Sanctuary

RiffRaff Records #5

by L.P. Maxa

YOUR LOVE Evie James loves to read, gets great grades, and enjoys being a good daughter. But after two days at SMU, she learns the entire university is disgusted that she's not a rock princess. Never one to disappoint, and desperate to fit in, she reinvents herself and becomes the darling of her sorority, and the girl everyone wants to be. Except Evie needs a little help to keep up appearances. What started as a boost has turned into an out-of-control dependency. Does she care? Nah. Not even when the tattooed god of her dreams, Nick Barrens calls her on it. IS INKED ON MY SOUL Two years ago Nick Barrens fell hard for sweet, shy, gorgeous Evie James. When she reappears in his life, she's not the same Evie. This girl is in trouble, and Nick can't help but try to save her. Problem is, Evie doesn't want to be saved, or so she says. But Nick knows the girl he fell for is in there, and decides he'll move heaven and earth to support her as she finds her way back to normal, and back to him. 'Cause the one thing Nick won't do is lose Evie ever again.

Genres: New Adult, Music

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2018

About the author

I live in Austin, Texas with my husband, daughter, 3 rescue dogs, 1 cat, and one bunny (that doesn't seem to like us). I love reading romance novels as much as I love writing them. I feel like inspiration can come from anywhere; a song lyric, a quote, a weekend with friends. The tiniest things can spark amazing stories.

Reviews

[Alyssa Soliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanctuary is a great continuation of the Riff Raff series. This installment follows the story of Evie, Smith and Dylan's eldest daughter, and Nick the sinfully sexy snd sweet tattoo artist. Evie has lost herself to the rockstar persona she thinks she has to be and Nick is trying desperately to save her from herself and help her see that the way she was, just Evie, is all she ever needed to be. The parallels between this story and Smith and Dylan are striking and even a bit ironic. We see again just how blissfully unaware the parents are to all that is going on with the kids. though in their defense Evie is off the compound so it's even easier for her to hide her demons and keep her secrets. But by the end of Sanctuary we get the sense that the days of the parents being in the dark may be coming to an end soon. It's going to be very interesting to see how things will continue to play out for the rest of the Spawn.

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

That moment when you were not expecting a type of storyline but it is so damn good and relevant you can't put it down. That was my experience with Sanctuary. I had visions of something different for Evie story that when I started reading my mind was like, "What The HELL is she doing to me?". I had no say in the matter, just go with the flow and let the greatness and reflection guide me.

The dimensions were there, the realness, truths, destructions. It all fit. There was never a time where I would have added or changed anything about this story. Nick, Blue, Evie, Maky.... Even Collen had a role and it was written to perfection. You will understand, cheer, cry, and be engaged from beginning to end.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back with RiffRaff Records saga with Devils spawn story of Evie. Evie is off to college and feels homesick and alone and like no one likes her.
Enter Nicky (Nick).. Hot, tattoo artist and will become Evies personal savior many times through the book.
I loved Nick and I knew from the start he would be great for Evie.
I loved the storyline and how it was dealt with. It was a phenomenal page turner and I wanted to savor but devoured.
I love that the Devils Share guys are included ,as I miss them.
Great side characters and would love to see their story as well.

[Lori Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series. Nicky and Evie's story was loving, sexy and very emotional. I was drawn in to their journey and found myself routing for them. This was a very anticipated and relatable book for me. I loved catching up with everyone from previous books. I highly recommend that you read this book and the series.

[David T Saviage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy!

Another great book by L.P. Maxa. I loved the Devils Share books, but I think I enjoy the Riff Raff Records books even more about their kids. Record royalty, but they still have their problems. Sanctuary is Evie's story of trying to live up to the persona of being a rock star's kid at college. Fake friends, addiction, a sexy tatoo artist, and of course her Devil's Share family make Evie's story a worthy and fun read.

[Cori Mcgowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️ Nick

How could anyone not love Evie’s night in shining armor, Nick. I absolutely adored him and how much he loved Evie and wanted to protect her. Evie broke my heart with everything she went through. It was wonderful to see her come out the other side happy. I also loved seeing the guys finally catch on that their kids were always protecting each other and hiding everything from them. I know Jett’s story is next but I really want Crue and Avory’s story please!

