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Dealing with the Devil
He rides in like a hero, but he’s the Devil underneath.
Carver
When I came out, I lost everything, but I found Matteo, and together, we built a life, so how can it all disappear in a single night?
We had just adopted our son, two-year-old Dean. Matteo insisted I be the one who stayed home with him, and it made so much sense. I could work remotely, but my ‘perfect’ husband died, dropping a massive debt that he’d kept hidden. That would’ve been bad enough. Of course, Mateo was always an overachiever. He went out with his mistress by his side.
Now, loan sharks keep coming. They want everything, and as if I didn’t need enough guilt, the world won’t let me forget my philandering spouse’s mistress left her newborn daughter behind too. She left a husband too.
Wealthy and good looking enough for billboards, Dean Bruce certainly had the face of a guardian angel, but I didn’t think it would be mine. Nannying wasn’t my dream job, but Dean cleared my debts and promised to ensure nobody came looking to take my son away in the midst of this mess.
Sure, he’s more invested in his daughter, and even my son, than my dead husband. I just might be falling for him, but there’s a darkness to him, and I might just have made a deal with the Devil.
Dean
Nobody betrays me. Finding out my wife slept with a dirty accountant on my dime, I did what I always do. I made a plan. I cleaned up the mess. People ended up dead. Even better, in the aftermath, I met Carver Morelli.
He’s not what I expected. For someone practically collared by his husband, he has teeth, and my daughter needs that. She deserves someone who will kill before seeing anyone even look at her the wrong way.
I didn’t expect what seeing him in my home would do. I’ve never looked twice at a man. Maybe it’s just how well he takes care of the children that drives me wild. Wires get crossed. Our deal is for a year, but whatever set him in my sights, I’ve no intention of letting him walk away.
Dealing with the Devil is an intense straight-to-bisexual dark mafia romance stand-alone complete with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
Carver
When I came out, I lost everything, but I found Matteo, and together, we built a life, so how can it all disappear in a single night?
We had just adopted our son, two-year-old Dean. Matteo insisted I be the one who stayed home with him, and it made so much sense. I could work remotely, but my ‘perfect’ husband died, dropping a massive debt that he’d kept hidden. That would’ve been bad enough. Of course, Mateo was always an overachiever. He went out with his mistress by his side.
Now, loan sharks keep coming. They want everything, and as if I didn’t need enough guilt, the world won’t let me forget my philandering spouse’s mistress left her newborn daughter behind too. She left a husband too.
Wealthy and good looking enough for billboards, Dean Bruce certainly had the face of a guardian angel, but I didn’t think it would be mine. Nannying wasn’t my dream job, but Dean cleared my debts and promised to ensure nobody came looking to take my son away in the midst of this mess.
Sure, he’s more invested in his daughter, and even my son, than my dead husband. I just might be falling for him, but there’s a darkness to him, and I might just have made a deal with the Devil.
Dean
Nobody betrays me. Finding out my wife slept with a dirty accountant on my dime, I did what I always do. I made a plan. I cleaned up the mess. People ended up dead. Even better, in the aftermath, I met Carver Morelli.
He’s not what I expected. For someone practically collared by his husband, he has teeth, and my daughter needs that. She deserves someone who will kill before seeing anyone even look at her the wrong way.
I didn’t expect what seeing him in my home would do. I’ve never looked twice at a man. Maybe it’s just how well he takes care of the children that drives me wild. Wires get crossed. Our deal is for a year, but whatever set him in my sights, I’ve no intention of letting him walk away.
Dealing with the Devil is an intense straight-to-bisexual dark mafia romance stand-alone complete with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
- GenresM M RomanceLGBT
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2024
49 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Brendol James
41 books21 followersM/M romance and erotica from true love to steamy one-night stands - contemporary and historical gay erotic shorts.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 5, 2024
Bad editing.
Very unique plot, bad execution.
Romance has no substance outside smut.
Even the whole mafia organization thing was lacking its edge.
Heavy sigh.
Very unique plot, bad execution.
Romance has no substance outside smut.
Even the whole mafia organization thing was lacking its edge.
Heavy sigh.
