The Devil's Claim

The Devil's Kiss #2

by Gemma James

It’s been a year since Kayla Sutton walked away from Gage Channing. Now he’s back, and so is Ian Kaplan, Kayla’s one-time lover from her college days. Gage’s jealousy is his worst enemy, and when he thinks Kayla has chosen Ian, he sets in motion a drastic plan to claim what’s his. Only Kayla never expects him to infiltrate her heart so effortlessly, and she never dreamed there would come a day when he wouldn’t want her.

Gage believes she’s committed the ultimate sin, but will she use his mistake to finally escape the cage of his obsession? Or will she do whatever it takes to make him see he can entrust his heart to her…just as she’s already lost the core of her being to him?

NOTE TO READERS: THE DEVIL'S CLAIM is a dark romance with a BDSM edge that does NOT conform to safe, sane, and consensual practices. Includes explicit content and subject matter that may offend some readers. Intended for mature audiences. Book 2 of the Devil's Kiss Series. Previously titled The Devil's Kiss: Epilogue

Genres: BDSM, Dark, Erotica, Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Abuse

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2013

About the author

Gemma James is a USA Today bestselling author of sexy contemporary and dark romance. She loves to explore the darker side of human nature in her fiction, and she’s morbidly curious about anything dark and edgy, from deviant seduction to fascinating villains. Readers have described her stories as being “not for the faint of heart.”

She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.

Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I'm still enjoying this series, wondering what the heck I'm really reading!!



As much as I truly am enjoying this series, it was hard to understand Kayla. I spent the entire time reading this installment PISSED!! There were way too many times that I had to question her decision-making. Too many times that I had to remind myself that she really was a grown ass woman. Too many times I wondered where her people are because I've been wondering WHERE THE FCK IS THIS GIRL'S FAMILY???



See, in reality I know that there are women in similar situations to Kayla. I know that not every woman is going to be like me. Gage's ass would be in jail. No question. Whip me boy? Give me permission to talk to people? After you done whipped me??? Got 911 on speed dial homie. Kidnap me, beat me, pushed me into a hospital, rant and rage, hurt me, and then have the nerve to say you love me? Do these characters know what love is???

Let's state the facts shall we. Kayla left and subsequently divorced Rick because he was exceptionally evil and abusive. There have been parallels drawn between Rick's behaviour and that of Gage. Now I'm not saying that Gage is as bad, but abuse is abuse. I call it like I see it. Yes, Rick actually attempted to kill her while Gage hasn't, however, for her to say he's not abusive...



Did Gage not abuse his power? Did he not manipulate everything for his benefit? Can someone give this woman a damn definition? She's lost her damn mind!!



I kept thinking about Kayla's daughter, Eve, and what she's been exposed to. Not knocking BDSM AT ALL, but I can't categorize Gage and Kayla's relationship as a true representation of the lifestyle. It has no rhyme or reason and lacks structure, stability and security. I know I didn't feel safe. Is that normal? Also, Gage gets to pull all types of stunts and NEVER has to answer for it. His attempts at grovelling were pathetic and yet, typical of Kayla, he's back in and whipping that ass again in no time. And she acts like she did something wrong. Isn't that one of the signs of abuse???

There were a lot of times that I had to warp what I knew to be reality in order for this story to work for me. In no time, I failed to view Kayla as someone of strength. I'm finding her severely lacking a backbone.

I DID love getting to know more about Gage and what made him tick. Nothing excuses his behaviour, but I better understand his warped view of the world. His POV was still sorely lacking. I can't wait to see what other fuckery this couple will be up to next.

*Copy generously given in exchange for an honest review*

[Didi · Rating 2 out of 5]

**** 2 STARS ****

I finished this yesterday and although I had an urge to write a review right away, I decided to wait. I have waited and I still feel the same. I didn't like this very much. I appreciate the authors efforts, and aknowledge she writes some pretty dark erotica, but she lost me here.

I really liked the 'Devil's Kiss' trilogy. I loved the set-up: Desperate woman embezzles money to save dying daughter but gets caught and pays her dues with sex. It was interesting to watch Kayla blossom under the brutal hands of Gage Channing. She gravitated towards a kinky lifestyle and found herself horrified she actually enjoyed it. Too much.

Gage was just as crazy obsessive and demanding as in The Devil's Kiss, but he went a little too far for my liking. This is not a spoiler, but he locks her purse and cell phone till she needs to go out....what?! He demands to control things, everyday things I might add, that are ridiculous. Maybe it's just me, because this book has been getting rave reviews, but I need to see some redemption or redeeming behavior. And there was some for sure. Gage showed Kayla many sides to his puzzle: He was kind to her and her daughter, concerned, caring and dedicated. But EVERYTHING else he did erased those redeeming qualities.
I would never even understand how a woman could tolerate that level of possessive control. I've read many dark reads where the hero or anti-hero does crazy things, but there are always certain qualities he possesses that lighten the load. Gage didn't seem to understand the concept of trust. I know he had issues, but still.

And Kayla. God, she got on my nerves. Decide what you want already. Decide what you need already. Be honest with yourself! Hiding from your true inclinations won't make then go away. And when she finally accepts who she is and what she wants--towards the bitter end, of course--I was already sporting a headache.
I am glad that she and Gage found each other and saw in one another what was missing in themselves. I get that. That part was beautiful. But Gage was over the top and Kayla was too wishy washy.

Then there's Ian. I still think he was the better choice. But maybe for someone NOT LIKE KAYLA. He was the better man for so many reasons. People might not agree but...
I understood Gage's past and it's affect on his present and future. I also understood Kayla fighting her nature at first, but in the end, I didn't relate to either of them and didn't agree with their choices. I'm probably in the minority here, but there it is. So, yes, it ended well, was dark and gritty and very erotic. I hope Ian gets what he deserves, and I mean that sincerely, in the best of ways.

I do wish the author the best of luck in the future and appreciate the opportunity to review.

*** Arc kindly provided by the author for an honest review ***

[Amber Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!!

First off you will need to read The Devil's Kiss Trilogy first before reading The Devil's Salvation.

We are a year after The Devil's Kiss, it starts right up where the last one left off.

There were some moments when I wanted to kick the shit out of Gage, in the first books. I still felt that way in this book also. BUT I wanted drop to my knees for this man at the sametime. He frustrates me sometimes. He has changed quite a bit in this book. He made some changes. But, he also did not change. He knows what he wants and will not take no for an answer. He will just do it. Taking away Kayla's choices once again. Kayla wants that though, I feel. She wants someone who will make the choices for her. Her mind says no, but her wetness tells different.



There were some damn bomb droppers in this one. From the last book how it started to end it left my mouth hanging open at some parts. But now I am finally getting whole story, the whole plot, it took it to that much bigger level. I am so glad I got all the answers I've been waiting to find out. I got more and beyond that.

