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Dark Refuge #1
Devil's Playground
Pampered mafia princess Carina Denali is running from two one wants her heart, the other wants her dead… In the wake of her father’s murder, Carina fled her life of luxury. She manages to stay one step ahead of her deranged, duplicitous uncle and Nick Devlin, the gorgeous FBI agent who stole her heart then crushed it. As she struggles to survive and stay out of sight, she soon realizes Nick is her only hope of coming out of her predicament alive.Nick has been searching for the right woman for a very long time. When Carina turns to him for protection, he knows deep down his search is over. All that remains is keeping her safe from the Mob and winning back her trust for good.Just as Carina starts to believe a new life with Nick is possible, the vengeful Godfather from her deadly past resurfaces with a chilling demand. There can be no peace, and he won’t rest until more of the family’s blood is spilled.
720 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2021
43 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Taylor
89 books552 followersUSA Today and #1 International Bestselling Author, Maddie is a lifelong reader who became a romance junkie as a teen with her first romance novel, The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. From then on, she was hooked and gobbled up everything she could get her hands on, whether contemporary, historical, paranormal, or sci-fi.
With over seventy published works, a quarter of a million books sold, and fifty million pages read, Maddie writes fast-paced, steamy fiction in multiple genres from contemporary to Sci-fi to historical western romance. Pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up in your favorite chair, and escape for a few hours in the rich worlds she creates. It will be time well spent.
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With over seventy published works, a quarter of a million books sold, and fifty million pages read, Maddie writes fast-paced, steamy fiction in multiple genres from contemporary to Sci-fi to historical western romance. Pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up in your favorite chair, and escape for a few hours in the rich worlds she creates. It will be time well spent.
***NEWSLETTER*** Sign up to receive a free book --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/l2b0z0etex
Keep up with Maddie by subscribing to her monthly newsletter. Get author updates, info on upcoming books, book promotions, low and free book information, free content, and awesome monthly giveaways.
As always, Maddie thanks her readers for supporting and embracing her books. Please post a review so she knows what you're thinking. Constructive, earnest reviews are always welcome.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 15, 2021
Taylor goes bigger and more ambitious in this first book of her Dark Refuge series. You’ve got the mafia, you’ve got the FBI, you’ve got one-night stands that impact a lifetime, you’ve got BDSM clubs, you’ve got threats and murder and flight and danger and…. Well, you get the idea. There is a*lot* going on in this book.
There are events from years past that impact the present, and in particular that one-night stand between Cari, a mafia princess, and a man that unbeknownst to her is an FBI agent. Nick actually met Cari years before when he saved her during a family assassination attempt (see what I mean about a lot of stuff happening?). Nick and Cari are both dramatically impacted by that night. It affects their actions for years to come, with Nick trying to reconnect with Cari and her avoiding him at all costs.
I really enjoyed Devil’s Playground, but it does have a long passage with a Big Separation between Cari and Nick—a period of time that lasts years and where Cari evades Nick’s efforts to find her several times. The story dragged for me at this point. After the second or third time reading about a narrow escape, I wanted the story to move on and get these two back together. There’s also a bit of a stretch to believe that this one night of involvement meant so much to these two that they can’t move along from it years later. (And I really wish Cari had other partners the way Nick did.)
But Taylor writes wonderful sensual scenes, and Cari and Nick have an electric connection. The BDSM buildup came a bit out of the blue in the second half of the book, but it’s also clearly setting up future stories in this series, so I could work with it. And Cari and Nick are marvelous characters. I particularly liked Cari, who has an inner core of steel and decency that helps her cope with the monstrous things she must confront.
So this is a good if a bit overlong start to this new series of Taylor’s. I look forward to seeing a focus on future couples since so much of the necessary setup was part of this book.
There are events from years past that impact the present, and in particular that one-night stand between Cari, a mafia princess, and a man that unbeknownst to her is an FBI agent. Nick actually met Cari years before when he saved her during a family assassination attempt (see what I mean about a lot of stuff happening?). Nick and Cari are both dramatically impacted by that night. It affects their actions for years to come, with Nick trying to reconnect with Cari and her avoiding him at all costs.
