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A Dance in the Devil's Arms
Successful author Savannah MacLeod is on top of the world. With a bestselling series and film adaptations to her name, a gorgeous husband, Michael, and all the privilege one could imagine, her life is a dream. Things are not how they seem, however, and all of this success has come at a cost. Her once passionate marriage is on the rocks after years of selfishly accepting Michael’s sacrifices without giving half as much in return. After a disturbing event at the launch party of her most recent title, Savannah commits herself to slowing down, appreciating her success, and prioritizing her marriage, but it is too late.
Just as Savannah is about to confess her regrets and express her desire to finally put their relationship before her own needs, an obstacle appears on the road, causing a car crash that plunges Savannah into darkness. Caught between life and death, floating in an endless void, Savannah finds herself joined by a pair of burning, scarlet eyes, a demon that will force her to relive the most tragic and thrilling moments of her life.
.
Just as Savannah is about to confess her regrets and express her desire to finally put their relationship before her own needs, an obstacle appears on the road, causing a car crash that plunges Savannah into darkness. Caught between life and death, floating in an endless void, Savannah finds herself joined by a pair of burning, scarlet eyes, a demon that will force her to relive the most tragic and thrilling moments of her life.
.
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2024
About the author
Sarah Monday
4 books72 followersDr. Sarah Monday is the author of the psychological romance series Code of Souls and a corporate business leader. Sarah is an Air Force veteran, a mother of three, and has a Doctorate in International Business. A nomad in life, she went to high school in Plano, TX, but she currently lives in Seattle, WA, with her witty husband, Ryan, and their Goldendoodle, Oscar.
When Sarah is not writing, she can be found snuggled on the couch with a glass of wine and Oscar reading, cooking for family and friends, or out and about in her own small town on the east side.
When Sarah is not writing, she can be found snuggled on the couch with a glass of wine and Oscar reading, cooking for family and friends, or out and about in her own small town on the east side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 7, 2025
One of a Kind
How can I put into words how I feel about this book?
We follow Savannah, who is a successful author on top of the world, but her marriage is on the rocks. This book follows the actions and choices of the characters throughout their relationship. How something such as pride can be the driving force behind whether or not their relationship can survive? Just when Savannah starts to understand what it might cost her she is in a car crash that plunges her into darkness. Stuck between life and death she is joined by a demon that forces her to relive moments of her life and to make her understand the cost of her choices!
Dr. Sarah Mondays writing is out of this world! She writes beautifully flawed humans that are so relatable that it makes you self-reflect. This book brought every emotion out of me and left me in tears multiple times throughout the book. Not only because of the storyline but because of the way it resonated with me personally!
Breathtakingly beautiful!
How can I put into words how I feel about this book?
We follow Savannah, who is a successful author on top of the world, but her marriage is on the rocks. This book follows the actions and choices of the characters throughout their relationship. How something such as pride can be the driving force behind whether or not their relationship can survive? Just when Savannah starts to understand what it might cost her she is in a car crash that plunges her into darkness. Stuck between life and death she is joined by a demon that forces her to relive moments of her life and to make her understand the cost of her choices!
Dr. Sarah Mondays writing is out of this world! She writes beautifully flawed humans that are so relatable that it makes you self-reflect. This book brought every emotion out of me and left me in tears multiple times throughout the book. Not only because of the storyline but because of the way it resonated with me personally!
Breathtakingly beautiful!
March 19, 2025
A Dance in the Devil’s Arms: Pride by Dr. Sarah Monday is a beautifully written love story that explores the complexities of a long-term relationship. The author does a fantastic job depicting the highs and lows of marriage—the joy, the struggles, and the deep commitment that keeps two people together. The main character’s journey of self-reflection is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, adding depth to an already emotional story. The pacing is excellent, making it impossible to put down as you eagerly turn the pages to see what happens next. Dr. Sarah Monday masterfully portrays a flawed yet profoundly beautiful relationship, reminding us that even imperfection can be full of love and meaning. This is a deeply thought-provoking read that will leave you reflecting on your own life choices.
February 26, 2025
Oh my! Wow! I had no idea what to expect from this book. I literally went in blind and did not even read the blurb on the back. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
This book has left me contemplating life, love, pride, and so many other things. I can’t even begin to explain the types of emotions this book evoked from me. When I say it was an emotional rollercoaster that kept me wanting more and more…believe it! I have read so many books in my lifetime and this is one of the very few that has me questioning my perspectives on things in my life and what truly matters.
I am enthralled with Dr. Monday’s talent. Her writing is purely a work of art. It painted a heartbreaking, beautiful, tragic, uplifting, and contemplative story all at once. I MUST read the next book ASAP.
This author is going places for sure!
This book has left me contemplating life, love, pride, and so many other things. I can’t even begin to explain the types of emotions this book evoked from me. When I say it was an emotional rollercoaster that kept me wanting more and more…believe it! I have read so many books in my lifetime and this is one of the very few that has me questioning my perspectives on things in my life and what truly matters.
