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Portland Devils #4
Devil in Disguise
The devil doesn’t come with pointy horns and a tail. He comes as everything you’ve ever wished for.
When discipline is your life, structure’s a good thing, and Owen Johnson’s got plenty of both. An All-Pro NFL center who’s also a cattle rancher? Yeah, that’s structure. His marriage didn’t work out, but then, he picked the wrong woman. A Wyoming ranch doesn’t look nearly as romantic up close. Not to a model, anyway. Next time, he’ll choose better.
Not, for example, a nineteen-year-old ball of fire like Dyma Cardello, who’s just starting on her own journey. To become an astronautical engineer. After about five years of schooling. Which she’s focused on like, well, a rocket.
Did he mention that he owns a cattle ranch, and she’s a vegetarian? That he’s on the road half the time, and the other half, he’s in Wyoming? That she’s in no way interested in becoming a Good NFL Girlfriend? That it’s getting harder and harder to keep telling her no? Oh—and that his teammate and closest friend is marrying her mother?
Wait until the press gets hold of that one.
When discipline is your life, structure’s a good thing, and Owen Johnson’s got plenty of both. An All-Pro NFL center who’s also a cattle rancher? Yeah, that’s structure. His marriage didn’t work out, but then, he picked the wrong woman. A Wyoming ranch doesn’t look nearly as romantic up close. Not to a model, anyway. Next time, he’ll choose better.
Not, for example, a nineteen-year-old ball of fire like Dyma Cardello, who’s just starting on her own journey. To become an astronautical engineer. After about five years of schooling. Which she’s focused on like, well, a rocket.
Did he mention that he owns a cattle ranch, and she’s a vegetarian? That he’s on the road half the time, and the other half, he’s in Wyoming? That she’s in no way interested in becoming a Good NFL Girlfriend? That it’s getting harder and harder to keep telling her no? Oh—and that his teammate and closest friend is marrying her mother?
Wait until the press gets hold of that one.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2021
156 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind James
55 books1,219 followersRosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 6, 2022
A fairly intense read, but somehow I didn't really connect wth the characters as much as I wanted to. Owen was a rich and successful NFL player who fell for Dyma when she still hadn't graduated from high school. They did choose to wait till she was a little older before getting too involved, but Dyma was still very young and didn't know herself very well. I found her new-adult experiences at college to be a little tedious actually. For me, this section dragged on for too long.
Dyma's background was a complicated one. I found her character to be a bit too abrasive, although she certainly had some admirable traits. I think part of my problem with the book was that I didn't really like Dyma as a character.
I took a long break from reading this book part way through before going back and eventually finishing it. I did some skimming in the later sections, I have to admit. I'm a fan of most of Ms James' books, but for me somehow this one just didn't draw me in and it's not a fav. I will consider rereading at some future time perhaps, and maybe I might connect with it a bit better. But for now, I can't give more than 3 stars.
Dyma's background was a complicated one. I found her character to be a bit too abrasive, although she certainly had some admirable traits. I think part of my problem with the book was that I didn't really like Dyma as a character.
I took a long break from reading this book part way through before going back and eventually finishing it. I did some skimming in the later sections, I have to admit. I'm a fan of most of Ms James' books, but for me somehow this one just didn't draw me in and it's not a fav. I will consider rereading at some future time perhaps, and maybe I might connect with it a bit better. But for now, I can't give more than 3 stars.
June 24, 2021
I wanted to like it
I thought it would be fun to read a story from this author with two younger leads. The girl is 19 and the guy is 25. Except the girl seems 15 and the guy seems 40. I think the author should stick to writing people in their late twenties on. I appreciated the political stance of the characters but even I got sick of feeling lectured every chapter. I found the girl exhausting in a bad way. I honestly thought she didn't grow enough by the end of the book, or at least it didn't seem like it. Maybe the book should have been paced differently. We see a lot of them from the day of her HS graduation through the first year of her college before it skips to the epilogue, but if we had seen more of the middle and end of college too maybe we would've seen that growth?
Also, SPOILER: the entire book, all the way through the epilogue they are basically in a long distance, part time living apart for school and work etc relationship. It was really unsatisfying as a reader to get to the end and they aren't even living together full time.
END SPOILER I waited a whole day and I am still annoyed by this book. I gave it 2 stars because it was well written but I would not recommend it even to fans of the series.
I thought it would be fun to read a story from this author with two younger leads. The girl is 19 and the guy is 25. Except the girl seems 15 and the guy seems 40. I think the author should stick to writing people in their late twenties on. I appreciated the political stance of the characters but even I got sick of feeling lectured every chapter. I found the girl exhausting in a bad way. I honestly thought she didn't grow enough by the end of the book, or at least it didn't seem like it. Maybe the book should have been paced differently. We see a lot of them from the day of her HS graduation through the first year of her college before it skips to the epilogue, but if we had seen more of the middle and end of college too maybe we would've seen that growth?
Also, SPOILER: the entire book, all the way through the epilogue they are basically in a long distance, part time living apart for school and work etc relationship. It was really unsatisfying as a reader to get to the end and they aren't even living together full time.
END SPOILER I waited a whole day and I am still annoyed by this book. I gave it 2 stars because it was well written but I would not recommend it even to fans of the series.
July 15, 2021
I was thrilled Owen and Dyma received their own book. This was as much as Dyma's coming of age story as it was their romance. The ending was drawn-out, but I really enjoyed the journey. I hope there is more from this world.
June 1, 2021
In Shame the Devil, we were introduced to two secondary characters Dyma and Owen. Dyma is the 19 year old daughter of Jennifer (heroine in Shame the Devil) and Owen is the best friend/teammate of Harlan (the hero). We saw glimpses of romance between these two in that story, but also saw restraint due to Dyma’s high school status and the six year age difference.
In Devil in Disguise, Ms James dives into the changes Dyma’s life has experienced and is experiencing not only due to Jennifer and Harlan’s relationship, but going off to college. The excellent writing pulled me into the story so that it felt as if I was walking beside Dyma as she struggled with classes, roommates, friends, and being away from Owen.
Owen was a character that I really enjoyed. He presented one image, but Ms James let us peek behind the curtain and see the issues he was dealing with as well. It was refreshing to see this person who supposedly had it all have real life insercurities, family strife, and more while also being that good guy friends could depend on.
This story has a strong relationship element, but it is really a coming of age story about learning to prioritize the important things in life and that sometimes those things may not be exactly what you planned.
