Devil to Pay

All's Fair in Love and Racing #4

by Sofie Darling

Everyone knows you can’t trust the devil.

Lady Beatrix St. Vincent was born with a silver spoon—and a father who would as soon sell it out from under her for his gambling debts. No matter how hard she works, there’s always an obstacle in her way, keeping her from achieving her dreams. Then the devil himself crashes into her life…

But when he offers heaven itself…

Blake Deverill, “Lord Devil,” always wins. In business, on the racecourse, and even in the haut ton, which can’t ignore his immense wealth despite his low birth. He’s the man who has almost everything. Now he’s finally in a position to achieve his deepest desire, but he needs Beatrix’s help…

Can a lady resist?

Fooling the ton into believing they’re madly in love is easy. But ignoring the passion flaring between them proves much, much harder. The futures they’ve always dreamed of are so close, but suddenly Beatrix and Dev find themselves questioning what they really want. Will Lord Devil get his due—and his lady?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

380 pages, Paperback

Published December 17, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Sofie Darling’s passion for historical romance began in middle school the moment she cracked open Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. An instant and enduring love affair was born.

Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every romance she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply must write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and set pencil to paper. (Ticonderoga #2 is her quill of choice.)

When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, Sofie enjoys a nice weekend hike, a visit to a crumbling medieval castle whenever she gets the chance, and a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.

You can keep up with her latest and future releases by joining her newsletter here:

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Sally Jask-eh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Devil to Pay out of order, and it mattered. But now I am curious to read the entire series. Blake Deverill and Beatrix St Vincent’s romance is adorable and felt genuine. Both characters are intelligent and industrious. I like that the bad parent Lyndon is not over the top evil. I love fated, suddenly in love, nicknames Bea and Dev. I especially liked Lord Devil’s consistent kindness towards Beatrix, even if his motives were selfish. Beatrix was bold but not flashy. Cannot wait to see the opposite in her wildly named brother, Blaze Jagger. Final positive comment- horses. You can never have enough horses in HR. Riding them, brushing the, racing them. Thoroughbreds feature prominently in this story and I could almost see Little Wicked in all her elegant beautiful power😌🐎

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only my 11th book by Sofie Darling. I just started reading her in December, 2024. I read her Shadows and Silks series and it was so good. I read all 7 books back to back. Now I have been reading this series back to back. I am so glad I asked about her in my steamy FB group because she is definitely steamy and has such great depth with her characters and her storylines. Plus I love a good book cover and she has such pretty book covers. 😊

It has been awhile since I've done this but I love Sofie's writing so much, once I finish this series, I am starting her Windermeres in Love 4.5 book series. Once I finish that series, I will have read all of her books and I only just started reading her on December 31, 2024. It will be sad when I have no more books of hers to read. I have really loved this series.

I do have to say this wasn't my favorite in the series. I wasn't a fan of Beatrix. Although I did like Dev. Beatrix just seemed snooty all the time. That was the way she was written in all the other books as well. Even when she started getting more mellow she still just seemed so snobby. I just never liked her. Dev seemed like a great character though.

[Visionary Druid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Beatrix St. Vincent wants to find a good, solid husband to escape the drudgery of her current life. However, her father’s spendthrift ways dashes all of Beatrix’s dreams. That is until Blake Deverill almost runs her over with his horse. The handsome devil proposes a deal that rekindles Beatrix’s hopes for the future. All she needs to do is to fool the ton into believing she and Deverill are engaged. Can Beatrix play the besotted fiancé? Or will Deverill open her eyes to a new dream?
Blake “Dev” Deverill is the only son of a baron’s estate manager and housekeeper. The haut ton dubs him ‘Lord Devil’ for his handsomeness and his ruthlessness in business. There is only one more thing left for Dev to achieve. And to gain it, he needs Lady Beatrix’s help. However, she makes Dev reevaluate his well-crafted plans… and the woman in it. Will Deverill realize that what he wants is not what he truly needs? Or will he recognize it too late?
I had secretly hoped Beatrix would be paired up with Deverill in WAGER WITH A SIREN. So glad that it came to fruition. I empathized with Beatrix’s plight in WWAS. If anyone deserved a happily ever after, she did. And Deverill… I knew he would be the perfect fit for someone like Beatrix. They complimented each other perfectly! I also like how Dev realized his feelings for Beatrix first.
DEVIL TO PAY is the fourth installment in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. I have not read the first two books in the series (yet) but that did not affect my ability to enjoy and follow the story. The couples from them are only mentioned; they do not make an appearance. I plan on diving into ODDS ON THE RAKE once I finish my review books. Since I loved WAGER WITH A SIREN and DEVIL TO PAY, I hope it and future books live up to their standards.
I have an inkling that the next book will be about Artemis and a certain war hero. For a time, I wanted her to be paired up with Jagger (he DEFINITELY needs a book). I am a huge sucker for the wounded/tortured types. So, that whetted my appetite for the next installment. I cannot wait!