July 22, 2024
'While my eyes took in every bit, memorizing this moment, the surprise on his face and the pain of how tightly he clung to me burned through all else, leaving a permanent mark on some piece of me that — in that moment — I couldn’t face. If I did, it would ruin me.'
I loved this book. As soon as I read the premise, I couldn't wait to read this story. A man discovers his husband not only had an affair, but sunk him into an ocean of debt he couldn't hope to pay off, intending to run away with his mistress. Carver found out both when police came to tell him both died in a car accident. The woman was his husband's boss's wife, who left behind her own husband and baby daughter. What circumstances could bring a love story for both widowers in a situation like this?
I was hooked to the story. I loved Carver and liked Dean. My heart broke for Carver because his whole world essentially imploded and the family that should have stepped in abandoned him and his adopted son. Dean was a strong-willed man- one not to be crossed- but also hasn't had a life without tragedy. I liked the way their relationship developed. I liked (and also didn't like lol) that Dean fought with the realization of his attraction to Carver (bi-awakening) instead of immediately being fine with it, or freaking out; but didn't really like how he told himself it didn't have to mean anything and was just physical.
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it were longer and their relationship fleshed out more- really see the chemistry and pull and sexual tension between them before they got physical. I loved the family setting with Carver and the children, and Dean's reaction and appreciation for the warm, homey setting (and the big contrast from what life was like with his wife). The Dean drunk scene was adorable and my favorite.
4 stars
I loved this book. As soon as I read the premise, I couldn't wait to read this story. A man discovers his husband not only had an affair, but sunk him into an ocean of debt he couldn't hope to pay off, intending to run away with his mistress. Carver found out both when police came to tell him both died in a car accident. The woman was his husband's boss's wife, who left behind her own husband and baby daughter. What circumstances could bring a love story for both widowers in a situation like this?
I was hooked to the story. I loved Carver and liked Dean. My heart broke for Carver because his whole world essentially imploded and the family that should have stepped in abandoned him and his adopted son. Dean was a strong-willed man- one not to be crossed- but also hasn't had a life without tragedy. I liked the way their relationship developed. I liked (and also didn't like lol) that Dean fought with the realization of his attraction to Carver (bi-awakening) instead of immediately being fine with it, or freaking out; but didn't really like how he told himself it didn't have to mean anything and was just physical.
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it were longer and their relationship fleshed out more- really see the chemistry and pull and sexual tension between them before they got physical. I loved the family setting with Carver and the children, and Dean's reaction and appreciation for the warm, homey setting (and the big contrast from what life was like with his wife). The Dean drunk scene was adorable and my favorite.
4 stars
July 19, 2024
Carver and Dean = lushhhh
I’ve got to say I enjoyed this week, and what I really enjoyed with the dynamics of Carver and Dean.
Carver was married blissfully unaware that his husband has been having an affair with a woman until a policeman. Informed him and that They have both been killed in a traffic accident. All Carver cared about in that moment is his son Leo. But he soon finds out that Matteo has also left him with humongous debts. carver Then was offered a deal. He could go and work for the man who his husband had an affair with for a year and he will take care of all of the debts. Carver Knew he had to take the deal.
Dean is a billionaire who runs a criminal organisation. He also has legitimate legal companies as well when he made the offer to Carver He was not ready for the attraction that he felt. He just wanted somebody to look after his daughter, but it was pretty obvious that the attraction was mutual Dean acted on it . But he was different with Carver. But he does struggle with been attracted to a man. Not in the sense of it bothers him, but in his life, his organisation is not known for accepting people that are gay, but could Dean change that??
I really enjoyed this book. I really like the interaction that Carver has with the children. carver really makes the apartment like a family unit, it was all very homely. And I like that Dean is so soft and vulnerable with Carver.
A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve got to say I enjoyed this week, and what I really enjoyed with the dynamics of Carver and Dean.
Carver was married blissfully unaware that his husband has been having an affair with a woman until a policeman. Informed him and that They have both been killed in a traffic accident. All Carver cared about in that moment is his son Leo. But he soon finds out that Matteo has also left him with humongous debts. carver Then was offered a deal. He could go and work for the man who his husband had an affair with for a year and he will take care of all of the debts. Carver Knew he had to take the deal.
