A Dance With The Devil

The Watch #1

by Finley Brown

A Dark Psychological Thriller

A Deadly Assassin. A Prima Ballerina.
I notice the black rose before I notice him.
Left in my dressing room like a promise… or perhaps a warning.
Someone has been watching me. Studying me. Learning the shape of every secret I try to hide.
And now, he’s ready to begin.
Wraith has one assignment. Get close to Primrose McNeil. Use her to destroy her powerful grandfather. Leave nothing behind.
He was never supposed to want her.
Now two dangerous men circle her world. One cloaked in ruthless authority that leaves her trembling beneath his control. The other offers something far darker… a seductive obsession that awakens every forbidden desire inside her.
One wants her destroyed.
The other would burn the world before letting her fall.
He penetrated her mind long before he ever seduced her soul.
In a dark psychological race through Scotland, passion and danger become inseparable. And Primrose must decide:
Trust the man whose authority brings her to her knees…
Or surrender to the darkness that promises her everything.

Genres: Dark, Thriller

534 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2021

About the author

Finley Brown has spent the past decade reading and writing both historical and contemporary romance books. She likes her men to be in control and her woman to be challenging. Her love of Scotland comes from her mother who was born there. She has traveled extensively throughout the beautiful and mysterious country, learning the history and walking the same path as many of her characters.

Reviews

[SmallRain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a few books published by Blushing Books but nothing from this author. I was really surprised by the different type of content. It is a romance suspense novel and it certainly is suspenseful. It is very well done so I read the book in one sitting just to discover how it was all going to turn out. At times I thought it would definitely be a HEA and other times I thought it would end bleakly. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

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

[Tracy Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years of relentless training, rejection, sacrifice, and dancing through pain, Primrose finally earns her place as a soloist with the Scottish National Ballet. Her biggest opportunity arrives when she's cast as the understudy for the coveted dual role of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake. But when the lead dancer suffers a devastating injury after slipping on a greasy patch of floor, it quickly becomes clear this wasn't an accident—it was sabotage. Suddenly, Primrose is thrust into the spotlight, whether she's ready or not.
Meanwhile, Wraith arrives at the opera house on a mission of his own. Disguised as a musician, he slips away from the orchestra pit and into a private box overlooking the stage. His target is Angus McNeil, and after meticulously planning every detail, he's moments away from taking the shot. But before he can pull the trigger, someone else strikes first, sending Angus over the balcony. Wraith isn't just shocked—someone has stolen his kill.
From that moment on, the story explodes into a fast-paced, action-packed thriller filled with danger, secrets, and shocking revelations. Every chapter uncovers another layer of deception, weaving together family betrayal, human trafficking, murder, and the dark underbelly hidden beneath the elegance of the ballet and opera worlds.
Primrose is a fascinating heroine. She's incredibly tough, fiercely determined, and willing to push through unbearable pain to achieve her dreams. At the same time, she's impulsive, stubborn, foul-mouthed, and often makes reckless decisions that put both herself and those around her in danger. She definitely tested my patience more than once, but those flaws also made her feel real.
The twists just keep coming, and I genuinely never knew where the story was heading next. It has all the ingredients of an incredible action movie—high stakes, unforgettable characters, explosive suspense, and enough mystery to keep you glued to the pages.
Finley Brown absolutely delivered with this one. If you love thrillers packed with action, suspense, conspiracies, and morally complex characters, this is a book you won't want to miss. I can't wait to dive into the next installment of the series!

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

After all the years of hard work, denial, rejection and bloody feet Primrose was finally a ballet soloist in the Scottish National Ballet. She was understudying for the dual role of Odette and Odile. As she is silently doing her paces at the back of the studio the lead prepares for her jump into her partner's arms when she slips breaking her ankle. She is now the lead....but, something greasy was on the floor - sabotage. This was deliberate.

Wraith entered the Opera House carrying a trombone case and was directed to the pit, but at the last minute he removed his badge and ducked into an opera box. Where he watch and waited. Angus McNeil was in his box seat across the way watching his granddaughter on stage. Wraith knew this opera by heart and knew his moment would be right before intermission. He set up his high powered rifle and waited.

As he was getting ready for his shot he notices a shadow and Angus fighting off an attacker as he is throw over the edge. This was his kill and someone had stolen it from him.

This is a wonderful book. It is full of action and suspense. I love all the characters! Primrose may be a hard working fearless ballet dancer who knows how to handle and work through excruciating pain, but she is also a foul mouthed spoil brat. Even until the ending of the book she was endangering others due to stupidity.

This book has so many twists and turns. It would make an amazing movie. There are so many back stories - the opera, family betrayal, human trafficking and pure evil. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the rest of this series. Finley Brown killed it with this book!

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, addictive, and impossible to put down, A Dance With the Devil pulled me into its world from the very first page and refused to let go. This is the kind of fantasy that thrives on danger, temptation, and the thin line between right and wrong, making every chapter more gripping than the last.

Finley Brown has created a world layered with mystery, power, and secrets that slowly unravel in all the best ways. Every revelation raised the stakes, and I loved piecing together the truth alongside the characters. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, with just the right balance of darkness and intrigue to keep me turning the pages late into the night.

The characters are what truly make this story shine. They're flawed, complex, and constantly forced to make impossible choices. Their struggles felt authentic, and their growth throughout the novel made every victory—and every heartbreak—hit that much harder. The relationships are filled with tension, emotion, and moments that had me completely invested from beginning to end.

What I appreciated most was how the story embraces its darker themes without losing sight of hope. Every betrayal, sacrifice, and difficult decision carries real emotional weight, making the journey feel both epic and deeply personal. By the time I reached the final chapters, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollercoaster of emotions and events. Fast paced,romance, suspense, mind games and cruelty.
Great characters. Good build up.
Robert Wraith, working for a secret organization, meets ballerina Primrose ( Pim) on his assignment; to kill her grandfather. However, someone else was ahead of him. He continues to visit Pim because he wants to find out who murdered her grandfather and why. At first it is mainly an assignment, but real feelings quickly grow between him and Pim. In the meantime, Pim learns all about her family’s secrets. She discovers more then she would like and her life is in danger.
Both Wraith and Pim have their issues which they will have to overcome while working together to try and solve the mysteries.
There is a happy end for them, but there is a whole lot more that needs uncovering for the organization of which Wraith is part.
While reading, I sometimes came across parts that I thought were just a bit too far-fetched, or too mystified, but overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series

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

[Shannon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty of Suspense and Seduction in this Romance
These are a few of my favorite things: former military snipers-turned-special operatives, sexy Scottish brogues, growly protectors, and hotter-than-hot chemistry. “Stripped,” a title in Finley Brown’s The Watch series, Robert Wraith is all that and more. Working for a secret crime-fighting organization, Wraith finds himself thrown into the world of professional ballerina Primrose “Pim” McNeil, the granddaughter of a notorious – and recently deceased – mafia boss in Glasgow. The story is filled with heat, elements of power struggles in and out of the bedroom, and enough suspense and danger to keep it al interesting. There is a vulnerability to Pim that tempers her snarkiness, and there is a constant sense of darkness that intensifies her interactions with other characters in the story. Sparks fly when Wraith and Pim come together, at turns fighting for an HEA they aren’t sure they can have and wrestling for power and independence. Such a great story, and I’m really hoping to have the opportunity to read more tales about The Watch very soon.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very intense erotic thriller full of action, intrigue, lies and suspense. It takes Wraith and Primrose on a thrilling ride thru Scotland. Prim is a ballerina who has just got her chance to star in the Scotland ballet because of an "intentional" accident at practice for the lead. Her beloved grandfather Angus McNeil comes to her debut where is killed. Then his awful secrets start to unravel and shes caught in the middle and Wraith must woo her to get to the secrets and inside the McNeil estate. He doesn't expect the chemistry between them and he helps her to discover all the secrets and protects her. They both have secrets. When Wraith is escaping at the ballet hes recognized by a woman which is not good because she knows him as a person who died a long time ago. Mystery mystery mystery I loved this book.

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

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stripped is part one in the Watch series and is based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Primrose is the granddaughter of business tycoon Angus McNeil who is murdered and she knows nothing about his shady goings on.
Wraith is hired by a secret organisation known as the watch. His first mission is to take out primrose's grandfathers the ballet but someone else does the job first and is also out to take out primrose. Wraith ends up being Primrose's minder and they work out together who killed her grandfather and who is also out to get her. As her and dangerous dealings begin to unravel, they both grow close to each other.
I love that this novel is based in Scotland and Primrose and Wraith's growing chemistry and how they work together to find out who the killer is. This novel contains the perfect mix of danger and passion. I can't wait to read the next part in the series and read more of Finley's work.

[Sophie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, suffocatingly tense psychological masterpiece.

Finley Brown has written a dark romance that feels like a beautifully choreographed ballet on the edge of a knife. The contrast between Primrose’s rigid, disciplined world and Wraith’s chaotic, lethal obsession is breathtaking.

What makes this book unforgettable is how Brown explores the theme of control. Primrose isn't just caught between two dangerous men; she is caught between the suffocating authority of her past and the liberating, dangerous darkness of Wraith. Using the moody Scottish landscape to mirror their psychological chase was genius.

A masterclass in tension, autonomy, and forbidden desire. I am entirely spellbound!

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert McFadden has become Robert Wraith after he 'died' and he has joined The Watch, an organization that punishes those that believe that they are above punishment. Robert's first assignment is to kill Angus McNeil. But someone else will get there first. Primrose McNeil is Angus's granddaughter and the principal dance of the Scottish Ballet. Robert must gain her trust so that he can infiltrate his inner circle. But he doesn't realize that he is going to fall for Pim. They end up having their HEA, but the twists and turns of the journey there is engrossing. I enjoyed this start of a new series.

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

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Watch Series. Full of fast action and overflowing with danger. The mafia at it's best with plenty of drama and suspense. Once you start reading this book you won't be able to put it down. There's danger everywhere. You'll love the interaction between Wraith and Primrose. Their chemistry is off the charts. She's a ballet danger who's anything but prim. She's fiery and fiesty. Wraith is a new assassin for The Watch and his first assignment is her grandfather. The combination of mafia and ballet is an interesting one. A great book that I read as an arc via Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to review.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different kind of mafia romance but I really liked it. The blend of mafia and ballet was interesting and worked really well. I also really liked the twists and turns that this story took. A lot of them were unexpected. The steam and romance went together really well with the story. There is a a little bit of a cliffhanger at the end. Conclusion to a lot of the story but one part of the story is left incomplete. I look forward to reading what happens in this series next.

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

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Wraith works for a secret organization called The Watch and he is assigned to kill Angus McNeil and he is to use his granddaughter to get close to him. Pim is a ballerina in the Scottish Ballet and as she spends time with Wraith, they begin to fall for each other. Will the discover the truth as to what happened to her grandfather? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and twists and turns. Great characters and lots of steam. I liked it.

[Raffaella Rowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

A romantic, sexy, suspense thriller at his best. A killer, Wraith, and a ballerina, Pim, are the main characters of this novel; and they have secrets. The characters are well developed and interesting. The plot is intriguing and well written, there is depth to it. It is action packed and fast paced. I read it quickly as I wanted to know what happened next. I loved the story.

[R.E. Hargrave]

What a delight! Stripped is the perfect blend of mystery, sexy, life's cruelties, and romance. Via a beautiful world of art and ballet, Ms. Brown takes her readers to the underworld of the Tartan Mafia's hellish playground and back again.
A well written page turner, hands down!
I purchased a copy from @authorfinleybrown at an author event.
#mafiaromance #authorssupportingauthors #FiinleyBrown #darkromance #greatreads #thewatchseries

[Louise Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best erotic thrillers I've ever read!

Up there with Robards, at its core it is an action-packed crime thriller with a sexy romantic suspense thread woven into what for me was an absolute corker of a contemporary novel. I loved every word. Please continue this series with the same passion, Brown. This is your niche, keep working it.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A top-notch read.

This was great! Well-paced it kept the tension building and twisting all the way thru. I loved Wraith and the rest of the Watch. Just for once the mafia men are not portrayed as totally hot, just needing the right woman. They are portrayed as they really are, no punches pulled.

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

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were interesting.
This is the story about Brody and Freedom. They meet at a New Year’s Eve party and share their first kiss. This was a great read and the chemistry between these two is hot.

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually the first book I read from this author and I so enjoyed it. I didn't care for Primrose's swearing and maturity level at times, but I loved Wraith and the watch agency. I’m so hoping that there will be a continuation of this series. Oh, and the Bdsm and steam made the book more enjoyable. I received an ARC and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sally Cripe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different book than my usual. It was a page turner thriller. Dark, yet interesting. I enjoyed the author’s writing style. The imagery and sensory detail are exquisite. I could picture every bit of each scene. I particularly enjoyed all aspects of ballet as the backdrop: the practice sessions, bloody feet, harsh director, performances, costumes, and culture. Perfect ambiance.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline is well written and developed and it flowed so smoothly throughout the pages. The characters are great and entertaining.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in and kept me entranced till the end. The feelings of love, hate, and pain coming out in waves making you want to cry while you read. This was such a beautiful book! I loved the characters wholesomeness!

[Sarah Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it rare to get a well written book which combines many themes. Well this book is just that. We have action, (which I rarely read), suspense, love, psychotic killer, ballet and some well written sex. What a combination.
This is a new author to me and she certainly is skilled at her craft. I thought I would be confused with the cast of characters but no that didn't happen.
The plot is exceedingly well thought out and I could see the action happening in my minds eye as I read the book. It certainly had me engrossed. I read a lot of books and this is one of the few that has caught my attention. I'll certainly be thinking about it over the next few days as I read other books. That to me is a sign of a well written book, the plot and characters so cleverly constructed.
How would I describe it without doing it an injustice? I don't think I can.
Read it for yourself and find out!
Warning though over 18's only.

[Mc Chanster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Okay, so there was a lot that I liked about Stripped. The characters were memorable, the plot was solid, and there were some great steamy scenes. Full of action and mystery, I was very much engaged as the twists and turns took me on a rollercoaster ride. The chemistry between Wraith and Primrose was excellent and I quite enjoyed going on their journey to recognizing their feelings for each other. My only issue with the novel was how stubborn Primrose was throughout. Yes, I understand she’s 19 and opinionated, but despite having being proven wrong time and time again, she continued to make careless, selfish decisions that endangered her life, Wraith’s life, and those around her. Still, despite this frustration, I quite enjoyed the book and will be interested in seeing what happens next.

Thank you Voracious Readers and Finley Brown for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.