Unable to continue living on the path her father created for her, Gigi Moretti does something she’s never done before. She takes a risk. When musician Maxwell Mitchell waltzes into an old diner in the early morning up to his elbows in secrets, he offers Gigi the perfect escape from the future she’s never wanted. It takes an over the top demand from her father and a shocking revelation from her fake fiancé to get her to pack her bags and ride shotgun on Max’s spontaneous tour across the country. With each mile they drive, Max and Gigi grow closer. Over shared hotel rooms and cheesy snacks, feelings erupt and change the status of their relationship. The deeper they fall, the closer Gigi gets to the truth… To Max’s devil side… The question why is Max hiding him from her?
The best place to find Lacey is with her nose in a book. She’s a sucker for a good love story and a happy ending that has her swooning. When she’s not obsessing over giving her own characters a happy ending, you can find her in the dance studio empowering young dancers and giving out tons of stickers. Thanks to her mother’s pizzeria, Lacey can make a delicious pizza. When she’s not putting on her dance shoes or inhaling a slice of pizza, she’s in front of her computer binge watching romantic comedies and penning stories with love so powerful, it’ll last a lifetime. As a recent graduate of Central Michigan University, Lacey intends to keep inspiring people through dance and lots and lots of words. She currently lives in Central Michigan surrounded by her family and unpredictable weather.
I wasn't instantly grabbed by this book. Was it the writing style, the dialogue I couldn't connect with due to my advanced years or maybe was it that my mood demanded more grit? I've tried, but I can't come up with a valid answer. However, not one to throw in the towel too soon, I did finally get to the point where I was invested in these characters, the plotline, the buried secrets & the fact that these two MC's made each other so happy. There isn't a lot of steam here, but that's ok, I was more interested in how Gigi would handle her demanding father, or how long it would take Max to spill "his beans" or that other issue hovering over them, how would that go over? Eventually all of this consumed me & I had to keep reading. I loved how this couple became friends, then a little more friendly. Not a fan of insta-love, they took their time & benefitted from it. With some great side characters, (loved Gigi's brother) and a pretty good plot, I enjoyed the story but would have liked a bit more angst & drama...but that's just me. This ends with a HEA & nice epilogue.
Devil Side is the fourth book in the Extraordinary series, but can be read as a standalone! Our main characters Max and Gia don't really know each other that well, but they're about to go on a road trip together that will definitely change both of their lives.
I was sucked into this story from the start. Lacey Dailey has a way with words that just won't let you go. I really felt for both Max and Gia and really wanted them to have their happily ever after. The dul POV really helped me enter this world easier. The mention of their best friends definitely made me curious about the previous book and I know I'll be checking them out.
Gia has had a very protected life and her father basically controls what she does. He's even decided the career path she'll take. After graduating (a year early at that), Gia is a bit lost. She can't imagine living the rest of her life as she is now. After one last thing that goes too far, Gia decides to change her life and go on a roadtrip. I really liked Gia. Even though her life was the way it was, she didn't just sit their and complain. I loved seeing her get stronger as she spent more and more time with Max. Gia took control of her life and I think it's amazing!
Max was definitely an interesting one. From what we know, he hasn't had an easy life. He doesn't "spill his beans" easily as Gia would say. Music is his life and he loves people giving meaning to his words. He has a lot going on and knows he'll never be in a relationship. That's just not for Max. My heart really broke for Max and I can't say too much, because I really think you need to read his story to find out more about his devil side. He was definitely everything I would've asked for in this story, including his devil side. I loved seeing him open himself up more and taking a chance on love and himself.
On top of the amazing characters, it was nice to see that their relationship took time. They didn't jump into anything after knowing each other for a couple of days. Gia and Max were best friends and that showed in everything. My favorite being the onesies for Gia and Max day. I think they needed each other more than they both expected and really brought out the best in the other. They brought a smile to my face.
I also really loved the side characters in this story. They really made this book and if I'm honest, I would love to see Renzo get a story. Devil Side will definitely be a story I won't forget!
This was my first time reading a story by this author. I fell in love with these young characters. Lacey created an entire world that pulsed with life and grew with each turn of the page. I am always fond of authors who do not shy away from serious topics in books. This one is no different. Gigi, or Gia, as she is called by Max is a soon to be college graduate. The problem she doesn’t want the life she was forced into. Max gives her an opportunity of a lifetime to help her find who she is. On this road trip of life she discovers her true self, and the meaning of unconditional love. I loved watching her grow as a young woman afraid of being locked in a cage to one spreading her wings and excelling at life. Max is a young man with passion seeping out of his pores. His desire to play music for the rest of his life. A chance encounter one night leaves him scared as he embarks on a journey to help Gia find who she is. Little did he know he’d find his true self along the way. All of the side characters play a crucial role in their lives. They add humor, heart, and understanding what makes our leads tic. Hopefully we will see some of their stories in the future. Overall I think this is a great coming of age story. The romantic scenes are fade to black, but that should not deter you from reading. This story is so much more than a romance read. The plots are closed up and we are only left wanting more for the future. I would definitely read Lacey again and cannot wait to see what she writes next.