Overall I truly fucking loved this book. Gage is over controlling, overbearing, over all everything, but I love that man to death. Gage and Kayla together make this book work. They make me want to keep asking for more. I will say this is not as dark as the last book. The last book was just plain dark erotica that I love, this one still has some moments that is dark, but it has the romance that it needed in this book. I loved that I got the finished product on these two characters.

ARC provided by author, exchanged for an honest review.

[benevolent bastard · Rating 3 out of 5]

What the fuck. I’m upset.
They completely glossed over a colossal fuck up. Oh HELLL NAW.

[Debra Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Devil's Claim by Gemma James
Genres; Adult, Contemporary, Dark Erotica, Romance. Suspense
3 Stars

I had a really hard time getting into this one.
At first I thought it was just my mood, but after putting it aside for a day or so and coming back to it, it became obvious it wasn't me. It was the characters themselves.

Kayla seemed to have become a horribly weak individual who can't even admit to her own sexuality. It's like she has become an immature twit. In the first book she seemed much stronger. Able to deal with whatever it took to help her child. In this one it's like she has become the child. Her back and forth about ANY decision, including her own emotions, drove me up a wall.

Then there is Gage......His actions and his words did not mesh. Just a little open and ADULT dialogue between these two could have gone a long way. But nope. He just jumps around making snap decisions and acting on them. No mature thought given to his actions.

Then there are the conversations they did have.....
Which was filled with demands and disrespect on both their sides. Both acting like spoiled, immature brats. Neither really behaving like adults.

Ian was the most mature character, and I really don't understand his motivation either. Which means he did not really impress me. He just behaved slightly older than Gage & Kayla.

There are also some editing errors. Not bad, but they are there.

The flow of the story is off a bit.

Ended well, but...
All this adds up to me being....
Disappointed.

I have all 4 books in this series, so hopefully book 3 will be much better.

I admit I have high expectations from Gemma James. But that is only because I KNOW she can reach and surpass those expectations.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so wrong, but God does it feel so right!

This short series needed this epilogue, a huge thank you to Gemma James for giving us just what we needed.

It's been a year since Kayla left, since Gage was arrested and since she learned the truth of the connection between Ian and Gage. She's trying to start over but failing. The man that held her body hostage with an impossible Ultimatum has now consumed her thoughts.

When Gage appears at before her, Kayla can't seem to control her body's reaction to him. But things get a bit sticky when Ian returns to try to claim her heart. But some things just can't be controlled. Just when Kayla is ready to make her choice, the choice is made for her.

This is not a romantic BDSM love story. A complete Dub-con type arrangement that morphs into something a bit more. But we don't get a fairy tale, Gage is who he is. He has rules and he will not be denied his desires. Make no mistake, the hero in this does not get a full redemption. As much as your mind might tell you that you are crazy, your heart is going to be beating out of your chest.

Every part of the logical part of me screams - RUN! But I just can't. My feet are completely stuck to the floor beneath me, and God help me, but I love Gage Channing.

Gemma James gives us a brutal romance that is pure dark erotica that was a twisted storm of emotions.

[~ Cariad ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for (at the very least) making me want to castrate an Alpha with a blunt knife!

I have nothing but love for this series it's so un-apologetically dark, it's amazing.

For my full review please visit me at:
The Devil's Kiss 4 - My Sizzling Review



Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews

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Twitter:@Sizzlingpages

[Saunders · Rating 1 out of 5]

Second book and I thought I might see a different picture from these two but nope.

This is not a good story, lots of horrific abuse and I got completely fed up with the "strong" woman "cant help her feelings" for the abuser and he was an abuser nothing dominant about this guy.

Too predictable and she was just a doormat that he wiped his feet on repeatedly.

Completely unbelievable story.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rarely write reviews so if I do, it's because I feel so strongly that I can't stop myself from putting it out there. As a result of reading the first book and this one back to back, this review is somewhat of a combination, though I did not find Kayla quite as sniveling and obnoxious in book one, nor Gage quite such a sociopath with trust issues.

**Also, this does not convey my feelings for all of Gemma James' books because I recently recommended a series of hers to friends. This series just takes it too far for me.

This book is NOT BDSM. It's not any form of BDSM. Just because the author gives a warning about it being BDSM without "safe, sane, and consensual" or the alternative "risk aware consensual kink (RACK)", doesn't mean she can then go and spit on all that IS BDSM. SCC and RACK are what make BDSM, BDSM. This is purely non-consensual and honestly, I don't mind consensual non-consent stories. I like them. This, however, involves a spineless, weak woman who is controlled and blackmailed by an abusive megalomaniac with trust issues.

Book 1: Kayla is a woman (with a very young, impressionable daughter) who is blackmailed into being her boss' "sex slave." She's given a safeword but, wait! If she uses it for any reason, off to jail she goes, and screw her daughter's life, safety, and happiness. Soooo let's just give it up altogether, shall we? Let's "prove" that we trust this crazy man who has been abusive in the past (aka book 1), including but not limited to: blackmail, beating her while angry, forcing her to have sex with him in front of another man (who she supposedly loved) and another woman (with whom he has had past relations), essentially causing the other man to be raped while she watches, and not allowing her to see her dying daughter in the hospital because he "owns" her. Again - not BDSM, purely abusive.

That's okay though! She loves him so she'll forgive him all of this! Book 2: Gage gets out of jail (with no lasting effects apparently, as he goes back to his crazy self), and comes to woo Kayla back. He redeems himself! Yay! For about 2.5 seconds. Until he mistakenly thinks that Kayla slept with his brother (despite Gage having no claim over her whatsoever) and kidnaps her and her daughter and puts them on a plane with the same OW as mentioned before. Kayla somehow gets over this with no ill effects and falls in love with the non-sadistic side that Gage shows. Swoon, young love.

Smooth sailing, woohoo! Unless you factor in the less-than-no trust that he appears to have in Kayla. She has no access to the outside world unless she receives permission from Gage (because she is apparently 12), including her phone and purse locked in a closet that only he has access to, having to clear female friends by him, being allowed no contact with the male gender whatsoever for any reason regardless of who initiates it, and being told she cannot have a job because her daughter "needs her" more. If he was really so concerned about her daughter, wouldn't he have let her visit her on the weekends when she was supposedly at death's door? Nahhhh. Crazy talk, y'all. In an actual conversation between the two, Kayla says she is being treated like her 3 year old daughter would be, to which Gage essentially replies...yes. Whelp, guess that's that. Good try, Kayla.