I am enthralled with Dr. Monday’s talent. Her writing is purely a work of art. It painted a heartbreaking, beautiful, tragic, uplifting, and contemplative story all at once. I MUST read the next book ASAP.
This author is going places for sure!
April 23, 2025
What a very unique book! Savannah a successful author realizes that she has been selfish and putting the ones she love on the back burner of her career is involved in a tragic accident. She is now faced with a demon to relive some of her past to see how her actions have affected other loved ones in her life.
This book was somewhat hard to follow at times because of the time jumps but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book definitely had me self reflecting.
This book was somewhat hard to follow at times because of the time jumps but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book definitely had me self reflecting.
February 2, 2025
This book just kept me wanting more and more . There are many times I wanted to smack the FMC Savanah for being a dumb brat, when her Husband Michael is nothing but amazing . Read to find out how Savanah, an author deals with the trials of life and learning just how stubborn hearted she really is . The ending had me mind blown
March 7, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
That ending absolutely threw me across the room.
Like excuse me?? We’re just going to emotionally devastate me and then walk away like that? Cool. Cool cool cool.
But let’s rewind. 👏
The easiest way to describe this book is:
take the emotional reckoning of A Christmas Carol, strip out the holiday cheer, blend it with the messy, layered life drama energy of This Is Us, and add a paranormal twist that forces the FMC to face every moment she’s been trying not to look at too closely.
And yes—check those trigger warnings first! This story does not play nice with your feelings.🙅♀️
We follow Savannah as she’s forced to relive the best and worst moments of her life, and listen… I highlighted A LOT. Because this book will absolutely drag you through grief, love, regret, healing, and all the complicated mess in between.
It’s emotional. It’s reflective. It’s the kind of story that quietly crawls into your head and starts asking uncomfortable questions about the way we live, love, and carry our pain.
Then there’s the romance 🤌
We have a man written by a woman who will absolutely ruin your expectations for everyone else.
Michael is soft in the ways that matter. Steady when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. With a level of patience and empathy that is unmatched.
The kind of MMC that shows up when Savannah needs to confront the ugliest parts of herself.
This isn’t my usual flavor of read, but I still ended up loving it.
The psychological and emotional journey this book sends you on sneaks up on you, and suddenly you’re reflecting on your own life right alongside the characters.
Grief. Loss. Love. Relationships. The balancing act of being human.
And that now brings us full circle to the ending…
Let’s just say this HEA is not the one you’re expecting—but it might be the one that has you questioning how much your bae loves you really. 😮💨🤌
If you’re in the mood for a contemporary romance that leans heavy into emotional drama with a paranormal twist, this one absolutely delivers.
Bonus points if you enjoy a little (a lot 😆) emotional devastation with your love story.
That ending absolutely threw me across the room.
Like excuse me?? We’re just going to emotionally devastate me and then walk away like that? Cool. Cool cool cool.
But let’s rewind. 👏
The easiest way to describe this book is:
take the emotional reckoning of A Christmas Carol, strip out the holiday cheer, blend it with the messy, layered life drama energy of This Is Us, and add a paranormal twist that forces the FMC to face every moment she’s been trying not to look at too closely.
And yes—check those trigger warnings first! This story does not play nice with your feelings.🙅♀️
We follow Savannah as she’s forced to relive the best and worst moments of her life, and listen… I highlighted A LOT. Because this book will absolutely drag you through grief, love, regret, healing, and all the complicated mess in between.
It’s emotional. It’s reflective. It’s the kind of story that quietly crawls into your head and starts asking uncomfortable questions about the way we live, love, and carry our pain.
Then there’s the romance 🤌
We have a man written by a woman who will absolutely ruin your expectations for everyone else.
Michael is soft in the ways that matter. Steady when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. With a level of patience and empathy that is unmatched.
The kind of MMC that shows up when Savannah needs to confront the ugliest parts of herself.
This isn’t my usual flavor of read, but I still ended up loving it.
The psychological and emotional journey this book sends you on sneaks up on you, and suddenly you’re reflecting on your own life right alongside the characters.
Grief. Loss. Love. Relationships. The balancing act of being human.
And that now brings us full circle to the ending…
Let’s just say this HEA is not the one you’re expecting—but it might be the one that has you questioning how much your bae loves you really. 😮💨🤌
If you’re in the mood for a contemporary romance that leans heavy into emotional drama with a paranormal twist, this one absolutely delivers.
Bonus points if you enjoy a little (a lot 😆) emotional devastation with your love story.
