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Farewell Lilydale Foundation Center… home of our final resting place.
We almost had them. But we should have known they wouldn’t play fair. It was a trap, another twisted game to use us.
As war continues, we’re left with no option but to fight. We can’t afford to give up now.
They fail to realize one thing though. People become dangerous when they have something to lose. And they become downright unhinged when they have nothing left except the promise of revenge.
This is how it ends. Broken savages. Haunted memories. It all comes down to this. We fight for our survival or die trying.
But either way, there’s no turning back now.
In death, we thrive.
Exile is a why choose asylum secret society dark romance. It is book 4 in the Dance With My Demons series and cannot be read as a standalone. It contains adult themes, sensitive topics, and is solely intended for mature audiences over 18 years of age. It is recommended that readers consult the trigger warnings before reading.
We almost had them. But we should have known they wouldn’t play fair. It was a trap, another twisted game to use us.
As war continues, we’re left with no option but to fight. We can’t afford to give up now.
They fail to realize one thing though. People become dangerous when they have something to lose. And they become downright unhinged when they have nothing left except the promise of revenge.
This is how it ends. Broken savages. Haunted memories. It all comes down to this. We fight for our survival or die trying.
But either way, there’s no turning back now.
In death, we thrive.
Exile is a why choose asylum secret society dark romance. It is book 4 in the Dance With My Demons series and cannot be read as a standalone. It contains adult themes, sensitive topics, and is solely intended for mature audiences over 18 years of age. It is recommended that readers consult the trigger warnings before reading.
440 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2025
3325 people are currently reading
8643 people want to read
About the author
Steph Macca
33 books1,831 followersBestselling Dark Romance Author
Author of Unhinged 🔪
Knock Knock, Little Killer
Author of Unhinged 🔪
Knock Knock, Little Killer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,203 reviews
October 5, 2025
2.5 stars ✨
"She wanted to save… me. So now, it's only fitting that I should die for her."
Huh, well that was an underwhelming finale. I might be in the minority here but it wasn't as good as the previous three books. I had high hopes for this in all areas but the only thing that was done decently was plot development of the story. I had fun with the humor. And YET there are so many issues I cannot look over. There were so many ups and downs.
Starting with how the inner monologues never seemed to end. About 20% of it was useless and with proper editing it wouldn't have dragged. Secondly, the inconsistency in Avery's character that has been there since book one. Sure, she was more confident in this one but only in her pov. When it came to Damon, Grey and Theo, she just seems like a damsel and mess of a character.
The three mmcs carried the series easily. I'm a Damon girlie and will always be. The possessive bastard just does it for me 😭 The romance was sweet but the spice? WTF, where did the spice go? I was expecting more like the previous three books. I was hoping for all three of them to be with her in the same steamy scene. And yet it wasn't so? Talk about missed opportunities.
The ending was okayish. I don't really mind, it was satisfying but I had already lost interest by the time I got to it. Not my favorite book in the series or finale.
~•~•~
Time for the finale 😌😌
"She wanted to save… me. So now, it's only fitting that I should die for her."
Huh, well that was an underwhelming finale. I might be in the minority here but it wasn't as good as the previous three books. I had high hopes for this in all areas but the only thing that was done decently was plot development of the story. I had fun with the humor. And YET there are so many issues I cannot look over. There were so many ups and downs.
Starting with how the inner monologues never seemed to end. About 20% of it was useless and with proper editing it wouldn't have dragged. Secondly, the inconsistency in Avery's character that has been there since book one. Sure, she was more confident in this one but only in her pov. When it came to Damon, Grey and Theo, she just seems like a damsel and mess of a character.
The three mmcs carried the series easily. I'm a Damon girlie and will always be. The possessive bastard just does it for me 😭 The romance was sweet but the spice? WTF, where did the spice go? I was expecting more like the previous three books. I was hoping for all three of them to be with her in the same steamy scene. And yet it wasn't so? Talk about missed opportunities.
The ending was okayish. I don't really mind, it was satisfying but I had already lost interest by the time I got to it. Not my favorite book in the series or finale.
~•~•~
Time for the finale 😌😌
November 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I started this series not really loving but stayed because I was listening and Corvin King held me there with his Pantie melting voice. The second book I liked, the third I loved and the fourth I DEVOURED!!! I went from thinking was eh to thinking OMG I LOVE THIS SERIES ! Hahahahhaah
I started in love with Grey then slow to also liked Theo and I ended with Damon being my favorite. That’s when you know the why choose is good, because you like them all and nobody annoys you. All 3 guys are the best, Grey and Damon’s bromance was amazing and also Theo and Grey banter was amazing.
Avery is a great female character. The fact that takes place in a mental institution only adds to the loving factor for me. The plot is great and I don’t want to say anything else so I won’t accidentally spoil.
🖤
I started this series not really loving but stayed because I was listening and Corvin King held me there with his Pantie melting voice. The second book I liked, the third I loved and the fourth I DEVOURED!!! I went from thinking was eh to thinking OMG I LOVE THIS SERIES ! Hahahahhaah
I started in love with Grey then slow to also liked Theo and I ended with Damon being my favorite. That’s when you know the why choose is good, because you like them all and nobody annoys you. All 3 guys are the best, Grey and Damon’s bromance was amazing and also Theo and Grey banter was amazing.
Avery is a great female character. The fact that takes place in a mental institution only adds to the loving factor for me. The plot is great and I don’t want to say anything else so I won’t accidentally spoil.
🖤
September 16, 2025
It seriously pains me to say this, but I did not love this book. I absolutely loved the first three and don’t regret reading them, but this one was very lackluster for me. Definitely should have ended this with 3 books instead of trying to extend to 4.
