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The Devil After Dark

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Liana ~

Flashing emergency lights and blood stained hands were not on my to do list for the day. To run away would have been a normal response, but no, I ran towards the extremely handsome men who had been shot. The night was supposed to be a simple work dinner followed by me snuggling into my reading chair with a filthy book. Instead, I was sitting on the back of an ambulance, trying to wash blood from my hands. Little did I know this shooting was far from the worst thing that was going to happen to me.



Cassio ~

My penthouse looks out over the two rivers that bisect the city. It is a beautiful view and one I do not get to enjoy often. Usually I am still working at this hour. Tonight I had been distracted enough thinking about the woman from the night of the shooting that I left my other obligations and opted for alcohol and my view of the city. I already knew I what I would be doing to myself while I thought about her later. Even that wouldn’t be enough to erase her from my dreams. Nothing I had tried would erase her from my mind—and I had tried quite a few things already. A few of those things I wasn’t necessarily proud of, but I had done them.

In this dark stalker romantasy, there is only one thing stronger than his obsession: Betrayal.

318 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2025

6 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

Maggie Forbush

4 books19 followers

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5 stars
24 (64%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Cassie Cassioppi.
4 reviews
September 15, 2025
Spoiler free review 🤭

If I could give one word to describe this book, it would be SCRUMPTIOUS. Back to back to back smut with enough plot to keep the story moving along. I liked the tidbit of fantasy mixed in with the dark romance, as well as the texting banter between the MMC and FMC. Caught myself giggling a few times.

It had everything I like. Obsession. Stalker. Masks. Crime lol. Right from chapter one I knew this was gonna be a banger. Maggie just keeps hitting these books out of the park I swearrrrrr.

The only hangup for me was an overuse of the names/pet names in dialog, but that just might be a me thing. Other than that?👩🏻‍🍳💋
Profile Image for Trish Matter.
17 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2025
I read this as an ARC. How ever I was not expecting it to be a fricking 4.75 (rounded up to 5) star read for me! Like okay Maggie Forbush! Where have you been this hole time?! Thank the book world that now....I SEE YOU!

I was very excited since it had just a smidge of fantasy in it. I've been wanting to get into romantasy but its been a struggle. The amount of fantasy in here personally I thought was perfect. There wasn't an overwhelming amount that made things chaotic or overwhelming.

I loved the FMC Liana! Most of the time an FMC will completely dismiss an MMCs actions. or make excuses for him. Liana doesn't. she sees all those red flags and puts her foot down and makes it known that its not okay.

Then we get to the MMC Cassio. I was shocked. most MMCs in a dark romance do messed up things just like cassio does. How ever, unlike most Cassio sees when he fucks up. Then tries to actually do better. When he tells Liana that he will stop if she just says the word and actually does so. I just can not! Thats not the typical dark romance MMC I read about and I loved it.

I was HOOKED instantly with this book. There was no putting it down. Maggie Forbush & her writing I can totally see blowing up. The plot, the betrayals, the drama, the characters, the magic uhg just perfect and I ate ever second of it up and left no crumbs behind!

The Devil After Dark will be a must have on my bookshelf. Maggie Forbush is now an author that I NEED to read more from. Preferably another book on Cassios friend & driver. Fingers crossed. Though soon for sure I will be diving into her other books.
Profile Image for bbs_bookish.
217 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2025
This book started off really strong and I actually enjoyed almost all of it. It was an insta-love, dark, mafia romance. Includes mask-play and lots of spice. I really wish there was more plot development though. There could have been a lot more to the story than was told. For some reason there was a magic-element to it, but I thought it was really unnecessary since no one really does magic anyway.

My biggest complaint regards consent. There is an element of CNC that is appropriately done in this book, but there is one huge non-consensual act that is done and the mcs seem to just glaze over it in the end. At the time, the fmc is rightfully furious, but the mmc basically shrugs and says too bad. Then there is no follow-up, no explanation that yes, this was wrong, here's recognition of it and atonement for it. Stop reading now if you don't want to know: the mmc's body guard frequently sneaks in to her room to watch her sleep, at the mmc's direction. But there is an instance where the mmc indicates she needs to be punished but he can't be there. So the bodyguard, pretending to be the mmc, SA's her (non-consensually, roughly, finishes, doesn't give her pleasure). The relationship between the mcs includes CNC, but with her finishing and being happy about it afterwards. This instance was clearly not in the mc's character, even in their CNC play.