I was sent a copy of Devil Side from Lacey Dailey to review honestly. Devil Side is the fourth novel in the Extraordinary series, but can be read as a standalone.
This is a novel about one guy… Max is destined to be a musician, however, Max isn't like most musicians out there. His sole purpose for writing and making music is simply because of the music. He's not in it for the glitz and glam.
and one girl... Gia has lived her life making everyone happy and always putting her wants and needs on the back burner. She's never been one to say no to her father so he continues to run her life for her. When is it enough though, when will she hit her breaking point and force herself to choose a path that is of her own.
My Thoughts:
Lacey Dailey is a new-to-me author and a fellow michigan girl! She reached out and DM’d me on Instagram wanting to know if I would like to read her novel. After reading the blurb I couldn’t say no. I was instantly intrigued.
I’m all for novels with road trip like vibes. I love the sense of freedom that flows across the pages. It reminds me of my childhood with my hand out the window as I surf the breeze. I always feel nostalgic while reading novels such as this one..
My heart felt for Max and his situation, and even though I found his ‘secret’ predictable, I was very intrigued by this man and his ‘Devil Side’. I’m going into this review spoiler free so If you want to know his ‘secret’ you’ll just have to pick up the novel and give it a read.
Throughout the novel I loved seeing Gia grow into the woman she wants to be rather than be the woman she has to be to please her father. I loved seeing her independence and her ability to help Max manage his career. The two make for a dynamic duo.
Now for the honesty and why I gave Devil Side a 3.5 Star rating. Devil Side was a great read, however, there were a few small issues I couldn’t look past. For instance, the use of the pet name ‘babe’ and ‘baby’ were used far to much. I didn’t know what to think about the first quarter of the book. It was a tad bit slow to start and I wasn’t quite sure what to think about the start of Max and Gia’s relationship. They were both a little closed off, but don’t let that deter you. After all the character introductions took place, it was understandable why these two are the way they are.
Overall, I did enjoy Devil Side by Lacey Dailey. A few chapters in and my interest was captured. I loved Max’s secret and everything that went along with it. I will definitely be looking for more books by Lacey Dailey for future reads. I’m looking forward to reading the first three books in the extraordinary series. I’m intrigued and need to know these characters stories!
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I’ve read books by Lacey before, but I don’t read blurbs, so I had no idea what to expect when I started this book and I was in for one wild, emotional, beautiful ride that I never wanted to end.
Gigi, or as Max likes to call her Gia, is unhappy with her life, she isn’t doing what she loves, but what her father deems is best for her, including an engagement to a man she doesn’t love. When Maxwell walks into her life and gives her the opportunity to take her life into her own hands and discover what she wants and do something for herself. Max is a mystery that Gia wants to solve. There is chemistry between these two and the more time they spend on the road the closer the become, minus Max’s secret.
I LOVED the friendship that Max and Gia formed at the start, everything felt so easy going and natural between them. They were each other’s support system. Watching the friendship bloom into something more of the course of the story was truly beautiful. There is just something about these two that will stick with you long after finishing the book. Random side note, I LOVED LOVED LOVED the bromance between Max and Renzo so much. It was instant between the two of them. I couldn’t get enough of them.
This story was unexpected. It took turns I didn’t expect and it made me insanely emotional. Devil Side is truly beautiful and something that we all have, though it may not always show. Max’s past made me want to jump in and hug him and Gia’s support of all sides of Max and his career is everything.
Devil Side is a MUST READ and it is one of my TOP BOOKS of 2020.
First off let me start by saying I was so NOT ready for Gia, Max and Aiden. Lacey completely blew me away with this story. I was enraptured from start to finish and even now days later I'm still thinking of these characters, their depth, their transformation, their love. I wanted to soak these characters in for as long as I could.
Gia has spent her entire life a meek, docile daughter. Like marionette her father pulls all of the strings in her life, what to wear, what to do, even who to marry.
Max is a passionate,carefree and lighthearted rising star in the music industry. On a whim, he offers Gia a chance to break her chains and set off of the path laid out for her. All Max has to do is keep one dark little secret away from her the entire duration of their trip.