We left off with Avery discovering she’s been joined to Damon in a more legal way. Before they can celebrate, a gun goes off and the hallway erupts into chaos, with Theo and Grey leading the charge. Our group discovers that Avery isn’t the only test subject, a rescue mission is started, Avery signs more papers, a few sexy times, a change of location, and eventually a HEA.
SEX: The sex was so good in the last one, this one left me feeling unsatisfied. For me, a reverse harem isn’t worth its name if the FMC isn’t taking all three at the same time. We get one scene with both front and rear entrances plugged at the same time. Then we get one scene with all of them together, except they take turns. Another thing that irritated me was nearly every single sex scene ended with something like, "he shoots his release in me". That was very disappointing. I wanted dirtier details.
MONOLOGUE: I’m willing to say at least 80% of this book was internal monologue. There’s very little conversation between the actual characters. That’s probably the biggest reason I found this book so slow and a little boring.
BANG: I expected a bigger bang, this was more of a fizzle. This will be a spoiler, so please don’t read it. I just need to vent on it. I just needed more. I also thought the ending was meh.
FAMILY TREE: You know how I feel about keeping a list of characters. There is a list of characters with general information, and then a list in the spoilers that has info you won’t discover until you read this book. I’m putting this here for me because when Book 4 comes out, I want to be able to say “oh, yes. I remember who that person is.”
Avery White
Grey Hawthorne
Theo Ashwood
Damon Emerson Alexander Dale: We now know his full name!!!!
Alexander Dale: Board member. Damon's dad.
Dr. Christopher Smith: Psychiatrist, Damon's cousin.
Arthur Whittingham: Foundation's supervisor.
Dr. Markel: Medical doc on staff.
Charmaine: Teacher.
Dorothea “Teddy”: Arthur's assistant/lover.
Dr. William Elsher: New psychiatrist
CIRQUE des MORTS
Byrone: Jillian's boyfriend.
Jillian: Hacker, Byrone's girlfriend.
Andy Jemison
Leighton Pierce
Louis: Patient.
Mark: Patient.
SIDE PIECES:
Sam Hallman: Patient. Vivian's boyfriend.
Vivian Capello: Patient.
Siobhan Kennedy: Patient. Sometimes nice.
Eliana: Patient. Usually nice.
Rian Thatcher: New patient, introduced in Book 2.
Charity Williams: Patient.
Miss Callaghan: Avery’s teacher pre-Lilydale.
Jonathon: Guard.
Connor: Guard.
Tony: Chef.
Margaret: Avery’s caseworker.
Marty: Someone from Avery’s past.
Harry: Jerk police officer.
Emma: Nice police officer.
Henry Thatcher: Board member.
Leah: Someone from the past, presumed dead.
Melanie Cromwell: Doctor.
Dr. West: Doctor.
Alyssa: A nurse Avery knew pre-Lilydale.
Lilydale promised to save me, even when I adamantly believed I was beyond salvation. But in a strange turn of events, I was saved. By Grey. By Theo. And by Damon.
In violence and corruption, I found an unexpected peace. An inferno of flames in an otherwise dark abyss—someone to dance with my demons.
We left off with Avery discovering she’s been joined to Damon in a more legal way. Before they can celebrate, a gun goes off and the hallway erupts into chaos, with Theo and Grey leading the charge. Our group discovers that Avery isn’t the only test subject, a rescue mission is started, Avery signs more papers, a few sexy times, a change of location, and eventually a HEA.
I never thought that even one person could love me—all of me, broken shards and fragments—but they did. …..The four of us together, we fit. Four broken pieces with jagged edges, sharp enough to cut, but somehow, we piece together perfectly.
SEX: The sex was so good in the last one, this one left me feeling unsatisfied. For me, a reverse harem isn’t worth its name if the FMC isn’t taking all three at the same time. We get one scene with both front and rear entrances plugged at the same time. Then we get one scene with all of them together, except they take turns. Another thing that irritated me was nearly every single sex scene ended with something like, "he shoots his release in me". That was very disappointing. I wanted dirtier details.
MONOLOGUE: I’m willing to say at least 80% of this book was internal monologue. There’s very little conversation between the actual characters. That’s probably the biggest reason I found this book so slow and a little boring.
BANG: I expected a bigger bang, this was more of a fizzle. This will be a spoiler, so please don’t read it. I just need to vent on it. I just needed more. I also thought the ending was meh.
Somewhere along the line, I fell head over heels for these three guys, accepting it completely……Like each part fits together to make one piece. Maybe I was too broken, in many pieces that I needed more than one part to be put back together.
FAMILY TREE: You know how I feel about keeping a list of characters. There is a list of characters with general information, and then a list in the spoilers that has info you won’t discover until you read this book. I’m putting this here for me because when Book 4 comes out, I want to be able to say “oh, yes. I remember who that person is.”
Avery White
Grey Hawthorne
Theo Ashwood
Damon Emerson Alexander Dale: We now know his full name!!!!
Alexander Dale: Board member. Damon's dad.
Dr. Christopher Smith: Psychiatrist, Damon's cousin.
Arthur Whittingham: Foundation's supervisor.
Dr. Markel: Medical doc on staff.
Charmaine: Teacher.
Dorothea “Teddy”: Arthur's assistant/lover.
Dr. William Elsher: New psychiatrist
CIRQUE des MORTS
Byrone: Jillian's boyfriend.
Jillian: Hacker, Byrone's girlfriend.
Andy Jemison
Leighton Pierce
Louis: Patient.
Mark: Patient.
SIDE PIECES:
Sam Hallman: Patient. Vivian's boyfriend.