I kept waiting for Kayla to grow a backbone over one issue or another, things like: the fact that she was hired and then used to get back at Gage's brother, the fact that despite compromising "hard limits" Gage crushed 2 out of 3 of hers and then proceeded to break the single hard limit he allowed her to have (as an aside, hard limits are for 1 person, usually the submissive, to choose and the other to accept, not negotiate; hence, HARD limit), Gage punishing her when angry (again) despite the whole thing being a misunderstanding (ya know, just a casual pregnancy) AND gagging her so that she couldn't defend herself anyway, Gage not believing that he got her pregnant and kicking her and her 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER out of the house, or Gage continuing to not believe her after she lost the baby and giving her the cold shoulder for weeks; however, Kayla, who started out as a strong mother, willing to do anything to save her child and by all accounts, an independent woman who got out of a previously abusive relationship, just kept on keeping on.

By the end of the book when she was essentially coerced into marrying him, knowing that nothing in their relationship would change, I lost all hope. There were almost no redemptive qualities in Gage and while I might have felt for him due to his childhood, he pretty much ruined any chance of sympathy with his actions and lack of remorse. I also lost most, if not all, of my sympathy for Kayla. At one point, Gage told her she could leave him but that she would not be allowed back. She chose to stay. She essentially chose to give up all of her self-respect, freedom, dignity, and independence because she "loved" Gage. What a great role model, Mama.

I feel like I should reiterate that I am a big fan of the BDSM genre. Dom/sub, Master/slave, Top/bottom, whatever the power exchange may be, if done well and respectfully, is beautiful. This Master/slave dynamic didn't work for me mostly because the entire basis for their "relationship" is blackmail and revenge.

Personally, I think this book would have been better off marketed in the non-consensual domestic discipline genre. But then, that's also known as plain old abuse.

[Romance Recs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the first book rating it 4 stars because I love the trope, I love kinky sex scenes in romance novels, love a dominating cruel hero... what could be wrong.


I’m going to give those of you who like me wanted SOME details before they purchased this second book. I won’t give away the entire plot but I wish I would have known some things before going in.

The second book is a continuation of the story of Kayla and Gage. Kayla moves to Texas and found a new friend Stacy who worked at a diner and got her a job as a waitress. After Gage gets arrested and goes to prison he comes back to Texas to “claim” her.

For me, I love a connection in romance novels when you finally get to the point where the 2 protagonists FINALLY declare their feelings of love. Usually when it’s done right your heart stops and you get goosebumps. Sometimes you want to jump up and down for the characters and I’m usually always smiling.

This book, not so much. It doesn’t make me angry, rather disappointed. I wanted more. So so so much more.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I do not care at all about the love triangle with Ian Katherine and Gage and Kayla. I find love triangles in books and movies SO BORING. I hate when there are love triangles because they’re usually lame and a waste of my time as a reader hence Ian. He’s like Jacob from Twilight, meaning he’s the annoying other guy who keeps begging for the heroine to love him all the while we as the reader, just want him to get off the screen.

I don’t like other women drama either because I find it boring and wasteful of my time as well. I rolled my eyes throughout a lot of this book and I already decided that my money is not worth being spent on the second and third. It I was able to read it for free I would skim to the end of book 4 just to see how it end but untimely I just can’t keep reading a dragged out story about all of this anymore. I see it gets to a point where they’re just toxic and I’ll never get that grandiose declaration of love because their love declarations were also lacking for me.

Sigh... I’ll get over it lol I feel sad after reading it

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Devils Claim is the second book in Gemma James The Devil's Kiss Series. It kicks up right Devil's Kiss left off so you will want to read it first.

It's been exactly a year since Kayla Sutton walked away from Gage Channing. She's moved on to a different state and a totally different life. A knock on the door late one night and Gage is at Kayla's door. Ian is also there and Gage is set off because of his jealousy. He will do anything to keep Kayla and make Ian pay for his pet sin. However when Gage thinks Kayla has betrayed him in the worst way possible it's Kayla's chance to take her daughter and go.

I think I devoured this book. I'm here to tell you I have hated Gage though most of this book. He crosses so many lines and my heart would break for Kayla. But at the same time I was rooting for them to make it. I don't think I closed this book totally hating him but if it had ended three chapters earlier I sure would have. He has a lot of redemption to seek. Kayla is still her strong spunky self but I felt like she lost some of that to Gage's dominance. I did however love the book and will be diving head first right into the next one.

[Nishat Sarker · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow...that was very intense and of course, SEXY!!! this is final epilogue of the devil's kiss series. kayla has left her life a year ago from all the chaos. from the man that had no intention of letting her go and consumed her soul and body and from the man that was absolutely perfect. she is trying to move on with her daughter eve. she is well and Kayla wants to give her the best of everything. it all was going well until the very man, Gage, that broke her, left her bleeding, stirred feelings she never felt and the man who protected her shows up at her door. she is at a complete loss. not only that, her former lover, the perfect man, Ian also shows up. now she is in between these two complete opposite brothers who can't even stand the sight of each other and they both want her. but one has the power to knock down all her defenses.

Gage Channing is back and he is NOT letting Kayla go this time, no matter what. he won't NO for an answer. he will do the unthinkable, play with the one thing that's makes kayla most vulnerable if it means he can have her. But HE WILL HAVE HER. nothing can stop him. and he is more than willing to go head to head with his brother to claim what's his...what's always been his.

Gage(HAVE ME!!! really, i'm a willing participant. lol)

yeah...Gage in this book made me feel too many emotions altogether. i didn't what or how i felt about him. he was still a selfish, cruel and controlling bastard but he also showed a side that was completely unexpected. he realized that it's not about revenge anymore, that he truly wants Kayla and he fell in love with her. he was overwhelming. like Kayla said, he was one man rolled into so many personalities. it was like trying to catch a wild animal. you catch him, it will stay for a while and be tamed as long as HE wants to but eventually he will get out in the wild, even if it means hurting anything or anyone who stands on his way. that's exactly how he was. one minute i wanted to punch and kick him and the next i wanted to kiss him like there's no tomorrow and the next i wanted to do both. he really doesn't know the meaning of the word no. he definitely doesn't like being told no. he went above and beyond to possess Kayla. he even went to touch the most precious thing to kayla, her daughter. he pulled out the eve card because he knew it would have an instant effect. it pissed me off but at the same time i was like " you go get your woman. use whatever method necessary." lol. he was very unapologetic. he knew the things he did to Kayla were wrong but he also knew that's his way of showing his feelings. we also get a glimpse into his past. you learn why he is the way he is. not that it's not his choice but his childhood has a major influence on the Gage now. he loved(loves) Kayla. it's a bit unconventional. it's without flowers or rainbows. but it's no less romantic or genuine. his feelings were raw, honest and very intense but that's just who he is. there's no middle ground with this man. either you go all the way or you don't. simple as that. i'm not making excuses for the horrible things he did but i came to an understanding. he will always fuck up, he will always be controlling, cruel and a selfish man but when he falls, he falls hard and he will bring the moon to the woman's feet he loves. that's what and how Gage is. his flaws are what makes him this powerful man and his controlling and cruel nature is what makes him vulnerable. his jealousy is quite scary. it's not just a simple talk like "oh i don't like you talking to this man." no, when his jealousy struck, you better be prepared to face the consequences. that's unfair, sure. however, this is gage's possessiveness and love. although i do not agree what his jealousy did at the end of the book. he almost lost everything. one woman who was willing to accept his flaws and habits. he did change. he opened up to Kayla...on some level. the biggest surprise was how he was with eve. the man took 180 turn when it came to that little girl. he was the perfect role model and an idealistic father figure. i had hard time keeping up with his change of personalities. he gave Eve everything a 4 year old can have. he charmed his way through her heart even with her mother disapproving. yet, this dark and fucked up man made a beautiful bond with a beautiful little girl.