Overall, I thought this book had the groundwork to be a really great dark romance. It was just missing plot development and character growth.
Profile Image for Jennifer Christenson.
3 reviews
August 16, 2025
The Devil After Dark is a book that you must read!!! Maggie Forbush is an extraordinary author and this is my second time reading this book.She previously had honored me with reading a former editon. I saw all the changes come to light and create an even more beautiful piece of art. I have read many dark romances and knew it easily could be sold just by the first read alone, NOW it is even better and filled with spicer scenes that will crave for you to be inside the book itself.

Liana is a fierce work of nature and runs towards danger instead of away. She knows her self-worth and I admire how she is not afraid to try to get out of a messy situation or give into her own needs, considered healthy or not. It is all HER decision and she's not afraid to speak up.

Cassio is the epitome of sexy. He is someone who you want to be near, no matter how dangerous he may seem. He is like oxygen, drawn to no matter how much you try to fight, you need him and he needs you. He is the perfect MMC, his intentions may seem blurry but he means the best and protects what is his. He is someone who try's to fix their behavior when asked and is devoted in everyway.

I highly recommend reading The Devil After Dark, it is one book that checks all of the boxes and more, it is a rollarcoster and will keep you on your toes and blow you away! It is a 5/5 and I am absolutely in love, I feel like this book was written for me.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gabbie.
12 reviews
August 17, 2025
I was a Beta Reader where I read the first write of this (and currently reading the new rewrite, but I know there weren't many changes, just adding some little things).
I have also read Maggie's other two books that are more 50/50 fantasy/dark romance & smut, so when she said "hey I have this idea to be more 25/75, can you read it?" I went "100% sign me up"

I was instantly HOOKED to Laina and Cassio within a few chapters! You have a Morally Dark Gray Mafia Man fight over a girl who doesn't want to be an object in her world PLUS Laina isn't a "push over" for the men's actions. THANK YOU!!! Liana sees these "red flags" over and over & though Cassio says "I'll try to do better" there is a point she goes "well you aren't, so either change or I can't do this anymore" 👏🏼👏🏼 Heck yes!

You have mafia gangs, obsession, betrayal, stalking, masked men, chase scenes, violence, an archaic gender game (again she doesn't want to be an object), some magic hierarchy, and LOTS of SMUT. I read this on my travels and had to have my "reading very dirty smut in public face" on for most of it. 😆

Oh and the side characters.... let's not forget about the side characters. Yes we love Liana and Cassio but throughout I kept going "is that XYZ to the rescue?" or "XYZ for the win!" She could build another book just off of side characters because they give just as much personality in their few moments and will also fall for them.

Maggie Forbush should be getting more credit for her books and I'm so glad I found her a year ago with her 7th King Series. I will also be there to boost her and support her up because she is a effin queen 👑
292 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2025
Ummm.... Excuse me what?

I said this to myself a few times while reading this book.

Such a fun and unusual dark romance with paranormal elements.

The chemistry between these two and the banter had me blushing more than anything else. The people on the bus must've thought I was a freak, but it wasn't the spicy stuff getting my turning rosy, it was the banter between these two.

I thought the book was going slow at first, but then suddenly I'd look up and I'd gone through like 50 pages like they were nothing. I just flew through this book. I read this book faster than I've read any other book of this size before.

The book's one flaw is that I found the paranormal (magical) elements did not really come into play until the end. They were just like briefly mentioned so you wouldn't for get about them, but like no one was using any magic so it often became easy to forget it existed and this wasn't just a dark romance set in our world. It felt almost like it was added in at the end for the ending to occur the way it did.

I did love the ending thought, definitely action-packed and had me on the edge of my seat.
Profile Image for Heather H.
522 reviews14 followers
August 15, 2025
This dark st4lker romance with masked morally black men, betrayal, bedroom lurking, woods chasing, mafia fighting, unhinged chaos, and one heck of a bestie to the FMC was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

Cassio is the unhinged owner of the Devil After Dark Nightclub, named after his own nickname in the mafia world. When Liana witnesses a hit taking place outside of his club and saves his right hand man, he can’t lose her.

