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⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
ARC Review
Tropes:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Surprise Pregnancy
He Falls First
Found Family
Nurse Practitioner FMC
Rockstar Drummer mmc
Second Chance
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
"My Wife"
I don't know how to describe Shane Faris other than swoony! Oh and maybe a bit deceitful, but promise it was with completely good intentions! Add a mystery marriage into the mix and you're golden!
Catalina Faris has always been on top of things in her life, accomplished all the goals she's set. She might be lacking in the love department, but everything is near perfect. Boring & beige, but it's a life she's made for herself. So, when she finds out she's married & can't buy her house without him, she's shocked and will do anything to fix it.
Shane Farin is the typical rockstar playboy, but lately seeing his bandmates/cousins settling down, he sees that there is more to life than just playing music & partying. Being married to his high school crush, just might be what he was looking for.
I was so invested in how they actually got married! Like how do you get married, when only having kissed once after graduation, & never saw each other again! Also, both of them not remembering!
The banter between these two was amazing! The way they took jabs at wach other, but with no ill intent was hilarious! They both had such a great sense of humor
ARC Review
Tropes:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Surprise Pregnancy
He Falls First
Found Family
Nurse Practitioner FMC
Rockstar Drummer mmc
Second Chance
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
"My Wife"
I don't know how to describe Shane Faris other than swoony! Oh and maybe a bit deceitful, but promise it was with completely good intentions! Add a mystery marriage into the mix and you're golden!
Catalina Faris has always been on top of things in her life, accomplished all the goals she's set. She might be lacking in the love department, but everything is near perfect. Boring & beige, but it's a life she's made for herself. So, when she finds out she's married & can't buy her house without him, she's shocked and will do anything to fix it.
Shane Farin is the typical rockstar playboy, but lately seeing his bandmates/cousins settling down, he sees that there is more to life than just playing music & partying. Being married to his high school crush, just might be what he was looking for.
I was so invested in how they actually got married! Like how do you get married, when only having kissed once after graduation, & never saw each other again! Also, both of them not remembering!
The banter between these two was amazing! The way they took jabs at wach other, but with no ill intent was hilarious! They both had such a great sense of humor
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sometimes when I listen to audiobooks and my head starts to go away I read the book so my mind is fully focused
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The reading slump I’ve been experiencing I’m not sure I would have read this if it wasn’t an audiobook. I loved the narrators and also the pace of the book
Laird Faris and Catalina Farin were in high school together, 12-13 years ago. Cate is a nurse with a Masters degree in Gerontology. I thought maybe more would be mentioned about her boss since he's obviously a tool of the highest order, but he barely got mentioned in passing.
In the process of trying to buy her first home, Cate finds out that she's apparently married to Rock Star drummer Shane Faris. It's a mystery for a while how that happened, since neither she nor Shane had any sort of relationship other than a bonfire kiss the night they graduated, before he and his band left town and made it big.
They both had feelings for the other when they were younger, but they were both too nervous to say or do anything about it. Now they have a second chance - but his fame makes the possibility of a relationship more than complicated. I guess this could even be considered a third chance romance, since things go from wow to worse before they come back to wow again.
Nice and steamy, just the way I like 'em. I can't wait for 2025 to roll around so I can re-read all my favorite S.L. Scott books (that's all of them, just fyi)
In the process of trying to buy her first home, Cate finds out that she's apparently married to Rock Star drummer Shane Faris. It's a mystery for a while how that happened, since neither she nor Shane had any sort of relationship other than a bonfire kiss the night they graduated, before he and his band left town and made it big.
They both had feelings for the other when they were younger, but they were both too nervous to say or do anything about it. Now they have a second chance - but his fame makes the possibility of a relationship more than complicated. I guess this could even be considered a third chance romance, since things go from wow to worse before they come back to wow again.
Nice and steamy, just the way I like 'em. I can't wait for 2025 to roll around so I can re-read all my favorite S.L. Scott books (that's all of them, just fyi)
Book Review: “Speak of the Devil” by S. L. Scott
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
“Speak of the Devil” is a wild ride of emotions! It’s a story about love lost and found, wrapped up in a mix of romance, angst, and rock ’n’ roll. Buckle up, because it’s a rollercoaster of feelings!