[Michelle Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

They just keep getting better.

Evie and Nick's story was amazing. I loved the chance to get to know Evie, and Nick really is a tattooed god. This installment of devil's spawn brought Evie's struggles with addiction to light and we see Nick's fight to bring back the girl he fell in love with. An amazingly poignant story with the family I've come to love.

[Lanio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!!!

If you havent read from the start of the series.. DO IT!!!! Awesome series!!!
Evie had gotten a little off track because she wanted to be what people thought she should be! She lost hetalf. With help of Nick, she finds her way back!!!!
I cant wait for the next book!!!!

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This series just keeps getting more and more amazing…evie and Nicky have an amazing story together. The pressure that college students go through today just to fit in… dealing with substance abuse… Hopefully they will have someone like Nikki to realize and support them. Can’t wait for the next installment… I hope we see Collins end

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Nicky but for some reason I just didn't care for Evie. I guess the fact that when she thought she had to be someone else to be someone for me was a turnoff. I hate fake people and she never really turned the fake off until she was half way sober.
At least it appears that the parents are finally getting a clue that something was going on with the kids.

[S R H · Rating 5 out of 5]

All time favorite!!!

I was so fortunate to have gotten an advanced ARC copy of this book. It was so fabulous that I bought it too! I never wanted this book to end. It was very relatable. This is my favorite book so far!!! Everyone should read it! You'll love it!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait for #6

To date I think this is the most serious of the RiffRaff books. All of them do deal with serious issues and heartbreak, but this one deals with a whole lot more! And the parents are finally starting to get a clue lol.

[Laurel Nilsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick is the guy you want to meet and never let get away, but being the shy, quite girl that Evie is it takes her a while to work that out and once she does you will want Nick for yourself. I would give this book 10 stars if I could. Well worth reading.

[Brenda Kuhfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Love reading about the Devils spawn and all their challenges in life. What a life saver Nick is in this story! Swooning

[Sally Schrumpf Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

I think this is one of the best book of this whole series. I fell in love wibyth Nick, just for his dedication and love f or Evie.

[Donna Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aw Hah

Parents catching on look out Devil's Share! I'm telling you this is the best series I have ever read to date!

[Hanky Panky Reads Khrista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real life problems handled in a real way with amazing characters! Evie & Nicky

First, Nicky is that guy we (woman) wish we found when we went to college or entered the real world! He is the good guy we all want...the guy we want on our team. Nicky is an amazing man and I love him! What he does for Evie is beyond selfless. It is heartwarming and shows what a good man he is. #TeamNicky #ButWillAlwaysBeTeamCMoney

Second, Evie (Little Bird) what a beautiful broken girl. The realism LP Maxa brings to her stories is just perfections. The problems Evie faces are problems that A LOT of teenagers and young adults are facing and as a society we are talking about it enough. Love when books bring real life problems to light. Evie is fighting a battle and has the best team to behind her! As always when I finish these books I wish there was more. I'm excited to see her grow in the coming books and hopefully she finds who she really is and tells everyone else to f-off!

Then, last but not least the parents!!! "HELLO....is anyone home?!?" They finally are having a wake up call and I'm excited to see how this affects the younger spawn! Because I'm guessing they won't be able to get away with as much cramp as the older ones did! I'm glad to see the parents start to get in the game!!

Side Note - LP writes the BEST side characters EVER!!! Bleu is great! Sometimes I find myself excited to read the books to experience the new side characters! I have a love/hate relationship with them. Sometimes I wish they ALL got their owns books but at the same time it's great they stay as the amazing side kick! Love them all.
#Nicky #LittleBird #UsAgaisntTheWorld #DevilsSpawn #HighOnLife

[MoodyReaderHMB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanctuary is my favorite book out of all of L.P. Maxa books. It’s the story about Evie, Smith’s oldest daughter. She was the bookworm the quiet calm one. Evie went away to college in Dallas. Her first day people were whispering about her. Everyone was disappointed she was boring and not the fun rock princess. People wanted to use her for her name. She needed to get out and stumbled upon a tattoo shop and a tattooed god, Nicky. Nicky, tattooed her, bought her dinner, then had a one night stand. Waking up alone, disappointed and hurt he let Evie go. After two years of not seeing Evie, she stumbles back in his shop, but she has changed and not for the better, but Nicky determined to help her to be her sanctuary.