i LOVE her. she is a strong woman. her sole focus was her daughter. she went back and forth about both men. she wanted to do what was right for eve. she knew which man would be the perfect father for Eve; yet, her traitorous heart chose the one she was desperately avoiding. she was utterly confused about how she felt about Gage. she tried not to fall in love with Gage, tried not to see the softer side of that cruel man. but she involuntarily did. she turned down her fairy tale ending for the devil himself. but midst of everything, she wanted her daughter to have the best. she was shocked to see the bond between them since she thought gage wasn't capable of that kind of affection. but boy, was she wrong? Gage poured her with affection. sure, he did his kinky shit but the approach was different and he just wouldn't leave her this time. this time he would stay and hold her after the pain he would inflict. she invited the pain knowing the affection that comes later. she knew what Gage was capable of and she saw the consequences of being with a man so intense and overwhelming but she accepted. she saw that there was a sensual and sweet man beneath the cold and harsh exterior. she wanted to know the truth. what made him this way? how does he do this? these questions were dead ends but she kept pushing. because it was necessary. she had given that man everything. he DEMANDED everything, so in return, she did the same. his conditions and terms were absurd but Kayla knew it would be nothing less. he would always demand more and Kayla would give it to him. a deep part of her wanted to be his possession and that his love would be exactly this. she gathered her courage and stood up to him and i loved her for it.

i am honestly really happy about the ending. it was quite journey. i'm glad that Gage decided to take up Kayla's suggestion. but Ian was a disappointment. he was the supposed hero in this story but the man was anything but. sure, he wanted to give Kayla flowers everyday and "be normal" but the man has never once tried to understand his brother. all he did was put him down every step of the way. he could have tried. yeah, we know you aren't a saint. but what he did was also horrible. he constantly tried to make his brother the bad guy. yeah, Gage also could have tried to fix things but he had the right to be pissed off at his brother. Ian on the other hand, was just a jackass. he couldn't be happy for his brother and kayla. it was just all about gage not deserving her. *shaking my head* until the end, he tried to throw his brother under the bus. to me i felt like it was Ian who was hell bent on revenge and not gage.

but i'm more than happy for gage and kayla. they went through ups and downs, push and pull, thick and thin but they got on the right track. their start wasn't exactly on the right foot but can i say i'm glad the way it started? they still have issues to solve and secrets to reveal but now they each other to rely on. they became each others rock and the devil finally found his salvation.

i hope she writes another book. I want more Gage and Kayla. i wanna know more. lol. yeah, i am greedy.
THANK YOU, Gemma James for writing such an amazing series. Gage, Kayla and eve deserves all the happiness in the world :)

absolutely 5 STARS

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diving straight in to book 2!

Fresh from prison, Gage seeks Kayla out....considering she didnt tell him where she was, it seems Gage is still master of everything.

'I accept that I’m a twisted bastard, but I don’t think you realize who you are.
Who am I?
Mine.'

Their twisted up saga continues in their normal on the outside life.

Gage is not redeemed in my eyes still, not in any shape or form.  But I hear there is more....

[Mandy Desay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil's Kiss Series Bundle by Gemma James

The Boxset included:
The Devil's Kiss
The Devil's Claim
The Devil's Wife
The Devil's Spawn

Kayla will do anything to save her daughter Eve. Kayla is desperate to get her hands on the money for Eve's treatment no matter what the cost, When she steals the money from her boss, Gage Channing, she never saw the deal he would offer to keep her out of jail. He would keep paying Eve's medical bills and she was to become his slave. Agreeing, Kayla never expected just what she was getting herself into.

This was a great read in my opinion, it is a very dark read with heavy and harrowing BDSM scenes. But be warned it deals with consensual and sometimes non consensual acts so this is not for the faint hearted. Gage Channing makes Christian Grey look like a pussy-cat.

I'm a big fan of Dark Erotica, and this didn't disappoint, it was my first Gemma James read but it won't be my last. There are tender moments, but it is very gritty, raw and emotional and harrowing. The perfect read for Dark lovers but don't say I didn't warn you.

[⌗ villa𝜗𝜚 ࣪🧘🏾‍♀️🧁🍥🐩 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only smart people in this book was eve and Ian

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
For complete review with quotes, visit Romantic Reading Escapes

The cruel s.o.b. that I love to hate and hate to love, Gage Channing, is back a changed man. Oh, he's not so changed that he's no longer cruel...he's just different. He's still the Master, but the Master with a less black heart. The setting is a year later, but The Devil's Salvation: Final Epilogue picks right up at the exact spot that Retribution (The Devil's Kiss #3) ended. Before reading this book, it is important that you read The Devil's Kiss Trilogy, as these books must be read in order.

I was pleading for Gage and Kayla's story to continue after the open ending in Retribution. I was so invested in this dark series and left with unanswered questions. Those questions and so many more about Gage's history are answered in this final installment of the series.

Gemma James takes us farther into Gage and Ian's past with surprising revelations as to when and where Kayla actually came to be the focus of attention. I like that Kayla is even stronger in this installment; she stands her own with the controlling and demanding Gage Channing. I understood Kayla's choices and really loved the growth of her character throughout the series, but most evident in this final installment. Knowing that Gage is capable of inflicting harsh and incomprehensible punishments -- many times being unwarranted -- Kayla still pushes him to the breaking point by asking questions of his past and challenging his confessions of love.

The relationship between Gage and Kayla is tumultuous, dysfunctional, and the control has shifted from the previous installments. Gage is still just as controlling, but Kayla seems to have the upper hand and exerts her own demands throughout the book. As hard as she tries to deny her feelings, knowing that Ian is perfect for her and Gage borders on the same treatment of her that her ex-husband exhibited, she craves the malfunction and depravity she has with Gage.

There is nothing "normal" about Gage and Kayla in my definition of normal, but their abnormal and deviant behavior is their normal, and it works for them. There are a few surprises in this book, one in particular toward the ending that brings Gage to an all time cruelty and made me want to go all Exlax on his tail with the toe of my boot. I think I wanted to kick Kayla even more for sticking around, but then I understood her position and feelings and would have acted the same way...maybe...probably. How sick and depraved does that make me?