April 14, 2025
Savannah MacLeod seemingly has it all—bestselling books, a picture-perfect marriage, fame—until it all comes crashing down. This one passion filled marriage begins to slowly crumble when it takes a backseat to Savannah's career, and just when she is resolves to turn things around and reprioritize her marriage--a freak accident thrusts her into a chilling encounter with a scarlet eyed demon that makes her confront moments in her life she’s tried hardest to forget.
I had to sit on this one for a bit because of how complex it was and ultimately chose 4 stars as my rating--Man was this a unique read! I rarely come across a book that crosses over so many enjoyable elements at once. The prologue will immediately hook you, and no doubt the writing is incredible. I would be very surprised if this book didn't become a sensation. The way that the complex inner landscape of a man and woman in marriage and the tension we experience between choosing our own wants and needs and that of a relationship was captured beautifully. Craft was 5 stars! Because I rate based on experience, so I rated it 4 stars simply due to the "bad to worse" progression in this book which I generally have trouble with. It's like second hand torture for me. With that said, this is a series and I hope to experience the redemption of it all through the page. This was gritty, eye opening, suspenseful, haunting, ALL the things!
I had to sit on this one for a bit because of how complex it was and ultimately chose 4 stars as my rating--Man was this a unique read! I rarely come across a book that crosses over so many enjoyable elements at once. The prologue will immediately hook you, and no doubt the writing is incredible. I would be very surprised if this book didn't become a sensation. The way that the complex inner landscape of a man and woman in marriage and the tension we experience between choosing our own wants and needs and that of a relationship was captured beautifully. Craft was 5 stars! Because I rate based on experience, so I rated it 4 stars simply due to the "bad to worse" progression in this book which I generally have trouble with. It's like second hand torture for me. With that said, this is a series and I hope to experience the redemption of it all through the page. This was gritty, eye opening, suspenseful, haunting, ALL the things!
November 30, 2024
Wow I just finished A Dance In The Devil’s Arms, and let me tell you this book is a gripping and emotional rollercoaster. This story left me completely captivated. The FMC (Savvy) starts off as frustratingly stubborn, taking everything and everyone in her life for granted. Her choices and pride lead her to loosening everyone close to her which makes her journey both heartbreaking and relatable. I will be very honest she made me so angry throughout the entire book with her selfishness and refusal to change.
The MMC (Michael) who is literally the perfect man! A man who has compassion, who is selfless and understanding. Who would do any and everything for her. Even though he provided unwavering support, Savvy continued with her selfish behavior until something tragic happens leaving her to confront her demons. It’s only then, when faced with the consequences of her actions, that she begins to change. But would it be too late?
This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-reflection and the cost of pride. Dr. Monday’s writing is deeply moving, and the characters are so well written that they feel real. If you’re looking for a book that will piss you off, make you cry and do some soul searching of your own, this one is a MUST READ!
The MMC (Michael) who is literally the perfect man! A man who has compassion, who is selfless and understanding. Who would do any and everything for her. Even though he provided unwavering support, Savvy continued with her selfish behavior until something tragic happens leaving her to confront her demons. It’s only then, when faced with the consequences of her actions, that she begins to change. But would it be too late?
This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-reflection and the cost of pride. Dr. Monday’s writing is deeply moving, and the characters are so well written that they feel real. If you’re looking for a book that will piss you off, make you cry and do some soul searching of your own, this one is a MUST READ!
December 18, 2024
This book was everything, one my my favorite reads this year.
Savvy, a successful author, best seeking series, movie adaptations, and a picture perfect husband. She finds herself in a place where she needs to face her demons. Reliving the worst moments of her life, the best moments of her life. Love, loss, choices she has made, the consequences of those choices.
It was so beautifully written, and you feel so connected to the characters - to the point of wanting to grab them through the book and yell at them or hug them. Even more so, I love that this book made me do my own self reflecting, and I started to question myself, 'If I had to face my demons - am I happy with the choices I have made?'
This is an absolute YES! If you have not read this yet.. why not? Do yourself a favor and read it!
Thank you for Dr. Sarah Monday for this incredible work. I am so excited to read the next!
Savvy, a successful author, best seeking series, movie adaptations, and a picture perfect husband. She finds herself in a place where she needs to face her demons. Reliving the worst moments of her life, the best moments of her life. Love, loss, choices she has made, the consequences of those choices.
It was so beautifully written, and you feel so connected to the characters - to the point of wanting to grab them through the book and yell at them or hug them. Even more so, I love that this book made me do my own self reflecting, and I started to question myself, 'If I had to face my demons - am I happy with the choices I have made?'
This is an absolute YES! If you have not read this yet.. why not? Do yourself a favor and read it!
Thank you for Dr. Sarah Monday for this incredible work. I am so excited to read the next!
November 30, 2024
A Dance in the Devil’s Arms by Dr. Sarah Monday had me riding a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt anger, sadness (bawled after chapter 21), joy, and swoon-worthy delight—especially over Michael, the love interest. What. A. Man. However, Savvy (the FMC) became increasingly annoying as the story went on, to the point where I might have diagnosed her as a sociopath and annotated unmentionable things about her in my book.