The story starts with a bang! The hottest rock star in the world, Shane Faris, walks into his estranged wife’s workplace. Their relationship is on the rocks, their marriage is about to end, but Shane makes a deal—one last weekend together before they sign the divorce papers. What starts as a trip down memory lane turns into a life-changing twist when an accidental pregnancy forces them to face their past and think about their future.
Shane is the brooding rock star with the devilish smirk and rebellious tattoos. But there’s more to him than that! Beneath the rock star persona is a man who’s searching for redemption and connection. His vulnerability shows through his confident exterior, making him a complex and endearing character.
Cate is relatable, strong, and determined to move on with her life after years of being in Shane’s shadow. Her journey from heartbreak to self-discovery and finally opening her heart again is the heart of the story.
The tension between the characters is thick, fueled by unresolved feelings and the weight of their shared history. The slow burn makes every moment of connection feel earned and super satisfying.
Shane’s determination to win back his wife’s heart adds a touch of tenderness. It’s clear he’s never stopped loving her and watching him fight for their future is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
The author paints a vivid picture that draws you into the characters’ world. The dialogue is tense and full of longing, and the intimate moments are beautifully written, making you feel both passionate and sad.
“Speak of the Devil” is a deep dive into love, loss, and the chance to make things right. It’s more than just a rock star romance; it’s a story about two people finding themselves and each other amidst the chaos of fame and regret. The characters are flawed but super relatable, and their journey will keep you up late into the night. Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn romance, second chances, or rock star stories, this book will touch your heart.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves emotional, character-driven romances with a bit of rock ’n’ roll magic.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
“Speak of the Devil” is a wild ride of emotions! It’s a story about love lost and found, wrapped up in a mix of romance, angst, and rock ’n’ roll. Buckle up, because it’s a rollercoaster of feelings!
The story starts with a bang! The hottest rock star in the world, Shane Faris, walks into his estranged wife’s workplace. Their relationship is on the rocks, their marriage is about to end, but Shane makes a deal—one last weekend together before they sign the divorce papers. What starts as a trip down memory lane turns into a life-changing twist when an accidental pregnancy forces them to face their past and think about their future.
Shane is the brooding rock star with the devilish smirk and rebellious tattoos. But there’s more to him than that! Beneath the rock star persona is a man who’s searching for redemption and connection. His vulnerability shows through his confident exterior, making him a complex and endearing character.
Cate is relatable, strong, and determined to move on with her life after years of being in Shane’s shadow. Her journey from heartbreak to self-discovery and finally opening her heart again is the heart of the story.
The tension between the characters is thick, fueled by unresolved feelings and the weight of their shared history. The slow burn makes every moment of connection feel earned and super satisfying.
Shane’s determination to win back his wife’s heart adds a touch of tenderness. It’s clear he’s never stopped loving her and watching him fight for their future is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
The author paints a vivid picture that draws you into the characters’ world. The dialogue is tense and full of longing, and the intimate moments are beautifully written, making you feel both passionate and sad.
“Speak of the Devil” is a deep dive into love, loss, and the chance to make things right. It’s more than just a rock star romance; it’s a story about two people finding themselves and each other amidst the chaos of fame and regret. The characters are flawed but super relatable, and their journey will keep you up late into the night. Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn romance, second chances, or rock star stories, this book will touch your heart.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves emotional, character-driven romances with a bit of rock ’n’ roll magic.
Cate is at the bank to get a home loan only to find out she can't be approved for the loan due to being married. She's never been married so she's very confused by this finding. She's advised to go to the county office to get more information. She's pretty shocked when she finds out she's been married to Shane Faris, the drummer for the hit band Faris Wheel. She hasn't talked to Shane or seen him in person since high school. Imagine Shane's surprise when he talks to Cate for the first time in years and she tells him they've been married for 12 years.
The first half of the book is them having a whirlwind relationship after finding out they're married. Sadly, they have a big fight and break up.
Ten months later, they're meeting at Cate's attorney's office to finalize the divorce. Before it can be finalized, Shane wants 72 hours with Cate. She counters with only 48 hours, which he accepts.
The rest of the story is about them falling in love with each other, starting with those 48 hours.