Vivian Capello: Patient.
Siobhan Kennedy: Patient. Sometimes nice.
Eliana: Patient. Usually nice.
Rian Thatcher: New patient, introduced in Book 2.
Charity Williams: Patient.
Miss Callaghan: Avery’s teacher pre-Lilydale.
Jonathon: Guard.
Connor: Guard.
Tony: Chef.
Margaret: Avery’s caseworker.
Marty: Someone from Avery’s past.
Harry: Jerk police officer.
Emma: Nice police officer.
Henry Thatcher: Board member.
Leah: Someone from the past, presumed dead.
Melanie Cromwell: Doctor.
Dr. West: Doctor.
Alyssa: A nurse Avery knew pre-Lilydale.
November 3, 2025
I honestly don’t know why I read this whole series
September 1, 2025
ARC Review - Oh my god. I am unwell. The last book of the Dancing with my Demons series. It was so good. Chefs kiss. No notes. This was the perfect way to end it and honestly so sad to finish it. The story flowed perfectly, the turn of the events in the story just made it so much more worth it. I will be doing a re-read of the series as soon as the audiobook comes out because those are just perfect. Easily, a top series in 2025 I have read.
October 16, 2025
A fierce, aching finale.
A closure wrapped in fire.
It’s heartbreaking, cathartic and somehow beautiful in its ruin.
Leaves you spent and strangely satisfied. 🔥
A closure wrapped in fire.
It’s heartbreaking, cathartic and somehow beautiful in its ruin.
Leaves you spent and strangely satisfied. 🔥
October 23, 2025
OH. MY. GOD!!
This was the perfect ending to the story. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and then completely in tears by the end. Steph Macca absolutely nailed it with this one! The twists, the tension, the emotion, everything came together flawlessly. I couldn’t have asked for a better finale.
Did I finish this book, or did it finish me? 😭
✨ Read in Order ✨
[These are not stand alone books]
1️⃣ Unhinged
2️⃣ Echoes
3️⃣ Ravage
4️⃣ Exile
✨ T r o p e s + T r i g g e r s ✨
Spice
Why Choose
Secret Society | Asylum
Revenge
Forced Marriage
Violence | Blood | Death
HEA
This was the perfect ending to the story. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and then completely in tears by the end. Steph Macca absolutely nailed it with this one! The twists, the tension, the emotion, everything came together flawlessly. I couldn’t have asked for a better finale.
Did I finish this book, or did it finish me? 😭
✨ Read in Order ✨
[These are not stand alone books]
1️⃣ Unhinged
2️⃣ Echoes
3️⃣ Ravage
4️⃣ Exile
✨ T r o p e s + T r i g g e r s ✨
Spice
Why Choose
Secret Society | Asylum
Revenge
Forced Marriage
Violence | Blood | Death
HEA
October 28, 2025
and just like that, it's over at least for now! I absolutely loved it and can't wait to do it in audio next because this series had me in a chokehold with the voice actors!
September 15, 2025
⭐️4.75 🌶️3.9
”I guess Whittingham was right about one thing — Lilydale did save me. It was just in the form of three unhinged psychos.”
We’ve come to the fourth and final installment of the Dance with my Demons Trilogy and I was left starstruck, speechless, awed and fulfilled.
We’re facing the toughest battles and the darkest demons in this book and Avery is the piece to either save it all or destroy it all. The stakes have never been higher and everyone is at risk of being killed. Our four core have never been more precise with their strategy than this book.
In the end Avery, Damon, Theo and Grey risk it all and bare their souls. This had me so conflicted in emotions and on the edge of my seat as Alexander finally reveals the man behind the mask. We already knew he was evil though🙃.
I’m sad to see that it’s over, but can’t wait to see what Steph writes next.
”I guess Whittingham was right about one thing — Lilydale did save me. It was just in the form of three unhinged psychos.”
We’ve come to the fourth and final installment of the Dance with my Demons Trilogy and I was left starstruck, speechless, awed and fulfilled.
We’re facing the toughest battles and the darkest demons in this book and Avery is the piece to either save it all or destroy it all. The stakes have never been higher and everyone is at risk of being killed. Our four core have never been more precise with their strategy than this book.
In the end Avery, Damon, Theo and Grey risk it all and bare their souls. This had me so conflicted in emotions and on the edge of my seat as Alexander finally reveals the man behind the mask. We already knew he was evil though🙃.
I’m sad to see that it’s over, but can’t wait to see what Steph writes next.
October 23, 2025
This series is just incredible, the ending just healed my heart. Chefs kiss. Just perfect. No more comments.
November 12, 2025
Loved the ending!! I will miss my four sheilas so much.
November 16, 2025
woohoo we finally finished the series! I think … you know what we closed the series off with a bang. I’m a sucker for epilogues especially when it gets a glimpse of a life where they don’t have to worry about problems they were facing throughout the series and they finally get to relax. Plus I did like the development in the relationship but the plot was kinda boring tbh. I do love the prison trope tho so alas I did stay to the end
September 14, 2025
a little too sappy and with an annoying plot hole
I loved the first 3 books, absolutely adored them. It didn’t hurt that I had them in my head as audiobooks. I mean, while the spice was hella spicy, the plot was actually really good. Captivating.
So you can’t imagine my disappointment from this one. The spice feels like it has somehow fizzled and the plot is full of some (mainly one) frustrating and annoying hole: SHE DIDNT HAVE TO SIGN.
I’m not gonna say anything beyond that to keep the spoilers to a minimum, but the part had me seeing red. I don’t think I’ve ever been this pissed about a stupid plot hole as I was over this one.
