39 reviews for:

Speak of the Devil

S.L. Scott

4.11 AVERAGE

kodom251999's profile picture

kodom251999's review

5.0
adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I love Rock Star romances!!! This one had a lot of my favorite tropes rolled into one. I loved that they knew each other before he became famous.  I loved why she  had to get in touch with him. Bless her heart, Roberta, she just refused to make it easy on them. This one had me surprised at every turn. I do believe Shane’s was my favorite story… but don’t tell Tulsa. 😉 This book was unique. Shane and Cate surprised each other, and then they were baby surprised. I loved it! 
liz_mackie's profile picture

liz_mackie's review

4.0

After reading the blurb for Speak of the Devil, I was expecting something along the lines of teenage sweethearts, married young before he leaves her for fame and stardom, I didn’t expect neither the hero or heroine not knowing they’d somehow tied the proverbial knot, something the heroine Cate only found out when she tried to buy a house. In the meantime, Shane the hero has found fame as one of the hottest rock stars in the world, but he still remembers Cate from when they were at high school together. In the process of working out just what has happened things between them start to heat up but it wasn’t meant to be and I got the feeling Shane got cold feet at the thought of commitment but months later they meet up again he offers her the divorce she wants but on condition that she spends a couple of days with him.
 
I loved Shane, I mean a bad boy, dirty talking rocker with a smirk, I was instantly picturing someone you can’t decide whether you want to slap or jump. In comparison Cate was a good girl even down to the kind of nursing she did, geriatrics was probably the least glamorous field she could’ve gone into. They were complete opposites as he lived an extraordinary life, touring and partying across the globe in comparison to her ordinary, more mundane one but there was no doubting the chemistry between with lots of flirting and innuendos from Shane but Cate was more distrusting but then things were taken out of their control with a surprise of the nine month variety and she had to decide if he was worth taking a chance on. Their overall story was engaging with a lot of emotional moments but interspersed with some fun and levity to lighten the mood and stop things becoming too heavy to and I felt myself sucked right in and becoming invested in seeing them reach a happy ending. There was a great cast of secondary characters who as it turns out may be familiar to regular readers of this author, this was my first read from S.L. Scott and although this book can be read as a standalone, it is part of a series  


lashea677's review

5.0

From heartbreaker to heartwarming, Speak of the Devil is a live wire. Shane and Cat grab hold of your heart while burn their way into your soul. Attraction burns bright as emotions run deep. Love takes readers on a wild ride.

katemc7's review

4.0
emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was a great second chance romance with a twist on your usual fake marriage! I am a SUCKER for second chance and honestly when I started reading this, I couldn't figure out how that was going to play out, but when it did it was done perfectly for these characters. Normally when you read fake marriage, it's a situation where someone is asking for that to help them with something. This spin was that they were married all along but neither knew it from some technicality in the system. I liked the fact that they knew each other in high school too. This was a long spanning slow burn with the added second chance not once but twice! 

Catalina AKA Cate AKA Cat to Shane is ready to move into her dream house. The only problem- apparently she is married to Shane Faris. Her high school crush and now world famous drummer for Faris Wheel. She doesn't know how this is possible let alone how to get in touch with him to get things straightened out. Somehow he ends up finding her and they have an instant connection. There are sparks and chemistry is flowing hard. But she knows his reputation, and that is now how she plays. Things seem different with them though. Things progress slowly and now she has found herself in a situationship with this not relationship man. Things seem to be going well until they aren't. He walks out the door and leaves her heart broken. Fast forward 10 months later and they are set to sign their divorce papers. But Shane has stipulations. He wants to get to spend time with Cat for 72 hours. Uninterrupted time. He wants to help her understand where he was and where he is now. The thing is that Cat never stopped caring for him and the time together only solidifies that for her. Now they are trying this thing for real. They are going the distance, but will they be able to make it through another unexpected curve ball? The universe seems to want them together as long as they don't get in their own way. 

Shane is living the life. He is a world famous rockstar. He is living life. He has different women in all the cities ready to be with him at the drop of a hat. What he does not expect is a frantic phone call from his old high school crush wanting to meet. What he really doesn't expect is for her to let him know that per the state of CA they are married. Now they have to figure out how to undo it, but Shane finds himself not wanting to rush the process. He finds himself wanting to spend time with Cat, the girl who always intrigued him so. He finds himself on tour and not wanting to be with anyone but her. So they are in a sort of sitationship which he is somehow ok with. He is ready to see where this can go, but when asks too much of Cat without realizing it, everything implodes. Now 10 months later, he is ready to prove to her that he has changed. His life has not been the same without her in it. He is ready to commit and see this marriage through. He just has to convince her of all of this. Her willingness to accept him and his truths is such a surprise to him. But he feels it in his bones, that they are meant to be. But once he learns the truth about their marriage and something else Cat needs to tell him, will that change things? Never in his eyes. 