There is a sliver of humanity in Gage that comes out in this book, and I welcomed it. After the dark and inhumane treatment he gave Kayla in past installments, this fragment was a piece of Gage I wanted...something I knew, like Kayla, was just beneath the surface.

Gemma James has delivered the perfect ending to the series that captivated me with this sadistic and masochistic couple. As always with this author's writing, The Devil's Salvation: Final Epilogue is flawlessly written and reaches into the depths of the reader's psyche, eliciting acceptance of the bizarre and preternatural conduct of the dark and cruel world of the Master, Gage Channing. If you haven't visited the Devil's den, I recommend you follow the journey of this woman who lost so much to gain everything she never knew she needed and wanted.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series review for The Devil's Kiss Trilogy and The Devil's Salvation

"How could someone so dark and rotten to the soul be so beautiful?"

Do you ever hate a book or character so much that you can't help but fall in love? That is what I call book crack. It is when you know that the book you are reading is all kinds of wrong but you are addicted and can't stop no matter how much you want to. The Devil's Kiss Trilogy and The Devil's Salvation were my book crack. For 95% of this series I absolutely despised the main character Gage. I found absolutely nothing redeeming about his character. He was cold, selfish, unyielding and I drank up every last drop as if I was dying of thirst. He made me furious and disgusted, I was tense and irritable, I almost stopped reading for goodness sakes! But I didn't stop, I kept on reading because just like the Grinch with his heart that is two sizes too small, Gage had a heart. It was tiny and we didn't see it often but when we did, that small little glimpse made me want to keep going, I wanted him to find salvation and redemption. I was desperate for a happily ever after.

So here is the basic premise of the story - Kayla is desperately trying to save her young daughter so she does the only thing that she can, she embezzled 10k from her boss to pay for her daughters medical care. When she is caught her boss Gage gives her two choices, jail or total submission as his sex slave for six weeks. With a sick child in the hospital Kayla has no choice but to agree to submit to Gage even though it is completely out of her comfort zone or so she thinks. That however is just the beginning of the story. There are twists and turns, jealousy, kidnapping, rape, abuse, sex (lots of yummy sex), rage (mostly on my part) and even a WTF?!?!?! moment that I did not see coming.

Kayla's character had her moments as well and while I didn't despise her like I did Gage there were still times when I want to scream out in frustration. I wanted her to be strong and fierce. I wanted her to put her foot down and kick some Gage ass but then I had to remind myself about the situation she was in. She really had no choices. Desperate to get her daughter healthy, angry at her traitorous bodies reaction to Gage and torn over love she was basically trapped.

The series was fast paced and captivating. Broken into 4 novellas each one was like a small slice decadent chocolate cake. Bad for you but oh so good (like I said complete book crack). I loved hating every minute of Gage and highly recommend this series. Any books that can bring theses types of emotions out in me has to be good and this was really good. The end was like winning an emotional jackpot. Completely satisfying.

"Leaving would be the sane thing to do, but your under my skin, Gage Channing."

[~Mindy Lynn~]

Amazon Freebie 7/3/17

[EpicRomanceReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Our love never ends, and neither does my possession of you.”


Enraptured....spellbound...shattered .....utterly and completely transfixed! These are a mere sampling of the array of hyper intense emotions I experienced when I embarked on the UNPUTDOWNABLE second installment in the Devil's Kiss series by Gemma James!

THE DEVIL’S CLAIM is a perfectly fitting title because holy moly is there a lot of claiming that transpired in this scorching hot book! After a year in prison to pay for his nefarious past transgressions, the Devil himself, Gage Channing, is back to claim what's his and to hell with the consequences! While at first Kayla Sutton is not willing to uproot her and her daughter from their new life in Texas and jet back to the Devil’s lair for another round of torturous pleasure, the pull between them is stronger than ever. So she fights it every step if the way. At least at first. Because Gage was not the type of man to give up on what he wanted and had his methods for tempting his defiant paramour to do his bidding.

"Each day we spent together, each small change I saw in him, slowly erased what he’d put me through last year. Something about him was different. The sadism was still there, the need for power and controls still an innate part of him, but I’d also witnessed slivers of compassion and humanity.”

My love and fascination for Gage and Kayla was magnified to the umpteenth degree in this novel! Their soul-burning, ALL-CONSUMING, toxic love affair reaches a fever pitch in this riveting second installment, and as the plot unravels, we are privy to deeper layers of their complex relationship.

Once again, Gage Channing is utterly intoxicating in all his depraved, diabolical ALPHA male glory! Loved his uber-dominance, that predatory glint in his indigo blue eyes, his wicked sensual torment!! I was so swept up in this story that my pulse would flutter with excitement and I would shiver with dread throughout because Gage is like a hungry, uncaged tiger. You never really know when he will strike next or what will unleash his fiery passion and PRIMAL rage and bottled up fury! And there was one savage moment in particular in this book that was so agonizing I almost could not get past it. But sighhh this man certainly had his softer moments, his way of weaving that spell around you, so you can forgive just about anything. And sometimes it was hard to wrap your head around the fact that he could be so infuriatingly unrepentant one moment, and the next make pancakes and be so heartmeltingly sweet and doting with Princess Eve !

I was hoping in this book that the author would delve deeper into Gage's diabolical psyche and his secret torment to shed light on what shaped him into the half-crazed, ultra controlling , irrationally jealous sadist, and let me say Gemma James did not disappoint!!! While I might still revile his heartless cruelty when he is pushed to the brink, I understand him so much better, and even though I may never fully comprehend what keeps Kayla coming back for more, why she is willing to freely submit to his every whim and desire after suffering such stern wrath at his hands, now I truly believe that there’s a good man hiding lurking inside his "rotten" soul.

Oh...and let’s get something straight. Kayla is far from spineless. She is FIERCE and BRAVE and RESILIENT. While in book one she was his unwilling salve, blackmailed to be his slave under extreme duress, in this book after a bit of strong-arming on Gage’s part, she is ALL IN and as obsessively addicted to his brand of tortuous love as he is to owning every single part of her.

"He would push me beyond my limits, always demand more than I wanted to give, but damn if he didn't make me feel alive. I needed him to breathe, and my humiliation and submission were small prices to pay."

There are many tumultuous twists and turns throughout, and shocking revelations both deepen their bond and thrusts a wedge between them. The push-pull between this volatile couple is as intense as ever but the brutal power exchanges are beautifully interlaced with moments of aching tenderness and breathtaking poignancy, and it was that IRRESISTIBLE blend of rough and carnal and soft and sweet that elevated this relationship to the next level for me.

"He kissed me until I was breathless, until I couldn’t remember what we’d been talking about, and I kissed him back just as greedily. I was lucky I still remembered my own name.”