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

How the devil got caught by an ice queen

~ Beatrix & Dev ~
Ruthless, focused and ridiculously rich, they dubbed him Lord Devil; the man who has it all, except for the blue blood. He’ll never be one of them - not that he wants to be - but he needs in to reclaim his childhood love.
They say she’s haughty and cold. Her blood nearly indigo, she’s the Lady who should have it all. In truth she’s working tirelessly to make ends meet and keep up appearances, and the hits just keep on coming. Literally...
After he nearly runs her over with his horse, he catches her snooping in his apartments. An offence - and an opportunity - he can’t ignore. In return for a small fortune, she’ll open the ton’s hallowed doors for him. A fake engagement, a house party and they both walk away with their heart’s desire... or will they?

I loved both these characters so much! Neither of them is what society thinks them to be, and I really enjoyed peeling back their many layers. She’s a survivor, and he comes from a simple but loving nest. They both know the value of hard work and to look beyond the pretty veneer. They challenge, poke, prod and push each other. Tons of witty banter and bickering, irresistible chemistry, tension for miles, naughty wordplay and unconditional loyalty - they don’t like the other, but... they do. So much!
Their deal is set in stone - even if the terms no longer appeal... They’re idiots in love, and it takes both of them choosing wrong, to make it right.

With a relatively simple plot and fascinatingly complex clever MCs, this tale is a delectable slow burn, steamy, close proximity, frenemies-to-lovers romance. Deliciously enthralling and absolutely unputdownable!
Start here, or at the beginning, but with each new book I fall more and more in love with this series, and, honestly, I love to see the a series’ bad guy get his happily ever after!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love and enjoyed reading this story. It's engaging from beginning to end. The characters are bold, frank and practical. The journey to find love neither expected touches the heart of all romantic minded reader. Definitely worth reading, re-reading and bashing in the magic of this couple's fake engagement and real feelings. Some steam, comical moments, heart felt emotions and low drama, love that too. Read nonstop, in one day. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is bool 4 of the series and I have to admit that I have not read this series from the beginning, but decide to start with this one because the blurb appealed to me and it seemed like the books could be read as stand alones.

Lady Beatrix is the motherless only child of a neglectful dissolute marquess. Other than when he was not ignoring her completely, his only idea of parenting was for her to accompany him to the race track where his friends thought it was a lark to give her a few coins to place wagers with. Beatrix is a strong minded young girl with a purpose and utilized her unusual education to build funds for herself with an ultimate purpose, and that was to give herself a Season, knowing her father would not, and to find herself a decent, stable husband and get herself out of the life she has grown up with. But because her father's licentious ways have also tarred Beatrix, her Season was a failure. She quickly devised a new way forward to support herself, and maintain appearances despite her father, though years forward, those appearances are quite tattered, and she is known as an icy spinster, on the edge of society and poverty.

Blake Deverill, known as Lord Devil, is a talented engineer and businessman who has made a name for himself with his innovations, as well as enough wealth to last several lifetimes. But now that he is the owner of a winning racehorse, he finds himself within reach of gaining entry into exclusive Society, with a plan to gain what he thinks is his heart's desire. When he accidentally runs into Beatrix and learns more about her, he plans to use her to gain a foothold into Society. To enact his plan, he makes her an offer she can't refuse.