I also felt like this was an opposites attract. Cat was all beige and planning while Shane is on tour constantly and living life on the edge. My heart broke for them when things ended so quickly but OMG how quickly Shane mended it for me. This man knew what to say and how to show his love for Cat. He wanted to go slow but literally couldn't because of how much he cared for her. It was cool to see how much he was able to get himself together. And as much as I might have held out a little longer, I appreciated that fact that Cat didn't have any ill will towards him. She still loved him and wanted to move forward not back. 

I have enjoyed the two books I have read in this series. I really like Suzie's writing style and the way I have found myself invested in these characters and how they weave together. I definitely recommend this book and series if you haven't started it yet!

Thank you to Suzie for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :) Can't wait to see whose story is next!

mistysreads's review

5.0
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This is a must read second chance rock star/nurse romance. Cate and Shane's story covers all the feels. Cate is in the process of trying to buy a house only to find out that she has an unexpected husband. When she leaves him a few messages he shows up where she works and it changes both of their lives forever. This story is unlike any second chance romance I have ever read and I loved every minute of it. They are both strong characters who know what they want, and aren't afraid to go for it. The love story between them was sweet, heartfelt, with a few heartbreaks along the way. I loved their HEA and I cannot wait to read more from this author with hopeful glimpses of these characters. 

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from S.L. Scott and Grey's Promotions.

amyzbooknook's review

5.0
emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

"I let her go once. I won't make that mistake twice."

"Speak of the Devil" was captivating from start to finish! S.L. Scott never disappoints. I loved Shane and Cate's story—it was sweet, funny, and playful banter. Their flirty interactions and the way their relationship developed were fantastic. The book also had a unique twist that made it refreshing. I read it so quickly because I couldn't get enough. I always finish S.L. Scott's books in one sitting because they are unputdownable.

Shane is a rock god living in a fast-paced world, always on the go. Cate is a nurse who is about to buy a home. However, her plans come to a halt when she discovers that she is married. The shocking revelation is that Cate is married to a guy she knew in high school, now a famous drummer. How is Cate going to reach out to a celebrity?

When Shane receives a message that Cate called, he isn't sure why she reached out. Eager for a break from fame for a while, he plans to meet her, but their ideas for the meetup are quite different. Shane has some soul-searching and figuring life out, and the chemistry between them is nothing short of explosive. Cate is sweet and her patients at her work are funny. I highly recommend this book!

worldofbooks65's review

5.0
emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Speak of the Devil: A Slow Burn Second Chance Rock Star Romance by S.L. Scott is one of those unforgettable stories that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. It’s a rare book that makes you want to linger in Cat and Shane’s world forever, savoring each moment of their journey, while at the same time pulling you to the finish line just so you can experience the full arc of their emotional story again and again. S.L. Scott never disappoints, and once more, she solidifies herself as one of my favorite romance authors with this beautifully intense second-chance romance.

Cat and Shane’s path to happily-ever-after is anything but straightforward, and that’s part of what makes their story so gripping. S.L. Scott gives us a heart-pounding first act packed with deep emotions that draw you in. Just when you settle into the warmth of their love story, Ms Scott takes you on a whirlwind turn, delivering an ending to the first act that leaves your heart racing. As the story unfolds into the second act, it’s pure swoon heaven. Shane, the drummer rock star, brings the swoon factor to a whole new level, and his charm and depth will leave any reader’s heart soaring.

And just when I thought my romantic heart couldn’t be any fuller, this author delivers not one but two epilogues that easily rank as the best of 2024. The way she wraps up this story gives it the perfect balance of satisfaction and sweetness, making Speak of the Devil a book to remember. For fans of second-chance romance and rock star romance, this one is unmissable.
booklovinmamas's profile picture

booklovinmamas's review

5.0
emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

One of my favorite tropes in romance novels is rockstar romance. I will eagerly read any rockstar romance book by any author who writes this trope. This includes S.L. Scott, a writer known for her emotionally driven rockstar novels that I can’t get enough of, especially since I discovered her books on Kindle Unlimited this year. I loved everything about her latest rockstar romance story, Speak of the Devil, and I found it hard to put down. I was determined to dive into Cat/Cate and Shane’s story, especially since it incorporated another favorite trope of mine: Second Chance Romance.