I can not describe how much I love this book. This is one of my top five favorite books ever. Evie was the good girl, sweet quiet one, and Maxa proves in this story they you always need to worry about the quiet ones. Nicky have mercy, he is sex on a stick. Yes he might be a tattooed god, but it’s his heart that wins you. He is the nice, caring, compassionate guy that has an old soul. He is a true white knight that keeps on fighting even though Evie doesn’t want him to. Their chemistry is hot together. You can actually feel like they were made for each other. This story focuses more on Evie being away from home so you don’t get to see much of the Devil’s Share clan, but don’t worry, they will be there at some point. I connected to this story on so many levels and it’s about as realistic as it comes to serious issues. I highly recommend you read this one.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attending college, Evie should be having the time of her life, but she’s not. According to her peers, she doesn’t fit the typical daughter of a rocker stereotype and is boring. In an attempt to fit into a mold that really isn’t her, sweet, vulnerable Evie succumbs to peer pressure and reinvents herself. In order to keep up with her whole new persona, she makes terrible choices which have lasting effects on her life and health. Thank goodness for Nicky, the wonderfully kind and caring tattoo artist. He sees her at her best and worst and really is her saving grace.

I loved this story, one which is very different from the others in this series, but nevertheless gritty and real. My heart broke a little for Evie, I wanted to hug her and make everything alright. There’s a great cast of supporting characters too and this author is amazing at writing about and creating families, especially the kind who are not actually related by blood. Beautifully heartbreaking at times, I’m so glad we got to read about Evie’s struggles and successes. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with these Devil’s Share kids, especially as it seems that the parents are about to have a huge wake up call. I can’t imagine that all the Devil’s Spawn are going to be overjoyed about their parents’ sudden interest in their goings on!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanctuary is book five in the riff raff records series. I devoured this book within an hour and was satisfied throughout. I liked that this book was a little different and had a slight edge to it than the others did. My heart ached for Evie. She started of as a quiet, reserved bookworm until other people’s expectations of her took their toll.
I loved Nick. I liked that even when Evie wasn’t nice to him, he stuck by her. His determination to help her was admirable.
I really liked Maykin. Although we didn’t get a whole lot of her, her realness was clear to see. I liked that she was a true friend to Evie, even if it took a while for Evie to see that.
I really hated Collin and wasn’t a fan of Chastity, I wanted to lock them both in a cupboard and throw away the key.
There are at least a handful of beautiful quotes in this story that I loved and wanted to add to this review. I wont add them because I do not want to spoil this story for anyone that is yet to read it.
I love that Smith has had his eyes open to the kid’s secret keeping. I like that he has decided to make a stand and I hope that we get more snippets of the parents in the next book.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a nice read. I cannot wait for more from this series.

[Megan Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy rockstar, I loved this book! We haven't heard much about Evie, and I'll admit I did think Avory and Crue's story would be next, but I loved this book! I loved how imperfect Evie was, how she struggled. Nick was just perfect, a definite new book boyfriend. He was sweet,funny, kind, caring. What more could you want?
I loved the drama of this book it felt so real. I also loved that finally, FINALLY the Devil's Share are stepping up. That was the one thing about this series that really bothered me, just how far the parents have fallen off.

The one thing, or two things really, that bugged me about this book was the editing, it seemed a bit rushed. There were more than a few mistakes in this book, which was not an ARC. Also, the use of the word like. I get Evie says it a lot, it fits her character, but it was overused for everyone else. Again, I think this comes back to editing. It's a small drawback, but something that really should've been fixed.

Still, I love this book. I love the Devil's Share and I love the Devil's Spawn.

[Brigid Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanctuary, the next book in the RiffRaff series, was everything I was hoping it would be. This book centers around Evie, daughter of Smith from the Devil's Share. Throughout this series Evie has been a bit of a mystery. She is away from the family compound and is off at college so we've only gotten little glimpses. While her parents think she's doing great and life, that couldn't be further from the truth. She has an addiction problem. Fortunately for her Nicky Barrens showed up, twice, in her life when she needed him the most. Nicky, the sexy tattoo artist god, is there for her in every way possible, even if Evie wasn't going to be happy with the decisions he made. Coming from a family with addiction, I commend L.P. Maxa on the way she handled and wrote this story, it was heartbreaking and beautiful, just like real life can be! While I did cry a few tears, there were also times that i laughed.....thank you Bleu, Nicky's best friend and fellow tattoo artist. He was hilarious!