I really enjoyed Devil’s Playground, but it does have a long passage with a Big Separation between Cari and Nick—a period of time that lasts years and where Cari evades Nick’s efforts to find her several times. The story dragged for me at this point. After the second or third time reading about a narrow escape, I wanted the story to move on and get these two back together. There’s also a bit of a stretch to believe that this one night of involvement meant so much to these two that they can’t move along from it years later. (And I really wish Cari had other partners the way Nick did.)
But Taylor writes wonderful sensual scenes, and Cari and Nick have an electric connection. The BDSM buildup came a bit out of the blue in the second half of the book, but it’s also clearly setting up future stories in this series, so I could work with it. And Cari and Nick are marvelous characters. I particularly liked Cari, who has an inner core of steel and decency that helps her cope with the monstrous things she must confront.
So this is a good if a bit overlong start to this new series of Taylor’s. I look forward to seeing a focus on future couples since so much of the necessary setup was part of this book.
July 10, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ light BDSM contemporary romance with mafia twist
It’s been a long time since I read a contemporary BDSM book by Maddie Taylor. This one has a mafia twist and is lighter on the BDSM than some of her earlier stories. I liked the plot but felt at times it dragged a bit. This book covers several years of time and she uses the timeline to develop the storyline. Though I started off excited to read this story, I couldn’t stay connected.
I enjoyed her female lead character, Cari. Though raised as a “princess” in a mafia family, she experienced the tragic loss of her mother as a teenager. Her father hid her well from the lifestyle but couldn’t keep her safe. She went on the run and survived working multiple jobs, just staying ahead of those who want to see her dead. She was strong and didn’t let life defeat her. Her BDSM relationship that develops with Nick is interesting, not Maddie’s usual.
Nick appears early in her life, but neither make the connection until much later. Then he meets her again at his best friend’s wedding, not realizing who she is. This tease of encounters goes on for about half the story.
If you are looking for a lighter BDSM story with a mafia twist this book brings these elements together nicely.
It’s been a long time since I read a contemporary BDSM book by Maddie Taylor. This one has a mafia twist and is lighter on the BDSM than some of her earlier stories. I liked the plot but felt at times it dragged a bit. This book covers several years of time and she uses the timeline to develop the storyline. Though I started off excited to read this story, I couldn’t stay connected.
I enjoyed her female lead character, Cari. Though raised as a “princess” in a mafia family, she experienced the tragic loss of her mother as a teenager. Her father hid her well from the lifestyle but couldn’t keep her safe. She went on the run and survived working multiple jobs, just staying ahead of those who want to see her dead. She was strong and didn’t let life defeat her. Her BDSM relationship that develops with Nick is interesting, not Maddie’s usual.
Nick appears early in her life, but neither make the connection until much later. Then he meets her again at his best friend’s wedding, not realizing who she is. This tease of encounters goes on for about half the story.
If you are looking for a lighter BDSM story with a mafia twist this book brings these elements together nicely.
July 2, 2021
I absolutely love this story!! As always the characters are well developed and relatable and the storyline intriguing, emotion filled and suspenseful. Nick and Carina’s love story is a long one and filled with trials and tribulations that a week or a couple would succumb to. She used to be a Mafia Princess but secrets, lies and betrayal‘s knocked her down a peg or two. When they first met Nick was a beat cop in NYC now he is a successful businessman. Cari Is a strong and independent woman through necessity. Nick can’t get thoughts of Cari out of his head or dreams. When they meet again he is not letting her go and becomes her protector and introduces her to his lifestyle. Will he be able to tear down her walls enough to get her to trust him?