In Devil in Disguise, Ms James dives into the changes Dyma’s life has experienced and is experiencing not only due to Jennifer and Harlan’s relationship, but going off to college. The excellent writing pulled me into the story so that it felt as if I was walking beside Dyma as she struggled with classes, roommates, friends, and being away from Owen.
Owen was a character that I really enjoyed. He presented one image, but Ms James let us peek behind the curtain and see the issues he was dealing with as well. It was refreshing to see this person who supposedly had it all have real life insercurities, family strife, and more while also being that good guy friends could depend on.
This story has a strong relationship element, but it is really a coming of age story about learning to prioritize the important things in life and that sometimes those things may not be exactly what you planned.
May 26, 2021
5 Star Review of Devil In Disguise (Portland Devils #4) by Rosalind James
Having read and enjoyed the previous books in the Portland Devils series I couldn’t wait to read Devil in Disguise.
Although I am not a great fan of books where the heroine is in her teens, knowing it was written by Rosalind James, I put aside my concerns and quickly became invested in Dyma Cardello and Owen Johnson’s story.
Not only is Owen an NFL centre but he is also a divorced cattle rancher; that combination intrigued me. On paper Owen and Dyma shouldn't work, she is focused on her studies of aeronautical and astronautical engineering and achieving her goals and yet they work. It was at times an emotional read and although I smiled a lot I was brought t tears as well. The banter is witty and yet there is also an underlying seriousness to the story.
Dyma is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in; she may be young but she is focused and determined. We first met these two in Shame The Devil and I was intrigued with what Ms. James had in store for this couple. Complicating their relationship is that Owen’s very wealthy best friend Harlan, is engaged to Dyma's pregnant mother.
I felt for Dyma as she struggled to deal with dorm mates who were not nice and courses that were a lot harder than she expected. This book has a fair bit of drama as Dyma struggles but through it all even when she pushes him away, Owen is her rock.
The growth that both characters went through was heart warming and I was cheering for them to get their happily ever after.
Having read and enjoyed the previous books in the Portland Devils series I couldn’t wait to read Devil in Disguise.
Although I am not a great fan of books where the heroine is in her teens, knowing it was written by Rosalind James, I put aside my concerns and quickly became invested in Dyma Cardello and Owen Johnson’s story.
Not only is Owen an NFL centre but he is also a divorced cattle rancher; that combination intrigued me. On paper Owen and Dyma shouldn't work, she is focused on her studies of aeronautical and astronautical engineering and achieving her goals and yet they work. It was at times an emotional read and although I smiled a lot I was brought t tears as well. The banter is witty and yet there is also an underlying seriousness to the story.
Dyma is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in; she may be young but she is focused and determined. We first met these two in Shame The Devil and I was intrigued with what Ms. James had in store for this couple. Complicating their relationship is that Owen’s very wealthy best friend Harlan, is engaged to Dyma's pregnant mother.
I felt for Dyma as she struggled to deal with dorm mates who were not nice and courses that were a lot harder than she expected. This book has a fair bit of drama as Dyma struggles but through it all even when she pushes him away, Owen is her rock.
The growth that both characters went through was heart warming and I was cheering for them to get their happily ever after.
June 9, 2021
Dyma and Owen. We knew how different they were after meeting them in Shame the Devil. Though they kind of “fit” each other, despite the differences in life experience. Owen is steady and unshakeable, it’s hard to throw him off balance. Dyma manages it, she is such a pistol that there isn’t really any predicting her.
Dyma has to gain some experience in the world and boy does she. The start of her college experience throws her for a loop, she learns that she won’t always be the smartest person in the room and her current way of doing things won’t always cut it, so she has to grow and mature. Owen learns that sometimes the person you need the most is not the person you have always believed them to be.
Owen and Dyma love each other fiercely and work to overcome their differences throughout the entire book. It really tugs are your heart strings and you get more invested. I love that we got to see more of Jennifer, Harlan, and Annabelle in this book, it really pulls you more into their little family.
I think my favorite party is just how steady Owen is. He really is there for everyone and he cares so much.
Rosalind has another hit with this one!
Dyma has to gain some experience in the world and boy does she. The start of her college experience throws her for a loop, she learns that she won’t always be the smartest person in the room and her current way of doing things won’t always cut it, so she has to grow and mature. Owen learns that sometimes the person you need the most is not the person you have always believed them to be.
Owen and Dyma love each other fiercely and work to overcome their differences throughout the entire book. It really tugs are your heart strings and you get more invested. I love that we got to see more of Jennifer, Harlan, and Annabelle in this book, it really pulls you more into their little family.
I think my favorite party is just how steady Owen is. He really is there for everyone and he cares so much.
Rosalind has another hit with this one!
January 10, 2024
loved the entire series
I loved the entire series and am getting ready to read another series from Rosalind James.
A lot of highs and lows for the characters, laugh out loud and tears while reading these books.
I loved the entire series and am getting ready to read another series from Rosalind James.
A lot of highs and lows for the characters, laugh out loud and tears while reading these books.
July 24, 2023
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ LOVED this! I just love RJ period ❤
June 7, 2021
I normally like everything that Rosalind James writes but not this one. This one just seemed like she wrote it to tie up some loose ends from her previous book. I am also not a fan of American football and this has influenced my opinion of this book.
I liked this book but have struggled with writing my review of it for some reason. I liked the characters but there are some issues with them. The storyline was good but not an over the top one. The characters are familiar since they were introduced in "Shame the Devil."
The character of Owen has lived quite a bit of life for someone so young. He is an old soul and just too perfect of a man. Something is off with this character. He is too honorable. Yes, there are too honorable men out there but even they have faults. Owen seems to have no faults. I like him but something about him that bothers me.
Dyma is a wonderful character and she claims to be wise beyond her years. But she is still a young woman who has always lived in a small town and having her first experiences with the much larger outside world. She makes several very common errors among young people experiencing the larger world. She is likable but the experiences gap between her and Owen is large. Huge actually.
This is a good read if you want something to escape into on a hot summer weekend. It is enjoyable. And it can be read without reading the other books in the series. But you do encounter characters from earlier books in this series. And it is nice to have an actual novel to read instead of the novellas that many authors are publishing right now as well.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. Although I do normally purchase Ms. James' novels as soon as they come out for pre-order.
I liked this book but have struggled with writing my review of it for some reason. I liked the characters but there are some issues with them. The storyline was good but not an over the top one. The characters are familiar since they were introduced in "Shame the Devil."
The character of Owen has lived quite a bit of life for someone so young. He is an old soul and just too perfect of a man. Something is off with this character. He is too honorable. Yes, there are too honorable men out there but even they have faults. Owen seems to have no faults. I like him but something about him that bothers me.