[Linda 🖤 LB Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This.Freaking.Book!

Each and every Riffraff Records book leaves me with the feeling “Wow! Now This is my favorite book of the series!” I’ve loved each one and Sanctuary is no different. I fell completely in love with Evie and Nick’s story. It has a little bit of a different feel than the other books in the series and it is my absolute favorite!!

Evie dealt was so real problems that college kids go through. Some were hard to read about and when she finally confronted everything it was very raw and real. And the scenes with Smith were so emotional.

Nick met Evie right before her first day of college and before she changed into the rock and roll princess every one expected her to be. He’s one of kind. So kind and thoughtful when it came to Evie, yet super hot and sexy. The perfect package!

[Ceri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. I loved it! I say this about every DS or RR story i read but it’s the truth. I love Nick and Evie together, and Nicky is the guy all is girls want, he’s loyal, protective, selfless and loving
“It’s us against the world baby girl.” That line broke my heart a little bit...legitimately had tears on my cheeks and a lump in my throat when I read that. Evie is Smith’s child 110%, and I love how raw and hard hitting the storyline in this is. Lots of people go through what Evie did, and not many people talk about it.
And finally...the DS rents are clocking on to the secrets their kids are handling and going through. I can see the rest of the Spawns problems coming to light ASAP. Can’t wait to see how it’s all revealed. Amazing book! Cannot wait to read what’s next! Love LP’s writing as always!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book in this series. this one about sweet good girl Evie who goes away to college. lost and homesick she decides to get a tattoo, where she meets tattooist Nicky. connection is instant but she doesn't want anything beyond that night. She has her night with Nicky and then reinvents herself to become queen of her college, but not in a good way. she loses herself in fake friends and popping pills. fast forward two years where she goes back to get another tattoo, and this time Nicky doesn't let her go. He sees what she has become and decides he will help her because he intends to keep her. Their story is sweet, how patient and kind he is with her, allowing her to be strong enough to get help, to start finding herself. really fantastic...

[KFReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I loved Evie's story. Nick was so perfect for her. People make mistakes in life. Eviw tried to reinvent herself in college and ended up dependant on uppers and downers to get through her days and responsibilities, while attempting to be the rock princess everyone expected her to be.

When she first gets to college she meets Nick when he gives her a tatoo. He sees - and likes her for exactly who she is. But after their night together, he doesn't see her again for 2 years. And what he sees is not good. Evie is too thin and clearly high on something when she visits Nick for another tattoo. He sees what a mess she is and does what he has to do to help her recover.

I absolutely loved how the author dealt with this story. Fantastic read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

L. P Maxa sure can write an Amazing story and deliver such relatable, realistic characters you just fall in love with.
This is another extension to the Riff-raff series, here we discover Nicky and Evies story.
Dealing with addiction L. P Maxa wrote this difficult subject with so much realism and emotion, you felt every struggle in your bones.
I Absolutely, undeniably loved this book and adored the way Nick loved Evie regardless of her problems, he is just a dream.
This is one hell of a book which had me captured in its pages from the start and it didn't let go of my heart until the end.
A passionate, breathtaking, spectacular story that I highly recommend.

[Adilene Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just say LP Maxa bravo on tackling addiction in such a realistic way! I've worked with addicts so I'm extremely picky when I read about it but you were spot on! Evie's very relatable and Nick.. Damn Nick he is AMAZING! I loved them together, I think they are the perfect example that is vital to keep a hold on who you are as an individual when your in a relationship but sometimes your partner does influence you into someone better ❤

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEVOURED this book! Literally in a few hours!! Evie and Nicks story. I loved Nick from the beginning..tattooed and sweet..successful caring. I hope there’s a novella for Bleu and Maykin. I can’t wait for Crue’s story!

[Susan Nedrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved it. Nicky and Evie were the best. Very emotional but so worth it, can't wait for the next book in this saga.