And then there is Aiden, whom I absolutely adored. I wasn't sure if I wanted to hug or smack him. He's a protector, a hero and resilient soul. There is no way Max could have survived his traumatic childhood without him.
This story was emotional, beautiful and full of so much heart.
Lacey is a new author and Devil Side was the first book by her I have read and I am hooked. Will definitely be reading more by her. #1 fan spot is already taken but I am happily her #2 fan!
This book came as a surprise to me. I mean, when I bought it, I just read the blurb and thought, hmm, this is interesting. When I finally got to read it earlier this month, I know I've scored a gem!
Gia Moretti is sick and tired of her father's manipulation and control on her life. So when the opportunity comes for her to go cross country and spend days with someone she already knows, she immediately defies her father's wishes and hops on Max Mitchell's car. I love how determined and passionate Gia is with her newfound freedom and commitment to her friend, Max and his blossoming career as a musician. Even if she knew there's something Max is hiding from her.
I love how Max is different from all the other musicians I've come to know. His story is very much different, there's something sinister about his alter ego that makes me want to protect him at all cost. He lives in two different worlds, yet I love him for all that he is. I don't know how Lacey does it, but she always manage to hook me up in her world. Devil Side is an emotional, deep, beautiful and wonderful read.
First of all I'm so honoured for the acknowledgement at the end of your book, that truly means the world to me.
You've become an author I appreciate and respect so much in such a short span of time, but most of all a friend. I'm grateful to have beta read this book for you and continue to support your growing career. I love you and thank you for the small shout-out, it'll forever be one of my favourite moments! ❤️
Now ONTO THE REVIEW! DEVIL SIDE BABY, WHERE DO I START!?
Max and Gia you both are incredible characters and were treated with the careful consideration you deserve.
Gia has been forced into living a life shaped by her father. It's not the future she wants but she's been forced to keep her mouth shut for so long, it's not easy for her to speak up now. She's a strong character, that just needed her moment of freedom to let that strength power through.
So when Max, a blooming musician, stumbles upon her in a café late at night and offers her a chance at freedom. A chance to go on the road after their graduation to wherever, she can't help thinking about it.
The story is about an internal fight we all go through, trying to be the person everyone wants us to be while not truly letting the real us shine.
Max is an enigma, he's suave, sweet and caring but has this internal war of showing his other side. A side he's kept away from people forever.
When Gia breaks down his barriers, or more so gets him to spill his beans, he knows she won't ever hurt him and all the sides he carries.
I won't say much more but let you dive in and discover the reason why these characters deserve all the love!
It's a must read, with great character development showing how anyone can be loved and deserves the freedom to be themselves, sometimes it just takes time to find out who we really are.
Thank you to Lacey Dailey for the ARC and again that little acknowledgment. I can't wait for more readers to adore and love this books as much as I do!
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
“I love you.” I tell her, my hand braced against the nape of her neck. “I’m fucking drowning in you, Gia Maria. I slipped right into your pretty blue eyes, kidding myself when I said I was going for a swim. I’m drowning, and I don’t care to come back up for air.”
Was this one of the best books I’ve read in 2020? YES. A thousand times, yes. I would never want to ruin this book for anyone, so I won’t go into much detail in this review. I will be brief, but just know that if you read this book and want to discuss – I’m totally down!
Max and Gia meet in a coffee shop at the beginning of our book. They know of each other through mutual friends, but have never really sat down and talked. As they are getting to know each other, Gia shares her hardships with her family and life. Max decides to invite her on his summer road trip, hoping that she will want to get away with him and find herself. He’s drawn to her, attracted to her soul. After finding out that her parents have set her up to be married to a man she doesn’t love, Gia decides to run away and join Max on his road trip.
Max is a musician, and a very talented one at that. Gia decides to take on the role of his manager while they are on this road trip together and she books him a bunch of gigs. Max’s talent catches on and soon enough they are in Las Vegas and Max is preforming back to back shows. He gets signed by a record label and his career takes off. All while this is happening, he’s keeping a huge secret from Gia. Something so big that you will literally never guess what it is. It’s life changing. When Gia finds out about the secret, her response is everything. It is what makes her so perfect for Max. She doesn’t even realize how incredible of a human she really is. There are some major issues with Gia’s father, which cause some pretty large bumps along the way, but our couple does get their HEA.
Both of these characters have been through the ringer. Max specifically. Their connection and the love they share is heartbreakingly beautiful. READ THIS BOOK. Please. I’m very serious about this. I can’t even begin to explain to you how incredible this story is. The chapters from different POVs, the dialogue differences, the plot twists…I mean, it was simply perfect. That’s the only way I know how to describe how I feel about this book: utter perfection. Lacey Dailey is an exceptional author, if this book is any example of that. I hope she has more brilliant stories like this one because I’m about to one click all her work. Bravo. 5 stars!!!