Dean is a billionaire who runs a criminal organisation. He also has legitimate legal companies as well when he made the offer to Carver He was not ready for the attraction that he felt. He just wanted somebody to look after his daughter, but it was pretty obvious that the attraction was mutual Dean acted on it . But he was different with Carver. But he does struggle with been attracted to a man. Not in the sense of it bothers him, but in his life, his organisation is not known for accepting people that are gay, but could Dean change that??
I really enjoyed this book. I really like the interaction that Carver has with the children. carver really makes the apartment like a family unit, it was all very homely. And I like that Dean is so soft and vulnerable with Carver.
A good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2025
Where do I start.
You know when you picture something in your head and it’s perfection and then you try to apply it and it’s utterly terrible?
This is that.
An amazing plot to be honest, underrated trope and a found family? Couldn’t be better. Hard to mess up, yet it was.
This seemed like something I could’ve found on Wattpad back in 2017, except that would’ve had better grammar and writing skills.
I will say at least there’s the decency of sort of admitting it based on the 5$ CAD tag for it on Amazon.
Tell me why right off the bat there’s inconsistencies, for example, the first chapter Dean speaks in he states his daughter is Seven months old. Not even 10 paragraphs later Carver says she’s 4. He also makes a comments about long windows. But how he wouldn’t need to worry besucase neither his kid (Leo) nor Deans daughter are close to walking age.
Yes the next paragraph I kid you not, kid says a complete sentence, stands up and starts jumping.
I’m no paediatrician, but I know sure as hell that makes NO sense. The writing is non descriptive dry and full of mistakes.
It’s a crime against writing how this story full of potential was absolutely tickled in the butt and then fckd over w a chainsaw.
Whoever revised this was high as hell on something and honestly the greatest offence is that I wasn’t given any of that because it sure as hell was sum strong from the absolute tomfoolery this book is.
Characters were alright tho!
You know when you picture something in your head and it’s perfection and then you try to apply it and it’s utterly terrible?
This is that.
An amazing plot to be honest, underrated trope and a found family? Couldn’t be better. Hard to mess up, yet it was.
This seemed like something I could’ve found on Wattpad back in 2017, except that would’ve had better grammar and writing skills.
I will say at least there’s the decency of sort of admitting it based on the 5$ CAD tag for it on Amazon.
Tell me why right off the bat there’s inconsistencies, for example, the first chapter Dean speaks in he states his daughter is Seven months old. Not even 10 paragraphs later Carver says she’s 4. He also makes a comments about long windows. But how he wouldn’t need to worry besucase neither his kid (Leo) nor Deans daughter are close to walking age.
Yes the next paragraph I kid you not, kid says a complete sentence, stands up and starts jumping.
I’m no paediatrician, but I know sure as hell that makes NO sense. The writing is non descriptive dry and full of mistakes.
It’s a crime against writing how this story full of potential was absolutely tickled in the butt and then fckd over w a chainsaw.
Whoever revised this was high as hell on something and honestly the greatest offence is that I wasn’t given any of that because it sure as hell was sum strong from the absolute tomfoolery this book is.
Characters were alright tho!
July 18, 2024
Don’t start if you don’t have the time to read it through hang on and you might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way! Dean and Carver meet by chance both their spouses cheated on them leaving Dean with a young daughter and he hires Carver to be his daughter’s nanny. Dean has always thought he was straight until he was around his daughter’s Nanny then something shifts. The more he paid attention to his Nanny the more he realized he was feeling something new, something different, and considering they both know the pain of the ones they thought loved them. The more he spent with his daughter and the nanny the magnetic pull between them grows stronger but where are they headed, Carver accepted who he was, Dean just finding out who he really wants to be, will they find that missing piece and a little happiness between the two of them?
July 18, 2024
Dean and Carver cross paths after both have been hurt by infidelity—Dean by his spouse and Carver by his own partner. Dean, who is raising a young daughter, hires Carver to be her nanny. Initially identifying as straight, Dean begins to question his sexuality as he spends time with Carver, experiencing a new and intense attraction. Both men, having endured betrayal, find comfort and a deepening connection with each other. As their relationship grows, they navigate their feelings and the magnetic pull between them, while Carver embraces his identity and Dean contemplates the direction of their evolving bond. The is romantic, with some intense moments, low angst, great characters and I enjoyed it.