The non-linear storytelling was tricky to follow, but it clicked by the end—mirroring Savvy’s own confusion. Even then, I was still left scratching my head!
That said, Dr. Sarah Monday’s vivid, detailed writing completely brought the setting to life, and her ability to evoke such intense emotions is a testament to her talent. Despite the chaos, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what she writes next!
The non-linear storytelling was tricky to follow, but it clicked by the end—mirroring Savvy’s own confusion. Even then, I was still left scratching my head!
That said, Dr. Sarah Monday’s vivid, detailed writing completely brought the setting to life, and her ability to evoke such intense emotions is a testament to her talent. Despite the chaos, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what she writes next!
February 25, 2025
Wow. Just wow.
At first glance, I thought this was going to be some dark romance about a woman falling in love with a demon—maybe some Beauty and the Beast-esque forbidden love situation. Ummmm NO. No no no, Vonnie, that is NOT what this is. Not even close. This book grabs your heart, wrings it out like an old rag, and leaves you in a puddle of your own emotions. I ugly cried at least FOUR times. FOUR. TIMES. And if you’re anything like me, you will too.
You will fall in love with these characters. You will see yourself in them. And if you’ve ever made mistakes, had regrets, or wished for a second chance—whew, this book is about to hit you hard.
At first glance, I thought this was going to be some dark romance about a woman falling in love with a demon—maybe some Beauty and the Beast-esque forbidden love situation. Ummmm NO. No no no, Vonnie, that is NOT what this is. Not even close. This book grabs your heart, wrings it out like an old rag, and leaves you in a puddle of your own emotions. I ugly cried at least FOUR times. FOUR. TIMES. And if you’re anything like me, you will too.
You will fall in love with these characters. You will see yourself in them. And if you’ve ever made mistakes, had regrets, or wished for a second chance—whew, this book is about to hit you hard.
March 21, 2025
I really really disliked this book. It was poorly written. The dialogue was so clunky. People do not talk like that in real life. The writing was all over the place. Super hard to get through and it didn’t flow.
There absolutely needed to be trigger warnings for that twist 3/4 in the book. Oof. If I’d known that was in the book, I never would have read it. 2 stars for the story.
It was decent. The characters were really annoying, especially the fmc. I had a hard time even understanding what was going on in the story because the writing was so bad.
There absolutely needed to be trigger warnings for that twist 3/4 in the book. Oof. If I’d known that was in the book, I never would have read it. 2 stars for the story.
It was decent. The characters were really annoying, especially the fmc. I had a hard time even understanding what was going on in the story because the writing was so bad.
August 14, 2024
My heart! 💔 What a beautiful reflection of life and above all, love.
If you were forced to reflect on your own life, would you be happy with it? Savvy must come face to face with the difficult life she has had and determine if it was all worth it. So many different hardships. So many internal demons to face. So many selfish moments.
If you were forced to reflect on your own life, would you be happy with it? Savvy must come face to face with the difficult life she has had and determine if it was all worth it. So many different hardships. So many internal demons to face. So many selfish moments.
September 16, 2024
As a man who doesn't read many "romance" novels I found the message behind the story well delivered. Throughout the book I became invested in a protagonist I honestly didn't relate to but grew to love. As the layers get peeled away I really enjoyed the complex character that brought me to an emotional and beautiful ending. Great read. Well done Sarah.
March 20, 2025
Savvy and Micheal's story was so addictive, I became so invested!! And the authors writing style and the flow of this story was just...WOW!!!
I got lost in the story & forgot I was reading.
I do read it from time to time, but contemporary romance is not my usual genre. So when I say this is a must-read, I hope that you understand how phenomenal this book is and you read it!!
I got lost in the story & forgot I was reading.
I do read it from time to time, but contemporary romance is not my usual genre. So when I say this is a must-read, I hope that you understand how phenomenal this book is and you read it!!
February 15, 2025
Obsessed. An emotional perspective of self-reflection, love, and loss.
August 26, 2024
An absolute page turner. I couldn't put it down. So well written!! I can't wait for the next one!!
April 10, 2025
enjoyed this book and Savannah's understanding of how pride was a big part of her life. Makes you think about your own life choices.
February 27, 2026
Overall thoughts:
This novel will resonate deeply with readers who understand how emotional neglect produces overachieving, self-sacrificing adults, especially women, who accept imbalance as love. It may frustrate readers who want clearer moral judgment or traditional romantic redemption. But that discomfort is the point. SELF REFLECTION IS THE POINT.
A Dance in the Devil’s Arms is not asking whether Savvy is enough. It’s asking who taught her she wasn’t… and why it took so long to question it.