Devil Side is one of those rare books that affect me so deeply that I have to stop and reflect before writing a review. It is in my top 10 reads of 2018!
Gigi Moretti appears to be a young woman who has her life together and knows exactly what she wants to do. However, no one sees the invisible chains that are holding her captive. Her father has control of the keys that will break them and set her free, but he won’t. He has controlled every aspect of her life…her education, her job, and now he has chosen a husband for her. She’s trapped and doesn’t know how to escape. When musician, Maxwell Mitchell, unknowingly gives her a chance at freedom, she takes it, spending the summer traveling with him.
Maxwell also has chains that bind him, his past. He has never allowed anyone to truly see who he is down deep in his soul. Gigi might just be that person to free him. As the two embark on a road trip together, they have no clue what lies ahead of them.
When you’re going to be given your relief for enduring a mountain of struggles, no one knows if the simple swing of a door could change everything, and I think that’s what makes us appreciate it when it happens.
Gigi is so strong, but she doesn’t realize it. At first glance, she might appear weak because she has allowed her father to dictate the path of her life. But, when I got to know her more deeply like Max, I discovered how strong she was. She carries everyone else’s burdens, always forgetting about herself. Max helps her find that strength and helps her learn to stand on her own two feet.
I am not exaggerating when I say that Max is the MOST COMPLEX character I have ever come across. He completely blew my mind. He, like Gigi, is a strong individual. Knowing what he endured and surviving it broke my heart in two. I was amazed that he wasn’t shattered into even more pieces. Gigi proved to him that someone could love and accept him.
It is because of their brokenness that their love is so special. It is strong, pure, and full of hope. Never has a couple deserved to have their own HEA.
When I read the synopsis of the book, I had no idea the direction Lacey Dailey was going to take me in. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all! It is by no means your typical romance; it’s so much more!
****Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews****
I had no idea what to expect from this book...and I was absolutely blown away! WOW - this author does such an incredible job of telling the story of Max and Gia and their complicated relationship. This book will break your heart and then put it back together again all while you are trying to wrap your head and heart around what just happened. It is funny, suspenseful, passionate, and will leave you speechless. What starts out as a fun and flirty friendship between Max & Gia slowly builds into a deep and emotional relationship that is so raw and real.
Max is a character who will stay with me for a long while. He is broken, confident, afraid to love, and believes the only way he can truly communicate is through his music. He is so protective of Gia, and tries so hard to convince himself that they are just friends, which is both admirable and heart-breaking. The chemistry between the two of them was apparent from their first interaction, and I fell in love with their easy banter and pull to each other immediately. They are quirky, down-to-earth, and have so much fun together - it was sooo sweet!
"I know now friend is too simple of a word to describe everything she is to me. She's my support. My voice of reason. The hand that stops the trembling and forces me steady. The smile that's had me wrecked since day one. The woman who wormed her way into my heart." SWOOOON!
Gia's fun-loving personality is just what Max needs, and she is so selfless that she does not even realize how much she is affecting Max and filling that empty space that he had. She is following a path that may potentially lead to breaking all ties with her family, and yet she continues to try and find herself and support Max knowing what she may possibly lose. She is smart, beautiful, determined, and provides the breath of fresh air that Max always needs. She never wavers with him and her feelings and loyalty to him gave me the goosebumps at times.
I am in awe that an author so new and young wrote this novel. It is bold, beautifully written, and the depths of the characters and subject matter are like nothing I have ever read. This story will stay with you for a long time after you finish. Well done Lacey Dailey! I am officially a fan!
I went into this book honestly not knowing what to expect. The blurb intrigued me and I had several thoughts on who Aiden was, but I can honestly say I was not expecting Aiden to be who he was. Dailey reveals the secret of Aiden early on. I loved that. As a reader, I felt omniscient and a little bit powerful. Despite knowing about Aiden, most of the characters did not. It was pretty fantastic.
Gigi has lived under her father’s oppressive thumb her entire life. She wants out and she wants to make her own choices. Max is a carefree musician with a sexy smile and an unmatched zest for life. When Gigi accepts an invitation to join Max on a summer-long road trip, they grow closer and slowly fall for one another. But Max is hiding something big that could threaten their happiness.
I am enamored with this book and the characters. The first few chapters, I wasn’t too sure, but it grew on me quickly and became a page turner I had trouble putting down. The author takes great care with her characters, developing them in measured increments just big enough to keep us hooked. I wanted to jump ahead, but I just couldn’t. I had a searing need to experience it all.