And then add the internalised misogyny in this book as the big protective strong he-men make the decisions for the delicate little she-flower and protect her like strong guard dogs grrrrr… yeah, it got a bit triggering.
Sappy ending with major happy, happy, happy! vibes. Admittedly, had me smiling while frowning - I really wanted one last full trio spice scene in their new house bringing up the end, but… I guess this book was a little full of disappointments for me.. oh well.
I loved the first 3 books, absolutely adored them. It didn’t hurt that I had them in my head as audiobooks. I mean, while the spice was hella spicy, the plot was actually really good. Captivating.
So you can’t imagine my disappointment from this one. The spice feels like it has somehow fizzled and the plot is full of some (mainly one) frustrating and annoying hole: SHE DIDNT HAVE TO SIGN.
I’m not gonna say anything beyond that to keep the spoilers to a minimum, but the part had me seeing red. I don’t think I’ve ever been this pissed about a stupid plot hole as I was over this one.
And then add the internalised misogyny in this book as the big protective strong he-men make the decisions for the delicate little she-flower and protect her like strong guard dogs grrrrr… yeah, it got a bit triggering.
Sappy ending with major happy, happy, happy! vibes. Admittedly, had me smiling while frowning - I really wanted one last full trio spice scene in their new house bringing up the end, but… I guess this book was a little full of disappointments for me.. oh well.
November 15, 2025
The plot is really all over the place with this series and not well developed. You read this series for the smut but after a while it all seems the same and even vanilla… finger b@ng and p3net@tive. Yes, the smut got boring.
I believe the younger characters/patients are all in their early 20s. However, Damon, Grey, Theo and Avery and their friends behave like young teenagers thinking they are all that by forming a secret society to overthrow the adults. Of course, they are always outmaneuvered by Alexander, Arthur and the Doctors time and time again. The best they can do is break things to cause trouble and then they get “detention” in the form of solitary confinement. Avery gets isolated and kidnapped by Alexander time and time again. Finally, we get change in this book in the form of deaths!!! Ultimately, that is how they solve their adult problems.
Overall, this is a mediocre RH. The highlight is the narrators.
Exile (Dance With My Demons #4) by Steph Macca
📕 Rating: 3⭐️ 4.5🌶️
🎧 Rating: 4.5⭐️
🎧 Narrated by: Marie Hawkins (Avery), Joe Arden (Damon), Corvin King (Grey), Anthony Palmini (Theo), Excellent duet performance by the narrators. I highly recommend listening.
TROPES/ THEMES: penitentiary, human experimentation, RH
Read on for spoilers…
CHARACTERS (more or less in order of appearance, please excuse typos in name):
Damon Emerson Alexander Dale: Avery’s husband
Avery Elizabeth White “little killer”: MFC, diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and PTSD
Grey Hawthorne: Damon’s right hand, killed his father, Avery’s lover
Theo Ashwood: Avery’s lover
Byron: member of Cirque des Morts, Damon’s other right hand man
Julianne: member of Cirque des Morts, Damon’s hacker
Alexander Dale: Damon’s father, Chairman of the Lilydale Foundation, Alexander’s FIL
Arthur Whittingham: Alexander’s old buddy from college, “Whitface”
Dr. Christopher “Chris” Smith: Damon’s cousin, the resident psychiatrist
Dr. Markel: a skilled surgeon, the resident medical doctor
Miss Callaghan: teaches body anatomy and hematology, Avery’s teacher
Harry: Captain
Emma: police
Alyssa: nurse
Dorothea “Teddy”: dead receptionist killed by Whitface, Arthur’s lover
Leighton Pierce: dead
Tony: kitchen staff
Margaret “Margie/ Meg”: Avery’s social worker
Lily Emerson-Dale: Dead, Damon’s mother, Alexander murdered his wife
Charmaine: Biology teacher
Siobhan: mia, patient, Vivian’s friend
Eliana: mia, patient, Avery’s strawberry blond shower friend
Vivian Capello: Sam’s girlfriend, hates Avery
Rian Thatcher: new kid
Dr. West:
Charity Williams:
Dr. William Elsher: new psychiatrist
Connor: guard
Jonathan: guard?
Madison “Madi”: Theo’s dead sister
Joseph: Madi’s lover
Richard: Madi’s lover
Louis, Mark and Andy: member of Cirque des Morts
Jemison: member of Cirque des Morts
Paige: ?
Dr. Melanie Cromwell: experimented on Avery
Martin Goldsberg: Avery’s father’s friend
Rose: Whittingham’s ex-wife
Dell: the manager of Ridgeview Valley Home
Marissa “Ris”: late 20s, Dell’s colleague
QUOTES/ SCENES (please excuse typos, transcribing either from audiobook/ ebook):
SUMMARY/ SPOILERS:
- Damon married Avery to gain the majority of the shares.
- Alexander shoots at Avery but Damon takes the hit. Damon and Avery were taken away. Damon to a hospital for major blood loss.
- July 13 and Feb 1st, Alyssa’s nurse for those dates.
- Grey was sent to solitary confinement.
- “Aunt Lily's wedding anniversary—0314”
- Ch9: Two in one hole! (Grey and Theo)
- Ch12: Whittingham wants Avery to annul the marriage and she will be set free, out of penitentiary. Avery stabs a pen in Whittingham’s hand, so he sends Avery to solitary confinement.
- Ch14: Damon is released from the hospital and returns with Connor but only after he acquires a blow torch. The spare key card was locked in the Whittingham’s safe. Grey gifts Avery a knife.
- Ch15: Grey and Theo try to bust Avery out. Damon gets Avery out of Solitary Confinement via a blow torch. The guys give Avery a matching wedding band. All three guys wear the same ring, black with a ruby and diamonds.