This is a spicy historical romance with a dramatic meet-cute, enemies to friends to lovers, differing social class that was faced pace, and very enjoyable read, as Blake and Beatrix enact a pretend scandal and engagement to gain their goals. Beatrix is an observant character I loved because of her strength and forbearance in dealing with her circumstances. Blake is dogged in his pursuit of his desires, but blind to the fact that perhaps what he desired for so many years may no longer be what he really needs and wants.

4.5 stars out of 5

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has it all Danger, suspense, friends to lovers and second chances too. Blake Deverill/Lord Devil as the ton calls him always win. Except in one case, which is why he is out to right that wrong. Only even though he has come from the lower-class society he has made himself one of the wealthy men in England. With his mind, hard work and determination. But for his plan of revenge to work he needs to have the doors to ton society opened for him. When he runs over a young lady with his horse in a rain storm, he doesn’t know faith just granted his wish. The Lady in question is Beatrix St. Vincent, daughter of a Marquess who can go anywhere in society. Lady Beatrix may be the daughter of a Marquess but her father is a wastrel, drunk who has tons of gambling debts and is known thru out the ton. Her dreams of finding a good, solid husband were dashed when she overheard some men of ton talking about her. Now a spinster she has given up any hope of a family and children. She lives in a shabby falling down house, with an a old butler, Cumberbatch stays because he has nowhere to go and company is nice when you are all alone. She writes for a gossip paper to put some food on the table. She gets caught by Devil hiding in his room after sneaking in to find just that. And so, begins the real story of why they start a fake betrothal so he can get his revenge and she can finally have enough money to start looking for her husband. Some characters show up from previous books to help our couple. Blaze Jagger is one and Artemis both are as different as night a day and both help make the story. As our couple puts on a show of how in love they are and a couple many things change for both of them. It is a fun, sad and amazing read all at the same time. Many twist and turns and secrets will need to happen before either figure out what is most important. Their attraction and feelings are off the charts. I received and ARC from the author and wish thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. This is a steamy story for those who like to know. This whole series is not to be missed. It makes the story more enjoyable if the books are read in order, but each book is wonderful on its own too.

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fake Engagement of Lord Devil and Lady Beatrix

“Devil to Pay” is book four in the series All’s Fair in Love and Racing written by Sofie Darling. If you are looking for an enjoyable Regency Romance to read, pick this one. This fake engagement trope brings the main characters to life. Lady Beatrix is a noble, albeit a poor one. To put food on the table she writes about horse racing and society gossip. She’s intelligent, she understands the horse racing business, she is strong and has fortitude and drive to survive in spite of her wastrel father (a Marquess). Beatrix is in her late twenties, therefore she is considered a spinster. Lord Devil, as Dev is known by the ton, is not a noble. He has made a fortune in designing and manufacturing and will pay Beatrix a hefty sum to pose as his fiancée. His end game is Imogen, a woman he grew up with who he feels is the love of his life. She married into the nobility at the behest of her father. Dev has been making plans to make her his even though years have gone by. Dev and Beatrix were great together. Their budding friendship and witty banter leads to attraction and steam. Once they kiss, there is no turning back. Their romance is hot, steamy, and bumpy. Countess Imogen is always a specter lurking in the background. Important secondary characters include Marquess Lydon. Because of Lydon, the reader gets a clear understanding of Beatrix’s upbringing and why she is as she is. Another interesting character is blackleg, Blaze Jagger. He runs a gambling establishment and goes about town collecting Lydon’s massive debt, which he presents to Beatrix. And, of course, there is Cumberbatch, former Destroyer of Worlds, one of the few left working in Beatrix’s household. All of these characters and more make up a fast paced, very well written story. This fits into the series and can be read as a stand-alone. Definitely recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil to Pay is the fourth book in Sofie Darling's All's Fair in Love and Racing series and is yet another gem that shines brightly by this author. A well-written, engaging read, it has everything, including a brilliant, ambitious, self-made man, who is handsome as the Devil himself, a penniless, proud, but resourceful spinster daughter of a dissolute marquess, and so much more! With moments of angst, wry humor and tender passion, it is a love story between two people who are outliers to the ton, meet by chance and become friends, never expecting to find what and whom they've always needed in each other.