Pride is what Savvy sought: from her parents, her family, her friends, and eventually from Michael. She learned early that being loved was conditional, and being praised was proof of HER worth. She chased validation because she was never taught how to be proud of herself, and self-pride, once denied long enough, does not feel sufficient when it finally arrives.
A Deep Dive (with light spoilers)
These are MY thoughts and opinions on the novel. Keep in mind reading is deeply personal and subjective. We all read from & draw from our own experiences 🖤 Here we go!
Much like A Christmas Carol, this review will offer thoughts with a multi-timeline viewpoint.
A Dance in the Devil’s Arms is a devastating psychological romance that uses a supernatural framework to interrogate memory, self-worth, and the stories we tell ourselves about love. Structured across multiple timelines: past, present, and a reflective, otherworldly space; for ME it reads like a dark, intimate inversion of A Christmas Carol, where the central question is not redemption, but whether a woman believes she deserves to exist as she is. Whether she deserves a second chance.
Savvy’s story begins in trauma and never truly lets her escape it. From childhood, she is positioned as the “strong” one, the capable daughter who doesn’t need praise because her “sister needs it more”. When her mother later admits this outright, it crystallizes the emotional neglect that defines Savvy’s inner world. This is not a backstory… it is the roadmap for everything that follows.
Michael enters her life at her most vulnerable moment, and his intense pursuit is framed as romantic. In retrospect, the framing feels intentional: why is persistence so easily read as devotion? Especially when it is aimed at someone conditioned to equate attention with worth? Michael’s desire is genuine, but it arrives with expectations that Savvy quickly learns to accommodate.
He quickly begins shaping Savvy, commenting on her reactions, filtering her emotions, subtly suggesting adjustments. She complies. Repeatedly.
What’s striking is how the narrative insists on Michael’s devotion while quietly minimizing Savvy’s sacrifices. She leaves her career, sells her home, leaves her family and friends, relocates across the country, and embeds herself entirely in HIS life, HIS space, HIS career, HIS social world.
In California, Michael develops friendships while Savvy is building her career; when Savvy returns to California she is expected to fold herself into those friendships. When she has tension with a toxic female in the group, he doesn’t dismiss her feelings outright, but he does reposition them as something she should manage for the “sake of peace.” His priority is preserving the group dynamic. The responsibility shifts to Savvy, not because he’s indifferent, but because it’s easier for her to swallow her discomfort than for him to risk disrupting the status quo by sidelining her peace.
So instead of setting boundaries, he asks her to perform emotional gymnastics. She’s the one encouraged to “keep the peace” so he can maintain what are explicitly described as “bar friendships.” The work of smoothing things over becomes hers, packaged as maturity, framed as reasonable… when in reality it’s an uneven burden she’s expected to carry alone.
Despite all of this, Savvy is continually told by others that she does not do enough for Michael! This is the book’s most unsettling contradiction for ME: the text shows a woman bending her entire life around a relationship, a man, while simultaneously insisting that her love is insufficient.
Then come the chapters that feel deliberately…. TOO perfect. Savvy’s repeated use of “on the moon” feels less like uncomplicated joy and more like a subtle foreshadowing of tragedy to come. At least, that’s how it felt to me. Maybe it’s my instinct warning, this is too early in the story for this to be their happy ending.
When things begin to fracture, it’s sudden & all at once. Michael shuts down, heavy drinking ensues. When Savvy offers support the cruelty that emerges is not his truth, but is devastating nonetheless. Worst of all, he puts words to the VERY fear she has carried all her life. 💔
He may not remember his words BUT Savvy DOES & LOVE does not protect her from them. I personally respect that the book refuses to offer the convenient LIE that INTENT OUTWEIGHS IMPACT. Trauma does not require permanence of malice to become permanent itself. Meaning… the trauma and harm cause by Michael’s words does not require that his words be truthful for them to have long last or even permanent scars to Savvy.
Savvy’s world breaks open a second time, in the aftermath of his words. She experiences something that changes everything, alone. While replaying the echo of the worst thing she has ever believed about herself. The devastation lies not only in what is taken from her, but in how the moment seems to confirm the lie she has lived with her entire life: that she is not enough.
The demon’s role as guide through her memories are important. This strips away excuses and forces confrontation with the question at the novel’s core: If you have been told your entire life that you are not enough, how do you choose to live anyway?
What makes A Dance in the Devil’s Arms so UNIQUE is its refusal to put anyone into a single category. Michael loves Savvy. Her parents love her, as do her friends. The neglect is acknowledged out loud. It does not offer clean accountability or easy healing, the damage remains, as it often does. The novel suggests that harm does not require the absence of love, only the absence of connection, protection, and repair. Michael’s harm is acknowledged but not resolved. Savvy’s journey is not about forgiveness; it’s about recognition.
What becomes clear, is that Michael’s love for Savvy is real. He supports her ambitions, roots for her victories, and, by the end, it is evident he would have done almost anything for her.