- Ch16: Christopher tells Damon that the missing patients are assigned to Dr. Elsher and they signed the consent forms.
- Ch17: Arthur Whittingham gifts Avery Teddy’s head with a note: “YOU'RE NEXT.”
- Ch21: Alexander has his guards kidnaps Avery to the Corporate board.
- Ch22: Theo flashback with Madi. Joseph and Richard makes Madi chooses btw them.
- Ch23: Alexander wants Avery to sign access of the trust over to Alexander. He threatens Avery to sign a will. Alexander returns Avery go the facility.
- Ch25: Christopher gets Margie/Meg into the facility to see Avery. Margie and Christopher likes each other.
- Ch27: Avery, Grey, Damon, Theo, Louis, Mark and Andy plans to head downstairs to find the missing patients. Avery and Grey finds Siobhan, Eliana. Damon throws one doctor at the wall, killing him. Theo drags Dr. Melanie Cromwell out for interrogation or torture but Avery decides to let her go.
- Ch28: Damon and the others leave. Avery takes the blow torch into the lab with the electrocution instrument, collects paperworks before setting the equipment on fire. Rian Thatcher tries to stop Avery and Theo. Rian wants to kill them. Rian is working for Alexander. Rian confesses to decapitating and sending Teddy’s head. Avery stabs Rian with her knife then douses him with flammable solvents.
- Ch30: Rian is son of a board member and placed in Lilydale to spy on Damon, Avery and anyone close to them. Henry Thatcher is Rian’s board meeting. Avery asks Christopher to help her with a new will to overwrite the one Alexander forced her to sign and asks that he incorporate Theo and Grey into the Will.
- Ch31: Martin r@ped Avery one year ago, a stole her virginity. At the hospital, the doctors say she may never get pregnant because of the reproductive scarring.
- Ch33: After Avery’s appointment with Dr. Christopher Smith, she is once again alone with Alexander, Arthur and William Elsher. They sent Damon’s team downstairs by playing footage of Avery. Rian is Elsher’s nephew.
- Ch34: Avery tells Alexander that he is not her beneficiary and that she signed a new Will. Damon takes the moment of distraction to shoot and kill Alexander.
- Ch36: Avery is sent to “Ridgeview Valley Rehabilitation Home”.
- Ch38: Patients are retried. Avery is guilty again for arson and her father’s involuntary manslaughter. She is not guilty of the crimes in the Lilydale Foundation Center.
- Ch39: Damon was tried first, given the situation and his involvement. He provided all the evidence relating to my Alexander‘s “scheme, the board's corruption, and the treatment suffered in Lilydale, it was basically a domino effect for the rest of the patients. Especially with the investigation findings.” Damon was released first.
- Grey and Theo later. Theo gets time and a warning. Everything he did at the facility was ruled in self defense.
- Damon has control of his trust back.
- “Arthur got arrested… We may have provided footage of him and Teddy. Turns out we were correct. Her body was never released to the coroner—obviously since we had her head. He's been charged with her murder. They finally caught up with him three days ago. Locked up in prison awaiting trial. His ex-wife Rose is also planning to testify about his abusive behavior.”
- “Alexander is dead so someone else has to take the fall for the board's corruption and involvement. Arthur and the board members have been charged for their contribution to the Lilydale scheme.”
- “I may have made a call to the medical board when I was released. That woman doctor has also been charged and has her license suspended pending investigation into malpractice. The other surviving doctors… Dr. Cromwell”
- Avery proposes turning Lilydale into a proper facility like Ridgeview Valley.
- Epilogue: Grey kills Martin Goldsberg to get revenge for Avery. Theo gets a goldfish pet, Sam, for Avery and houses it in a kitchen blender?!?
- Epilogue 2: 6m later they tour the new facility.
I believe the younger characters/patients are all in their early 20s. However, Damon, Grey, Theo and Avery and their friends behave like young teenagers thinking they are all that by forming a secret society to overthrow the adults. Of course, they are always outmaneuvered by Alexander, Arthur and the Doctors time and time again. The best they can do is break things to cause trouble and then they get “detention” in the form of solitary confinement. Avery gets isolated and kidnapped by Alexander time and time again. Finally, we get change in this book in the form of deaths!!! Ultimately, that is how they solve their adult problems.
Overall, this is a mediocre RH. The highlight is the narrators.
Exile (Dance With My Demons #4) by Steph Macca
📕 Rating: 3⭐️ 4.5🌶️
🎧 Rating: 4.5⭐️
🎧 Narrated by: Marie Hawkins (Avery), Joe Arden (Damon), Corvin King (Grey), Anthony Palmini (Theo), Excellent duet performance by the narrators. I highly recommend listening.
TROPES/ THEMES: penitentiary, human experimentation, RH
Read on for spoilers…
CHARACTERS (more or less in order of appearance, please excuse typos in name):
Damon Emerson Alexander Dale: Avery’s husband
Avery Elizabeth White “little killer”: MFC, diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and PTSD
Grey Hawthorne: Damon’s right hand, killed his father, Avery’s lover
Theo Ashwood: Avery’s lover
Byron: member of Cirque des Morts, Damon’s other right hand man
Julianne: member of Cirque des Morts, Damon’s hacker
Alexander Dale: Damon’s father, Chairman of the Lilydale Foundation, Alexander’s FIL
Arthur Whittingham: Alexander’s old buddy from college, “Whitface”
Dr. Christopher “Chris” Smith: Damon’s cousin, the resident psychiatrist
Dr. Markel: a skilled surgeon, the resident medical doctor
Miss Callaghan: teaches body anatomy and hematology, Avery’s teacher
Harry: Captain
Emma: police
Alyssa: nurse
Dorothea “Teddy”: dead receptionist killed by Whitface, Arthur’s lover
Leighton Pierce: dead
Tony: kitchen staff
Margaret “Margie/ Meg”: Avery’s social worker
Lily Emerson-Dale: Dead, Damon’s mother, Alexander murdered his wife
Charmaine: Biology teacher
Siobhan: mia, patient, Vivian’s friend
Eliana: mia, patient, Avery’s strawberry blond shower friend
Vivian Capello: Sam’s girlfriend, hates Avery
Rian Thatcher: new kid
Dr. West:
Charity Williams:
Dr. William Elsher: new psychiatrist
Connor: guard
Jonathan: guard?