Did Not Finish
January 9, 2022This book dragged so much that I DNF'ed. It was too long (every action -- no matter how small -- took pages to unfold); too detailed, too repetitious (perhaps if there had been fewer midwest states this might have been palatable), and, ultimately, too boring. The MC spends large amounts of time apart; too much space is allocated to secondary characters/unimportant events; and if there was any BDSM activity here, I missed it.
Can't recommend and won't continue with the series. I feel that I read a different book from everyone else; if you think you'll like this, I suggest reading those reviews.
Can't recommend and won't continue with the series. I feel that I read a different book from everyone else; if you think you'll like this, I suggest reading those reviews.
July 5, 2021
Devil's Playground: Cari is the daughter of an Italian mob boss. She is witness to a mass shooting designed to kill her father, mother and her but only her mother and her bodyguard , Angelo, was shot. Cari is holding his hand as he dies and a young policeman picks her up and sooths her.
Years later she meets a man at her best friend's wedding. They have an instant connection and she spends the night with him. In the morning she finds folders indicating he in with the FBI and investigating her family. She leaves his house as he returns with coffee and there is a delightful scene as Cari runs down the streets barefoot (in NY winter) and Dev/Nick follows with his car. She gives him the slip much to his frustration. A few weeks later her father is shot through the window of their car as he is taking Cari to see a play. He falls on top of her, pinning her down for 2 hours with his cooling body.
She goes on the run after hearing that she is the next target. Nick Devlin- the police officer who held her and the man who fell in love with her at her friends wedding- spends the next 3 years trying to find her to protect her as she moves from city to city trying to stay one step ahead of the people her Uncle has hired to kill her. His frustration grows as he misses her by just minutes in several cities.
This book has suspense, great dialogue and characters you actually think are alive. It kept me up half the night reading it. The plot is intricate with some flashbacks and twists and turns. This book feels like you are watching a movie due to Maddie Taylor's amazing talent as a writer. Scenes jump off the pages due to the witty dialogue. Unlike other books the dialogue isn't forced or included for color. I love Cari- her shyness, courage, and how her innocence grows into a touch of brattiness and boldness.
You will miss out on a fantastic book if you don't take the time to read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Years later she meets a man at her best friend's wedding. They have an instant connection and she spends the night with him. In the morning she finds folders indicating he in with the FBI and investigating her family. She leaves his house as he returns with coffee and there is a delightful scene as Cari runs down the streets barefoot (in NY winter) and Dev/Nick follows with his car. She gives him the slip much to his frustration. A few weeks later her father is shot through the window of their car as he is taking Cari to see a play. He falls on top of her, pinning her down for 2 hours with his cooling body.
She goes on the run after hearing that she is the next target. Nick Devlin- the police officer who held her and the man who fell in love with her at her friends wedding- spends the next 3 years trying to find her to protect her as she moves from city to city trying to stay one step ahead of the people her Uncle has hired to kill her. His frustration grows as he misses her by just minutes in several cities.
This book has suspense, great dialogue and characters you actually think are alive. It kept me up half the night reading it. The plot is intricate with some flashbacks and twists and turns. This book feels like you are watching a movie due to Maddie Taylor's amazing talent as a writer. Scenes jump off the pages due to the witty dialogue. Unlike other books the dialogue isn't forced or included for color. I love Cari- her shyness, courage, and how her innocence grows into a touch of brattiness and boldness.
You will miss out on a fantastic book if you don't take the time to read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2021
“Devil’s Playground” by Maddie Taylor is so intensely involving that I honestly stayed awake all night reading because I kept needing to see what would happen next. The cover seems to indicate that it’s book one of a new series, which makes me very happy!
The plot is complicated but easy to follow. It deals with events that take place over a total of about 14 years. Carina is the daughter of a mafia Don. An only child, she’s deeply loved by her parents, who shield her as much as possible from the dark part of the ‘family business.’ When she’s just 17, the brutality of her world becomes devastatingly personal. A decade later, she survives another violent and traumatic event, and this time it results in her spending several years on the run from the person who caused all the horror.
