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A review by kp_hobbitreads
Devil May Care by Lark Taylor
4.0
#1 Devil's Mark: ★★★★✮ | 4.5 stars
#2 Devil May Care: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
I absolutely adored Harlow in Devil's Mark so I couldn't wait for him to get his own HEA. And, this book definitely didn't disappoint.
While he was incredibly happy for his big brother, Harlow had no interest in finding a fated mate of his own. He was plenty content to play the field and enjoy a different partner each night. Until he meets Bailey that is. Harlow knows instantly that Bailey is the one for him, but Bailey doesn't seem to share those feelings. After being rejected, Harlow has to figure out how to protect Bailey from the trouble coming for his family without him finding out that he's a demon. And fated to love him forever. Bailey has given up on romantic relationships. After a string of disasters that destroyed his self-confidence he sticks to one night stands, but his instant attraction to Harlow has him reevaluating those feelings, and as they grow closer he starts to wonder if maybe things could be different this time if only he didn't feel like Harlow was keeping something from him.
I really loved both of these characters. Harlow is a snarky menace (complimentary) and Bailey is a genuinely good person and a wonderful friend to Oscar. So seeing them find common ground and develop a really great friendship, despite the fated mates aspect, was really lovely to see. I especially liked that Harlow spent the time to show Bailey that he could trust him and let down his walls. Their dynamic was just really sweet. I also really enjoyed the mystery/action aspect of this book - there were parts of this story that were really intense and emotional. I actually cried a couple times even though I know somehow these two were going to get their happily ever after.
I will say that Bailey's internalized fatphobia was a lot - and a little exhausting to read to be honest. While it made sense for his character, and it seemed to be mostly resolved by the end of the book (though that was more about how Harlow saw him rather than how he saw himself) I can see it being triggering/a major turn off for some readers.
Three Things:
1. I'm usually a little leery of big size differences in mlm romances because sometimes it can feel a little heteronormative, but I love that Harlow was smaller, but preferred to top/be in charge. Their dynamic was just really sexy and sweet.
2. While I'm glad the angst didn't draw out too long after the "rejection", I do think my man Harlow deserved a little bit more groveling to be honest.
3. I know each of the brothers are getting a book, but I really, really need Ferry to get one too. *fingers crossed*
Ultimately, I had a really good time reading this, and I can't wait for Mori's book. That demon deserves all the good things so I can't wait to see him get them.
content warnings: violence, blood, death, homophobic slur, homophobia (in the past, challenged), emotional abuse (previous relationship), fatphobic comments from a parent (in the past), internalized fatphobia and body image issues, sex (on page)
#2 Devil May Care: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
I absolutely adored Harlow in Devil's Mark so I couldn't wait for him to get his own HEA. And, this book definitely didn't disappoint.
While he was incredibly happy for his big brother, Harlow had no interest in finding a fated mate of his own. He was plenty content to play the field and enjoy a different partner each night. Until he meets Bailey that is. Harlow knows instantly that Bailey is the one for him, but Bailey doesn't seem to share those feelings. After being rejected, Harlow has to figure out how to protect Bailey from the trouble coming for his family without him finding out that he's a demon. And fated to love him forever. Bailey has given up on romantic relationships. After a string of disasters that destroyed his self-confidence he sticks to one night stands, but his instant attraction to Harlow has him reevaluating those feelings, and as they grow closer he starts to wonder if maybe things could be different this time if only he didn't feel like Harlow was keeping something from him.
I really loved both of these characters. Harlow is a snarky menace (complimentary) and Bailey is a genuinely good person and a wonderful friend to Oscar. So seeing them find common ground and develop a really great friendship, despite the fated mates aspect, was really lovely to see. I especially liked that Harlow spent the time to show Bailey that he could trust him and let down his walls. Their dynamic was just really sweet. I also really enjoyed the mystery/action aspect of this book - there were parts of this story that were really intense and emotional. I actually cried a couple times even though I know somehow these two were going to get their happily ever after.
I will say that Bailey's internalized fatphobia was a lot - and a little exhausting to read to be honest. While it made sense for his character, and it seemed to be mostly resolved by the end of the book (though that was more about how Harlow saw him rather than how he saw himself) I can see it being triggering/a major turn off for some readers.
Three Things:
1. I'm usually a little leery of big size differences in mlm romances because sometimes it can feel a little heteronormative, but I love that Harlow was smaller, but preferred to top/be in charge. Their dynamic was just really sexy and sweet.
2. While I'm glad the angst didn't draw out too long after the "rejection", I do think my man Harlow deserved a little bit more groveling to be honest.
3. I know each of the brothers are getting a book, but I really, really need Ferry to get one too. *fingers crossed*
Ultimately, I had a really good time reading this, and I can't wait for Mori's book. That demon deserves all the good things so I can't wait to see him get them.
content warnings: violence, blood, death, homophobic slur, homophobia (in the past, challenged), emotional abuse (previous relationship), fatphobic comments from a parent (in the past), internalized fatphobia and body image issues, sex (on page)