Dyma is a wonderful character and she claims to be wise beyond her years. But she is still a young woman who has always lived in a small town and having her first experiences with the much larger outside world. She makes several very common errors among young people experiencing the larger world. She is likable but the experiences gap between her and Owen is large. Huge actually.
This is a good read if you want something to escape into on a hot summer weekend. It is enjoyable. And it can be read without reading the other books in the series. But you do encounter characters from earlier books in this series. And it is nice to have an actual novel to read instead of the novellas that many authors are publishing right now as well.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. Although I do normally purchase Ms. James' novels as soon as they come out for pre-order.
September 8, 2025
Three and a half stars.
I guess this was always going to be a hard book to get across the line and I just felt there was one too many plot lines to sit comfortably. Dyma is nineteen years old, her mother, who got pregnant when she was just a teenager herself, is engaged to NFL quarterback Harlan Kristiansen and the two of them have gone from dirt poor, town pariahs to living in a fancy house in Portland. Harlan's best friend, NFL centre Owen Johnson is besotted with Dyma but the age difference between twenty-five and nineteen, particularly when he's a divorced football player and she's still in high school is a bit icky. So the two of them have been conducting a chaste romance for months.
Dyma is a diminutive, vegetarian, astrophysics-studying, pierced, and tattooed ball of fire and fury. She used to defend herself and her mother with her fists, now she just cuts people with her barbed words. But nothing can prepare her for the mean girls at college, or the disapproval of Owen's brother, or the prying journalists, and there's a lot in her family's background to make a juicy scoop, especially for someone who won't hesitate to twist the truth.
Owen is a cattle rancher as well as an NFL player. He's already been divorced after his model wife couldn't bear the idea of living in the middle of nowhere and while Dyma might be the opposite of his ex-wife he can't see an astrophysicist living on a ranch either, especially not a vegetarian one. He also knows the six year age gap between them encompasses a huge chunk of experiences, things he wants Dyma to have the chance to enjoy.
This just felt like a crossover book with one too many storylines and curiously I found it difficult to get the energy to finish the book, despite reading it in a single day - go figure!
I guess this was always going to be a hard book to get across the line and I just felt there was one too many plot lines to sit comfortably. Dyma is nineteen years old, her mother, who got pregnant when she was just a teenager herself, is engaged to NFL quarterback Harlan Kristiansen and the two of them have gone from dirt poor, town pariahs to living in a fancy house in Portland. Harlan's best friend, NFL centre Owen Johnson is besotted with Dyma but the age difference between twenty-five and nineteen, particularly when he's a divorced football player and she's still in high school is a bit icky. So the two of them have been conducting a chaste romance for months.
Dyma is a diminutive, vegetarian, astrophysics-studying, pierced, and tattooed ball of fire and fury. She used to defend herself and her mother with her fists, now she just cuts people with her barbed words. But nothing can prepare her for the mean girls at college, or the disapproval of Owen's brother, or the prying journalists, and there's a lot in her family's background to make a juicy scoop, especially for someone who won't hesitate to twist the truth.
Owen is a cattle rancher as well as an NFL player. He's already been divorced after his model wife couldn't bear the idea of living in the middle of nowhere and while Dyma might be the opposite of his ex-wife he can't see an astrophysicist living on a ranch either, especially not a vegetarian one. He also knows the six year age gap between them encompasses a huge chunk of experiences, things he wants Dyma to have the chance to enjoy.
This just felt like a crossover book with one too many storylines and curiously I found it difficult to get the energy to finish the book, despite reading it in a single day - go figure!
June 5, 2021
Owen Johnson has his life mapped out. He's an all-Pro NFL center and a cattle rancher. He knows about unglamorous jobs and being a supporting member of a team. Which is how he ending up playing wingman to his teammate, and spending time with a mother-daughter pair. Dyma Cardello is nineteen and she's got plans for her life. After high school graduation she's studying hard to be an astronautical engineer.
Why I started this book: Love a good James romance.
Why I finished it: Not my favorite, and I hated that she was in high school. Owen was one of my favorite romance leads... but it was still icky. And I don't think that 6 years is too big a gap.
Why I started this book: Love a good James romance.
Why I finished it: Not my favorite, and I hated that she was in high school. Owen was one of my favorite romance leads... but it was still icky. And I don't think that 6 years is too big a gap.
August 26, 2025
What a great book! I really doubted Rosalind could succeed with a good book and an HEA with a 25 year old NFL player and a 19 year old just graduating high school, but she did! It was a slippery slope there for quite a while, but love prevails, right? This book had steam, but frustrating steam for a good while. Mean girl roommates and an h that has trouble keeping her mouth shut when cornered, but she is very sharp with that tongue.
“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
June 5, 2021
Having enjoyed previous books in this series I couldn't wait for this one and pre ordered. I was totally disappointed!! Although I liked the characters. There was too much repetition. The Book seemed to be full of filler. and physioanalisis. Not my thing. Sorry!!
June 7, 2021
Meh. Not one of my favorites of hers.
August 25, 2021
Excellent writing, as usual. But…..dyma is 19. The story doesn’t work.
June 9, 2021
Football Romance Meets Geek Chic
Devil in Disguise is the 4th installment of the Portland Devils series, and I had a little bit of a hard time getting into it, mainly because the lead character, Dyma is so young in the story, and it took a long while to get the story moving along at a faster pace..However...it does get better. This is a beautifully written story, with scenic backdrops from a small ranch on the plains of North Dakota to metropolitan Portland, and the college town of Seattle. This sweet love story will capture your imagination and the characters will capture your heart. We met them in a previous book in the series, Shame the Devil, as the main female character Jennifer, is Dyma's mother in that book. This story is for Dyma and Owen.
Owen, a Portland Devils NFL center, and also owns a ranch in rural Wyoming - divorced and has been (platonically) dating his best friend's girlfriend's 19 year old daughter, Dyma. Dyma is worlds apart different from a farm-girl rancher type. She's loud, opinionated, a feminist vegetarian, science and math geek that looks more like a punk rock star, rather than a rocket scientist in training. She's edgy, she's confident, and yet vulnerable and ready to rumble. Owen is a gentle giant, a romantic young gentleman who has high standards, honor code and traditional values/work ethics. He really sounds too good to be true. He's almost too perfect, really.