Madison “Madi”: Theo’s dead sister
Joseph: Madi’s lover
Richard: Madi’s lover
Louis, Mark and Andy: member of Cirque des Morts
Jemison: member of Cirque des Morts
Paige: ?
Dr. Melanie Cromwell: experimented on Avery
Martin Goldsberg: Avery’s father’s friend
Rose: Whittingham’s ex-wife
Dell: the manager of Ridgeview Valley Home
Marissa “Ris”: late 20s, Dell’s colleague
QUOTES/ SCENES (please excuse typos, transcribing either from audiobook/ ebook):
SUMMARY/ SPOILERS:
- Damon married Avery to gain the majority of the shares.
- Alexander shoots at Avery but Damon takes the hit. Damon and Avery were taken away. Damon to a hospital for major blood loss.
- July 13 and Feb 1st, Alyssa’s nurse for those dates.
- Grey was sent to solitary confinement.
- “Aunt Lily's wedding anniversary—0314”
- Ch9: Two in one hole! (Grey and Theo)
- Ch12: Whittingham wants Avery to annul the marriage and she will be set free, out of penitentiary. Avery stabs a pen in Whittingham’s hand, so he sends Avery to solitary confinement.
- Ch14: Damon is released from the hospital and returns with Connor but only after he acquires a blow torch. The spare key card was locked in the Whittingham’s safe. Grey gifts Avery a knife.
- Ch15: Grey and Theo try to bust Avery out. Damon gets Avery out of Solitary Confinement via a blow torch. The guys give Avery a matching wedding band. All three guys wear the same ring, black with a ruby and diamonds.
- Ch16: Christopher tells Damon that the missing patients are assigned to Dr. Elsher and they signed the consent forms.
- Ch17: Arthur Whittingham gifts Avery Teddy’s head with a note: “YOU'RE NEXT.”
- Ch21: Alexander has his guards kidnaps Avery to the Corporate board.
- Ch22: Theo flashback with Madi. Joseph and Richard makes Madi chooses btw them.
- Ch23: Alexander wants Avery to sign access of the trust over to Alexander. He threatens Avery to sign a will. Alexander returns Avery go the facility.
- Ch25: Christopher gets Margie/Meg into the facility to see Avery. Margie and Christopher likes each other.
- Ch27: Avery, Grey, Damon, Theo, Louis, Mark and Andy plans to head downstairs to find the missing patients. Avery and Grey finds Siobhan, Eliana. Damon throws one doctor at the wall, killing him. Theo drags Dr. Melanie Cromwell out for interrogation or torture but Avery decides to let her go.
- Ch28: Damon and the others leave. Avery takes the blow torch into the lab with the electrocution instrument, collects paperworks before setting the equipment on fire. Rian Thatcher tries to stop Avery and Theo. Rian wants to kill them. Rian is working for Alexander. Rian confesses to decapitating and sending Teddy’s head. Avery stabs Rian with her knife then douses him with flammable solvents.
- Ch30: Rian is son of a board member and placed in Lilydale to spy on Damon, Avery and anyone close to them. Henry Thatcher is Rian’s board meeting. Avery asks Christopher to help her with a new will to overwrite the one Alexander forced her to sign and asks that he incorporate Theo and Grey into the Will.
- Ch31: Martin r@ped Avery one year ago, a stole her virginity. At the hospital, the doctors say she may never get pregnant because of the reproductive scarring.
- Ch33: After Avery’s appointment with Dr. Christopher Smith, she is once again alone with Alexander, Arthur and William Elsher. They sent Damon’s team downstairs by playing footage of Avery. Rian is Elsher’s nephew.
- Ch34: Avery tells Alexander that he is not her beneficiary and that she signed a new Will. Damon takes the moment of distraction to shoot and kill Alexander.
- Ch36: Avery is sent to “Ridgeview Valley Rehabilitation Home”.
- Ch38: Patients are retried. Avery is guilty again for arson and her father’s involuntary manslaughter. She is not guilty of the crimes in the Lilydale Foundation Center.
- Ch39: Damon was tried first, given the situation and his involvement. He provided all the evidence relating to my Alexander‘s “scheme, the board's corruption, and the treatment suffered in Lilydale, it was basically a domino effect for the rest of the patients. Especially with the investigation findings.” Damon was released first.
- Grey and Theo later. Theo gets time and a warning. Everything he did at the facility was ruled in self defense.
- Damon has control of his trust back.
- “Arthur got arrested… We may have provided footage of him and Teddy. Turns out we were correct. Her body was never released to the coroner—obviously since we had her head. He's been charged with her murder. They finally caught up with him three days ago. Locked up in prison awaiting trial. His ex-wife Rose is also planning to testify about his abusive behavior.”
- “Alexander is dead so someone else has to take the fall for the board's corruption and involvement. Arthur and the board members have been charged for their contribution to the Lilydale scheme.”