His devotion exists along patterns of dominance, emotional mess, and moments of harm. The tragedy is not that he doesn’t love Savvy, it’s that love alone is not enough to undo the damage already written into her sense of self.
This novel will resonate deeply with readers who understand how emotional neglect produces overachieving, self-sacrificing adults, especially women, who accept imbalance as love. It may frustrate readers who want clearer moral judgment or traditional romantic redemption. But that discomfort is the point. SELF REFLECTION IS THE POINT.
A Dance in the Devil’s Arms is not asking whether Savvy is enough. It’s asking who taught her she wasn’t… and why it took so long to question it.
Pride is what Savvy sought: from her parents, her family, her friends, and eventually from Michael. She learned early that being loved was conditional, and being praised was proof of HER worth. She chased validation because she was never taught how to be proud of herself, and self-pride, once denied long enough, does not feel sufficient when it finally arrives.
A Deep Dive (with light spoilers)
These are MY thoughts and opinions on the novel. Keep in mind reading is deeply personal and subjective. We all read from & draw from our own experiences 🖤 Here we go!
Much like A Christmas Carol, this review will offer thoughts with a multi-timeline viewpoint.
A Dance in the Devil’s Arms is a devastating psychological romance that uses a supernatural framework to interrogate memory, self-worth, and the stories we tell ourselves about love. Structured across multiple timelines: past, present, and a reflective, otherworldly space; for ME it reads like a dark, intimate inversion of A Christmas Carol, where the central question is not redemption, but whether a woman believes she deserves to exist as she is. Whether she deserves a second chance.
Savvy’s story begins in trauma and never truly lets her escape it. From childhood, she is positioned as the “strong” one, the capable daughter who doesn’t need praise because her “sister needs it more”. When her mother later admits this outright, it crystallizes the emotional neglect that defines Savvy’s inner world. This is not a backstory… it is the roadmap for everything that follows.
Michael enters her life at her most vulnerable moment, and his intense pursuit is framed as romantic. In retrospect, the framing feels intentional: why is persistence so easily read as devotion? Especially when it is aimed at someone conditioned to equate attention with worth? Michael’s desire is genuine, but it arrives with expectations that Savvy quickly learns to accommodate.
He quickly begins shaping Savvy, commenting on her reactions, filtering her emotions, subtly suggesting adjustments. She complies. Repeatedly.
What’s striking is how the narrative insists on Michael’s devotion while quietly minimizing Savvy’s sacrifices. She leaves her career, sells her home, leaves her family and friends, relocates across the country, and embeds herself entirely in HIS life, HIS space, HIS career, HIS social world.
In California, Michael develops friendships while Savvy is building her career; when Savvy returns to California she is expected to fold herself into those friendships. When she has tension with a toxic female in the group, he doesn’t dismiss her feelings outright, but he does reposition them as something she should manage for the “sake of peace.” His priority is preserving the group dynamic. The responsibility shifts to Savvy, not because he’s indifferent, but because it’s easier for her to swallow her discomfort than for him to risk disrupting the status quo by sidelining her peace.
So instead of setting boundaries, he asks her to perform emotional gymnastics. She’s the one encouraged to “keep the peace” so he can maintain what are explicitly described as “bar friendships.” The work of smoothing things over becomes hers, packaged as maturity, framed as reasonable… when in reality it’s an uneven burden she’s expected to carry alone.
Despite all of this, Savvy is continually told by others that she does not do enough for Michael! This is the book’s most unsettling contradiction for ME: the text shows a woman bending her entire life around a relationship, a man, while simultaneously insisting that her love is insufficient.
Then come the chapters that feel deliberately…. TOO perfect. Savvy’s repeated use of “on the moon” feels less like uncomplicated joy and more like a subtle foreshadowing of tragedy to come. At least, that’s how it felt to me. Maybe it’s my instinct warning, this is too early in the story for this to be their happy ending.
When things begin to fracture, it’s sudden & all at once. Michael shuts down, heavy drinking ensues. When Savvy offers support the cruelty that emerges is not his truth, but is devastating nonetheless. Worst of all, he puts words to the VERY fear she has carried all her life. 💔
He may not remember his words BUT Savvy DOES & LOVE does not protect her from them. I personally respect that the book refuses to offer the convenient LIE that INTENT OUTWEIGHS IMPACT. Trauma does not require permanence of malice to become permanent itself. Meaning… the trauma and harm cause by Michael’s words does not require that his words be truthful for them to have long last or even permanent scars to Savvy.
Savvy’s world breaks open a second time, in the aftermath of his words. She experiences something that changes everything, alone. While replaying the echo of the worst thing she has ever believed about herself. The devastation lies not only in what is taken from her, but in how the moment seems to confirm the lie she has lived with her entire life: that she is not enough.