They met under unusual circumstances out at Yosemite National Park, where the previous book kicked off. Dyma was too young (in high school) at the time and Owen was a gentleman (also not interested in going to jail or losing his NFL career). We pick up the story though, where Dyma is bit older and finished with high school and is still very much attracted to Owen, who is 6 years older than her. Neither one had any long term plans for a relationship, but somehow that is what might be forged out of a very deep case of like for one another. Owen is star struck by her dynamo energy and sparkly personality and is holding himself in check because she's just turning 19 now and just barely finished with high school. These two can't wait to become more than just friends, but in order to work, their relationship still must develop slowly, and they go through some adjustments along the way. There are some embarrassing and hilarious 'firsts' in here, but I won't spoil it for you. Be prepared to laugh, sit back, and remember what it was like to be young and in love.
I loved these characters, their maturity, their sense of humor and their energy between each other as they grew closer and realized they were falling in love. I love how Rosalind showed how they grew close to each other over time, and developed the relationship, as nothing long-lasting ever really happens overnight. Though technically a standalone, this book is best read after another one in the series, "Shame the Devil" as it will make more sense with the references to other characters previously mentioned.
Enjoyed this book very much! Now I will have to recover from book hangover!
Devil in Disguise is the 4th installment of the Portland Devils series, and I had a little bit of a hard time getting into it, mainly because the lead character, Dyma is so young in the story, and it took a long while to get the story moving along at a faster pace..However...it does get better. This is a beautifully written story, with scenic backdrops from a small ranch on the plains of North Dakota to metropolitan Portland, and the college town of Seattle. This sweet love story will capture your imagination and the characters will capture your heart. We met them in a previous book in the series, Shame the Devil, as the main female character Jennifer, is Dyma's mother in that book. This story is for Dyma and Owen.
Owen, a Portland Devils NFL center, and also owns a ranch in rural Wyoming - divorced and has been (platonically) dating his best friend's girlfriend's 19 year old daughter, Dyma. Dyma is worlds apart different from a farm-girl rancher type. She's loud, opinionated, a feminist vegetarian, science and math geek that looks more like a punk rock star, rather than a rocket scientist in training. She's edgy, she's confident, and yet vulnerable and ready to rumble. Owen is a gentle giant, a romantic young gentleman who has high standards, honor code and traditional values/work ethics. He really sounds too good to be true. He's almost too perfect, really.
They met under unusual circumstances out at Yosemite National Park, where the previous book kicked off. Dyma was too young (in high school) at the time and Owen was a gentleman (also not interested in going to jail or losing his NFL career). We pick up the story though, where Dyma is bit older and finished with high school and is still very much attracted to Owen, who is 6 years older than her. Neither one had any long term plans for a relationship, but somehow that is what might be forged out of a very deep case of like for one another. Owen is star struck by her dynamo energy and sparkly personality and is holding himself in check because she's just turning 19 now and just barely finished with high school. These two can't wait to become more than just friends, but in order to work, their relationship still must develop slowly, and they go through some adjustments along the way. There are some embarrassing and hilarious 'firsts' in here, but I won't spoil it for you. Be prepared to laugh, sit back, and remember what it was like to be young and in love.
I loved these characters, their maturity, their sense of humor and their energy between each other as they grew closer and realized they were falling in love. I love how Rosalind showed how they grew close to each other over time, and developed the relationship, as nothing long-lasting ever really happens overnight. Though technically a standalone, this book is best read after another one in the series, "Shame the Devil" as it will make more sense with the references to other characters previously mentioned.
Enjoyed this book very much! Now I will have to recover from book hangover!
May 12, 2021
This is such a good story! It is an extremely emotional story, joy, sadness, anger, lots of humour, and everything in between. It is quite deep in places, gives the reader a lot to think about. I know nothing at all about NFL football, but the description of the last few minutes of an important game is very, very exciting to read!
Dyma is nineteen years old, just graduated from high school and about to go to university to study aeronautical and astronautical engineering. She is tiny, beautiful, has several piercings, and is very honest, and very outspoken - if she thinks it she says it, which has consequences! Through school she has always stood up for the underdog, usually with words, but with her fists when necessary. Her boyfriend is Owen, a twenty-five year old rancher and NFL football player, who has been married and divorced. He is huge, six feet five, with a build to match. We saw the start of their relationship in the previous book, Shame the Devil. They adore each other, but theirs is a long-distance relationship because of Owen’s football career. She has her future mapped out, even down to how she will fund the loans she will need to pay for university, which will be considerable despite her being awarded a scholarship. She is going to get a part-time job she needs the money. She has no intention of asking Harlen, her mother’s rich fiancé, another NFL footballer and Owen’s best friend, to help pay the bills, he has a sister to put through college and besides, although he will soon be her stepfather, he has no real responsibility for her.
So she goes off to university accompanied by her mother. When she finds her dormitory her two room-mates are already in residence, and they are very mean rich girls, who she hears making unpleasant comments about Jennifer, her heavily pregnant mother. Dyma’s problems are beginning! She finds it much more difficult than she ever imagined, including the courses she has chosen to do, she falls behind and gets some poor marks, a real shock to her system. She makes a few friends, but the room-mates show how mean they can be!
There is a lot of drama in this story, a real page-turner. It all gets a bit too much for Dyma, and she makes decisions that make both her and Owen very miserable. She has to work out what she needs to do to get her life back in in order, and it proves easier than she thought. Mainly she comes to realise she is allowed to ask for help from the people who love her! The ending is really lovely. This story is a real winner!
Dyma is nineteen years old, just graduated from high school and about to go to university to study aeronautical and astronautical engineering. She is tiny, beautiful, has several piercings, and is very honest, and very outspoken - if she thinks it she says it, which has consequences! Through school she has always stood up for the underdog, usually with words, but with her fists when necessary. Her boyfriend is Owen, a twenty-five year old rancher and NFL football player, who has been married and divorced. He is huge, six feet five, with a build to match. We saw the start of their relationship in the previous book, Shame the Devil. They adore each other, but theirs is a long-distance relationship because of Owen’s football career. She has her future mapped out, even down to how she will fund the loans she will need to pay for university, which will be considerable despite her being awarded a scholarship. She is going to get a part-time job she needs the money. She has no intention of asking Harlen, her mother’s rich fiancé, another NFL footballer and Owen’s best friend, to help pay the bills, he has a sister to put through college and besides, although he will soon be her stepfather, he has no real responsibility for her.
So she goes off to university accompanied by her mother. When she finds her dormitory her two room-mates are already in residence, and they are very mean rich girls, who she hears making unpleasant comments about Jennifer, her heavily pregnant mother. Dyma’s problems are beginning! She finds it much more difficult than she ever imagined, including the courses she has chosen to do, she falls behind and gets some poor marks, a real shock to her system. She makes a few friends, but the room-mates show how mean they can be!