- “I may have made a call to the medical board when I was released. That woman doctor has also been charged and has her license suspended pending investigation into malpractice. The other surviving doctors… Dr. Cromwell”
- Avery proposes turning Lilydale into a proper facility like Ridgeview Valley.
- Epilogue: Grey kills Martin Goldsberg to get revenge for Avery. Theo gets a goldfish pet, Sam, for Avery and houses it in a kitchen blender?!?
- Epilogue 2: 6m later they tour the new facility.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
2,5 ⭐️
I went in with high expectations because I liked the first three books, but this one… no. 🙂↔️👎🏻
The plot spiraled into absurdity and I just couldn’t take it seriously. Not gonna lie, I wish I’d just DNF’d and kept the good memories of the first three…
*Side note: Steph Macca is such a sweet author though!! ♥️ I’ll definitely still check out her other books.
I went in with high expectations because I liked the first three books, but this one… no. 🙂↔️👎🏻
The plot spiraled into absurdity and I just couldn’t take it seriously. Not gonna lie, I wish I’d just DNF’d and kept the good memories of the first three…
*Side note: Steph Macca is such a sweet author though!! ♥️ I’ll definitely still check out her other books.
November 3, 2025
What a great way to wrap up this series! Steph Macca gave me a brief heart attack with how Ravage ended but I loved being reunited with all my boys... yes, it's me. I'm Avery
If you though the story would not continue developing into an absolute shit show then you are mistaken! Alexander threw new challenges their way - the crew did not have it easy but they prevailed!
Avery's character development? Loved it! She finally learns to accept and embrace her broken bits. I mean, she had an excellent support system. I am also so happy with one side character's well deserved redemption.
While some may think the ending could have been rushed, IMO, Alexander and everyone else got what they deserved and I would have hated if Steph would have spent more time on them.
In the end, the series and story is about them: Avery, Grey, Theo & Damon.
And you'd think the spice couldn't get any better... my dudes, it did!
If you though the story would not continue developing into an absolute shit show then you are mistaken! Alexander threw new challenges their way - the crew did not have it easy but they prevailed!
Avery's character development? Loved it! She finally learns to accept and embrace her broken bits. I mean, she had an excellent support system. I am also so happy with one side character's well deserved redemption.
While some may think the ending could have been rushed, IMO, Alexander and everyone else got what they deserved and I would have hated if Steph would have spent more time on them.
In the end, the series and story is about them: Avery, Grey, Theo & Damon.
And you'd think the spice couldn't get any better... my dudes, it did!
October 21, 2025
I received the opportunity to listen to the audiobook for this book and wow it has been amazing but it’s that bittersweet feeling now knowing the series is over. I’ve absolutely loved all of the books in the series and thought this last book tied everything together so well
November 8, 2025
If I’d have read this it would have been 2⭐️ but the audiobook was perfection. Good god, Theo, Damon and Grey are all 👌🏻
September 17, 2025
Dark, twisted, and unhinged in the best way possible — Exile gave me everything I wanted and more.
From the very start, I fell for Theo’s quiet, brooding intensity, while Grey brought in a lighter balance that I adored. And Damon? Strong, protective, and such a grounding presence. The dynamic between them all had me hooked.
But what really stood out to me was Avery. Following her through this series and watching her growth, healing, and resilience has been such a rewarding journey. I loved seeing her come into her own.
On top of all that, the found family vibe was everything, and the spice? Absolutely delivered.
This series has been such a ride, and Exile was the perfect conclusion — insane, emotional, and unforgettable.
✨ Huge thank you to Steph Macca for the ARC — all thoughts are my honest opinion.
From the very start, I fell for Theo’s quiet, brooding intensity, while Grey brought in a lighter balance that I adored. And Damon? Strong, protective, and such a grounding presence. The dynamic between them all had me hooked.
But what really stood out to me was Avery. Following her through this series and watching her growth, healing, and resilience has been such a rewarding journey. I loved seeing her come into her own.
On top of all that, the found family vibe was everything, and the spice? Absolutely delivered.
This series has been such a ride, and Exile was the perfect conclusion — insane, emotional, and unforgettable.
✨ Huge thank you to Steph Macca for the ARC — all thoughts are my honest opinion.
September 26, 2025
soooo good
This series was soooo not what I was expecting. I was expecting something actually unhinged. Not unhinged for the greater good! I love this series because everything happens for the greater good! Yes there are villains but those that are for the greater good are not what you would except. This series does make you feel all the feels! It’s soooo good and actually cathartic!
This series was soooo not what I was expecting. I was expecting something actually unhinged. Not unhinged for the greater good! I love this series because everything happens for the greater good! Yes there are villains but those that are for the greater good are not what you would except. This series does make you feel all the feels! It’s soooo good and actually cathartic!
November 17, 2025
got the ending I needed
a last page a spoiler there maybe be more to come
ave stepped up and become strong and independent she fought back found loop holes and protected her husband and boyfriends
loved they got matching rings
and how she got a mark for all
that morgue got got some action 🎬 jel
Connor didn't get fired and made it the whole 4 books
Dr Smith congratulations awww
was hoping there could be a who the farther situation with the fm and mls but just what I wanted dosent require to make it any more perfect that it already was
👌
a last page a spoiler there maybe be more to come
ave stepped up and become strong and independent she fought back found loop holes and protected her husband and boyfriends
loved they got matching rings
and how she got a mark for all
that morgue got got some action 🎬 jel
Connor didn't get fired and made it the whole 4 books
Dr Smith congratulations awww
was hoping there could be a who the farther situation with the fm and mls but just what I wanted dosent require to make it any more perfect that it already was
👌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
Well Steph didn't disappoint! I am so bloody sad this is the end of Dance With My Demons Series but Steph ended it so well!