Blake Deverill, dubbed Lord Devil by the ton for his dark good looks and who has become such a successful businessman that he is now rich as sin, has everything he could ever want, with the exception of a certain countess, who has held his heart ever since they were children together on her father's estate. Lady Beatrix St. Vincent is the only child of the Marquess Lydon, who has drained the family coffers with his excessive drinking and gambling, leaving Beatrix destitute, nearly starving, and having to fend for herself. As friends, this unlikely pair agree to a fake engagement and easily convince the ton they are madly in love (and perhaps make a certain haughty countess jealous), growing ever closer as their connection blooms, and love sneaks up on them.

These two are well-drawn, nuanced main characters, likable but with their own secrets, blinders and shortcomings. They fit together so well that they are perhaps my favorite couple in the series thus far, and it seems with each book added to the series, Darling's writing gets better and better, her stories drawing the reader in and never letting go until the last page is turned. I enjoyed this story thoroughly, and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Booksprout, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Marcy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strangers, Friends , Lovers , And Something So Much More !
Devil To Pay : Book 4 All’s Fair In Love And Racing , Sofia Darling Once again Adds To This Series An Exciting Tale Of A Couple So Unexpected , That It Delights You In Every Way ! From There Chance Meeting , To Her Sneaky Ways , There Bargain , His Need To Care , All Leading To An Ultimate Goal ! Would They Both Get What they Wanted ? Once They Had it Would They Want It ? Would Feelings And LOVE ❤️ Change Everything ? There Is Also Her
Father and A Sudden New Family Relationship To Surprise And Add Spark To The Story ! There Chemistry Will Keep Wrapped Into This Delightful Story !
Lady Beatrix St Vincent was the Daughter to The Marquess Of Lydon . He was a Terrible Father , Scoundrel , Gambler, and Never Cared for Her ! Always on Her Own to Fend for Herself ! At this point she was considered a Spinster .
Blake Deverill or Lord Devil came from a working class Family . His Goal was to become Respectable as well as Successful . Success He Had , and He Wanted to Be A Member Of The Ton !
Beatrix and Lord Deverill meet on a Raining Night when his Horse almost Runs Her Down . Hurt and Muddy He Immediately takes Care of Her ! Something Sparks ! Chemistry , Friendship , A Need For Acceptance Or Caring , It Doesn't Matter It Is Something So Connected And Special !!!!! That is How This Story Unfolds Around Them and In Your Hearts 💕!
Sofia Darling Has You So Connected To The Characters You Will Feel and Live there Emotions , Sadness , and LOVE ❤️ ! A Wonderful Story Of Finding Your True LOVE ❤️ !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dev was on a mission to win back his childhood sweetheart who had married another man. Having amassed a great deal of personal wealth, he was finally ready to make his move.
Although she was the daughter of a marquess, Bea had never had an easy life. Her father's poor reputation and lack of funds had greatly diminished her chances of making a good match. Existing on the fringes of society, she was all ears when the devastatingly handsome Mr. Deverill made her a proposition.
In exchange for helping Dev, by pretending to be his fiancée, she would receive a small fortune. This money would be enough to set her on the path towards marrying a respectable man and living a good life.
Unsurprisingly, as it is with all fake engagements, hearts and minds are changed. The question is whether or not they are able to change before it is too late.
I really enjoyed the lead couple. Bea was a wonderful heroine. She secretly worked as a writer because she needed to earn money. She was not doing it because feminism. Unlike many HR ladies, she was not full of herself and trying to change the world. Most importantly, she never felt that marriage would impede her ability to do her craft--she correctly realized that a supportive marriage would enhance her opportunities. Thank goodness!
This book also includes the return of Blaze Jagger. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for him!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something More

I positively adore this series beginning with the romance between Rakesly and his jockey, Gemma. The author is adept at shocking her audience with unlikely pairs, and in this book, the fake betrothal of Blake Deverill and Lady Beatrix St. Vincent. Enduring the shame and humiliation of her father’s wastrel ways, Beatrix has lived primarily through her own ingenuity, while living in a dilapidated home paying off her father’s debts.
When a monetary bargain is struck between her and Dev, she has hope of perhaps securing a less lofty marriage once their deal is concluded. Dev also has hope, but to secure the attention of his first love who is currently married. Read how they eventually come to realize that they are both entrapped in a fantasy, and how they want to be something other than friends…something else…something more.