Nick is a young NYPD patrolman when he tries to comfort Carina at the scene of the initial attack. By the time of the second tragedy in Carina’s life takes place, he’s an FBI agent. While she’s on the run from the mob, he’s trying to locate her so he can protect her, but she also thinks he betrayed her so she’s running from him as well. I don’t want to say much about the plot because when you read the book it’s like watching a movie unfold and it would be a shame to ruin it for you. Just have faith, it’s a really good story.
Carina and Nick are wonderfully complex characters. As the book progresses, we get to experience so much with each of them separately and together. There are good secondary characters, some humor, and several scenes of extreme violence. The chemistry between Carina and Nick is incredible, and when he introduces her to the BDSM lifestyle, it adds a whole other level to the story. He’s a ‘knight in shining armor. with a dark edge, It seems likely there will be books featuring some of the men who work for Nick at a business he creates to facilitate his search for Carina. If that happens, I’ll definitely buy them all because this one was excellent.
The plot is complicated but easy to follow. It deals with events that take place over a total of about 14 years. Carina is the daughter of a mafia Don. An only child, she’s deeply loved by her parents, who shield her as much as possible from the dark part of the ‘family business.’ When she’s just 17, the brutality of her world becomes devastatingly personal. A decade later, she survives another violent and traumatic event, and this time it results in her spending several years on the run from the person who caused all the horror.
Nick is a young NYPD patrolman when he tries to comfort Carina at the scene of the initial attack. By the time of the second tragedy in Carina’s life takes place, he’s an FBI agent. While she’s on the run from the mob, he’s trying to locate her so he can protect her, but she also thinks he betrayed her so she’s running from him as well. I don’t want to say much about the plot because when you read the book it’s like watching a movie unfold and it would be a shame to ruin it for you. Just have faith, it’s a really good story.
Carina and Nick are wonderfully complex characters. As the book progresses, we get to experience so much with each of them separately and together. There are good secondary characters, some humor, and several scenes of extreme violence. The chemistry between Carina and Nick is incredible, and when he introduces her to the BDSM lifestyle, it adds a whole other level to the story. He’s a ‘knight in shining armor. with a dark edge, It seems likely there will be books featuring some of the men who work for Nick at a business he creates to facilitate his search for Carina. If that happens, I’ll definitely buy them all because this one was excellent.
July 9, 2021
What a simply terrific read, full of action, heartache and love
This is a simply wonderful read which I cannot help but be totally blown away it was a story that reached over two generations of Cari’s life, she had nearly been murdered on both these occasions. However, she had seen both her mother and father gunned down by one of the other Bratva families who as yet had not been able to find out who was behind these attacks.
Then she had met a man at her best friend’s wedding reception and had hit it off and for the first time ever she had found a man that actually stirred something in her, she had dumped her guard and gone home with him and together they had spent the best oft f their life.
When she discovered some files in his home about her father, she had instantly assumed that the only reason he has invited her into his home was because he wanted to gain information about her father the head of the Denali Crime family.
This was a wonderfully written story with great characters and a wonderful plot that had been beautifully written, it kept you guessing to the very last page as to who was responsible for the shootings and also who was going benefit and why they were so determined to wipe out the Denali Princess.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
This is a simply wonderful read which I cannot help but be totally blown away it was a story that reached over two generations of Cari’s life, she had nearly been murdered on both these occasions. However, she had seen both her mother and father gunned down by one of the other Bratva families who as yet had not been able to find out who was behind these attacks.
Then she had met a man at her best friend’s wedding reception and had hit it off and for the first time ever she had found a man that actually stirred something in her, she had dumped her guard and gone home with him and together they had spent the best oft f their life.
When she discovered some files in his home about her father, she had instantly assumed that the only reason he has invited her into his home was because he wanted to gain information about her father the head of the Denali Crime family.