This journey these two embark on together is beyond intense. There is fiery discord and dangerous peril and so much heartache and angst I broke down in tears at times. But this book is hardly all doom and gloom. The sex is HOT, HOT, HOT!!! And I don’t want to spoil anything, but there is one delectably wanton master/sub role reversal that takes place book that had me writhing in giddy delight! And through all the ups and downs, euphoria and despair, my heart was fully engaged and I prayed that this deeply flawed yet hopelessly in love duo could find a way to make it work.

“His love was selfish and obsessive but also unconditional in a most conditional way. I couldn’t even explain what that meant, but my heart understood. His love was sick and tainted and all wrong, but it was mine. He stood at the epicenter of my world, cast it in crimson, and I was ashamed to admit I rather liked living in red. I was addicted to him. "

And even when in their darkest hour when you fear that there is no way they could ever heal the broken parts of each other's souls, or that Kayla can soothe the beast that raged inside of her formidable master, their love would miraculously penetrate the darkness. Despite everything, Kayla makes Gage want to be a better person but is that even attainable for an unapologetic sadist who lives by his own warped code of honor? Two books into this dark and thrilling journey I am beginning to see the this couple will never fit into a traditional mold but hope rings eternal that they will find her own version of twisted happiness someday. And in the end it comes down to this:

"I’m beyond salvation, so don’t think you can fix me.”

"You don’t need to be fixed. You just need to be loved.”

In closing I am beyond pumped that that I am only midway through this sinfully delicious series because I have officially been POSSESSED by the Devil!! And there is so much MORE story to be told. So bring it on, Gemma James...your brilliantly wicked sorceress! I cannot wait for you to continue to cast your deliciously entrancing spell on my captive heart!!

5+++ Feverishly transfixed stars!

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

DELICIOUSLY DARK AND SINFULLY WICKED !!!
Title: The Devils's Claim (formerly titled The Devil's Kiss: Epilogue)
Series: The Devil's Kiss
Designation: Book Two of Serial, Not A Standalone, Contains HFN
Author: Gemma James
My Rating: FIVE SINFULLY WICKED STARS ****
***Content Warning: I would like to preface my review by saying, if you have sexual triggers and object to explicit adult content and disturbing subject matter including bondage, domination, sadism, masochism, extreme acts of punishment, nonconsensual sex and rape, this is probably NOT the book for you. However, although the author does give the reader a very realistic accounting of the subject matter, it's written tactfully and skillfully. Make no mistake, this is a deliciously dark and sinfully wicked erotic romance with elements of suspense and multiple plot twists that will both shock and surprise you. And I loved every single minute. Also, please be aware, this is a one hundred seventy page story that is the second book of a serial. It is not a standalone read and does end in an almost happy for now cliffhanger.

Okay, I admit, I was somewhat undecided about the rating for this book. No, I was actually conflicted over the entire series which to date, consists of three books, The Devil's Kiss(Book One), The Devil's Claim(Book Two) and The Devil's Wife(Book Three). Having never read anything written by Gemma James, I had no idea what to expect but I'm a real sucker for a freebie. I'm a voracious reader and there's nothing I enjoy more than discovering a great new author so after reading the blurb and the free sample, I was intrigued and decided since the book was offered as a free download by Amazon, I would give it a whirl. And I'm really glad I did. James is a skilled wordsmith and a gifted storyteller as evidenced by the fact I not only read the first free book, but ran back to Amazon and purchased the second and third. I found some of the content rather disturbing but I will concede, it's very realistically portrayed. I was immediately drawn into this story by the two protagonists, Kayla Sutton and Gage Channing. These two characters were absolutely fascinating, completely mesmerizing and played off each other brilliantly. Wealthy businessman, Gage Channing is a sadist in the truest sense of the word, deriving sexual pleasure from the pain and punishment of others and more specifically Kayla Sutton, his personal assistant. The cast includes several other very intriguing characters, all of whom are pivotal to the story. These characters are dark, complex and engaging but the author does an exceptional job of building and developing each player perfectly. And just when you think you have an understanding of both them and their nature - WHAM - the author blows your mind with another revelation. I was glued to my seat, gasping for my next breath with my heart hammering in my chest, and turning the pages so fast, my Kindle couldn't keep up! I hated it...I loved it...I abhorred it...I was enthralled by it...I was sickened by it...I was fascinated by it. I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall....but couldn't stop reading it! Please allow me to make something perfectly clear, this is not just erotica but so much more. It is an erotic romance with a hypnotic underlying story of heartache and pain featuring a very complex and psychologically damaged cast of players. They are quite simply magnificent. The story is enthralling, spellbinding, addictive, suspenseful and erotic. The dialogue is shocking, seductive, exceptionally well executed and flowed effortlessly. The entire narrative is beautifully written in the first person from the perspective of Kayla Sutton, a beautiful twenty eight year old divorcee and single mother with a very painful and troubled past who has a three old daughter named Eve suffering from a life threatening illness. All the traditional treatments have failed and Eve is in desperate need of a costly experimental treatment not covered by insurance which forces Kayla to resort to the theft of company funds in order to pay for her daughter's treatment expenses. Her crime is discovered by her boss, Gage Channing, owner of Channing Enterprises. Gage confronts Kayla with evidence of her crime but rather than report her to the police, he offers her a deal...sign a six week contract to become his sexual slave or go to jail. In Gage Channings's eyes, he's offering Kayla a deal, a choice, but in reality he's a master manipulator who has been searching for a way to blackmail Kayla into becoming his willing submissive and sex slave. Unfortunately, neither Kayla nor Gage expected to be completely drawn in by their explosive yet undeniable attraction to each other and neither planned to ever fall in love. Is it possible to fall in love with someone you hate? And is it possible to truly love someone yet desire to punish and hurt them? Nothing in this story is as it seems. There is so much more at play that is carefully, masterfully and skillfully revealed over the course of the three books. And OMG! I could not stop reading it! I cried! I sobbed! I screamed profanities and shook my fists in anger! And several times, I wanted to throttle the characters and throw my Kindle at the wall but isn't that what entertainment actually is? Engaging with the characters, empathizing with them and becoming so caught up in the story itself that you lose track of time? That's exactly what happened to me when I read this story. So in reviewing this book, I ask myself, what did I love about this story? Pretty much everything, even the parts that were hard to read! What didn't I like? Again, some of the scenes were almost too painful to read but I couldn't stop, I had to continue. I had to know what happened! Would I recommend this book? You bet and I am but only to adult readers! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! As I said, I've already purchased the second and third book. And I'm sure I'll be reading many more books from this author in the future! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!

***I'm not a professional reviewer but I do know what I like, what love and what I don't and I loved this story. And if I truly love a story, I give it five stars. This is only my opinion with my review being based on not only on my enjoyment of this book but also on its exceptional presentation and craftsmanship.

[Julie Read Our Lips! Book Review Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually take a week or so after I read a book to write a review. This gives me time to calm down from either the high or low the end of a book just left me in. This is really important for me to do because sometimes a book ending affects me so much, I forget to look at the entire book reflectively and relate its good points even though some elements I loved/hated might not necessarily mean all readers will react the same way. So, I try to be as diplomatic as possible.