Darling also leaves morsels of two other romances yet to come. Lady Artemis Keating who’s recovering from her favorite horse’s sudden death in Yorkshire, learns that Bran has returned from the war…injured. She was attending Bea (her best friend) and Dev’s house party when she heard the news, then left abruptly.
The other romance will be between Blaze Jagger and who knows. The author knows how to deliver a heartfelt romance with details of how the two grew up, and how they are intrigued by the other’s interests. Definitely a five star 🌟 read. I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Perhaps what I always wanted isn’t what I want anymore”

4.5/5 Lord Devil has been teased for a little while now and he finally gets his story. I liked the change of pace in this story.

The over arching plot of the series has been building to the Race of the Century, a race for the winners of the winners. So far, in each book the horse race is the pinnacle of the story but it changes up in this one. The horse race occurs at the beginning of this story.

I enjoyed the chance encounter and the subsequent tension as pride and vulnerability war on the path to a tentative friendship.

Dev and Beatrix are clearly meant for one another from the beginning but I loved getting to watch them fall in love. Both are stubborn and have enough life experience to be a little cynical.

A fake engagement ensues and I loved that one another’s intentions are aired before feelings are deeply felt and acknowledged. I enjoyed the banter and humor and the passion between them.

The plot could’ve been resolved sooner if they’d just talk about their feelings, but they weren’t ready too. I’m glad the author allowed them space to do so and kept it from being resolved too easily.

This one seemed to have some setup for book 5 and I’m looking forward to who it’s potentially going to be about and what’s in store. Also, what I’m presuming will finally include the Race of the Century.

Devil to Pay is the fourth book in the All’s Fair in Love and Racing.

It could be read as a standalone but would best be experienced if read in order.

There are three open door encounters.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upstart businessman Blake Deverill, nicknamed “Lord Devil” by the ton, is used to getting what he wants. A chance meeting with Lady Beatrix St. Vincent gives Dev an idea, now he just needs Bea to go along with the plan.

This is the fourth book in the All's Fair in Love and Racing series. It works well as a standalone as the previous couples do not play a role.

With a keen intellect, commoner Dev is sent to school to become a future estate manager. He catches the eye of an investor and becomes a very successful entrepreneur and inventor. Beatrix's life is on a different trajectory. While born a lady, she quickly realizes upon her come out that no man wants to tie himself to her wastrel, gambler father. All but impoverished and practically on the shelf, she can't believe it when a run in with Dev turns into a "business proposal:" a fake betrothal in exchange for money to repair her life and find a "good, solid husband."

Introduced as side characters previously, I wasn't really sure I wanted these two to end up together. However, I think I prejudged this couple like they prejudged each other and that's why the book developed in a satisfying way. I like how they grew a friendship and got to know one another. I'm also hopeful for the alluded to pairing for the next story! 4.5 stars rounded to five.

Tropes: Anti-Hero, Class Difference, Fake Relationship, Rags to Riches, Secret Job

Steam: 3.5

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series has stolen my heart, and somehow, each one tops its predecessor. This latest tome is a whirlwind of historical romance that snatches you up in a tempestuous rainstorm and a horse mishap that's as elegant as a three-legged waltz. Enter Blake "Dev" Deverill, our dashing "Lord Devil" who's as brooding as a clouded sky but with a heart shimmering like hidden treasure. He crashes—literally—into Lady Beatrix St. Vincent, a damsel dodging her father's financial follies. Their alliance, meant to be purely tactical, quickly spirals into a tango of sharp wits, irresistible allure, and the most untimely epiphanies of heart's desires.