Check your triggers.
This one comes with all the spice, a little bit of plot, and a sprinkle of fantasy. There is nothing sweet here and the spice is compiled from ideas Maggie chose not to use in her fantasy series, which I think is pretty creative.

Everyone needs a bestie like Thea-
“If you want the rest of your life to be silicone dicks and romance novels then be my guest, but I personally enjoy when there is a man attached to the dick I’m fucking.”

And when I said Cassio was unhinged…-
“If I ever catch you bringing someone else to your bed, I will make you watch me kill them. Then I will paint you in their blood before I fuck you so hard you can’t sit down for a week.”
Profile Image for Kari Francisco.
4 reviews
August 22, 2025
The Devil After Dark is a dark, smutty page-turner that blends obsession, betrayal, and a touch of fantasy into a story that’s both addictive and surprisingly fresh.

What stood out most to me was the spice level—easily an 8/10. Maggie Forbush doesn’t just write heat for heat’s sake; she pushes boundaries with elements I didn’t even know I’d enjoy, and somehow made them feel effortless and compelling. If you’re looking for spice that’s bold, varied, and a little unhinged—in the best possible way—this book delivers.

The fantasy elements come in slowly, which at first had me wanting more. But by the time the story hit its stride, those pieces fell into place beautifully and gave the ending an extra punch. The world-building is light enough to keep the pace quick, yet immersive enough to hint at something bigger.

It’s also just an easy, well-written read. The prose flows, the pacing never drags, and by the time I hit the last page, I was already wishing for more. Though billed as a standalone, it left me sincerely hoping we’ll get a second book set in this world.
Profile Image for Amanda Stone.
31 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2025
Maggie Forbush has done it again! Every story she writes pulls me in deeper, and Devil After Dark is no exception—I swear, I’ll never get enough of her books. She has a way of blending danger, desire, and obsession into something completely addictive.

Cassio is dark, powerful, and utterly unrelenting, while Liana is the perfect balance of strength and vulnerability. Their chemistry is electric, their tension impossible to look away from, and their story had me devouring every single page. The stalker romantasy elements were woven so seamlessly with the emotional intensity that I couldn’t stop reading.

Maggie doesn’t just write characters, she breathes life into them. She makes you feel their obsession, their fear, their passion—and she makes you crave more with every twist. This is why I love every book she’s ever written: they’re bold, dangerous, and completely unforgettable.

If you haven’t picked up a Maggie Forbush novel yet, Devil After Dark is the perfect place to start. Dark, seductive, and devastatingly good—I’ll be rereading this one again and again.
Profile Image for Randi F.
33 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

There are darker elements, so be sure to check your triggers.

If you're looking for a dark romance with a hint of fantasy, this is it! This was a fun and wild ride. I definitely connected with Liana, trying to figure out how she truly felt about Cassio. I loved that she wasn't afraid to tell him when he messed up, and in his POV you see him thinking about it, and wanting to be better for her. This gives Under Your Scars vibes without the emotional trauma. A lighter version, if you will. And a happier ending. The fantasy elements were pretty light, so it would be a good start for someone who normally reads dark romance that wants to get into fantasy. The world building was there, but not overwhelming and easy to digest. The spicy scenes were SPICY, and there's plenty of them!
Profile Image for Sarah Griffis.
10 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2025
I had the privilege to read this as an ARC and holy fucking moly was it amazing!!! From the very first chapter I was hooked and could barely put it down. Cassio is all our “dream” guy we are secretly wanting our husbands to be. Masked, biker, magic user, business man in the streets and a DOM in the sheets!!! My fav line of the whole is in chapter 32

His knee pressed up between my legs and one of his hands braced on the head board as he leaned over me.

Like flaming balls of fire!☄️ I had to have spicy time with my hubs after that scene!!