The first chapter alone had me hooked from the start, where I had a hard time doing anything else with my life. The FMC, Catalina (Cat/Cate) Farin, finds herself dealing with an administrative delay in purchasing her first home when she finds out that she is supposedly married. Not only that, but married to a famous rockstar who happens to be her high school crush from twelve years ago. Now, she has to track down Shane Faris and either get an annulment or divorce so she can hopefully own her first home. However, when she reconnects with Shane, she realizes her feelings from years ago come back in full force. It also doesn’t help when Shane has equal feelings for her and then they find themselves in a predicament if they truly want a divorce or not. 

I loved how Cat (or Cate) and Shane reconnected after being apart for so many years. Shane, a well-known player in his band, undergoes a complete transformation after meeting Cate again. He’s not typically a relationship guy, but reconnecting with Cate inspires him to change. You can tell that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to prove that he has changed for her. I don’t care how many times I read this type of storyline; I enjoy every moment of it.

I understood Cate’s hesitation about opening her heart to Shane, given his reputation as a player and his fame. She has her career to consider and can’t just drop everything to be with him, especially since she is very focused on buying the house she wants. Cate’s independence reminded me of myself, which is why I connected with her character right away. She felt relatable, but I found myself secretly rooting for her to end up with Shane throughout the story. 

Even though Shane did something that almost made me dislike him, he ultimately redeemed himself in the end. He showed just how much he was willing to be with Cate, and I couldn’t help but love him even more. Seriously, Catalina is one lucky girl to be with someone like Shane, and Shane is fortunate to have her.

Don’t hesitate to read this book by S.L. Scott; it is truly unforgettable. I’m still thinking about it even after finishing it, which is why I’m giving it five stars. I wish I could give it more! The story, the main characters, and even the secondary characters all captured my heart. I can’t wait to read more of S.L. Scott’s work, and I’m determined to explore her entire backlist. I’m grateful every day to have found her books on Kindle Unlimited because she has become one of my favorite authors and an auto-buy for me. I read her books on KU while also purchasing physical copies as trophies for my bookshelves. I don’t care how many books I already own; S.L. Scott’s books deserve a space on my shelves.

Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s an interconnected standalone in the Faris Family series.

Would I recommend this book? I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Slow Burn, Second Chance romance stories, especially with a rockstar theme. From the very beginning, you’ll find yourself rooting for Catalina and Shane to be together forever once you dive into the story.

What to Expect:
♥️Rockstar Romance
♥️Second Chance Romance
♥️Slow Burn
♥️Surprise Pregnancy

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

paytonbox21's review

5.0

I’ve been loving S.L. Scott’s books lately and this one is no different. The marriage in trouble is a favorite trope of mine and reading it as a marriage that has existed for years but neither knew was a twist I didn’t see coming, but absolutely loved it!

Shane and Cat have had chemistry since they were kids and it doesn’t go away once it appears and I love that! They are the definition of things go wrong but turn out right, as they reconnect years later. I love how much Shane is willing to change for Cat and I love that Cat doesn’t fold for him in the beginning and stands her ground. It shows how much love and respect they have for each other. 

cookesbooks's profile picture

cookesbooks's review

5.0

I get so captivated and lost in the story when I read an S.L. Scott book that I both want it to go on forever, and want to get to the HEA so I can celebrate another beautiful, hard fought love story. 

Speak of the Devil was absolutely incredible. The characters were so real, vulnerable and whole heartedly in love that it truly breaks your heart when he leaves her standing at the door. Their connection was so much more than anything physical. They truly were two souls destined to become one. 

Shane and Cat shared a remarkable connection that stood the test of time, even if some of that time they didn't think they'd find their way back to each other. The fact that he was man enough to admit that he wasn't who he needed to be for her spoke volumes to the growth he went through before he did come back. Right person wrong time was the case for these star crossed lovers twice, but they sure did get it right the third time. The way they loved and supported one another was a fairy tale romance they both deserved. 

Shane and Cat's story was emotionally gripping from start to finish, but the two epilogues were the Oscar of happy endings.

I am head over heels for this series and cannot wait for more!