July 17, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Dean and Carver are brought together because of their cheating spouses. The spouses are gone and Dean helps Carver out. I liked how their relationship develops into love. I liked how resourceful and smart Carver proved to be.
July 18, 2024
I enjoyed this short novella, I really liked Carver and Dean and enjoyed the story but it would of been good to see how things were handled after the kidnapping and not just jump fifteen years in the epilogue even though I was happy about them getting their Hea it would of been good to see how they achieved it.
October 20, 2024
I picked up this book because the blurb sounded amazing and right up my ally. And although I liked the idea of this book I was stuck between a 2 and 3 star rating. This book needs a good editor \ betareader as it has many errors. From the girls age to punctuation mistakes to half written sentences. I ended up giving it 3 stars as I am feeling generous and like I said I liked the blurb.
July 17, 2024
"Dealing With the Devil" is a great quick read by Brendol James. There is chemistry between the characters from the start and when they get together it's hot. There is a bit of angst along with some sweet moments. I'm looking forward to more from Brendol James.
September 2, 2024
I always love novellas as a good little palette cleanser but this one made no fucking sense. The mob boss fought the idea of being “not straight” for most of the story and then the epilogue is HEA. Yeah, I don’t buy it 💀
January 26, 2025
This had potential, but everyone's Multiple Personality Disorders left me floundering. I like the pace of novellas generally, but an extra few pages to allow for some more cohesion between plot jumps would have helped.
July 17, 2024
2.5
Needs editing
Needs editing
August 27, 2024
It's a interesting books enjoying it
September 3, 2024
Loved this story wish it had more interactions with dean and Leo but so cute.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.8/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️. 5 /5 -pretty sure they had a literally fade to black scene which was kinda funny
⭐️⭐️⭐️.8/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️. 5 /5 -pretty sure they had a literally fade to black scene which was kinda funny
September 4, 2024
Whew! Dk what to say 😂 I'll keep it simple. Story kept me interested (kinda) The spice was decent (kinda) But none of it made up for the fact this has clearly not been edited. It was a mess 😂😅
September 6, 2024
good book but it was a little rushed and had many grammatical errors
September 7, 2024
Dios mío, qué nerviosa me puso Dean. AAAAAHHHHHH. Si te avergüenzas de la relación, no la tengas, PERIOD.
September 8, 2024
2.5 Not bad
September 13, 2024
Truly Amazing 🥲
Bravo 👏🏻 I loved this book from start to finish Dean & Carver whoop whoop have my heart can’t wait to see what else you have for me to read. 🙌🏻 💙💙🩵🩷
Bravo 👏🏻 I loved this book from start to finish Dean & Carver whoop whoop have my heart can’t wait to see what else you have for me to read. 🙌🏻 💙💙🩵🩷
October 17, 2024
I guess you could say this was quite. It wasn’t really some mind blowing story but it wasn’t bad either. I enjoyed it.
April 21, 2025
Carver has lost almost everything. The husband who should have been coming home to celebrate a third anniversary has been killed in a car accident with his mistress. Both of them have left behind a spouse and a young child. But Carver has also been left with an impossible mountain of debt. He has been cut off from his family, his spouse's family want nothing to do with him and so, when Dean steps in and offers to clear his debts in return for Carver being nanny to both their children for a year he has no choice but to accept.
Dean has selfish reasons for his actions. It is entirely possible he had something to do with the accident, that he knew all about the accumulated debts, he really does need someone to look after his daughter too. As a billionaire the money he is owed is a drop in the ocean to him but the help Carver can provide is invaluable. Carver surprises him though, with his grit and determination, the protectiveness he gives to both children and how very good he is around the house. Dean likes it. He surprises himself with how much he is liking it, liking having Carver in his house. Is it gratitude or is there more to it?