Well, throw this out the window because let me tell you that I just literally finished reading the last page of The Devil’s Salvation by Gemma James (GJ). At this point I’m not going in soft and warn you about this book’s dark BDSM themes and how it might not appeal to you yada yada *record scratch* Instead I’m going to order you to drop whatever you’re reading and pick up The Devil’s Kiss Series by Gemma James! LOL

If you’ve followed my reviews for the past books in the series: Ultimatum, Enslaved, and Retribution you’ve known I absolutely loved every page of this book series. As you know, Fellow Readers, there isn’t anything I enjoy more than a love triangle! And mix it with erotica and BDSM? *faints* I gave 5 Kisses to almost all of GJ’s books except for the last one, Retribution which I gave 4.5 Kisses.

The reason for this was because the ending of Retribution was written in a way where you couldn’t tell who the female lead ended up with. At first, I honestly felt deprived by GJ, but as time went on I really saw what a genius move this was! I mean what a great way not to disappoint one team vs. another of your fans. Every reader can fill in his/her fave character to be the HEA couple at the end.

And yet, I still wanted MORE!!! I just love this series and wanted to know what came next. I had the pleasure of speaking with the author via email and I was over the moon when she hinted it was possible she might continue with the series.

So, you can imagine the cartwheels I did when I got word GJ wrote another installment to this series (which I’m not labeling the end because I never want this series to end!!! LOL)

The Devil’s Salvation literally picks up right where the previous book, Retribution, ended. Kayla has left both men and has chosen to be alone, relocating as far as her car took her. It’s a year later and she’s settled and working as a waitress. Then her world gets turned upside down as a mystery man comes back into her life. Finally, the new book reveals who is the mystery man Kayla meets up with at the end of Retribution. Hold on to your seats . . . it’s Gage! *faints*

I must admit I was vying for him all the way as I’m totally drawn to dark, tormented heroes *fans self* In my mind, I squeed with delight imagining how we were going to get a last mind blowing sex scene from GJ that was going to permanently leave my toes up in a curled position as only GJ can write them LOL

But The Devil’s Salvation is so much more than that. Just when you think we’re going to see Kayla and Gage’s ride off into the sunset, wouldn’t you know it – Ian isn’t out of the running yet *flails*

But hold on, Fellow Readers. You know me, right? Remember my take on Butch from the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series? Yea, I’m a material girl living in the material world just like Madonna. So when I read Gage was fresh out of serving time in prison, I immediately thought he’d lost everything and he wouldn’t have the same allure as before. But wouldn’t you know it? Gage didn’t let a little prison time get him down. He’s still managed to keep a few clients and he’s got his plane, the cars, and the money to throw down with the best of them. You just can’t keep him down LOL

But that doesn’t stop his half-brother, Ian, from trying, though. Ian, right on Gage’s heels, shows up at Kayla’s new home as well. He and Gage argue, and an overwhelmed Kayla kicks Gage out.

Now alone with Kayla, Ian makes a last attempt to convince her to choose him over Gage and let him show her how things would be different. Ian promises to take her out on a date and be “normal,” but can Kayla do normal? For a whole year, she’s thought about no one but Gage and how he touched her, both in body and soul. After all she’s experienced with Gage, can she ever go back to being normal with Ian?

Sure Ian is a doctor and at first I thought Kayla would end up with him because he’d somehow cure the illness her daughter, Eve, suffered from, but Ian turned out to be useless in this aspect. Due to Gage’s money, Kayla was able to get the best experts on her daughter’s case and Eve was cured. So does Ian even have a leg to stand on with Kayla?

Just when you think Kayla’s going to dismiss him, she surprises us. Kayla thinks about Ian’s proposal and feels she owes it to herself to see to see if she can live out of Gage’s shadow and give Ian’s “good” love a chance. But not everything is as it seems. Ian is hiding something. Will the truth make her accept Ian, or will it lead her back to Gage?

In The Devil’s Salvation, new secrets will be revealed, roles will be reversed, and earth shattering, mind-blowing sex will take you on a journey that will change your perspective on love and submission. Trust me and get this book today, or if you haven’t yet, please pick up this series. You won’t be sorry!

[You can purchase Books 1 – 3 in one convenient bundle titled, The Devil’s Kiss Trilogy.]

The Devil’s Salvation features:

erotic themes
bdsm
whipping
backdoor play
nipple play
spanking
alpha male
abuse themes
angst
cheating
masturbation
oral sex
torture
romance

http://readourlipsblog.blogspot.com/2...

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why did I read this? Why did I think it would get better or that Gage would become redeemable in any way?

To be fair the author states The Devil’s Kiss series is a dark romance with a BDSM edge that does not conform to safe, sane, and consensual practices. She isn’t kidding.

Gage claims to love Kayla but doesn’t respect her, her boundaries or her limits. He just takes and takes and expects her to bend. This relationship is beyond toxic and unhealthy. I kept waiting for Gage to change and recognize that trust has to exist for true submission. Instead he just beat her, punished her and pushed beyond her limits to exert his control.

[Amanda Marie ❤'s Reading]

Not rating due to personal issues with content/triggers, but I will review.

I am not thrilled with how this book unfolded. I wanted Ian to be the man at the end of book one. Gage is no good- I don't like him with Kayla. He can't stop himself from hurting her. Mostly because he LIKES it.

Gage's behavior toward Kayla in this book is abhorrent. He is not redeemable in my eyes, and I am still not rooting for this "relationship." I feel more strongly about this now than I did during the first book. There is something really wrong with Gage, and he probably shouldn't be in a relationship at all, at least not with Kayla. If he was previously able to partake in his dark tastes only with willing women then he should probably revisit that rather than forcing Kayla into his life. Hurting her. Giving her tender moments, then being unimaginably cruel. I get being forgiving, but Kayla is coming across as a doormat at this point. I got tears in my eyes at his treatment of her in one of the darkest scenes of this book. That is something that I would never forgive- not in a hundred years of apologies. She forgave him pretty much immediately, even though he continued to be an a$s to her, treating her like garbage when he should have been groveling like a champ every single day.

I can't with Gage. I am moving on to the next book because SURELY this insanity either stops, or improves. It has to. I need it to.


Triggers: non-consensual BDSM practice, dub-con, kidnapping, physical/sexual/emotional abuse of h by the H.

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[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh , it kept me going. But Im not in love to read the next one.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being generously gifted an ARC for review, I put all others aside and spent one amazing (and thankfully long) night with Gage and Kayla!

Oh, where do I start!? The Devil's Kiss trilogy stayed with me...Gage and Kayla have burrowed their way deep into my heart. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and I DEVOURED it in one sitting. One rather long sitting with some breaks for snacks and coffee. :) I was happily dragged my groggy ass out of bed on very few hours of sleep and headed to the office with a smile on my face and a lilt to my step.