Maggie has built a complex world and I am so ready to see what she does next!!!!
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
72 reviews
August 18, 2025
This was a solid 4 star for me. I just felt like there could’ve been a little more plot to it. The spice hit fast and hard, which isn’t a bad thing, I just felt like it was more spice than anything else. I enjoyed the characters, Liana wasn’t too much of a pushover for Cassio’s behavior. She expected change for things to work between them and he was willing. Cassio had all the right attributes, possessive, obsessive, protective and dominant and also a stalker lol. All in all it was a good read, I just felt like a little more plot earlier on would have made it a 5 star for me.
7 reviews
September 14, 2025
I received this book as an ARC but that does not impact my opinion on the book. I absolutely loved it! A strong FMC and a dark, broody MMC, what's not to like?! Where it differs though, is that she sees his morally gray nature and doesn't just ignore it or get bulldozed by it. Add in some delightful SPICE, strong side characters, and some magic and you get a well written, well rounded book that will have you hooked right from the beginning!! This is def. a book you should add to your TBR ASAP!!
Profile Image for McKenzie Somers.
43 reviews6 followers
August 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It’s deliciously toxic, unapologetically messy, and wildly entertaining. The betrayals come fast and furious, keeping you on edge from start to finish. And the spice? Impeccable. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be chased through the woods by a masked man more than I did while reading this book. If you’re into dark romance with a twist of mafia, bikers, and a touch of magic—this one’s calling your name.
Profile Image for SkySpiritHuggingYou  Smith.
46 reviews6 followers
August 13, 2025
It's been a while since I read a dark romance that reminded me why l love the genre so much. This book had me guessing from start to finish and had my heart in its clutches.
This book absolutely
RUINED me!
And I loved every minute of it. The blurred lines netween riant and wrona ive a new tace to morallu grey. Very well written and the characters were fully executed to the fullest.
Profile Image for Cassie Smith.
Author 2 books
September 3, 2025
I was one of the lucky people to receive this book as an ARC. Who knew that helping a stranger would turn into this crazy stalker relationship, but then possibly something more? I enjoyed the journey that this book took me on. There was anger, laughing, anger again, tears and happiness. Thank you so much to Maggie Forbush for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this beautiful, spicy story.
1 review
September 19, 2025
Addictive, spicy, and exactly what I needed

I absolutely loved this book. It was the perfect escape—fast-paced, dark, and packed with plenty of smut to keep me hooked. I devoured it in two days and didn’t want it to end. If you’re into a story that doesn’t hold back, this one’s a must-read.
Profile Image for Nicole.
200 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down!! Literally read it in half a day. I absolutely loved Liana and Cassio! It was definitely a roller coaster! I can’t wait to read more books by Maggie!
Profile Image for RuinedLux.
123 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2025
It didn’t need the magic elements tbh, there was barely any of it in the book anyways.
Profile Image for Kacie I.
13 reviews
September 22, 2025
He runs the dangerous, criminal underworld and she is the obsession he can't let go...

The Devil After Dark is a fast-paced dark romance with light elements of fantasy that will completely hook you from the first page.

This book was an absolute vibe, and I am here for it. Maggie's writing style is extremely quick-paced in the best way possible and digs its claws into you so you are constantly begging for more.

Although the storyline of The Devil After Dark itself is less complex, it has heart-pumping excitement, jaw-dropping twists you never saw coming, and the spice is definitely spicing! This book does contain darker themes, so please check your trigger warnings.

If you want a super dark, fast-paced, thrilling story with a morally black main character and just enough fantasy that scratches that magical itch, then The Devil After Dark is a must-read!
Profile Image for Laurie Bristow.
73 reviews
October 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an ARC read for an honest and thorough review. This book caught my attention and kept me engaged. My ADHD appreciates this.

This book is centered around Liana, a business consultant, and Cassio, a magic user and business owner. Cassio is very much in the morally gray zone. His business is mob based. This society is also based on regular and magic weilding humans.

Cassio meets Liana in the very first chapter. An unfortunate event occurs, and she runs into the fray to save those involved and call for help. Liana surprised herself doing this. She normally just kept to herself. She relocated to this area after a bad breakup with her fiancé a few years earlier.

Cassio finds himself obsessed with Liana. But this could be bad for business if his enemies were to find out. But he pursues her anyway in a very sketchy manner. Mask, gloves, and all. Liana isn't too sure about all this, but finds herself going along with it anyway.

The storyline is really good. Some of the transitions from one event to another were a little abrupt. An extra chapter explaining a bit more about the ex fiancé would be nice. That was kind of a quick blurb for something that was so impactful to her life. A word error on chapter 49 6th sentence should read "my" instead of "me." Overall, a 4.75 read for me and a 5/5 spice scale.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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