The author weaves a tapestry of humor and poignancy that has us cheering for Dev and Lady Bea right out of the gate. Each chapter unfolds with the grace of a perfectly timed joke, mixing giggles and gasps in equal measure. A gem for any romance aficionado's collection, Devil to Pay cements this author's status as a titan of the genre. CAUTION: Side effects may include unexpected laughter, deep sighs, and a risk of fainting from too much swooning.

And let's cross our fingers that this isn't the final curtain call for a few of the characters—I'm holding out for Artemis and our wounded war hero, Bran, to take the stage, and for Blaze to light up his own tale of joy. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have an almost spinster Lady Beatrix St. Vincent daughter of a Marquess of Lydon!
Her father is a wastrel and a prolific gambler no one wants to be related to this awful slug by marriage or any other way!
We have have Mr Blake Deverill self made genius inventor! Handsome wealthy and a rake!
These two should have never met and became more but they did!
This couple has got caught in more rain storms than in the whole of England!
Theirs is an unusual courtship! There is wager about Lady Beatrix which does nothing to detract from her proud determination to be more than her wastrel father intends!
She has secrets about herself and the Ton!
Blake aka Lord Devil also has secrets ones he keeps hidden until he feels they can be mutually beneficial “friends!”
Blake has built a fantasy and woman with it in his mind! He is engaged to one woman while longing for a fantasy of his own imagination!
These two clash and when the dust settles will either the fantasy or the living breathing woman want him!?
Beatrix aka Lady Bea has been afraid to want more as life constantly disappoints her!
She may be the daughter of a Marquess but she lives to serve her small household and keeps up appearances! In short she needs a Hero!
Blake aka Lord Devil delivers! Bravo definitely a new book boyfriend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the having of something is not as good as the wanting....it comes down to reality.Thinking about and planning to have something may further you along a path, but when you reach a point that the wanting is no longer important, you must reexamine what you ultimately want.

Mr. Blake Deverill has dedicated his life to getting back someone he thought he loved and proving to her that she made the wrong choice in not fighting for him. His plan was one that looked great on paper, or in theory, but it forgot completely any human factors. He had things planned. Things had been set in motion. Things were proceeding per the plan. He has surpassed his basic goal, now he needs to achieve the part with the Ton. That aspect is causing mild issues.

Lady Beatrix St. Vincent, daughter of an absolutely despicable Marquess. She has lived in society, but only based on the fringes.Because her father has no problem floating just up to total bankruptcy, she has been scratching enough to keep a skeleton crew of servants and only the basics beyond that. She had dreams back when she debuted, but those were summarily squashed because of who her father was.

The weather throws these two together and things happen rather quickly from there.Together they help each other see new possibilities. Together they create a partnership that surprises them. Within the partnership they each start to build new dreams and reexamine their previous ideas of what they wanted. Throughout their journey the weather will help to further define what they want.

This was a lovely journey and I will be looking forward to more visits with this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 4 of the series All's Fair in Love and Racing and is a captivating historical romance that expertly blends tension, desire, and the complexities of ambition.

Lady Beatrix is born into privilege but doesn't have much of an opportunity to enjoy those privileges because of her father's mounting gambling debts. No matter what she does to carve out a life of her own, her plans never seem come to fruition. Blake Deverill is a self-made man and has risen to power due to the wealth he has acquired. He is known as "Lord Devil," and despite his success, remains an outsider to the aristocracy due to his low birth. Their initial meeting sets the stage for a high-stakes game of passion and power. Blake, with his ruthless charm and daring ambition, offers Beatrix a proposition: a fake engagement to win the approval of high society, all while secretly working to fulfill his own hidden desires. What starts as a mutual arrangement quickly evolves into something more. As the two are drawn closer, they must confront not only their own personal goals but also the undeniable chemistry that develops between them.