The Devil's Salvation is the Epilogue to this amazing story. Gage has found Kayla and he is NOT taking no for an answer. Ian has found Kayla and he's hoping to prove himself more worthy of her heart than his "evil" (but oh so incredibly hot) brother. The battle for Kayla's heart intensifies, and the stakes are so much higher for Kayla.

Gage has changed so much over the last year. Where he was once so hard edged and cold with only a glimpse of the possible caring side; he now feels to be trying so hard to be caring with the perfect dose of edge. He's willing to make some changes until his jealousy takes hold of his imagination....

Can Kayla endure the mercurial Mr. Channing? Oh, how her heart yearns to love this man and be loved by him! And I was right there with her...Gage was completely infuriating, but amazing at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed being a spectator in this thrilling series, and I feel that this Epilogue tied up so many of the loose ends beautifully. Kayla finally admitted to herself the feelings and truths that she fought to bury. It was sweet watching her come into her own.

The dynamics have changed a lot in the Epilogue making for an extremely exciting finish to this epic tale. I was a little unsure of how much I'd enjoy this new Gage, and I was beyond thrilled when his usual devil persona came bursting back through to steal my breath before he turned into this new version of his sexy self.

If you haven't found your way to the devil's lair, you simply must follow the trail of tears, fall to your knees, accept the ball gag, and enjoy the ride.

[⚡Emily⚡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Gage in book 1 but he is a bipolar psycho in this one. Jesus.

Kayla annoyed the motha f'ing F out of me in this book - this guy is basically telling you that you can't have friends UNLESS HE APPROVES THEM and you can't talk to a male unless absolutely necessary but all of a sudden you are in love with him. Are you ok? Come on - run for the hills girl!! Have some self respect for yourself. She can't give her opinion unless it's the same as his or he punishes her for going against him - she's basically being locked in a cage and becoming the perfect submissive doll for Gage and she's not allowed to be herself, ever. Spew.

Can someone explain to me HOW Gage is different from her abusive ex-husband Rick? There are too many similarities to count.

Poor Ian, I still love that man. #sorrynotsorry

There wasn't enough grovel for me in this whatsoever - so much shit happens to Kayla, the whole being pregnant and losing the baby for one, and she just gets over it in the next chapter. It gave me whiplash - 'I hate him, I love him, I can't be without him, I can't put Eve, my child, through being with him'. My head was fried.

Don't think I'm going to read the last two books because I just don't think I care enough.

I just want to say I LOVE insane, psychotic anti-heroes/villains - they are my absolute fave, and I love a really dark book. Nothing really fazes me - but Gage was just irredeemable for me and Kayla was too annoyingly weak and stupid.

I've just read something about Katherine and a big reveal in the next book (it's actually obvious now I think about it) and it makes me want to die; no thank u, goodbye. I hate that bish. Also something about Kayla and Ian which just makes no effing sense whatsoever. I'm so glad I didn't continue, I would have thrown myself out of a window.

[Elfina Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sucked in with the very first book ULTIMATUM and have been kept in that state with every released sequel. This story is a highly recommended read if you've already read the others!! Gage I absolutely hate and would have loved killing him outright. Ahhhh the man has such horrible issues! A psychiatrist would have a run for his money in curing. Maybe a full blown lobotomy is what the man needs, along with a padded cell!

Ivan as far as I'm concern got the shaft. With the two being brothers there is a very good chance he could have given Kayla exactly what she needed. There was genuine love between them that hadn't dissipated with time. So with respect, I felt the demise of their relationship and what they meant and still mean to one another was rushed. He's ten times the better man and should have gotten the happily ever after.

Saving my best for last, Kayla in my opinion was the true victim. Yes to a degree she enjoyed and craved some of the things that were done to her. However on the other hand there was allot of abuse she didn't want and was severely violated. I couldn't see a hundred percent forgiveness, not when trauma lurked in the back of her subconscious accompanied with PTSD. So when she forgave the monster I wanted to reach through then fine print and shake her asking the question I'm sure other readers will ask. Girl just what the hell are you thinking!!!!

All in all I loved the books, story line and plot! With that being said I could picture you doing another sequel, bringing back Ivan. Ohhhh god wouldn't there be hell to pay!!!!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I needed him to breathe, and my humiliation and submission were small prices to pay. My body would endure him, because without him it would petrify."

I am sitting here just a few hours after finishing THE DEVIL'S CLAIM and I am still in a state of WOWWWWW!!!! This second book in the spine tingling, The Devil's Kiss series, by the UBER talented Gemma James took my breath away; made my heart break; and made my toes curl.

A few times during this book, I wanted to scream at and punch Gage in the face and yet as the story progressed, I saw past the dominating and controlling man and saw what was beneath - the man with a tortured and painful past; the man with a heart and soul that loved Kayla deeply and completely. She was his world, as he was hers.

I loved this book because I got an insight into Gage's tortured past and I began to understand his motivations. And Kayla, just when she thought she had escaped Gage's hold on her, she was back in his life. Despite her initial hesitance, you could see her finally submitting willingly and fully to Gage. I felt that both characters grew and developed SO much in this book and I revelled in it. This book was PERFECT in its pacing, characters and story!! And let's just say Ms. James kept me at the edge of my seat with plenty of twists that I didn't see coming and left me gob smacked!! I can't wait to read the next book in this AMAZING series!! 5+ stars!!

[✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil’s Salvation begins where the prior book Retribution ended. Kayla has left relocated far away in order to be alone. To really enjoy this deliciously dark story, you must read the series first and I highly recommend it for a nicely dark and rough erotica story. I really love Gage and to say he is a brutal character is putting it mildly! The sex scenes between Gage and Kayla are really hot and erotic, even when they were difficult to read. The author has written an AMAZING character in Gage – I do think he has some redeeming qualities, Number #1 being that he is wonderful to Eve, Kayla’s young daughter, and shows a surprisingly tender side with her.

But this isn’t a simple erotic story, and it is not exactly a romance, either. The story is further complicated by the re-appearance of Ian and the question of whether Kayla will choose him over Gage. I know who I was rooting for from the beginning, but you will have to read The Devil’s Salvation to find out!

I LOVE how Kayla comes to accept her darker side, and I also absolutely loved the sex and submission scenes. They are wild! Be warned that there are some very difficult scenes to read but I highly recommend this book, and the series for all fans of dark romance. This is a thrilling ride and should NOT be missed!

(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this trilogy really good, riveting really. My main critiques are that these could have been amazing with a really good editor. I love books that jump right into things but this one jumped right into EVERYTHING right away every time. As a reader I could have used a little bit of courting and the experience could have been drawn out to make the anticipation build. But really, I feel that for this author as her experience strengthens and with a great editor - her future works can be off the charts amazing. Looking forward to more from her.