There is a lot of drama in this story, a real page-turner. It all gets a bit too much for Dyma, and she makes decisions that make both her and Owen very miserable. She has to work out what she needs to do to get her life back in in order, and it proves easier than she thought. Mainly she comes to realise she is allowed to ask for help from the people who love her! The ending is really lovely. This story is a real winner!
June 1, 2021
I have been an avid reader of Rosalind’s Escape to New Zealand series, but am relatively new to the Portland Devils series, only having previously read book 1. However, I was able to quickly pick up the threads of the plotline and was swept into the narrative in no time.
And what a fun story it is. But, as with all of Rosalind's books, it's not just fun. There's a lot of depth to both the characters and the narrative that always leave me wanting more.
The main characters are NFL player Owen and university student Dyma. What made this book particularly interesting is that the relationship was already established. Rather than being the story of how two people meet and get together, Devil in Disguise is the story of how a relationship grows, matures and solidifies from a “fun for now” thing into a “love of my life” thing.
I don’t normally read stories where the characters are very young, but Rosalind has a way of writing that allows me to become fully immersed in the characters and to be able to relate to them. Dyma is an absolute firecracker, at once confident and outspoken and yet with a real thread of vulnerability and self-doubt. She is, as Rosalind writes “passionate and impulsive, but not immature”. The journey she takes navigating university, leaving home and developing adult relationships is beautifully told. Owen is also fantastic. He is strong and stoic, but not emotionally depauperate. He appears as if he has his life sorted, but again he has a core of vulnerability and a great deal of depth to his character.
It’s not a fast read, it’s like a good cheese or wine, taking time to mature. But, like a good cheese or wine, it’s a great book to linger over and enjoy. There may be tears, there will almost certainly be some giggles and there will likely be some happy sighs.
The book is written in 3rd person, dual POV. Rosalind is an excellent writer. Her dialogue is naturalistic, and her prose is mature and flowing. She captures emotion beautifully and her steamy scenes are some of the best I’ve read. I’ve loved every one of her books that I’ve ready and Devil in Disguise is no exception. Highly recommended.
And what a fun story it is. But, as with all of Rosalind's books, it's not just fun. There's a lot of depth to both the characters and the narrative that always leave me wanting more.
The main characters are NFL player Owen and university student Dyma. What made this book particularly interesting is that the relationship was already established. Rather than being the story of how two people meet and get together, Devil in Disguise is the story of how a relationship grows, matures and solidifies from a “fun for now” thing into a “love of my life” thing.
I don’t normally read stories where the characters are very young, but Rosalind has a way of writing that allows me to become fully immersed in the characters and to be able to relate to them. Dyma is an absolute firecracker, at once confident and outspoken and yet with a real thread of vulnerability and self-doubt. She is, as Rosalind writes “passionate and impulsive, but not immature”. The journey she takes navigating university, leaving home and developing adult relationships is beautifully told. Owen is also fantastic. He is strong and stoic, but not emotionally depauperate. He appears as if he has his life sorted, but again he has a core of vulnerability and a great deal of depth to his character.
It’s not a fast read, it’s like a good cheese or wine, taking time to mature. But, like a good cheese or wine, it’s a great book to linger over and enjoy. There may be tears, there will almost certainly be some giggles and there will likely be some happy sighs.
The book is written in 3rd person, dual POV. Rosalind is an excellent writer. Her dialogue is naturalistic, and her prose is mature and flowing. She captures emotion beautifully and her steamy scenes are some of the best I’ve read. I’ve loved every one of her books that I’ve ready and Devil in Disguise is no exception. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2021
6 years did not seem like a major gap in terms of age. I am not a big age gap fan as a preferred trope. When reading about Owen and Dyma, the only time the age gap seemed to interfere with the story was with all the mentions of her being in high school. That may have just been my reaction to it.
I didn't feel like there was much of anything in Dyma's behavior where she felt like a high school student to me. Dyma's approach to life, her attitude, her conversations, etc. seemed anything other than teenaged.
Owen and Dyma's connection was deeper and more intense than expected from someone just out of high school. That aspect of their life and relationship was very easy to forget.
The story of their romance was full of love, sincerity, honesty, and respect. I loved the way all of the main characters interacted. I was especially happy with the way Dyma handled the people she encountered at university.
I think Owen was the most patient supportive man alive, Lol. He stood by Dyma, had her back, provided a soft place to land, in every way possible. Even when he didn't agree with her decision, he never attempted to coerce her into his way of thinking.
A romance that takes you on a journey as their relationship develops. Full of emotions that include love, loss, joy, pain, happiness, sadness, fear, and a great deal of humor, just to name a few. There is also that level of sensuality and steadiness that Rosalind James manages to weave into each one of her books.
This was not a short read, but it was an often intense journey.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I didn't feel like there was much of anything in Dyma's behavior where she felt like a high school student to me. Dyma's approach to life, her attitude, her conversations, etc. seemed anything other than teenaged.
Owen and Dyma's connection was deeper and more intense than expected from someone just out of high school. That aspect of their life and relationship was very easy to forget.
The story of their romance was full of love, sincerity, honesty, and respect. I loved the way all of the main characters interacted. I was especially happy with the way Dyma handled the people she encountered at university.
I think Owen was the most patient supportive man alive, Lol. He stood by Dyma, had her back, provided a soft place to land, in every way possible. Even when he didn't agree with her decision, he never attempted to coerce her into his way of thinking.
A romance that takes you on a journey as their relationship develops. Full of emotions that include love, loss, joy, pain, happiness, sadness, fear, and a great deal of humor, just to name a few. There is also that level of sensuality and steadiness that Rosalind James manages to weave into each one of her books.
This was not a short read, but it was an often intense journey.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 5, 2021
Devil in Disguise is the fourth book in Rosalind James Portland Devils Series. I think it could be read on it's own, but is much better enjoyed if you've read the rest of the series or at the very least the previous book: Shame the Devil, as the characters are very closely connected between these two books.
The Portland Devils are a fictional NFL team from Portland Oregon. The Hero of this story is Owen Johnson a twenty-five-year-old all pro NFL center who also owns a cattle ranch in Wyoming. Our heroine is nineteen-year-old Dyma Cardello who has just graduated high school and is headed off to college to study to be an aeronautical engineer. Could any two H/h's be farther apart than these two?
I will admit I had doubts about this pair before even starting their story and not just based on the age difference. After all, I met my husband when I was eighteen, and less than a year out of high school, while he was twenty-four and and had just returned from a four year Navy stint mostly in Viet Nam and we'll be happily married for 48 years this fall. But based on the previous book, in my mind, their differences seemed to outweigh their chances: she's a vegetarian-he owns a cattle ranch, she's a nerd-he's a jock, she's outspoken and at times seems to have a chip on her shoulder-he's easy going and on an even keel.