This is a story that is both steamy and thought-provoking, filled with interesting characters and a compelling romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, action, society, dreams, steam, twists and mistakes. Blake is a self -made man who has his dreams that he makes come true. He and his friend, Shaw, share the idea and resources to build steam engines and then sell them. Blake earns the name of Lord Devil or Dev to his friends. Beatrix is the daughter of a Marquess who like to gamble and lose. She lives in a house that is shabby and needs to earn money writing stories about the happenings of the ton. Helps to put food on the table and not very much of it. Listening to the gossip is where she hears of him and that his horse will be in the Race of the Century. As she is almost run over by him and his horse after it starts to rain, he helps her home as she hurts her ankle. He offers her help but she will need to act as his fiance so that he can get the woman of his dreams only to find out that she is really a nightmare. It started as a fake engagement but ends that both fall for the other just not sure how to get where they really need to be. Glad to say they get their happily ever after. Would recommend to everyone. Hope theres more to come .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel made me feel both sad and angry at the mistreatment Lady Beatrix received at the hands of the one person who was supposed to protect her. Then, after finding a way to fund her own season, she had all her hopes and dreams dashed to the ground when she overhears a careless conversation. Blake Deverill may well make his money by actually working but he has more strength of character in his little finger than the man who was supposed to be her father. After an accident, and driven by curiosity to find out more about Dev, he confronts her and gives her an offer she cannot refuse. Desperation makes Bea take him up on his offer, although it brings even more complications into her life. Finally, when it is time to wrap up their agreement, both Bea and Dev are left feeling adrift, realizing that they have let go of the most magical thing in their lives. It takes a new-found relative to point out the truth to Bea and once again, she goes after her heart's desire. She discovers that sometimes, one does not have to experience bad things to experience joy. I received a copy of this heartwarming novel as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Nina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil to pay
Bea needs money to pay her fathers debts. Dev needs a woman to make the woman jealous, he loved his whole life. So Bea and Dev enter into an arrangement with a faked engagement.

This was my first book from Sofie Darling and I am positively surprised. I didn‘t know that I am a fan of fake dating, but here I am.
The connection between Dev and Bea is awesome. Their conversations are amazing and I love, that these two are strangers, become friends and are lovers in the end. It is such a beautiful story and both have so much to process.

The theme of this book is: „Would you like to be my something more?“
I really, really love this!!!

Bea and Dev are equals from the beginning, they challenge each other and they don‘t take the easy way. The progress in which Dev discover, that Bea is THE one and only is so believable and satisfying.

The steamy scenes are awesome and the support characters are so interesting, I hope they will get their own stories.

So this was certainly not my last Sofie Darling book

[Ghazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I am reading by Sofie Darling, even though I regularly purchase her books. I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of Devil to Pay from Oliver Heber Books via Booksprout. Lady Beatrix St. Vincent, is trying her best to make ends meet due to her father's (who is a Marquess) excessive spending. Her journal helps her track tidbits about society that she is then anonymously able to sell to the papers. Blake Deverill, the Lord Devil, has made himself from an anybody into a somebody who is now wealthy because of his engineering genius. Their first encounter happens in a rain storm and what ensues between them is nothing short of a storm. This is a beautifully written story about how when we meet that one special someone, and we can have something more with that one person, the universe eventually makes room for that person in our small world...... what a romance... A Must Read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Beatrix St. Vincent is keen to find a good match and a solid husband to escape her current life. This is made impossible by her father’s spendthrift ways. However, her situation improves when she is nearly run over by Blake Deverill’s horse.

Blake, only son of a baron’s estate manager and housekeeper, has always had a keen intellect and was sent to school to pursue studies in becoming a future estate manager. However, Blake’s good fortune turns around when he catches the eye of an investor, and he becomes an extraordinarily successful entrepreneur himself.

Blake decides to propose a faux engagement to Beatrix; in return Blake will provide her funds to repair her life and find the good husband she is hoping to have. However, as the two work together to fool the ton with their faux engagement, real feelings develop between them and they need to reevaluate what they really want and if they should continue to proceed with the original plan or plan a whole life together.

I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice entry in this series which I will keep on with. Beatrix is the impoverished daughter of a wastrel marquess who cannot stop his gambling addiction. Spurned by the ton, she is resigned to her spinster life. She writes gossip columns for horse racing papers to put food on the table, but she's sliding deeper into genteel poverty. Dev, a self-made industrialist who designs steam engines, is only in the horse game because he won a thoroughbred Little Wicked in a card game. But because he likes to win at everything he does, he wants to see his filly succeed in the upcoming Race of the Century. He also seeks to reclaim the love of Imogen, the woman who threw him over for an Earl when it was time for her to actually marry. Dev hires Beatrix to be his faux-fiancee because a Marquess' daughter elevates his status among the ton, but he mostly wants to put himself in a position to re-capture Imogen. Until he realizes that Beatrix is smarter, more interesting, and more genuine than Imogen ever was.