The demon’s role as guide through her memories are important. This strips away excuses and forces confrontation with the question at the novel’s core: If you have been told your entire life that you are not enough, how do you choose to live anyway?
What makes A Dance in the Devil’s Arms so UNIQUE is its refusal to put anyone into a single category. Michael loves Savvy. Her parents love her, as do her friends. The neglect is acknowledged out loud. It does not offer clean accountability or easy healing, the damage remains, as it often does. The novel suggests that harm does not require the absence of love, only the absence of connection, protection, and repair. Michael’s harm is acknowledged but not resolved. Savvy’s journey is not about forgiveness; it’s about recognition.
What becomes clear, is that Michael’s love for Savvy is real. He supports her ambitions, roots for her victories, and, by the end, it is evident he would have done almost anything for her.
His devotion exists along patterns of dominance, emotional mess, and moments of harm. The tragedy is not that he doesn’t love Savvy, it’s that love alone is not enough to undo the damage already written into her sense of self.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
This book pulled me in from the very first chapter. The foreshadowing kept me on edge, the pacing was tight, and the ending completely surprised me. I didn't see it coming, and I loved that. Savannah is a bestselling author with movie deals, a seemingly perfect marriage, and a carefully curated life. But when she's forced to confront her past, she relives moments filled with love, loss, heartbreak, and the consequences of the choices she's made. The love scenes were just the right amount of steamy without ever feeling overdone. More than that, the emotional depth took me by surprise. I found myself wanting to hug Savannah or yell at her. Sometimes both. But what struck me most was how this book made me reflect on my own life. If I had to face my own past and my own decisions, would I be content with the path I've taken? Dr. Sarah Monday does a beautiful job showing the complexities of long-term relationships. This story captures the raw, honest reality of love the beauty and the mess. Savannah frustrated me, challenged me, and made me think about parts of myself I don't always want to examine. That's the power of this book.
April 4, 2026
DNF
Poor writing and unrealistic dialogue made this book hard to get through.
The characters were annoying especially the FMC and the plot felt messy and confusing .
Poor writing and unrealistic dialogue made this book hard to get through.
The characters were annoying especially the FMC and the plot felt messy and confusing .
November 2, 2024
This book was beautifully crafted, with an emotional depth that truly drove the plot. Savannah is such a complex character; her pride has led her into isolation. Even as a bestselling author, she chose to retreat into herself rather than lean on those around her, and by the time she recognized her mistake, it was too late.
The story evoked a sense of nostalgia for me, reminiscent of an episode of The Twilight Zone, effortlessly weaving between her past experiences and current circumstances. Savannah must confront her past mistakes, and her husband Michael is by far my favorite character. With the patience of an owl, he simply wants to love her, and his sweet, cinnamon-roll spirit is utterly captivating!
This was a delightful read filled with a significant twist, and I loved every moment of it. I should note that if you struggle with time jumps between chapters, this might not be the book for you, as it requires close attention to follow the transitions. Nevertheless, it’s a solid 10/10!
The story evoked a sense of nostalgia for me, reminiscent of an episode of The Twilight Zone, effortlessly weaving between her past experiences and current circumstances. Savannah must confront her past mistakes, and her husband Michael is by far my favorite character. With the patience of an owl, he simply wants to love her, and his sweet, cinnamon-roll spirit is utterly captivating!
This was a delightful read filled with a significant twist, and I loved every moment of it. I should note that if you struggle with time jumps between chapters, this might not be the book for you, as it requires close attention to follow the transitions. Nevertheless, it’s a solid 10/10!
March 25, 2026
This was an easy 5⭐️ read for me. I was completely pulled in from the start and could not put it down.
Now listen… the FMC? She irritated me SO bad 😅 but in the most real way. I saw a lot of myself in her, and this book had me doing some real self-reflecting… like apologizing to my husband for my own behaviors lol. The emotional rollercoaster this story took me on was insane. The storyline itself was phenomenal. The back-and-forth timelines gave me a little bit of whiplash (in a good way) and kept me hooked the entire time. It was such a wild ride.
The character growth and self-awareness felt incredibly real, which is a big reason this is one of my favorite books in the whole series. And honestly, I’m not the best at reviews, but I do know this if you haven’t read this yet, you need to immediately.
Now listen… the FMC? She irritated me SO bad 😅 but in the most real way. I saw a lot of myself in her, and this book had me doing some real self-reflecting… like apologizing to my husband for my own behaviors lol. The emotional rollercoaster this story took me on was insane. The storyline itself was phenomenal. The back-and-forth timelines gave me a little bit of whiplash (in a good way) and kept me hooked the entire time. It was such a wild ride.
The character growth and self-awareness felt incredibly real, which is a big reason this is one of my favorite books in the whole series. And honestly, I’m not the best at reviews, but I do know this if you haven’t read this yet, you need to immediately.
January 6, 2025
Ever had a book that you have had to process completely before being able to even speak of it? This is the book.