This was a wonderfully written story with great characters and a wonderful plot that had been beautifully written, it kept you guessing to the very last page as to who was responsible for the shootings and also who was going benefit and why they were so determined to wipe out the Denali Princess.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
July 1, 2021
The saga of Nick Devlin's and Carina Denali's journey to a loving relationship is epic. When they first meet she's the pampered, rich mafia princess and he's a third year NYPD beat cop. Fast forward 13 years she's the one barely eking out an existence, working dead end jobs and moving constantly to stay one step ahead of those who want her dead. His fortunes reverse and he is now a well heeled, successful and influential businessman. Along the way there are vendettas, betrayals, murders and unforgettable encounters. I loved both of these characters. Cari is so darn strong, resilient and resourceful. She learns to protect and count on just herself in the face of constant danger. Dev is tenacious, willing to walk away from his 10 year career rather than be sidelined for being honest. He spends years tracking down a woman he can't get out of his head or his dreams. He becomes her protector and along the way. He introduces her to his BDSM lifestyle at his club Devlin's Pointe or as the members call it Devil's Pointe. He vows to protect her, earn her trust and her love. She knows he's the "one" but trusting isn't easy especially because she's been wrong before.
July 7, 2021
I was leaking those pesky silent tears before the end of the second chapter
Cari will capture your heart ❤
She's soft around the edges but in no way is she a shrinking violet
Girls got some mad skills
She had me laughing, crying, at times wanting to protect her
Nick is the perfect book boyfriend
Honest, smexy, doesn't give up when chit gets tough
The author did a great job of crafting the foundation for the series while still preserving the flow of the story providing a slow build romance vibrating with suspense that keeps the reader engaged
As for our couple, you could almost feel the chemistry between them it was so tangible
I am truly excited for the next in the series
Solid characters - The supporting is just as important to the overall tone as the main
Plenty of edge of your seat suspense peppered with steamy romance that fits the storyline not just gratuitous
The way the author set up the D/s relationships we see throughout the story was well thought out and flows with the story not separate of it- hard to explain - but this is one of those reads you will enjoy reading more than once
Cari will capture your heart ❤
She's soft around the edges but in no way is she a shrinking violet
Girls got some mad skills
She had me laughing, crying, at times wanting to protect her
Nick is the perfect book boyfriend
Honest, smexy, doesn't give up when chit gets tough
The author did a great job of crafting the foundation for the series while still preserving the flow of the story providing a slow build romance vibrating with suspense that keeps the reader engaged
As for our couple, you could almost feel the chemistry between them it was so tangible
I am truly excited for the next in the series
Solid characters - The supporting is just as important to the overall tone as the main
Plenty of edge of your seat suspense peppered with steamy romance that fits the storyline not just gratuitous
The way the author set up the D/s relationships we see throughout the story was well thought out and flows with the story not separate of it- hard to explain - but this is one of those reads you will enjoy reading more than once
July 6, 2021
This is a fantastic story! I loved every minute of it. I couldn't put it down. I was caught up and seeing what happened next for Cari and Nick. I loved their interactions. I love reading anything by Maddie Taylor. I am thrilled about this new series by her.