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this horse-racing world Sofie Darling lets her readers step into w/this series.
When reading romance I may know the final destination, but it’s the often bumpy path to get there that holds my attention. I had no idea how things would work out in this fake relationship story, but it sure was fun.
Dev & Bea are perfect conspirators. They both have secrets, & want very different things from the arrangement. I like that they start out adversarial, but their relationship turns into mutual respect & friendship. The banter between the two is great. Plenty of steam, interesting family revelations, & just enough angst to make me wonder how long it would take for them to figure things out.
Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy via Booksprout. I already can’t wait for the next book.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake Deverill, Lord Devil, is a self-made man. He is intelligent, educated, determined, and rich. Lady Beatrix is the daughter of the Duke of Lydon, a wastrel who has neglected her and seen her as a burden. She lives on the edge of poverty. These two meet under stormy circumstances. He and his horse almost run her down during a rain storm. After getting to know each other, they come up with a fake engagement scheme to get them both what they want. He wants to woo his old love, and she wants rid of her father’s debt so that she can have a life of her own. Will it work? I enjoyed this story. It is well-written with a solid plot, and complex and interesting characters. I love that Beatrix and Blaze discover each other. He sort of helps Beatrix learn what Dev has been trying to tell her. You don’t always have to take the bad with (or before) the good.
I received a special copy of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[iReadBooksNSchit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil to Pay is exactly the kind of historical romance I love—sharp, sexy, and full of characters who keep you hooked from the first page. Lady Beatrix St. Vincent is one misstep away from ruin, and Blake “Dev” Deverill is a self-made man looking for his way into the Ton. A fake engagement should be the perfect solution for both of them, but things get messy fast—because once Dev sets his sights on Bea, there’s no way he’s letting her go.

Their banter is sharp, their chemistry fire, and the push-pull between them is everything. Dev is possessive, broody, and dangerously charming, while Bea isn’t about to make it easy for him. Toss in secrets, scandal, and some unexpected twists, and this one kept me truly entertained.

Devil to Pay has heat, heart, and all the historical goodness I crave. If you love a fake relationship that turns all too real, this one’s a must-read!

[Fredine Purvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil to Pay (All's Fair in Love and Racing Book 4) Sofie Darling

Beatrix, the daughter of Marquees Lydon a gambler and wastrel, had to write articles to the racing and gossip rags to put food on the table. Devlilln or Dev to his friends, was a horse owner of Little Wicked, that had earned her way into the Horse Race of the Century. Dev thought he wanted Countess Imogen Bridgewater. The characters in this book are very well described and plot is interesting, through the need of the social ton and people that made a name and fortune for themselves, were not as well thought of as the nobility. The attraction of Lord Devil, Dev and Beatirx lead to a agreement of a fake engagement, to get him Imogen. In the end the love between Dev and Bea is much stronger than the fantasy of Imogen.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil to Pay is the fourth book in the All's Fair in Love and Racing series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone story.

I have read the previous books and like them, this one was an exceptional read. The trope of pretend engagements, possibly leading to more is one of my favourites and Sofie Darling is very good at writing it. I was captivated from start to finish.

The characters were very well written, you will love some of them and very much dislike others. Of course, there will be sigh-worthy moments but there will also be twists here and there that you won't be expecting that will surprise you. There honestly isn't a dull moment in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Beatrice has spent her life caring for herself and adverting disaster. An injury in the park seems one more disaster to navigate. But she doesn’t know just what type of man she’s now involved with.

Lord Devil is not a lord at all. But he is richer than anyone and that helps him gain entrance to the outer circle of the ton. But he wants more….and for that he needs a surefire way to gain complete access. And Lady Beatrice is the way.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between these two. It is also fun to read about past main characters and possible future main characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.