I loved this book. These two were meant to be and nothing was going to get in their way. I had received an audio version of Never Have I Ever (Poppy and Laird's story) when it was released. While reading this book, I realized they were linked. I just love interconnected books that can be read as a standalone.
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This read really pulled me in. I was asking questions and wanting to know more about their marriage and so much more. The blurb is a bit misleading so keep that in mind. Cate and Shane were friends in school so they have a bit of a history. Now it's 12 years later and their lives get turned upside down. I loved getting to know them, the deep connection that they have and how their lives change as the story progresses. They are both strong, lovable characters that have some ups and downs to work through. There's no cheating. Add this to your TBR.
I love rock star romances, and "Speak of the Devil" delivered everything I didn’t know I was craving in a second chance romance with a totally unique fake marriage twist. It’s been too long since I’ve dived into this trope, and wow—this book reminded me why it’s one of my favorites. I couldn’t put it down from the first page to the very last!
Cate Farin is living her best independent, successful life and is finally about to buy her dream home. But just as she’s ready to pop the champagne, her realtor drops a bomb: she needs her husband’s financials to seal the deal. The problem? Cate isn’t married—or so she thought. Enter Shane Faris, rock star drummer for the mega-famous band Faris Wheel and, apparently, her husband (thanks, State of California!).
What follows is a rollercoaster of chaos, revelations, and chemistry that had me glued to every word. Unlike your typical fake marriage setup, this one starts with a marriage Cate and Shane didn’t even know existed. Shane’s first reaction? Assuming Cate’s just another groupie trying to get close to him. Cue Cate’s epic eye-roll and my first “oh no, he didn’t!” moment of the book.
As they work to unravel the mystery of their surprise marriage, sparks fly and walls come down. Cate gets a front-row seat to the real Shane—beyond the cocky rock star persona—but trusting him? That’s a whole other story. Just when it seems like things are coming together, their opposite worlds collide in a way that tears them apart. Fast-forward ten months, and Shane is a man on a mission to prove he’s changed and win back the wife he never truly let go of. But can they find a way to merge their wildly different lives into something real?
Cate and Shane completely stole my heart. Their journey was emotional, messy, and oh-so-satisfying. "Speak of the Devil" pulled me in with its drama and swoony moments and didn’t let go until the very end. If you’re a fan of rock star romances, second chances, or just love a story with all the feels, don’t miss this one!
Thank you @s.l.scott and @greyspromo for the #gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cate is single, independent and about to purchase her very first home until she finds out that she is married. Cate isn’t married to just any guy but the lead drummer of a famous band and a guy she went to high school with. Cate tries to prove she is not married and when faced with losing her house she contacts Shane. Shane is curious about why Cate is contacting him and thinking she wants to hook up he goes to see her. The scene where she explains that they are married is hilarious. When they finally get a copy of their marriage license with Cate’s signature on it, the adventure begins. This is a very funny slow burn story of the two of them trying to unravel this mystery. These two are total opposites in personality as well as life styles. I loved how Cate saw through Shane’s exterior personality and got to really know him. I liked how Shane didn’t want to give up on this marriage before divorce. I liked the chemistry between the two of them. This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed all the sub plots that combined to make this an interesting, engaging story.
4.5 stars for this beautifully written and tender book.
I loved this book, this love story, these characters so much. I loved watching Shane develop throughout this beautiful love story. I loved Cat - strong and independent but incredibly kind and loving.
I think the author did a really great job at creating a love between these two characters that was honest, pure and tender. They both fought for each other, while holding themselves accountable for their own actions and shortcomings.
The initial miscommunication, though slightly exaggerated, was necessary. This book had a lot of great tropes, and was paced seamlessly. I loved the reading experience, loved the characters and am grateful to have read the book before launch.
Many thanks to SL Scott for the ARC.
I loved this book, this love story, these characters so much. I loved watching Shane develop throughout this beautiful love story. I loved Cat - strong and independent but incredibly kind and loving.
I think the author did a really great job at creating a love between these two characters that was honest, pure and tender. They both fought for each other, while holding themselves accountable for their own actions and shortcomings.
The initial miscommunication, though slightly exaggerated, was necessary. This book had a lot of great tropes, and was paced seamlessly. I loved the reading experience, loved the characters and am grateful to have read the book before launch.
Many thanks to SL Scott for the ARC.