Nick Devlin was there on the worst day of Carina Denali's young life. He was a cop about to become a FBI agent and she was the mafia princess for the Denali family. Years go by and they meet up again at a wedding. They don't recognize each other though. They spend a wonderful night together before she discovers his identity as a FBI agent. She takes off before he gets back from getting breakfast. He doesn't know why she ran though. When her father dies and her life is threaten, she takes off. She goes into hiding always one step ahead of the men hunting her and Nick. Cari and Nick run into each other again, they are shocked to see each other. Nick owns his own PI business and a BDSM club. Will Nick be able to keep her safe? Will they finally have a chance at finding happiness together?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nick Devlin was there on the worst day of Carina Denali's young life. He was a cop about to become a FBI agent and she was the mafia princess for the Denali family. Years go by and they meet up again at a wedding. They don't recognize each other though. They spend a wonderful night together before she discovers his identity as a FBI agent. She takes off before he gets back from getting breakfast. He doesn't know why she ran though. When her father dies and her life is threaten, she takes off. She goes into hiding always one step ahead of the men hunting her and Nick. Cari and Nick run into each other again, they are shocked to see each other. Nick owns his own PI business and a BDSM club. Will Nick be able to keep her safe? Will they finally have a chance at finding happiness together?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2021
This is the start of a new series (Dark Refuge) and may go some way to explaining why there seemed to be considerable time put into some of the minor characters that may go on to have their own stories. As for Devil's Playground, I quite enjoyed it. It's been a while since I've read a new Maddie Taylor book and this is a full length novel, which gives the reader space for lots of insight into the characters and for the story to really flesh out without sacrificing the storyline. I was somewhat cautious, since I'm not a huge mafia romance lover, but I liked the way that this story worked it. The initial romance I found a bit improbable. One night together is enough to make Nick search for Cari for years? Admittedly, I do love the romance of it so I'll suspend belief. I liked the part that coincidence and chance played in the story and I was surprised that even after all of those years spent apart (and all of that book space) I remained very much engaged. There was lots of great interaction between the characters and enough light to the shade to pace the story and give it some balance. Looking forward to more in this series.
July 8, 2021
Devil's Playground was another book this week that had me very conflicted about my feelings because on one hand, the suspense portion of the program is 100 stars, but on the other, Nick took a star away. The first time he hung with Cari he was super sexy & all was well, but the moment she disappeared since her family was trying to kill her, I didn't like his inner monologue & then his actions. I'm over heroes talking about how they feel about a woman, but they can't keep it in their pants so he should have just stopped looking for her as far as I was concerned. And if you have to have the hero acting like that, then at least let the heroine be with another man or 5 for equality. I'm telling you it brings down a story for me & I make no apologies about my feelings. If there weren't so many great twists coming in hot, action, and a heroine who stayed under the radar like a pro my rating would have been lower but Maddie Taylor knows how to write suspense. Anyway, I don't want to go on & on so I'll just call it quits here, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND y'all decide for yourselves!
July 8, 2021
Cari is the daughter of a mob boss caught in the middle of a mob war which changes her life forever. Cari is a bridesmaid at her friend's wedding and meets Nick and ends up back at his place. When he goes out to get them breakfast the next morning. Cari panics when she finds evidence when she finds out he's a cop and leaves before he gets back. It would not be good for her if her being a mob boss's daughter is linked to a cop. Nick makes it his mission to find her. Every time he just finds her she moves on to another place and another bogus name. Not only is she running from Nick she finds her uncle and his henchman is also after her too. Will Cari ever be able to keep one step ahead of everyone or will her past catch up with her.
I received an arc for NNBB and do a voluntary honest review. I loved Nick and Cari's story and so much going on. If you're looking for a long mafia read you will love this story by Maddie Taylor. Full of twists and turns you don't see coming that keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
I received an arc for NNBB and do a voluntary honest review. I loved Nick and Cari's story and so much going on. If you're looking for a long mafia read you will love this story by Maddie Taylor. Full of twists and turns you don't see coming that keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
July 11, 2021
It’s been a while since we had new book from Ms Taylor but wow what a treat. This was absolutely fabulous couldn’t put it down. The Mafia genre seems to be very ‘in’ at the moment and quite frankly I had my doubts that it was all getting a bit tired, how wrong could a reader be? This was fantastical entertaining, with loads of tension and thrilling action. The characters are compelling and I became seriously invested in Nick and Cari’s continuing story which takes place over 13 years. Carina is the daughter of a Mafia crime boss, one of the NYC top crime families and Nick Devlin is a third generation NYC cop nine years her senior, how could there possibly be any kind of relationship or future for these two from completely diametrically opposed worlds. Now read on, no spoilers here, just enjoy. Roll on the next instalment of this brilliant new series by Maddie Taylor.
July 2, 2021
Mafia Princess and the Devil..
Oh wow what a good emotional, intriguing and suspenseful rollercoaster ride this story took me on..