After the cliff hanger I was left on in Ravage I couldn't start Exile quick enough to find out what happened!
So much happens on this book and we are taken back into the bowels of Lilydale Assulym with Avery, Damon, Grey & Theo.
I couldn't but this one down. And to take a quote from the book to sum up how I feel about this series "Even when it stops, I'll still be yours".
A series that will live rent free in my head! Well done Steph, amazing job!!
After the cliff hanger I was left on in Ravage I couldn't start Exile quick enough to find out what happened!
So much happens on this book and we are taken back into the bowels of Lilydale Assulym with Avery, Damon, Grey & Theo.
I couldn't but this one down. And to take a quote from the book to sum up how I feel about this series "Even when it stops, I'll still be yours".
A series that will live rent free in my head! Well done Steph, amazing job!!
November 13, 2025
4.25! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steph Macca, thank you a thousand times over for blessing us with these psychotic, obsessive, murderous men - the full cast audio wouldn’t have hit the same without your efforts 😩 highly recommend the audiobook with this series if you wanna gasp and screech and fall in love with Avery’s men, too 😈
"’À nous pour toujours jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare,’ Damon murmurs, gently clutching my hand and kissing it. ‘And all the lifetimes after.’" 😭❤️
“They fucking touched her. My. Fucking. Wife.” 🔥
"’That's just how men are, sweetheart.’ No. We are not. It isn't a chromosomal trait to make women cry. Nor is it something to be proud of.” Ugh Theo I’ll miss you 🥲
Steph Macca, thank you a thousand times over for blessing us with these psychotic, obsessive, murderous men - the full cast audio wouldn’t have hit the same without your efforts 😩 highly recommend the audiobook with this series if you wanna gasp and screech and fall in love with Avery’s men, too 😈
"’À nous pour toujours jusqu'à ce que la mort nous sépare,’ Damon murmurs, gently clutching my hand and kissing it. ‘And all the lifetimes after.’" 😭❤️
“They fucking touched her. My. Fucking. Wife.” 🔥
"’That's just how men are, sweetheart.’ No. We are not. It isn't a chromosomal trait to make women cry. Nor is it something to be proud of.” Ugh Theo I’ll miss you 🥲
October 28, 2025
Unfortunately, this one was a miss. I found myself wanting to finish it quickly, which was disappointing since I had really loved the previous three.
Their inner monologues seemed endless, and the sex scenes were dull. We do get to see more of Avery's strong side, but it is often overshadowed by the guys treating her like a damsel in distress. The resolution felt rushed and underwhelming, and at times, the dialogue was downright cringe, something I hadn't noticed before, or maybe just overlooked because I liked the story.
Don't get me wrong; it was still the perfect ending, and I loved it. I just wish I could have enjoyed it more.
Their inner monologues seemed endless, and the sex scenes were dull. We do get to see more of Avery's strong side, but it is often overshadowed by the guys treating her like a damsel in distress. The resolution felt rushed and underwhelming, and at times, the dialogue was downright cringe, something I hadn't noticed before, or maybe just overlooked because I liked the story.
Don't get me wrong; it was still the perfect ending, and I loved it. I just wish I could have enjoyed it more.
November 26, 2025
Avery is such a great character,loved her so much. I had fun while reading this, but I felt a few parts were pretty elongated? I think that's what we say?
This is completely my opinion but, I enjoyed the first three books more than this one . lol
This is completely my opinion but, I enjoyed the first three books more than this one . lol
December 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this series! The first 2 books were off to a great start but then the plot just felt mundane and very dragged out. I loved the characters and especially the MMCs… Gray was my fav lol!
I loved the audiobook and would definitely recommend it!
I enjoyed this series! The first 2 books were off to a great start but then the plot just felt mundane and very dragged out. I loved the characters and especially the MMCs… Gray was my fav lol!
I loved the audiobook and would definitely recommend it!
November 17, 2025
Absolutely LOVED this series 🫶🏼🫶🏼🤭
November 13, 2025
THIS SERIES WAS SO GOOD! The audiobooks were everything! I really don’t think I would have enjoyed these as much if I physically read them. So good
September 14, 2025
The story just fizzled out and dragged on to a happy ending. Meh.
October 26, 2025
Diving into this review, you definitely need to start the series from book one before tackling this one. I loved this series and the journey it took me on from the depths of darkness to breaking through the walls of complex characters, while dealing with trauma, mental health, and a plot that keeps you engaged. I adore Damon, Theo, and Grey they’re protective and would do anything for Avery. The cliffhanger in the last book had me screaming, but I’m glad everything worked out in this final book despite the challenges, as they’ve all been through so much. Finally getting scenes with all four of them together was exactly what I needed. I’m looking forward to reading more of Steph’s work in the future.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 364
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book Four In The Dancing With My Demons Series
Tropes or Themes: Why Choose, Secret Society, Glorified Asylum, Protective MMC’s, Blackmail, Toucher Her and Die, Touch Him and Die, Tension, Playful Banter, Abuse, Violence, Gore, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Begging, Breath Play, Backdoor Play, Morgue Scene, MFM Scene, MFMM Scene and DP Scene
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 364
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book Four In The Dancing With My Demons Series
Tropes or Themes: Why Choose, Secret Society, Glorified Asylum, Protective MMC’s, Blackmail, Toucher Her and Die, Touch Him and Die, Tension, Playful Banter, Abuse, Violence, Gore, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Begging, Breath Play, Backdoor Play, Morgue Scene, MFM Scene, MFMM Scene and DP Scene
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
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