcher continues to write engaging plots and complex characters who keep us engaged and a little bit in love.
November 5, 2019
Ahhh I love Rick. Well I’ve loved him from the first time I met him. In this book we learned who Rick is and what made him be who he is today. And Nina then mafia princess. I love her she’s had not had an easy life but she’s so strong, she’s Sad and Fierce..
Loved how we got to see the whole gang in the book. Can’t wait for Joseph book!!! 5 ⭐️ star review. If you’ve read the Santiago triology you know my man Rick 😏😍.
Loved how we got to see the whole gang in the book. Can’t wait for Joseph book!!! 5 ⭐️ star review. If you’ve read the Santiago triology you know my man Rick 😏😍.
December 15, 2019
This was an ok read. It was not as good as the other books in the series. It appeared a bit rushed, there was very little character development, sexy times were underwhelming which results in the story being bland.
January 31, 2020
Amazing!!
Omg I read this in a day! I could not put it down at all. When I finished Dante and eve I was desperate to read joesph, however when I started this book I was hooked and it did not disappointed me one bit. Loved the story, amazing twist again and loved the characters. At one point I did shout no but all was well in the end. I have never read this author before and the past 4 days her books have taken over my life. If I can't read I am thinking about it. I was sneaking little reads here and there. Absolutely loved being in these book worlds for 4 days. Highly recommended! You won't be disappointed! I can't wait for joesph story and more from the author.
Omg I read this in a day! I could not put it down at all. When I finished Dante and eve I was desperate to read joesph, however when I started this book I was hooked and it did not disappointed me one bit. Loved the story, amazing twist again and loved the characters. At one point I did shout no but all was well in the end. I have never read this author before and the past 4 days her books have taken over my life. If I can't read I am thinking about it. I was sneaking little reads here and there. Absolutely loved being in these book worlds for 4 days. Highly recommended! You won't be disappointed! I can't wait for joesph story and more from the author.
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