Watching Carver and Dean's story unfold through the pages of this book is both exciting and fascinating. It comes close, at times, to being heartbreaking but most of the angst comes from frustration and that is aimed at Dean. Crime boss he may be but his best friend Adrian is right when he tells him not to mess around, that Carver deserves more. A dark mafia romance is how I would describe this story but it comes with equal measures of passion and tenderness. The epilogue is wonderful - usually I groan when epilogues propel us 10-15 years into the future but this one gives the book the most perfect of endings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Carver has lost almost everything. The husband who should have been coming home to celebrate a third anniversary has been killed in a car accident with his mistress. Both of them have left behind a spouse and a young child. But Carver has also been left with an impossible mountain of debt. He has been cut off from his family, his spouse's family want nothing to do with him and so, when Dean steps in and offers to clear his debts in return for Carver being nanny to both their children for a year he has no choice but to accept.
Dean has selfish reasons for his actions. It is entirely possible he had something to do with the accident, that he knew all about the accumulated debts, he really does need someone to look after his daughter too. As a billionaire the money he is owed is a drop in the ocean to him but the help Carver can provide is invaluable. Carver surprises him though, with his grit and determination, the protectiveness he gives to both children and how very good he is around the house. Dean likes it. He surprises himself with how much he is liking it, liking having Carver in his house. Is it gratitude or is there more to it?
Watching Carver and Dean's story unfold through the pages of this book is both exciting and fascinating. It comes close, at times, to being heartbreaking but most of the angst comes from frustration and that is aimed at Dean. Crime boss he may be but his best friend Adrian is right when he tells him not to mess around, that Carver deserves more. A dark mafia romance is how I would describe this story but it comes with equal measures of passion and tenderness. The epilogue is wonderful - usually I groan when epilogues propel us 10-15 years into the future but this one gives the book the most perfect of endings.
Dean has selfish reasons for his actions. It is entirely possible he had something to do with the accident, that he knew all about the accumulated debts, he really does need someone to look after his daughter too. As a billionaire the money he is owed is a drop in the ocean to him but the help Carver can provide is invaluable. Carver surprises him though, with his grit and determination, the protectiveness he gives to both children and how very good he is around the house. Dean likes it. He surprises himself with how much he is liking it, liking having Carver in his house. Is it gratitude or is there more to it?
Watching Carver and Dean's story unfold through the pages of this book is both exciting and fascinating. It comes close, at times, to being heartbreaking but most of the angst comes from frustration and that is aimed at Dean. Crime boss he may be but his best friend Adrian is right when he tells him not to mess around, that Carver deserves more. A dark mafia romance is how I would describe this story but it comes with equal measures of passion and tenderness. The epilogue is wonderful - usually I groan when epilogues propel us 10-15 years into the future but this one gives the book the most perfect of endings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Carver has lost almost everything. The husband who should have been coming home to celebrate a third anniversary has been killed in a car accident with his mistress. Both of them have left behind a spouse and a young child. But Carver has also been left with an impossible mountain of debt. He has been cut off from his family, his spouse's family want nothing to do with him and so, when Dean steps in and offers to clear his debts in return for Carver being nanny to both their children for a year he has no choice but to accept.
Dean has selfish reasons for his actions. It is entirely possible he had something to do with the accident, that he knew all about the accumulated debts, he really does need someone to look after his daughter too. As a billionaire the money he is owed is a drop in the ocean to him but the help Carver can provide is invaluable. Carver surprises him though, with his grit and determination, the protectiveness he gives to both children and how very good he is around the house. Dean likes it. He surprises himself with how much he is liking it, liking having Carver in his house. Is it gratitude or is there more to it?
Watching Carver and Dean's story unfold through the pages of this book is both exciting and fascinating. It comes close, at times, to being heartbreaking but most of the angst comes from frustration and that is aimed at Dean. Crime boss he may be but his best friend Adrian is right when he tells him not to mess around, that Carver deserves more. A dark mafia romance is how I would describe this story but it comes with equal measures of passion and tenderness. The epilogue is wonderful - usually I groan when epilogues propel us 10-15 years into the future but this one gives the book the most perfect of endings.
October 17, 2024
ye.. this was bad
The plot idea is really interesting. the writing sooo bad
DNF at 30%
The plot idea is really interesting. the writing sooo bad
DNF at 30%
December 20, 2024
i wanna bleach my eyes
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews