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Devil's Peak Duet #1
Devil's Peak
In some men’s eyes, women have expiration dates…
Fourteen years ago, the small town of Devil’s Peak experienced violence like no other.
One…two…five women all found brutally murdered.
The killer was caught, the case closed, and the town was forced to return to a new shadowed normal.
More than a decade later, the mutilated body of a young woman is found disposed of in the same dank storm tunnel, carrying violent echoes to the past. As the town holds its breath in terror, the killer goes quiet and locals pray that’s where the terrible, haunting crimes end.
They aren’t that lucky.
Eighteen-year-old Chase Keller has spent his whole life in Devil’s Peak trying to survive.
He knows that evil lives here, but when fresh bones are broken, another life stolen, it becomes personal.
This time, the blood won’t wash away.
Fourteen years ago, the small town of Devil’s Peak experienced violence like no other.
One…two…five women all found brutally murdered.
The killer was caught, the case closed, and the town was forced to return to a new shadowed normal.
More than a decade later, the mutilated body of a young woman is found disposed of in the same dank storm tunnel, carrying violent echoes to the past. As the town holds its breath in terror, the killer goes quiet and locals pray that’s where the terrible, haunting crimes end.
They aren’t that lucky.
Eighteen-year-old Chase Keller has spent his whole life in Devil’s Peak trying to survive.
He knows that evil lives here, but when fresh bones are broken, another life stolen, it becomes personal.
This time, the blood won’t wash away.
- GenresThrillerDark Romance
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
About the author
C.L. Menegon
5 books72 followersC.L. Menegon writes chilling romantic thrillers and gritty suspense. Her stories harbor a plethora of cut-throat emotions, each weaving you through a web of twists and turns, tragedy and angst, with a sprinkling of hope. Her writing has been described as raw, darkly disturbing, and beautifully poetic, encompassing vivid imagery and thrilling intensity.
C.L. lives in Australia.
@clmenegonwriter
clmenegonauthor.com
C.L. lives in Australia.
@clmenegonwriter
clmenegonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 27, 2026
WOW!
Firstly, thank you so much to C.L Menegon for this read! I'm embarrassed to say that this is my first by the author, however it won't be my last!
A combination of thriller & romance?! SAY NO MORE! When I heard about this book I knew that I needed to dive into it. When I first started it I must admit I became a little worried after reading the TW that I may not be able to read it fully. However, I am not lying when I say that the author handled all the concepts very well! Definitely check the warnings, but for me I was able to read this without hassle, despite having some of the triggers I often won't read.
Ok so back to the book! It was raw, heartbreaking, anger-inducing, suspenseful and addictive. Our protagonists go through some of the MOST horrific experiences and us readers are there for the ride. Your heart will be ripped out and you will want to scream.
In contrast, as each chapter progresses, that romantic pull and connection just builds. I could FEEL this connection. I was yearning for a happy ending for them. Whether or not they get that - I will let you read and find out haha!
Finally, that thriller/crime side of it was really well done. A serial killer who is on the loose, a survivor and a killer cliff hanger ending. I honestly couldn't get enough!
Overall a great read that is very dark, told through the eyes of two protagonists with alot of trauma and combines some of the best elements of the thriller and romance genres!
Firstly, thank you so much to C.L Menegon for this read! I'm embarrassed to say that this is my first by the author, however it won't be my last!
A combination of thriller & romance?! SAY NO MORE! When I heard about this book I knew that I needed to dive into it. When I first started it I must admit I became a little worried after reading the TW that I may not be able to read it fully. However, I am not lying when I say that the author handled all the concepts very well! Definitely check the warnings, but for me I was able to read this without hassle, despite having some of the triggers I often won't read.
Ok so back to the book! It was raw, heartbreaking, anger-inducing, suspenseful and addictive. Our protagonists go through some of the MOST horrific experiences and us readers are there for the ride. Your heart will be ripped out and you will want to scream.
In contrast, as each chapter progresses, that romantic pull and connection just builds. I could FEEL this connection. I was yearning for a happy ending for them. Whether or not they get that - I will let you read and find out haha!
Finally, that thriller/crime side of it was really well done. A serial killer who is on the loose, a survivor and a killer cliff hanger ending. I honestly couldn't get enough!
Overall a great read that is very dark, told through the eyes of two protagonists with alot of trauma and combines some of the best elements of the thriller and romance genres!
April 16, 2026
Devil’s Peak is a dark, heavy romantic thriller. But don’t go into it expecting a fast-paced, popcorn style read. You’ll be down in the trenches with these characters, experiencing their emotional turmoil right alongside them.
What stands out most to me in C.L. Menegon’s stories is the way she captures grief and trauma. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to stand by it — she portrays raw, devastating, messy moments that feel deeply real. Healing journeys aren’t linear and there’s no “right” way to grieve. Devil’s Peak reinforces this beautifully.
Chase and Laiken experience some of the worst moments of their lives. This story doesn’t shy away from that darkness. Their pain feels immediate and consuming, written in a way that keeps a constant sense of dread simmering beneath the surface. It’s the kind of emotional intensity that grips tightly, like your heart is held in a vice, refusing to let go even in quieter moments. Yet there’s a fragile resilience in each of them that makes their journey all the more compelling to witness.
C, once again, writes found family like no other! Her books show that despite everything you’ve been through — the relationships you’ve lost — you still belong. You are worthy. And your family, even when it isn’t blood, is there to love and support you unconditionally.
Bring tissues. This is not optional.
What stands out most to me in C.L. Menegon’s stories is the way she captures grief and trauma. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to stand by it — she portrays raw, devastating, messy moments that feel deeply real. Healing journeys aren’t linear and there’s no “right” way to grieve. Devil’s Peak reinforces this beautifully.
Chase and Laiken experience some of the worst moments of their lives. This story doesn’t shy away from that darkness. Their pain feels immediate and consuming, written in a way that keeps a constant sense of dread simmering beneath the surface. It’s the kind of emotional intensity that grips tightly, like your heart is held in a vice, refusing to let go even in quieter moments. Yet there’s a fragile resilience in each of them that makes their journey all the more compelling to witness.
C, once again, writes found family like no other! Her books show that despite everything you’ve been through — the relationships you’ve lost — you still belong. You are worthy. And your family, even when it isn’t blood, is there to love and support you unconditionally.
Bring tissues. This is not optional.
April 18, 2026
3.75-4
This is a dark romantic thriller story that def will take you on a crazy ride for sure. We follow our MMC chase and Laikyn our fmc whose lives are forever changed after a traumatic night that continues on years later. The story to me def took a min to take off having a lot of the story being a lot of info being taken in and told to us. Once the suspense and action part of the story kicked in it did pick up for sure. The story def has me needing to know what is going to happen next being that book one left us on a hell of a cliff hanger having def built up a lot for book 2. Overall it was a good read and I will be reading the next one.
This is a dark romantic thriller story that def will take you on a crazy ride for sure. We follow our MMC chase and Laikyn our fmc whose lives are forever changed after a traumatic night that continues on years later. The story to me def took a min to take off having a lot of the story being a lot of info being taken in and told to us. Once the suspense and action part of the story kicked in it did pick up for sure. The story def has me needing to know what is going to happen next being that book one left us on a hell of a cliff hanger having def built up a lot for book 2. Overall it was a good read and I will be reading the next one.
April 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5!!
so happy to report that c.l. menegon is back with another stellar, out-of-this-world release!!! and this time, it’s our bby, chase’s story!! 🤩
as an avid dark romance reader, i am a fan of grittier storylines, even ones that delve into thriller territory. this story fit that bill; this isn’t mere romantic suspense, it’s much darker, written with far more grit and gravel than some of her prior works. please keep that in mind—and heed to content warnings—before picking this up!
if you’ve read any of the other books in this series, you’ll know that each member of this band is haunted by something they’ve only barely outrun, and their closets are rattling with skeletons. having encountered chase in the previous four (!!) books, i got the sense that his nightmares were going to be more devastating than any one else’s, that his story would be the one most wrecked and ruined, and this book confirmed it all.
i loved getting to see his younger self, to understand and bear witness to the horrors that morphed him into the characters we meet in tyler & harlen’s books. i knew i would care for him, i simply didn’t expect to love him the way i did. his story is so dark and twisted! knowing the kind of pain he survived, the horrors that informed his lyrics and songs, i feel so much more for him now 🥺
and i loved laiken! she was such an unexpected heroine. i loved the time the author took to show us who the characters were before their lives were irrevocably altered, because i got to appreciate laiken’s zeal for life and her charming sweetness before she became a shell of herself, lost to her grief.
i also really enjoyed the side-characters in this story! jase will forever be an all-time favorite. she was so beautiful and zesty and sweet; the impact she made on laiken & chase’s loves throughout this story is palpable. nan was a cutie! loved her! 🤩 also big biiiiig fan of harlen and his dad, rusty. i grew to love them in harlen & cherry’s duet, and now i like them even more!!
admittedly, the pacing is this story was slow. it was methodical—a patient unraveling of these two characters and their lives. while the writing style may have unintentionally contributed to this, i think the pacing was necessary to expose us to the heart of these two characters and allow them, not the plot, to drive the story.
i also felt like the romance was organic! it wasn’t the insta-lust we saw in BYS or TiL, but it was very fitting for the story and these characters. it wasn’t illogical, nor was it written to fit the story around a certain trope. i think the spice (only 1 scene!) was perfectly timed, and i feel like it wasn’t very respectful to the characters and in no way gratuitous.
the thriller aspect of this story is dark and not for the faint of heart! the grittier scenes sent shivers up my spine, and they were written such that i was equally horrified AND transfixed all at once. i will always love a creepy serial killer plotline, but this story takes it to another level. i can’t wait to see where the next book takes this story!
*i received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review!*
content warnings & the reasons i deducted half a star are below!
*
*
*
*
*
[content warnings:]
foul language / drug use / substance abuse / on-page domestic violence / discussion of domestic abuse / on-page sexual violence / graphic depictions of violence / sexual assault / rape of a minor (not conducted by MMC) / mentions & depiction of suicide / grief / trauma / PTSD / gun violence / murder / mentions of serial k!ller(s) / underage substance abuse / and more…
[just a few minor gripes: (- 1/2 ⭐️)]
1. the author’s writing is incredibly lyrical, transforming the mundane minutia into magical moments. that is a gift! however, at times, the extent of purple prose and lyricism of her writing made some scenes confusing. it was hard to discern metaphor or allusion from reality unless i reread lines multiple times. i think this writing style can (and does) really pack a punch in her emotional scenes (of which there are many), but other scenes were kind of bogged down with superfluous detail and extraneous, redundant word choices that didn’t propel the story much. i think the flow/pacing of the story slightly suffered unintentionally as a result of it.
2. this story is VERY character driven, less so plot-driven, and i don’t think the blurb reveals that very well. this story sets up the *next* installment to be heavily plot-driven, as that’s where the majority of the thriller/suspense will be at play.
3. there is a lot of skipping around of the timeline! there are several flashbacks and time-jumps. while i think the pacing was perfect for the characters’ growth—to provide us ample time with them both before AND after the tragedies that destroy them—i can admit that the pacing may not be what everyone expects of a thriller, romantic or otherwise; minus the intervening flashbacks, the first 60% (or so) of the story takes place over a handful of days.
so happy to report that c.l. menegon is back with another stellar, out-of-this-world release!!! and this time, it’s our bby, chase’s story!! 🤩
as an avid dark romance reader, i am a fan of grittier storylines, even ones that delve into thriller territory. this story fit that bill; this isn’t mere romantic suspense, it’s much darker, written with far more grit and gravel than some of her prior works. please keep that in mind—and heed to content warnings—before picking this up!
if you’ve read any of the other books in this series, you’ll know that each member of this band is haunted by something they’ve only barely outrun, and their closets are rattling with skeletons. having encountered chase in the previous four (!!) books, i got the sense that his nightmares were going to be more devastating than any one else’s, that his story would be the one most wrecked and ruined, and this book confirmed it all.
i loved getting to see his younger self, to understand and bear witness to the horrors that morphed him into the characters we meet in tyler & harlen’s books. i knew i would care for him, i simply didn’t expect to love him the way i did. his story is so dark and twisted! knowing the kind of pain he survived, the horrors that informed his lyrics and songs, i feel so much more for him now 🥺
and i loved laiken! she was such an unexpected heroine. i loved the time the author took to show us who the characters were before their lives were irrevocably altered, because i got to appreciate laiken’s zeal for life and her charming sweetness before she became a shell of herself, lost to her grief.
i also really enjoyed the side-characters in this story! jase will forever be an all-time favorite. she was so beautiful and zesty and sweet; the impact she made on laiken & chase’s loves throughout this story is palpable. nan was a cutie! loved her! 🤩 also big biiiiig fan of harlen and his dad, rusty. i grew to love them in harlen & cherry’s duet, and now i like them even more!!
admittedly, the pacing is this story was slow. it was methodical—a patient unraveling of these two characters and their lives. while the writing style may have unintentionally contributed to this, i think the pacing was necessary to expose us to the heart of these two characters and allow them, not the plot, to drive the story.
i also felt like the romance was organic! it wasn’t the insta-lust we saw in BYS or TiL, but it was very fitting for the story and these characters. it wasn’t illogical, nor was it written to fit the story around a certain trope. i think the spice (only 1 scene!) was perfectly timed, and i feel like it wasn’t very respectful to the characters and in no way gratuitous.
the thriller aspect of this story is dark and not for the faint of heart! the grittier scenes sent shivers up my spine, and they were written such that i was equally horrified AND transfixed all at once. i will always love a creepy serial killer plotline, but this story takes it to another level. i can’t wait to see where the next book takes this story!
*i received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review!*
content warnings & the reasons i deducted half a star are below!
*
*
*
*
*
[content warnings:]
foul language / drug use / substance abuse / on-page domestic violence / discussion of domestic abuse / on-page sexual violence / graphic depictions of violence / sexual assault / rape of a minor (not conducted by MMC) / mentions & depiction of suicide / grief / trauma / PTSD / gun violence / murder / mentions of serial k!ller(s) / underage substance abuse / and more…
[just a few minor gripes: (- 1/2 ⭐️)]
1. the author’s writing is incredibly lyrical, transforming the mundane minutia into magical moments. that is a gift! however, at times, the extent of purple prose and lyricism of her writing made some scenes confusing. it was hard to discern metaphor or allusion from reality unless i reread lines multiple times. i think this writing style can (and does) really pack a punch in her emotional scenes (of which there are many), but other scenes were kind of bogged down with superfluous detail and extraneous, redundant word choices that didn’t propel the story much. i think the flow/pacing of the story slightly suffered unintentionally as a result of it.
2. this story is VERY character driven, less so plot-driven, and i don’t think the blurb reveals that very well. this story sets up the *next* installment to be heavily plot-driven, as that’s where the majority of the thriller/suspense will be at play.
3. there is a lot of skipping around of the timeline! there are several flashbacks and time-jumps. while i think the pacing was perfect for the characters’ growth—to provide us ample time with them both before AND after the tragedies that destroy them—i can admit that the pacing may not be what everyone expects of a thriller, romantic or otherwise; minus the intervening flashbacks, the first 60% (or so) of the story takes place over a handful of days.
April 17, 2026
🌶🌶/5
C, you have truly outdone yourself with this one, in what might easily be my favorite that you have written so far. This story grips you from the very first page in what I can only describe as a deeply disturbing, gritty, emotional, bonechilling, traumatic experience that shreds the readers heart into pieces multiple times for a hauntingly beautiful story.
C is never afraid to push the boundaries and deliver stories that hit right at our core, but this one just hit so differently in a way that gave me just visceral reactions to everything, left me absolutely shocked multiple times, and had me losing sleep to try and finish it. Chase and Laiken absolutely get put through the ringer in this and it is not an easy story to digest at all. There are no rainbows and butterflies moments, as their whole life has been filled with heartbreak and despair, and so much grief. The way C described some of the tougher scenes of Chase's homelife was devastating, what Laiken had to experience was equally heartbreaking, and my heart aches for them and wishes that they get to experience life the way they should've before everything happened. These two have just experienced so much pain, and C beautifully navigates how people cope to things very differently and the struggle it is to try and come out on the other side.
C also delivers such a chilling thriller aspect into this story that literally chilled me to the bone. This is one of those stories that will haunt you and the recounting of whay they went through was so perfectly described that I felt like I was seeing it through the character's eyes. The romance aspect plays only a minor role in this, as the story is more focused on surviving and healing from their past. I literally have no notes on this, as i was captivated from beginning to end, I cried several times, and I cannot wait to see how their story concludes in part 2 of this duet.
If you like:
🖤 romantic thrillers/suspense
🖤 best friend's brother
🖤 mental health representation
🖤 a dark, small town with a serial unaliver
Then this needs to be on your TBR!
C, you have truly outdone yourself with this one, in what might easily be my favorite that you have written so far. This story grips you from the very first page in what I can only describe as a deeply disturbing, gritty, emotional, bonechilling, traumatic experience that shreds the readers heart into pieces multiple times for a hauntingly beautiful story.
C is never afraid to push the boundaries and deliver stories that hit right at our core, but this one just hit so differently in a way that gave me just visceral reactions to everything, left me absolutely shocked multiple times, and had me losing sleep to try and finish it. Chase and Laiken absolutely get put through the ringer in this and it is not an easy story to digest at all. There are no rainbows and butterflies moments, as their whole life has been filled with heartbreak and despair, and so much grief. The way C described some of the tougher scenes of Chase's homelife was devastating, what Laiken had to experience was equally heartbreaking, and my heart aches for them and wishes that they get to experience life the way they should've before everything happened. These two have just experienced so much pain, and C beautifully navigates how people cope to things very differently and the struggle it is to try and come out on the other side.
C also delivers such a chilling thriller aspect into this story that literally chilled me to the bone. This is one of those stories that will haunt you and the recounting of whay they went through was so perfectly described that I felt like I was seeing it through the character's eyes. The romance aspect plays only a minor role in this, as the story is more focused on surviving and healing from their past. I literally have no notes on this, as i was captivated from beginning to end, I cried several times, and I cannot wait to see how their story concludes in part 2 of this duet.
If you like:
🖤 romantic thrillers/suspense
🖤 best friend's brother
🖤 mental health representation
🖤 a dark, small town with a serial unaliver
Then this needs to be on your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m just going to let the quotes do the convincing on this one…
"Chase Keller wore my pain with the scars I gave him."
"It was a feeling. One that turned my gut upside down, and my mother had once told me that, as a woman, as a girl, if you felt it, you weren’t to ignore it."
"I try to keep my voice as light as possible, but Laiken feels the weight of it because her head snaps in my direction and she answers my questions as if she is squeezing the trigger on a revolver. Answer after answer. Pop, pop, pop."
"Crisp air instantly throws a fist to my face."
“At least look at me when you squeeze the trigger, Chase.”
more quotes
But really I am absolutely OBSESSED with C.L.’s writing and I read her other three books back to back in under 48 hours. She finds the perfect balance between thriller am dark romance. Also, adds in rockstar and motorcycle club elements!
My besties that have been on their KV Rose journey, move C.L. to next in your queue 💋
A few notes directly from C.L.:
🩸 This is Book One in the Devil’s Peak duet
🩸 It’s a thriller before it’s a romance
🩸 If you know Chase—and who he is in my other books—Devil’s Peak takes you back; BEFORE all of that
🩸 Sadistic serial killer
🩸 Small town danger
🩸 Murder, blood, more murder, endless blood
🩸 If you’re not familiar with my work; it’s dark. Take extra caution. This book is a thriller, and I didn’t write it to make friends
🩸 This is a complete standalone story (you don’t need to read my other work to be able to read this one)
"Chase Keller wore my pain with the scars I gave him."
"It was a feeling. One that turned my gut upside down, and my mother had once told me that, as a woman, as a girl, if you felt it, you weren’t to ignore it."
"I try to keep my voice as light as possible, but Laiken feels the weight of it because her head snaps in my direction and she answers my questions as if she is squeezing the trigger on a revolver. Answer after answer. Pop, pop, pop."
"Crisp air instantly throws a fist to my face."
“At least look at me when you squeeze the trigger, Chase.”
more quotes
But really I am absolutely OBSESSED with C.L.’s writing and I read her other three books back to back in under 48 hours. She finds the perfect balance between thriller am dark romance. Also, adds in rockstar and motorcycle club elements!
My besties that have been on their KV Rose journey, move C.L. to next in your queue 💋
A few notes directly from C.L.:
🩸 This is Book One in the Devil’s Peak duet
🩸 It’s a thriller before it’s a romance
🩸 If you know Chase—and who he is in my other books—Devil’s Peak takes you back; BEFORE all of that
🩸 Sadistic serial killer
🩸 Small town danger
🩸 Murder, blood, more murder, endless blood
🩸 If you’re not familiar with my work; it’s dark. Take extra caution. This book is a thriller, and I didn’t write it to make friends
🩸 This is a complete standalone story (you don’t need to read my other work to be able to read this one)
April 26, 2026
This was such a tough read, in the sense that it was so gritty, heavy, dark, chilling, & absolutely heartbreaking. The storytelling was so vivid, & the descriptions were so jarring & disturbing, that I could visualise each scene in my head, which made Chase’s & Laiken’s story so damn devastating- it was hard to digest at times & I definitely sobbed multiple times but I was hooked!❤️🩹 The writing was poetic & captivating, & the thrilling plot had me on the edge of my seat!
Chase is a deeply flawed & complex character which is expected after all the trauma & grief he’s had to endure. But deep down he’s a loyal, brave, protective, kindhearted softie who loves so hard. I loved getting to see Laik’s brighter personality- when she was happy, sassy, free-spirited & carefree- before all the trauma she experienced.
The romance plays quite a small part in this book, so this is definitely more thriller/suspense than romance. But all the tiny Laik x Chase crumbs in the flashback chapters had me feeling so giddy because they were clearly infatuated with each other since the beginning & it was so cute🥹 the slow burn was INTENSE!! wdym they had their first kiss at 90%?!😩 Even though they were so messy, their bond ran so deep & they are forever intertwined. I have no idea how book 2 will play out, but I’m so excited for them to get their HEA because they deserve it so much❤️🩹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
💞 best friend’s brother
🖤 Romantic suspense/thriller
💞 Small town with a serial k*ller
🖤 grief/trauma
💞found family
Thank you to C.L. for the arc🩷
Chase is a deeply flawed & complex character which is expected after all the trauma & grief he’s had to endure. But deep down he’s a loyal, brave, protective, kindhearted softie who loves so hard. I loved getting to see Laik’s brighter personality- when she was happy, sassy, free-spirited & carefree- before all the trauma she experienced.
The romance plays quite a small part in this book, so this is definitely more thriller/suspense than romance. But all the tiny Laik x Chase crumbs in the flashback chapters had me feeling so giddy because they were clearly infatuated with each other since the beginning & it was so cute🥹 the slow burn was INTENSE!! wdym they had their first kiss at 90%?!😩 Even though they were so messy, their bond ran so deep & they are forever intertwined. I have no idea how book 2 will play out, but I’m so excited for them to get their HEA because they deserve it so much❤️🩹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
💞 best friend’s brother
🖤 Romantic suspense/thriller
💞 Small town with a serial k*ller
🖤 grief/trauma
💞found family
Thank you to C.L. for the arc🩷
April 22, 2026
𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off C thank you so much for this arc I’m honestly so honoured to have gotten the chance to read it!
Well where do I start….. pain!!!! That’s where I start 😂 this book literally severed my heart and had me in tears!!
This is a dark, romantic thriller that will have you feel every emotion, every bit of pain, every moment!
I absolutely adore the way C writes her stories pull you in and are all consuming, she can make pain and grief feel so raw, real and devastating! The healing journey is messy and shows it’s not just simple and easy it’s a rocky road with plenty of tears along the way and this book is exactly that!
Laiken and Chase have the most heartbreaking story! Their stories are hard to digest it will break you but beneath the pain they are so bonded and the other half of each other.
Chase and Laiken both have different home lives but they share the pain and devastation those homes bring to them both.
The thriller aspect of this book is so captivating and had me on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait to see how this story plays out in the second book of this duet.
C you have out done yourself with this book! i can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us but please don’t make us wait to long I’m missing Chase and Laiken already 😭
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁
• 𝗌𝗆𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖺 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗋
• 𝗀𝗋𝗂𝖾𝖿/𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗎𝗆𝖺
• 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋
• 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗄, 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂𝖼 𝗌𝗎𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗇𝗌𝖾
𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off C thank you so much for this arc I’m honestly so honoured to have gotten the chance to read it!
Well where do I start….. pain!!!! That’s where I start 😂 this book literally severed my heart and had me in tears!!
This is a dark, romantic thriller that will have you feel every emotion, every bit of pain, every moment!
I absolutely adore the way C writes her stories pull you in and are all consuming, she can make pain and grief feel so raw, real and devastating! The healing journey is messy and shows it’s not just simple and easy it’s a rocky road with plenty of tears along the way and this book is exactly that!
Laiken and Chase have the most heartbreaking story! Their stories are hard to digest it will break you but beneath the pain they are so bonded and the other half of each other.
Chase and Laiken both have different home lives but they share the pain and devastation those homes bring to them both.
The thriller aspect of this book is so captivating and had me on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait to see how this story plays out in the second book of this duet.
C you have out done yourself with this book! i can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us but please don’t make us wait to long I’m missing Chase and Laiken already 😭
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁
• 𝗌𝗆𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖺 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗋
• 𝗀𝗋𝗂𝖾𝖿/𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗎𝗆𝖺
• 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋
• 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗄, 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂𝖼 𝗌𝗎𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗇𝗌𝖾
𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍
May 8, 2026
𝙒𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙚’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙝 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙-𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙨.
You know when a song’s lyrics hit so deep it’s like they carve straight into your soul? That’s what C.L. Menegon’s writing is like. Her words are intense and filled with so much emotion. You 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 them, and it’s honestly addictive.
I fell in love with Chase in Tied in Leather. Getting to experience his character in Devil’s Peak, before his rockstardom, made me love him even more. For someone who has lost so much, hurt to his very core, bled himself dry… he still finds his reason to keep going, and I admire him so much for having the strength to do so. Of course, Laiken and Harlen played a big part in it too. A found family that you crave as your own 💗
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚…𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝙃𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙙.
There’s a killer on the loose in the small town of Devil’s Peak. When a night out with friends leads to a decision that changes 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, years later the memories still haunt them… and so does the killer. A dark romantic thriller filled with grief, love, friendship, heartbreak, and danger 💔 I cried, I laughed, and I felt this story in my bones. I can’t wait for book 2!
You know when a song’s lyrics hit so deep it’s like they carve straight into your soul? That’s what C.L. Menegon’s writing is like. Her words are intense and filled with so much emotion. You 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 them, and it’s honestly addictive.
I fell in love with Chase in Tied in Leather. Getting to experience his character in Devil’s Peak, before his rockstardom, made me love him even more. For someone who has lost so much, hurt to his very core, bled himself dry… he still finds his reason to keep going, and I admire him so much for having the strength to do so. Of course, Laiken and Harlen played a big part in it too. A found family that you crave as your own 💗
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚…𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝙃𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙙.
There’s a killer on the loose in the small town of Devil’s Peak. When a night out with friends leads to a decision that changes 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, years later the memories still haunt them… and so does the killer. A dark romantic thriller filled with grief, love, friendship, heartbreak, and danger 💔 I cried, I laughed, and I felt this story in my bones. I can’t wait for book 2!
April 17, 2026
4.25 - 4.5 Stars!
The moment I found out that this duet was coming our I couldn't wait to get into it! I've been so excited for more of this author's words. I dived right into this first installment in the Devil's Peak Duet. I really enjoyed this first book so much!
This first book in Chase's journey drew me in and didn't let go!
My heart was invested from the get go! The realness of Chase and Laiken truly got to me. I went through such a range of emotions all throughout. I wasn't sure how everything was going to unfold and that had me on edge and not turning away from my kindle.
So many moments shattered me and had me holding my breath throughout this thriller. I could picture everything so clearly in my mind while reading and that added even more intensity to the story and it's characters.
With the first book in the Devil's Peak Duet, C.L. Menegon has created an utterly gripping and dark start that'll make you feel it all! Her words stick with you. I need book two in my life! 💗
Be sure to check out the author's note about the content/triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
The moment I found out that this duet was coming our I couldn't wait to get into it! I've been so excited for more of this author's words. I dived right into this first installment in the Devil's Peak Duet. I really enjoyed this first book so much!
This first book in Chase's journey drew me in and didn't let go!
My heart was invested from the get go! The realness of Chase and Laiken truly got to me. I went through such a range of emotions all throughout. I wasn't sure how everything was going to unfold and that had me on edge and not turning away from my kindle.
So many moments shattered me and had me holding my breath throughout this thriller. I could picture everything so clearly in my mind while reading and that added even more intensity to the story and it's characters.
With the first book in the Devil's Peak Duet, C.L. Menegon has created an utterly gripping and dark start that'll make you feel it all! Her words stick with you. I need book two in my life! 💗
Be sure to check out the author's note about the content/triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
April 20, 2026
Devils peak arc review
I feel like I’ve waited a life time for this book but believe me I would have waited that all over again for this book
Cl is such an incredible writing is actually physically difficult not to connect to her worlds and universe so this book was no different I adored it from start to finish and it was so exciting to actually be holding chases book
This story was raw and gritty packed full of suspense and emotion I’m still reeling from it now.i loved both characters in this it was crazy at first to actually finally see chases person but as soon as i got over that i was right back to being deeply invested in everything
Even now I think back on chases back story and just want to cry that whole scene was jarring but packed full of so much emotion and reality it was I’m possible not to feel it all.
I can’t wait for the next book I’m equal parts scared and terrified
Im not ready for this series to be over but I’m so so thankful that it even exists so I’m excited as aswell.chases is one of my favourite characters in this and his book blew my expectations out of the water
———
I feel like I’ve waited a life time for this book but believe me I would have waited that all over again for this book
Cl is such an incredible writing is actually physically difficult not to connect to her worlds and universe so this book was no different I adored it from start to finish and it was so exciting to actually be holding chases book
This story was raw and gritty packed full of suspense and emotion I’m still reeling from it now.i loved both characters in this it was crazy at first to actually finally see chases person but as soon as i got over that i was right back to being deeply invested in everything
Even now I think back on chases back story and just want to cry that whole scene was jarring but packed full of so much emotion and reality it was I’m possible not to feel it all.
I can’t wait for the next book I’m equal parts scared and terrified
Im not ready for this series to be over but I’m so so thankful that it even exists so I’m excited as aswell.chases is one of my favourite characters in this and his book blew my expectations out of the water
———
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is not your typical thriller, in the BEST way!!!!
CL writes stories that are gritty, emotionally intense, while being both perfectly character/plot driven. Her stories don’t shy away from the harsh realities of violence and trauma - instead, she presents them in a raw, unfiltered way that highlights their real impact on people’s lives. While the story revolves around a brutal series of murders & a sadistic serial killer preying on the women of Devil’s Peak, the heart of her writing lies in complex, flawed characters whose personal struggles and relationships are just as important as the crime that is consuming them. With fast pacing, sharp dialogue, and a strong sense of atmosphere, her work combines suspense with emotional depth, which will leave readers both unsettled in the way you want a good thriller to and sooooo invested. Just one more page kind of invested! 🩷🥹🙌
I really don’t want to say too much more because you should just go in blind but I will never not love these characters! They all have such a pivotal role in this story and will leave a special mark on your heart.
Read if you like Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, Chevy Stevens.
CL writes stories that are gritty, emotionally intense, while being both perfectly character/plot driven. Her stories don’t shy away from the harsh realities of violence and trauma - instead, she presents them in a raw, unfiltered way that highlights their real impact on people’s lives. While the story revolves around a brutal series of murders & a sadistic serial killer preying on the women of Devil’s Peak, the heart of her writing lies in complex, flawed characters whose personal struggles and relationships are just as important as the crime that is consuming them. With fast pacing, sharp dialogue, and a strong sense of atmosphere, her work combines suspense with emotional depth, which will leave readers both unsettled in the way you want a good thriller to and sooooo invested. Just one more page kind of invested! 🩷🥹🙌
I really don’t want to say too much more because you should just go in blind but I will never not love these characters! They all have such a pivotal role in this story and will leave a special mark on your heart.
Read if you like Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, Chevy Stevens.
May 5, 2026
This was my first read by C.L. Menegon and it did not disappoint. Thank you for letting me read this ARC! 💖
Please read trigger warnings beforehand as this is a very dark romantic thriller. If you like multiple POV’s, flawed main characters, found family, small town, and serial killer novels you’ll really enjoy this one.
It’s very hard to put into words how I felt about this book (in the best possible way) because it was just so emotional! You really felt the struggles and grief that these characters felt like it is your own. Some of the characters had me screaming, I was so mad at them and how they contributed to Chase and Laiken’s lives. I literally went from screaming to crying between each chapter. This is such a true example of going through every emotion but loving the book and wanting to throw it at everyone to read it too! The cliffhanger was *chef’s kiss* and I’ll be patiently waiting for all my questions answered in the second book of this duet.
I need to read the other books by C immediately because I feel like I’m missing out on SO much more!
April 20, 2026
The way I had to use SO much kleenex for this book…
The absolute chokehold C.L has on me is.. I don’t even have words. She is one of my automatic buy authors!
Her stories stay with you long after the books been closed. This one, is no exception.
Her writing is poetic poignancy, it grips you, pulls your heartstrings.. Takes you through the RINGER and slowly, oh so slowly, stitches you back together.
I love that the love is there, especially with Chase and Laik. I want to bubble wrap them and carry them in my pocket to keep safe. But the story is so much deeper than that. Their depth, their pain.. all of it. I couldn’t put this book down!
Please be warned.. this is not a ‘light’ dark thriller romance.. It is DARK. There are themes that shouldn’t be taken lightly and you need to read TW’s before diving in.
And make sure to grab tissues!!
Can’t wait for part two!!
The absolute chokehold C.L has on me is.. I don’t even have words. She is one of my automatic buy authors!
Her stories stay with you long after the books been closed. This one, is no exception.
Her writing is poetic poignancy, it grips you, pulls your heartstrings.. Takes you through the RINGER and slowly, oh so slowly, stitches you back together.
I love that the love is there, especially with Chase and Laik. I want to bubble wrap them and carry them in my pocket to keep safe. But the story is so much deeper than that. Their depth, their pain.. all of it. I couldn’t put this book down!
Please be warned.. this is not a ‘light’ dark thriller romance.. It is DARK. There are themes that shouldn’t be taken lightly and you need to read TW’s before diving in.
And make sure to grab tissues!!
Can’t wait for part two!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It is so hard to put into words the depth to which this story will take you. If you have read any of the other books in the Up in Lights series you will know just how hard these stories hit you. This one is no different. We finally have Chase's story and are able to truly feel the emotions and trauma he faces and those close to him. I cried, I gasped, I got angry and I have been left needing more. Thank goodness there is a part two. C.L Menegon you are a poet, your words and emotion intertwine in a way unlike others. The darkness of this story and the emotions of the characters are woven together seamlessly and with a raw edge.
I am in awe, I am speechless, I am in love with yet another five star read in this world. Thank you for the opportunity to read and experience this story. Highly recommend to all the dark supsense/romance girlies. Perfection.
I am in awe, I am speechless, I am in love with yet another five star read in this world. Thank you for the opportunity to read and experience this story. Highly recommend to all the dark supsense/romance girlies. Perfection.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“𝐴𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑒𝑧𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟, 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒.”
You do not have to read Up In light Series first, but they are worth the read!
Wow. Wow. WOW! I am honestly speechless. CL is a poet with her words, not always easy to do, but she does it. I already loved Chase so much from the other series, but getting his story finally just peices so much together.
Chase & Laiken Story is rough and raw. You get dual POV and really get to dig deep into how these characters truly develop. Been awhile since a book had made me emotional, but this one did it. One bad night can change everything.
"𝑀𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑢𝑠, 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎… 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑒. 𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛’𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟. 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑢𝑚𝑎, 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑. 𝐵𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑚, 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑦… 𝑢𝑛𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒.”
This stories main focus is not just Romance but you will see relationships form, This story is heavy. Please read Triggers!
🩸𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 / 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞
🩸𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝
🩸𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧
🩸𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 & 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
You do not have to read Up In light Series first, but they are worth the read!
Wow. Wow. WOW! I am honestly speechless. CL is a poet with her words, not always easy to do, but she does it. I already loved Chase so much from the other series, but getting his story finally just peices so much together.
Chase & Laiken Story is rough and raw. You get dual POV and really get to dig deep into how these characters truly develop. Been awhile since a book had made me emotional, but this one did it. One bad night can change everything.
"𝑀𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑢𝑠, 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎… 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝ℎ𝑒. 𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛’𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟. 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑢𝑚𝑎, 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑. 𝐵𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑚, 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑦… 𝑢𝑛𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒.”
This stories main focus is not just Romance but you will see relationships form, This story is heavy. Please read Triggers!
🩸𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 / 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞
🩸𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝
🩸𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧
🩸𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 & 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
April 17, 2026
Chase wrecked me the only way this author can. Banger after banger, every book in the Devils Peak series by CL Menegon is 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
C.L Menegon is incredibly talented, snark so good I’m kicking my feet only to turn the page and feel utter devastation where my husband is questioning my sanity- it’s truly an emotional experience that only exceptional authors could pull off!
Chase immediately hooked me, and I ate this book up!
Like the four other books in Devils Peak, I fell in love with the characters and watched them survive being put through hell. We get Harlen and Chase’s friendship, and Harlen is the same kind but foul mouthed Goldie I’ve missed since Below The Pulse & Back On Me.
Any chance we can get a cover of severed veins?! 🎶🎤🎧🎸
So excited for part 2!
Thank so much for the early readers copy! 🖤
C.L Menegon is incredibly talented, snark so good I’m kicking my feet only to turn the page and feel utter devastation where my husband is questioning my sanity- it’s truly an emotional experience that only exceptional authors could pull off!
Chase immediately hooked me, and I ate this book up!
Like the four other books in Devils Peak, I fell in love with the characters and watched them survive being put through hell. We get Harlen and Chase’s friendship, and Harlen is the same kind but foul mouthed Goldie I’ve missed since Below The Pulse & Back On Me.
Any chance we can get a cover of severed veins?! 🎶🎤🎧🎸
So excited for part 2!
Thank so much for the early readers copy! 🖤
April 18, 2026
Oh this book- it grabs you from the first chapter and doesn't let go.
Chase and his sister Jade have a *terrible* home life - but they also have each other, and their best friends, Laiken and Harlen. Once the girls are out of high school, the 4 of them are leaving their cursed hometown and heading to NYC to make their music. But when the absolute unthinkable happens, their dreams shatter and they fall apart until the threat from a vicious killer forces them to band together again.
A fantastic gritty dark romance - this book will tear your heart out and then stomp on it, as you root for these characters to get the HEA they desperately deserve. I am counting down the days until we get Book 2!
Chase and his sister Jade have a *terrible* home life - but they also have each other, and their best friends, Laiken and Harlen. Once the girls are out of high school, the 4 of them are leaving their cursed hometown and heading to NYC to make their music. But when the absolute unthinkable happens, their dreams shatter and they fall apart until the threat from a vicious killer forces them to band together again.
A fantastic gritty dark romance - this book will tear your heart out and then stomp on it, as you root for these characters to get the HEA they desperately deserve. I am counting down the days until we get Book 2!
April 18, 2026
Drag us through your rubble tough guy"
This is book is just flat out emotional. There is no rollercoaster you will be in your feels from start to finish. There is friendship, good and love. But also, darkness, pain, sorrow and grief so much grief. Painful family dynamics as wells as the most beautiful found family dynamic. The characters are so intricately connected you will fall in love with each on one of them. So, know when you go down the path of losing one it's going to hurt deep. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire book wondering who is bringing so much darkness to Devil's Peak why are they doing this. and what do they want with our dear loved ones? This book was absolutely incredible start to finish it deserves more than 5 stars. Stand out of the year.
This is book is just flat out emotional. There is no rollercoaster you will be in your feels from start to finish. There is friendship, good and love. But also, darkness, pain, sorrow and grief so much grief. Painful family dynamics as wells as the most beautiful found family dynamic. The characters are so intricately connected you will fall in love with each on one of them. So, know when you go down the path of losing one it's going to hurt deep. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire book wondering who is bringing so much darkness to Devil's Peak why are they doing this. and what do they want with our dear loved ones? This book was absolutely incredible start to finish it deserves more than 5 stars. Stand out of the year.
April 19, 2026
Devil’s Peak had me hooked straight away. From the first chapter I was in it. C.L. Menegon really nailed that dark small town vibe with this one. It’s gritty, intense, and doesn’t hold back at all. The tension is constant, the writing feels raw, and it moves fast enough that I kept saying “just one more chapter” way too many times.
The characters are messy in the best way. Proper flawed, a bit unhinged, with some seriously dark edges and backstory that sticks with you. If you’re into dark romance mixed with thriller energy, murder, suspense, and that eerie small town feel, this hits.
It’s heavy, emotional, and honestly leaves you hanging for more. I need part two.
Definitely recommend if you like your reads dark and a bit twisted. Just don’t go in expecting something light.
The characters are messy in the best way. Proper flawed, a bit unhinged, with some seriously dark edges and backstory that sticks with you. If you’re into dark romance mixed with thriller energy, murder, suspense, and that eerie small town feel, this hits.
It’s heavy, emotional, and honestly leaves you hanging for more. I need part two.
Definitely recommend if you like your reads dark and a bit twisted. Just don’t go in expecting something light.
May 5, 2026
“Chase Keller wore my pain with the scars I gave him.”
OMG! This was an insanely gut-wrenching and incredibly emotional story from beginning to end. I haven’t sobbed over fictional characters in a while but damn, the way these characters had me in an utter chokehold and sobbing into my pillow, was seriously intense. And all the suspense with the shocking twists and turns throughout, had me gripping my kindle tightly and turning the pages quickly to see if we get answers to everything that is going on in Devil’s Peak. Which we don’t exactly because this is a duet.
The realness of Chase and Laiken and their raw, gritty and emotional upbringing was heartbreaking. What they go through is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, twisted and utterly depraved. These two pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping they would make it to some sort of happy ending.
FYI: there are also some characters that will make you so mad that you will definitely want to throw your book.
There are shocking moments that will gut you and shred your heart to pieces. It’s not easy to read and it may have you sobbing over it, but holy crap does it get dark at times.
This was a dark and gritty story with an ending that leaves you breathless for part two. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see what the hell will happen now.
OMG! This was an insanely gut-wrenching and incredibly emotional story from beginning to end. I haven’t sobbed over fictional characters in a while but damn, the way these characters had me in an utter chokehold and sobbing into my pillow, was seriously intense. And all the suspense with the shocking twists and turns throughout, had me gripping my kindle tightly and turning the pages quickly to see if we get answers to everything that is going on in Devil’s Peak. Which we don’t exactly because this is a duet.
The realness of Chase and Laiken and their raw, gritty and emotional upbringing was heartbreaking. What they go through is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, twisted and utterly depraved. These two pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping they would make it to some sort of happy ending.
FYI: there are also some characters that will make you so mad that you will definitely want to throw your book.
There are shocking moments that will gut you and shred your heart to pieces. It’s not easy to read and it may have you sobbing over it, but holy crap does it get dark at times.
This was a dark and gritty story with an ending that leaves you breathless for part two. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see what the hell will happen now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story grips you from the first page and refuses to let go, you’ll be perched on the edge of your seat, completely unable to put it down, so clear your schedule. CL's signature lyrical prose is woven in at just the right moments, adding depth and intensity. Stepping into both the male and female lead’s world is both powerful and devastating. Chase and Laiken's story is nothing short of heartbreaking. Highly recommend if you want a layered story that wrecks you in the best way. Thank you CL for delivering yet another brilliant masterpiece! The two year wait was worth every second!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars.
This book follows chase (18) and laiken (16)
It essentially is 60% covers 2-4 days max. Then starts skipping weeks to eventually 3 years in the future.
The first 5 chapters were slow pace. Until the thriller portion hit and the plot finally took off.
This was really just character and story building as its book 1 of 2. But does set us up for a really good book 2
This book follows chase (18) and laiken (16)
It essentially is 60% covers 2-4 days max. Then starts skipping weeks to eventually 3 years in the future.
The first 5 chapters were slow pace. Until the thriller portion hit and the plot finally took off.
This was really just character and story building as its book 1 of 2. But does set us up for a really good book 2
Review of advance copy received from Author
When you pick up Devil’s Peak just know that you won’t be reading something that you have ever read before.
Romantic thriller with the thriller taking place centre stage. Small town, serial killer, vicious murders - it’s terrifyingly amazing.
CL is such an emotive storyteller. She hooks you with the plot and cuts you with the emotions. You get to feel/read vividly what each character is going through and that’s what makes this book so incredible. She strips back every layer, and I mean EVERY layer. It’s a work of art.
Chase and Laiken’s story is heartbreaking. The multiple POV’s really creates depth and helps you understand the two MC’s intimately. Get those tissues ready because you won’t be able to stop crying.
CL was born to write books, give characters life and tell their stories. Truly one of the best authors out there.
Highly recommend if you love books filled with complex layers and endless emotion.
Romantic thriller with the thriller taking place centre stage. Small town, serial killer, vicious murders - it’s terrifyingly amazing.
CL is such an emotive storyteller. She hooks you with the plot and cuts you with the emotions. You get to feel/read vividly what each character is going through and that’s what makes this book so incredible. She strips back every layer, and I mean EVERY layer. It’s a work of art.
Chase and Laiken’s story is heartbreaking. The multiple POV’s really creates depth and helps you understand the two MC’s intimately. Get those tissues ready because you won’t be able to stop crying.
CL was born to write books, give characters life and tell their stories. Truly one of the best authors out there.
Highly recommend if you love books filled with complex layers and endless emotion.
April 26, 2026
I need book 2 like now! I have to know what happens next!!
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