But I guess there's a reason they sometimes say that opposites attract. And I also should have realized that by the end of the book, after Rosalind has woven her storytelling magic, that as usual I would be sucked into the story and cheering for a happy ending for all.
The Portland Devils are a fictional NFL team from Portland Oregon. The Hero of this story is Owen Johnson a twenty-five-year-old all pro NFL center who also owns a cattle ranch in Wyoming. Our heroine is nineteen-year-old Dyma Cardello who has just graduated high school and is headed off to college to study to be an aeronautical engineer. Could any two H/h's be farther apart than these two?
I will admit I had doubts about this pair before even starting their story and not just based on the age difference. After all, I met my husband when I was eighteen, and less than a year out of high school, while he was twenty-four and and had just returned from a four year Navy stint mostly in Viet Nam and we'll be happily married for 48 years this fall. But based on the previous book, in my mind, their differences seemed to outweigh their chances: she's a vegetarian-he owns a cattle ranch, she's a nerd-he's a jock, she's outspoken and at times seems to have a chip on her shoulder-he's easy going and on an even keel.
But I guess there's a reason they sometimes say that opposites attract. And I also should have realized that by the end of the book, after Rosalind has woven her storytelling magic, that as usual I would be sucked into the story and cheering for a happy ending for all.
July 20, 2021
I read book one of this series, and then skipped to this. In general I find this story came together faster than book 1. I had a hard time with Silver-Tongued Devil. I very quickly pieced together what was happening between Dyma and Owen and it's nice that the story was totally focused on them from start to finish.
Dyma being only 19 and the smartest intellectual in her class, thinks college is going to be a breeze. When real life hits, she has multiple panic moments and Owen, while away for football or at his ranch, is always there for her. I know it was her character, but I didn't appreciate how Dyma was always running her mouth. None of the people that were harassing her were good, but she also aggravated the situations by being the aggressor. That also makes her come off as a smarty pants, know-it-all and that's what I hated most. She has no filter and that's fine until she becomes so aggressive about it that it's annoying to read about.
I know the age difference is meant to be shocking or taboo, and if you think about when they're both in their 30's, would it really matter? No. And most people would say they've changed since they were 19 themselves. Some people know they aren't going to change, and that is the biggest hurdle when talking about the difference in age. In this case, Owen grounds Dyma and she can be a little more free. She brings some chaos to his life and gets him out and about.
Owen is amazing and the ultimate fantasy boyfriend with his understanding and kindness. And his emotional shutdowns make it easy to figure out what's wrong, and Dyma understanding that gets her out of her own mostly selfish head.
Dyma being only 19 and the smartest intellectual in her class, thinks college is going to be a breeze. When real life hits, she has multiple panic moments and Owen, while away for football or at his ranch, is always there for her. I know it was her character, but I didn't appreciate how Dyma was always running her mouth. None of the people that were harassing her were good, but she also aggravated the situations by being the aggressor. That also makes her come off as a smarty pants, know-it-all and that's what I hated most. She has no filter and that's fine until she becomes so aggressive about it that it's annoying to read about.
I know the age difference is meant to be shocking or taboo, and if you think about when they're both in their 30's, would it really matter? No. And most people would say they've changed since they were 19 themselves. Some people know they aren't going to change, and that is the biggest hurdle when talking about the difference in age. In this case, Owen grounds Dyma and she can be a little more free. She brings some chaos to his life and gets him out and about.
Owen is amazing and the ultimate fantasy boyfriend with his understanding and kindness. And his emotional shutdowns make it easy to figure out what's wrong, and Dyma understanding that gets her out of her own mostly selfish head.
June 1, 2021
When I love an author (and I do love this author!), I am thrilled when their characters appear in multiple books. Particularly when a secondary character, who makes an impression on you in an earlier book, gets their own story.
In “Devil in Disguise,” Rosalind James tells the story of the daughter and teammate of the main characters from her previous book, “Shame the Devil.” In “Devil in Disguise,” (#4 of the Portland Devil series), James takes you along Dyma’s journey as she navigates the challenges of her life, which are filled with obstacles that are both self-imposed as well as caused by others.
I adore Dyma. She is a young woman who is feisty, strong and spirited, and has no compunction about saying what is on her mind (for better or for worse!) She is extremely intelligent and ambitious and focused on graduating college and pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer. Her motivation is sometimes so single-minded that she struggles with balancing her love life as well as learning to accept the love and support of her family.
Owen, her calm, thoughtful and respectable older boyfriend, is a professional football player as well as a rancher, who was so traumatized by his ex-wife that he has his own trust issues.
This book has all the feels! It is a captivating and satisfying story about the journey of two people, who on paper, wouldn’t seem like soulmates. Some of the complications really did seem unsurmountable. However, in this book, you watch them learn and grow and figure out the way they can be together. I really enjoyed this book!
In “Devil in Disguise,” Rosalind James tells the story of the daughter and teammate of the main characters from her previous book, “Shame the Devil.” In “Devil in Disguise,” (#4 of the Portland Devil series), James takes you along Dyma’s journey as she navigates the challenges of her life, which are filled with obstacles that are both self-imposed as well as caused by others.
I adore Dyma. She is a young woman who is feisty, strong and spirited, and has no compunction about saying what is on her mind (for better or for worse!) She is extremely intelligent and ambitious and focused on graduating college and pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer. Her motivation is sometimes so single-minded that she struggles with balancing her love life as well as learning to accept the love and support of her family.
Owen, her calm, thoughtful and respectable older boyfriend, is a professional football player as well as a rancher, who was so traumatized by his ex-wife that he has his own trust issues.
This book has all the feels! It is a captivating and satisfying story about the journey of two people, who on paper, wouldn’t seem like soulmates. Some of the complications really did seem unsurmountable. However, in this book, you watch them learn and grow and figure out the way they can be together. I really enjoyed this book!
June 2, 2021
I really enjoyed watching Dyma and Owen’s relationship evolve and grow. It did seem for a while that no matter how they felt about each other the deck was just too stacked against them but in the end as it always does in these books love conquers all.
We first met Dyma and Owen in the previous book “Shame the Devil” where her mother and his best friend fall in love…yeah no awkward situations there…none at all. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous book this stands alone just fine but I highly recommend that one as well.