Cari Denali (a Mafia kingpins daughter) and Nick Devlin (an law enforcement agent) lives have intertwined for years but fate brought them together at a time when Cari’s life is in a whirlwind of danger when a hit was put on her family’s lives, Not knowing who to trust Cari runs for her life only to have the Devil on her tail.
I loved the strength that Cari had to do what she had to do to stay alive and to Nick to protectiveness and unending tenacity in finding Cari and keeping her, made this a hard to put down book…
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh wow what a good emotional, intriguing and suspenseful rollercoaster ride this story took me on..
Cari Denali (a Mafia kingpins daughter) and Nick Devlin (an law enforcement agent) lives have intertwined for years but fate brought them together at a time when Cari’s life is in a whirlwind of danger when a hit was put on her family’s lives, Not knowing who to trust Cari runs for her life only to have the Devil on her tail.
I loved the strength that Cari had to do what she had to do to stay alive and to Nick to protectiveness and unending tenacity in finding Cari and keeping her, made this a hard to put down book…
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2021
Cari's life is built around mafia. She was taught at a young age what it was about and what her roll was. To be protected. But tragedy strikes. Over and over. This poor girl can't catch a break! But someone has been there to hold her, even when she didn't realize who he was. Nick couldn't take his eyes off Cari, even in that horrible brides made dress. All he knows is, he needs her. Cari will definitely lead him on a chase.. This story has so much depth and background. I love that. So often stories immediately jump to the fun (sexy) bits. And while I love those parts (duh) I loved that there was an actual history being told.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2021
Semi-spoilers. Devil's Playground is the first book in Maddie Taylor's new Dark Refuge series and after finishing it I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. When Carina Denali and Nick Devlin first meet there's instant mutual attraction but a misunderstanding has Carina running out of his apartment without a goodbye hoping to never see Nick again. After her father is murdered, Carina goes on the run after witnessing his murderer discussing killing her too. Nick is devastated. Years pass and they both grow into different people, but when they meet again nothing about their feelings has changed and you get to see them fall in love all over again.This book has so many moving parts but it's excellent reading and this author is phenomenal!
July 1, 2021
Exciting, sizzling, romantic action. Love, love, love this book. In fact, I wanted to start over as soon as I finished as I didn’t want it to end. The main and supporting cast of characters made me want to get to know them, and the storyline had me on the edge of my seat with my emotions in a twist as if this wasn’t a work of fiction. As always, the author drew me in to the point I felt part of the action with all the thrills that are part and parcel of a suspenseful and blazing hot read. Sadly, I reached the end and had to come back to reality. Here’s hoping there are more to come!
July 3, 2021
Hot doesn’t even begin to describe this awesome book. Explosive works well for it. I absolutely loved it. The story is very detailed and action packed. The characters are fantastic. Carina is both naive and insecure, yet still strong and brave. Nick is definitely a devil but in the best of ways. He’s a strong, driven man who is determined to catch Carina, regardless of his own safety. I found it to be an addictive book, as I had trouble putting it down. I will absolutely be reading the rest of the series.
July 7, 2021
I enjoyed every word of this book. It does have a slightly slow start but it is needed to set up the storyline and the main characters. Carina is much stronger than she thought she was. Nick is smart and very protective. They both develop over the course of the book. I liked both of them. There are plenty of different elements to make this a real page-turner. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I very highly recommend it. It is a well written and described, complicated, enjoyable story.
August 8, 2021
I love Maddie Taylor. She knows how to write a sexy angsty story. And this was no exception. It had all the feels of all her other books. Cari is on the run. Her life is in danger. And one of the men she always knew was dangerous. But the other mad, she had so much chemistry with, and thought she could trust. This book is really well written and draws you in. The main characters were separated for a lot of the story, which makes the story have a different sort of feel. I’m not sure how I feel about that. But despite that, the story is soooo good. Definitely recommend!!
July 4, 2021
I have only read a few stories by Ms. Taylor, and each one drew me into the action, and had me staying up well past my bedtime!