This is the story of Savannah and Michael. The emotional feel of this one has left me speechless for hours while my mind processed every word!
Savannah is a writer whose career becomes explosive. Michael a lawyer at his family firm that falls for Savannah instantly. However, she is hesitant due to past heart ache which is exactly what you will feel reading this book.
A pure masterpiece that you can’t help but relate to in so many ways that it causes self reflection. The trials of careers, love, loss, and redemption will steal your heart as it did mine ❤️
The structure of the story is a bounce from past and present that will keep you wanting to know what happens next. The ending leaves you wanting so much more from our wonderful author.
This is the story of Savannah and Michael. The emotional feel of this one has left me speechless for hours while my mind processed every word!
Savannah is a writer whose career becomes explosive. Michael a lawyer at his family firm that falls for Savannah instantly. However, she is hesitant due to past heart ache which is exactly what you will feel reading this book.
A pure masterpiece that you can’t help but relate to in so many ways that it causes self reflection. The trials of careers, love, loss, and redemption will steal your heart as it did mine ❤️
The structure of the story is a bounce from past and present that will keep you wanting to know what happens next. The ending leaves you wanting so much more from our wonderful author.
September 3, 2024
I have done a lot of reading in my lifetime but most has been non-fiction. This is the first romance fiction book that I have read in at least 15 years. The book kept me guessing as to which direction the story would go. The two lovers in the story had a slow developing romance that took a while to establish. They had many challenges but were able to address most of them. The conclusion of the book brought most their to resolution, but not all.
I typically take my time reading a book but I was engrossed in this particular novel and finished reading it in 6 days. I highly recommend this book for all readers , even those who might think they are not into romance novels.
I typically take my time reading a book but I was engrossed in this particular novel and finished reading it in 6 days. I highly recommend this book for all readers , even those who might think they are not into romance novels.
November 5, 2024
I just don’t have the words
This was beautiful and touching and my God it just hit so many buttons for me. I honestly wasn’t sure how I felt about this book until I realized I was fighting a connection to Savannah. She’s such a difficult person and made such poor choices but she is so relatable ha. How many times have I acted so horribly and pushed those I love away when all they wanted was to support me but here I was putting Savannah down for the same thing. I’m so happy with how this book ended because it wasn’t a perfect one but that made it perfect for this book if that makes sense. I have to buy a physical of this book I have to!
This was beautiful and touching and my God it just hit so many buttons for me. I honestly wasn’t sure how I felt about this book until I realized I was fighting a connection to Savannah. She’s such a difficult person and made such poor choices but she is so relatable ha. How many times have I acted so horribly and pushed those I love away when all they wanted was to support me but here I was putting Savannah down for the same thing. I’m so happy with how this book ended because it wasn’t a perfect one but that made it perfect for this book if that makes sense. I have to buy a physical of this book I have to!
July 6, 2025
I write a review already... it's not posted.... huh... sorry!
Amazing book! Dr. Sarah Monday's prose is magnificent. Somewhere between taking a breath, and reading the first page, something magical to place.
FMC Savvy's ways, especially acting like everyone around her was supposed to cater to her and her needs. No mind what others need or want. I didn't like her much at times. And then I realized I saw pieces of her in me. And pieces of me in her.
I'd say that's raw talent. Applause for Dr. Sarah Monday's debut novel! I can't wait for the next book!
Amazing book! Dr. Sarah Monday's prose is magnificent. Somewhere between taking a breath, and reading the first page, something magical to place.
FMC Savvy's ways, especially acting like everyone around her was supposed to cater to her and her needs. No mind what others need or want. I didn't like her much at times. And then I realized I saw pieces of her in me. And pieces of me in her.
I'd say that's raw talent. Applause for Dr. Sarah Monday's debut novel! I can't wait for the next book!
September 16, 2024
This series grips you from the very first chapter, and I could not put it down! Sarah the author really takes you on an unforgettable personal journey through the ups and downs of each character. So many twists and turns and suspenseful in the best way, the storyline just grasps you at every page. I highly recommend reading this unforgettable book, I truly can’t wait till the next book is released! Bravo Sarah Monday!!!
October 13, 2024
From the start of this book I was enthralled! The characters development is deep and complex. After a horrible accident you are thrown into a spiraling world as Savvy is forced to go through moments in her life. Reading this book I was laughing, crying, even frustrated with Savvy. The emotional rollercoaster is perfectly done! The way I found myself connected to Savvy is unparalleled. You will ugly cry and love it!
February 23, 2025
This book was absolutely beautiful to read and so thought provoking. Acknowledging your own pride and selfishness in life, the impact it has on your relationships, the fears you let hold you back… all of it was so impactful. You get a chance to fix your mistakes and accept your wrongs, or not. One last chance to replay your life, your losses, your love and grief after a car accident. Extremely well written.
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