In this book we get to see what happens to their relationship when exposed to the real world. When Dyma is away at college and on her own for the first time, Owen is back with the Devil’s and all the pressure of a professional football season, and all the spotlight and rumors. Will they pull together or fall apart…maybe a little of both. One of the things I love about a Rosalind James book is that even though I know there will always be a happy ending I know that the path to get there may be fraught, and not how I think it would go but it’s always a really good ride. Dyma has a lot of growing up to do, she is after all only a college freshman, but in other ways she is wise beyond her years. Really all she wants is what any of us wants, to be loved and accepted for who we are, not who we know or what we can do for others. Owen is absolutely and old soul, mature and steadfast and he is not afraid to fight for Dyma, but also learns that sometimes she has to decide to fight for him.
All in all another awesome read in a great series.
We first met Dyma and Owen in the previous book “Shame the Devil” where her mother and his best friend fall in love…yeah no awkward situations there…none at all. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous book this stands alone just fine but I highly recommend that one as well.
In this book we get to see what happens to their relationship when exposed to the real world. When Dyma is away at college and on her own for the first time, Owen is back with the Devil’s and all the pressure of a professional football season, and all the spotlight and rumors. Will they pull together or fall apart…maybe a little of both. One of the things I love about a Rosalind James book is that even though I know there will always be a happy ending I know that the path to get there may be fraught, and not how I think it would go but it’s always a really good ride. Dyma has a lot of growing up to do, she is after all only a college freshman, but in other ways she is wise beyond her years. Really all she wants is what any of us wants, to be loved and accepted for who we are, not who we know or what we can do for others. Owen is absolutely and old soul, mature and steadfast and he is not afraid to fight for Dyma, but also learns that sometimes she has to decide to fight for him.
All in all another awesome read in a great series.
May 9, 2021
Here’s another engaging romance from Rosalind James. At first I wasn’t sure I’d be interested in a romance between a nineteen-year-old girl and a pro NFL player. I teach high school and I’m just not into more teen angst. But Dyma is an interesting character because she’s smart, ambitious, and determined. She knows what she wants to be - an aerospace engineer. You might not think that there is anything in common between her and Owen, an NFL player who also is a Wyoming rancher.
Some of the novel deals with the problems Dyma faces as a college freshman who has to room with two rich mean girls. They’re as nasty as any teen movie villains can be, but they get their comeuppance when they find out that she’s dating a millionaire NFL player and her mother is engaged to marry another one. That was fun to read.
Owen is the sweetest guy anyone can imagine and I was able to suspend disbelief about his romance with Dyma and was eager to figure out how Rosand James would work out the problem of how Dyma’s ambitions could be allowed to come to fruition while still maintaining her relationship with her Wyoming guy.
If you haven’t read this series about NFL players finding true love, you have a treat in store for you.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
Some of the novel deals with the problems Dyma faces as a college freshman who has to room with two rich mean girls. They’re as nasty as any teen movie villains can be, but they get their comeuppance when they find out that she’s dating a millionaire NFL player and her mother is engaged to marry another one. That was fun to read.
Owen is the sweetest guy anyone can imagine and I was able to suspend disbelief about his romance with Dyma and was eager to figure out how Rosand James would work out the problem of how Dyma’s ambitions could be allowed to come to fruition while still maintaining her relationship with her Wyoming guy.
If you haven’t read this series about NFL players finding true love, you have a treat in store for you.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
May 4, 2021
Another fun book! I love Rosalind's books. Her characters are intelligent, fun, loving and interesting people. This story gets its start in Shame the Devil when Owen and Dyma first meet. I wondered how it was going to work out as Dyma is just graduating from high school and Owen is 25 and playing in the NFL. She is a mixture of maturity and immaturity as many kids are at that age. She's on a mission, to complete college and work in her desired field. She has tunnel vision and it's hard for her to see other ways to do what she wants and to allow new desires in her life. She's also very proud and determined to not lean on anyone else any more than she absolutely has to. She's mouthy and sometimes a little too impressed with her own intelligence, but she does learn and it's fun to watch her learn and grow.
Owen has the patience of a saint and knows what he wants to do with his life. He is divorced and that did a bit of a number on him, plus his big brother is jealous of his success which causes some issues for them to resolve. So there are things for both of them to learn - how they do that makes a great story.
I received a book as an early reader but I've already ordered this book on Amazon as I want to be a verified purchaser when I review this there. I want as many people as possible to read and enjoy this book and know I gave it 5 stars because it deserves them!
Owen has the patience of a saint and knows what he wants to do with his life. He is divorced and that did a bit of a number on him, plus his big brother is jealous of his success which causes some issues for them to resolve. So there are things for both of them to learn - how they do that makes a great story.
I received a book as an early reader but I've already ordered this book on Amazon as I want to be a verified purchaser when I review this there. I want as many people as possible to read and enjoy this book and know I gave it 5 stars because it deserves them!
June 1, 2021
Grateful!
Reading a Rosalind James book just makes me come undone.
I'm a cook. A good one. My dad was a full blooded Cajun and he catered. He taught me to cook. I can taste a sauce and tell you just what to add. I can even tell you how to fix a mistake.
Rosalind writes books like I cook. She knows just what to add to make it go down just right. She knows just what to get the hero or heroine to say or do to fix a problem. She's a master storyteller.
Dyma and Owen's story was no exception. When I first met Owen and Dyma in Jennifer and Harlan's love story I immediately thought their chemistry was hot. How would she work it out though, this high school smart chick and this older, experienced Rancher/Football Player? This one was gonna be difficult.
In Rosalind's usual way of deep thinking and lots of humor she made it happen. I mean who knew restaurant talk about kegels could be so funny?! 😁
Owen and Dyma grew apart and they grew together and, in the end, they understood that they weren't required to fit in anyone else's mold for a relationship, only their own. Watching them learn how to just BE was beautiful!
Read this book! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll look up big words, you'll learn how important it is to be true to yourself. You'll sigh with happiness and be grateful for the experience.
Thank you Rosalind! You did it again!
Reading a Rosalind James book just makes me come undone.
I'm a cook. A good one. My dad was a full blooded Cajun and he catered. He taught me to cook. I can taste a sauce and tell you just what to add. I can even tell you how to fix a mistake.
Rosalind writes books like I cook. She knows just what to add to make it go down just right. She knows just what to get the hero or heroine to say or do to fix a problem. She's a master storyteller.
Dyma and Owen's story was no exception. When I first met Owen and Dyma in Jennifer and Harlan's love story I immediately thought their chemistry was hot. How would she work it out though, this high school smart chick and this older, experienced Rancher/Football Player? This one was gonna be difficult.