The main characters Nick and Carina, were so colorful, you were rooting for something wonderful to happen!
This trope is a guilty pleasure of mine, so I enjoyed it all that much more!
I really have to get more books by this author to rise to the top of my TBR! Maybe I can help them out!!! LOL!!!
The main characters Nick and Carina, were so colorful, you were rooting for something wonderful to happen!
This trope is a guilty pleasure of mine, so I enjoyed it all that much more!
I really have to get more books by this author to rise to the top of my TBR! Maybe I can help them out!!! LOL!!!
July 8, 2021
A awesome story indeed to read. A book long awaited and it was definitely worth while waiting for. Maddie has delivered a stunning story, Intriguing, suspenseful and full of action.
Nick was a detective when he first met Carina. Her mother had just been murdered along with her body guard. Now years later they meet up again and this time he wont let her go. He will protect to the very end if she will just open up her heart and trust in him.
Nick was a detective when he first met Carina. Her mother had just been murdered along with her body guard. Now years later they meet up again and this time he wont let her go. He will protect to the very end if she will just open up her heart and trust in him.
October 22, 2021
Absolutely AWESOME 😁
Fabulous story, just a bit long winded at times 😃. I'm sure hoping that the next book picks up where this one left off, cuz it sucks when you're in the middle of a sentence and BAM, it stops 😕. But it's got tons of action, lots of intense moments, nasty bad guys, lots and Lots of sexy scenes and wonderful characters 😋. Thanks Maddie, I really enjoyed reading this story, just could of used less descriptions 🤓.
Fabulous story, just a bit long winded at times 😃. I'm sure hoping that the next book picks up where this one left off, cuz it sucks when you're in the middle of a sentence and BAM, it stops 😕. But it's got tons of action, lots of intense moments, nasty bad guys, lots and Lots of sexy scenes and wonderful characters 😋. Thanks Maddie, I really enjoyed reading this story, just could of used less descriptions 🤓.
May 4, 2023
Almost as good as the Club Decadence series…
This could’ve been a little more condensed with a few more club scenes but otherwise it is the same great read that one can expect from a book by Maddie Taylor. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and finding out just exactly what they found in Kansas! Will it be Leland’s turn to fall in love in the next book? Can’t wait!!!
This could’ve been a little more condensed with a few more club scenes but otherwise it is the same great read that one can expect from a book by Maddie Taylor. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and finding out just exactly what they found in Kansas! Will it be Leland’s turn to fall in love in the next book? Can’t wait!!!
July 18, 2021
This was a wonderful story! Maddie Taylor gives such a great exciting roller coaster of a ride to her readers. It’s a lot of suspense and scary villains with all the good stuff in between. The chemistry between her hero and leading lady could melt the paint off a radiator! The HEA was so well deserved.
I reviewed an advanced copy of this book via BookSprout.
I reviewed an advanced copy of this book via BookSprout.
July 1, 2021
Impressive one with a long complicated relationship nuit through hardship and quite a few miles. The marriage scene is such a funny one. Long discussions between characters help creating connections for the reader. Definitely a good one
July 9, 2021
Once I started I couldn't put it down.
Twists and turns you don't see coming that keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Looking forward to reading more by this author. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest.
Twists and turns you don't see coming that keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Looking forward to reading more by this author. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest.
July 10, 2021
I loved this book. I haven't read a book for a long time that kept me so engaged. Well written. Great story. Lots of intrigue and sexy romance. I highly recommend. It will definitely keep your attention!
October 12, 2021
Devil’s Playground - 4 Stars!
Nick & Cari’s story is absolutely phenomenal. Ms. Taylor has built another world that you want to dive into and characters that you’ll love. Passion, suspense!! Theirs is one that I highly recommend reading.
Nick & Cari’s story is absolutely phenomenal. Ms. Taylor has built another world that you want to dive into and characters that you’ll love. Passion, suspense!! Theirs is one that I highly recommend reading.
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