Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Devon Harper isn’t just an agent with an elite private security firm, he’s also a cambion, the half-breed offspring of an incubus and a human. While on the trail of Porter Grey, a dangerous summoner, Devon’s own demonic birthright betrays him and he’s captured by those who want to use his heritage for evil, leaving his sometimes-partner Rio to step in and save the day. Unfortunately, their quarry has escaped by the time Devon is freed. If they don’t catch him fast, Porter Grey could once again vanish overseas and out of their reach.
As the two men begin their search, the urgency of their mission can’t quite distract Devon from the growing affection he feels for Rio—the one person whose calm nature seems to quiet his restless spirit. Their hunt leads them to Seattle, but Devon is captured and Porter Grey almost killed as the demon who has been pulling his strings springs his ultimate trap. He’s got plans for Devon, and unless Rio is willing to risk everything by revealing his own hidden nature to stop him, he may have found a way to become the most powerful incubus to ever walk the Earth.
The Review
Safeguards Systems is owned by Ronald and Elliana Mayhew. Their goal is to go after demons, demon summoners and those who commit the most evil and illegal crimes.
Devon Harper is a demon hunter operative. He’s cambion, and his charm and allure alone put him in some very interesting psychical situations. He’s the best at what he does, but danger still surrounds him.
He’s on assignment at the Pearly Gates club, on the hunt for one of the most unique demon summoners and cambion creators, Porter Grey. He’s also up against guards and the owner of the club, Saint Peter. Devon’s in a sticky situation – a Peach pit with a symbol is Devon’s downfall, and it gets him captured. Maria, Devon’s handler, has to call in the posse to get Devon out of serious trouble.
Rio Pagani is one of the best protectors around. Maria calls him in to get Devon out of hot water. Rio is a giant of a man, and does what no one else can. He goes in guns blazing, along with anything else he can use from his arsenal to save Devon.
Devon is an open book, and Rio knows what Devon needs to calm him. But no one really knows anything about Rio – he’s never shared anything about himself. Even though Rio seems cold at times, he has a soft spot, especially for his dog Maggie.
Devon and Rio have known each other for a few years. They’ve worked on several ops together and at times have had a physical relationship. But Devon’s allure does not effect Rio.
Devon hopes that maybe there could be more between him and Rio, someday.
With the escape of Porter Grey, Devon and Rio run into all types of trouble. Finally, Grey in tracked down in Seattle. As the plan is put in motion to capture him once again, Devon gets trapped. Rio’s is beside himself – he doesn’t know what he can do. Will he have to reveal his personal secret in order to save Devon?
And what about Devon, as the the most evil demon will reveal secrets about Devons own life?
Cari Z spins a fast paced, action-packed, angels-and-demons tale. There are unexpected twists and turns that kept me on edge – a well written book with many humorous and snarky moments. I like that it also has a touch of mystery, as Rio and Devon both have secrets that surround them.
Rio was my favorite. I would have liked a more solid relationship between him and Devon. But I realize that it’s Devons nature as a cambion that gets him involved with others.
In addition to the two great main characters, I liked the family connections in this tale. Renard and Emile Harper, Devon’s two dads, and Devon’s step-siblings Jaime, Chloe and Angelo. They all make Rio feel accepted. Steven Sorenson is also an interesting character.
I’ve read several of Cari Z’s novels before, and Dark Around the Edges is just as exciting and entertaining. I’m always happily surprised with her new work.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.