In Rosalind's usual way of deep thinking and lots of humor she made it happen. I mean who knew restaurant talk about kegels could be so funny?! 😁
Owen and Dyma grew apart and they grew together and, in the end, they understood that they weren't required to fit in anyone else's mold for a relationship, only their own. Watching them learn how to just BE was beautiful!
Read this book! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll look up big words, you'll learn how important it is to be true to yourself. You'll sigh with happiness and be grateful for the experience.
Thank you Rosalind! You did it again!
June 1, 2021
This is another wonderfully entertaining read from Rosalind James. She creates interesting main characters, with real-world issues, and a great cast of supporting characters. I love that Rosalind James includes characters from previous books to add to the richness of her story.
We first met Dyma and Owen in Shame the Devil, where we watched them drawn together in spite of their many differences. They are only 6 years apart in age, but have a bigger difference in life experiences, Dyma is a graduating high school senior, while Owen owns a ranch and plays center for a pro football team. Dyma's lack of interest in sports in general, and her plan to pursue Aerospace Engineering, conflict with Owen's lifestyle. Owen is reserved, practical, and steady, working hard to get to his goals. Dyma also works hard to meet her goals, but she is independent, idealistic, and outspoken. Both Dyma and Owen have strong ties to their families, and they've each faced challenges and setbacks in their lives. This story takes us on an interesting journey as we watch their love for each other grow, as they struggle to find a way to be together. Throughout the book Dyma grows and matures, learning to find a way to attain her goals and also share her life with Owen.
This is a wonderful story of full of love, and growth. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
We first met Dyma and Owen in Shame the Devil, where we watched them drawn together in spite of their many differences. They are only 6 years apart in age, but have a bigger difference in life experiences, Dyma is a graduating high school senior, while Owen owns a ranch and plays center for a pro football team. Dyma's lack of interest in sports in general, and her plan to pursue Aerospace Engineering, conflict with Owen's lifestyle. Owen is reserved, practical, and steady, working hard to get to his goals. Dyma also works hard to meet her goals, but she is independent, idealistic, and outspoken. Both Dyma and Owen have strong ties to their families, and they've each faced challenges and setbacks in their lives. This story takes us on an interesting journey as we watch their love for each other grow, as they struggle to find a way to be together. Throughout the book Dyma grows and matures, learning to find a way to attain her goals and also share her life with Owen.
This is a wonderful story of full of love, and growth. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
June 3, 2021
Devil in Disguise
If you are a fan of Rosalind James’ books, as I am, you met Dyma and Owen in Shame the Devil. Their story continues in Devil in Disguise, with Dyma going off to college and learning to navigate the changes in her life. She and Owen have to decide if they can overcome their age difference, along with the difference in where they are in their respective careers. I have to admit, I was a little nervous diving into this book. Being a romance, you know the two main characters will wind up together, but I was so concerned that the only way for that to happen would be for Dyma to give up her dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer. We learn how important that dream is for Dyma, and when she realizes that Owen’s off-season from the NFL is spent on a Wyoming ranch, the differences in their priorities seem insurmountable. We watch Dyma grow and mature and learn to prioritize her life without dismissing what is really important to her. We also get to see Owen’s family life on the ranch, and learn that he is facing some conflict as well. I love that in Rosalind’s books, life happens and it is rarely simple. Her characters are all very complex characters with their own personalities. They are not one dimensional. Devil in Disguise is funny, sexy, emotional and takes us on a wild ride. Hold on and enjoy it!
If you are a fan of Rosalind James’ books, as I am, you met Dyma and Owen in Shame the Devil. Their story continues in Devil in Disguise, with Dyma going off to college and learning to navigate the changes in her life. She and Owen have to decide if they can overcome their age difference, along with the difference in where they are in their respective careers. I have to admit, I was a little nervous diving into this book. Being a romance, you know the two main characters will wind up together, but I was so concerned that the only way for that to happen would be for Dyma to give up her dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer. We learn how important that dream is for Dyma, and when she realizes that Owen’s off-season from the NFL is spent on a Wyoming ranch, the differences in their priorities seem insurmountable. We watch Dyma grow and mature and learn to prioritize her life without dismissing what is really important to her. We also get to see Owen’s family life on the ranch, and learn that he is facing some conflict as well. I love that in Rosalind’s books, life happens and it is rarely simple. Her characters are all very complex characters with their own personalities. They are not one dimensional. Devil in Disguise is funny, sexy, emotional and takes us on a wild ride. Hold on and enjoy it!
May 17, 2022
end result: lovely!
I so love reading books by this author. Always so beautifully written, with wonderful characters & with storylines that really touch your soul. This book is no different!
I love Owen; he is a mountain of a man, with a heart of gold. Dyma is a much younger woman he meets during the previous book. She is the daughter of Jennifer, and is a pistol. Despite her age, she really has it going on. And Owen is just smitten!
However, there are many time in this book where I really felt Dyma’s immaturity and her inability to be flexible in nearly anything. But she is also a very strong female character. I think it’s just a good thing Owen is literally like a mountain, as he is so solidly into her it seems nothing could change that.
As always, I love that characters from the previous books (in particular, Blake & Dakota, as well as Dyma’s mom, Jennifer, Harlan (gosh, what a terrific guy!), Annabelle, and Oscar. New characters are also great here: Pavini, Avery & Fletcher.
There are many things presented here, but perhaps, one of the most troubling is the bullying that Dyma has to deal with at college. She is smart, sure of herself, but she is also different. What is wrong with these people who think the only way to look “cool” is to pick on (in some examples presented here, in mind-blowing awful ways) someone who is different…
I so love reading books by this author. Always so beautifully written, with wonderful characters & with storylines that really touch your soul. This book is no different!
I love Owen; he is a mountain of a man, with a heart of gold. Dyma is a much younger woman he meets during the previous book. She is the daughter of Jennifer, and is a pistol. Despite her age, she really has it going on. And Owen is just smitten!
However, there are many time in this book where I really felt Dyma’s immaturity and her inability to be flexible in nearly anything. But she is also a very strong female character. I think it’s just a good thing Owen is literally like a mountain, as he is so solidly into her it seems nothing could change that.
As always, I love that characters from the previous books (in particular, Blake & Dakota, as well as Dyma’s mom, Jennifer, Harlan (gosh, what a terrific guy!), Annabelle, and Oscar. New characters are also great here: Pavini, Avery & Fletcher.
There are many things presented here, but perhaps, one of the most troubling is the bullying that Dyma has to deal with at college. She is smart, sure of herself, but she is also different. What is wrong with these people who think the only way to look “cool” is to pick on (in some examples presented here, in mind-blowing awful ways) someone who is different…
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