The book builds nicely, developing the characters of Max and Gigi and their relationship at the perfect pace. It all leads to a big climax at approximately 75%. Many books I've read reach this point and then rush to the finish line. There was no rush here, but it wasn't a leisurely stroll either. The final fourth of the book was yet another example of Lacey Dailey's writing. We are treated to resolutions and discoveries. Loose ends are tied up. Relationships change. It was a perfectly satisfying and sweet HEA with a really a nice epilogue that just made me so happy!
I am so thrilled to have discovered this new to me author and to have read this amazing book!
What I can mention is that Gigi has a story many young people with strict parents can relate to. She is trying her best, maybe even too much, to please her parents. As a reader you want her to break out of the golden cage, which is when Max appears. He´s cheeky, funny and confident; the good kind of a bad boy. They both meet in a restaurant & talk to each other since they have mutual friends. The conversation ends with Max offering Gigi to come with him and leave the expectations behind. He offers her the key to unlock the golden cage.
It takes her a little time and overbearing parents who want to force a life-changing decision on to her until she realizes that she has enough of the said cage. Gigi who once was so eager to please her parents sits in a car with a stranger who slowly turns her into the person she´s supposed to be: herself. By doing so, the reader realizes that throughout the story, it´s not just about her thriving into a confident woman, but also about Max who´s struggling with his devil side.
Here´s the only spoiler I will give away: Devil side is lovely! The only devious thing about it is Gia´s father.
Here´s to a story filled with funny moments, bittersweet honesty & most importantly a swoonworthy bad boy who´s not as broken as he thinks.
I was really surprised by this book. Lacey Dailey is a new author for me. I went in not thinking too much about it, but WOW, I LOVVVVED it. Gia and Max have been sort of friends/honorary bro and sis(but not really) through friends. The keep each other at a distance as far as not oversharing their lives. Gia is under pressure by her crazy father her whole life. Max has been through a really rough childhood. His inner battles of keeping people close enough but at arms length is quite sad. I understand why, but Max is so sweet, loving and sensitive. You really can't help but to fall in love with this guy. I really enjoyed them getting to know each other. Max is quite the complex yet understandable character. While I guessed Aiden coming into the story, I felt like I was there in that Gia moment. I really adored Max's parents so much. I really liked the supporting characters....well, except for Gia's father. Its only a few days into May, and I've read a quite a few books that I really enjoyed, but this one is really a favorite already. LOVVVVED IT!!! Would definitely recommend!!!!!
This review was copied from my romance novel review blog: Romantically Inclined Reviews (romanticallyinclinedreviews.blogspot.com).
Normally I read the blurb of a book before I read the book. Sometimes this backfires on me because the blurb gets me so anxious or worked up that I can’t bring myself to actually read the darn book. In this case, I didn’t bother looking up the blurb (mostly out of laziness) which meant that I went into Devil Side by Lacey Dailey completely blind. Probably for the best because now that I’ve read the blurb above (which I shortened slightly because I felt it gave away a little too much) I might have been too nervous to actually start.
Devil Side has a little bit of everything good in it. There’s a hot musician. A quirky girl. Overly controlling parents. Crazy friends. And, to even it all out, a butt load of personal problems. Something for everyone!
I found Author Lacey Dailey’s writing style to be rather unique, though it’s hard to explain why. It was fast-paced without feeling rushed, realistic without being boring, and funny in just the right ways. Each character truly got their own unique voice and personality, something that I feel can fall short in novels sometimes.
Gigi was a dynamic character. At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like her all that much (a little too brooding for my current tastes) but once she started opening up and becoming her true self—and I started to understand her better—I enjoyed her much more. I will admit that her unwillingness to stand up to her parents drove me a tiny bit insane, but I’ve never had to suffer through that, so I probably won’t relate as much as some readers will. As the book went on she really stepped out of her shell, put aside the Gigi her parents wanted her to be, and became her own wonderful person. It was really easy to see why Gigi was so drawn to Max. He’s an incredibly personable character with such a carefree attitude towards life that I actually felt calmer while I read his chapters (for the most part hint hint). Reading about a hero who is so upbeat is kind of rare in romance these days (at least the ones I read) which made Max all the more irresistible.
Their relationship progresses the way you would expect it to for two young people who have never truly been in a relationship before. There’s a lot of head over heels moments, passionate internal monologues, and too-cute-for-life scene between them, but honestly it’s not so over the top that you’re going to roll your eyes every two seconds.
This book is… different. It’s probably going to be unlike anything else you read. Those who follow my blogging know that I do spoiler-free reviews (at least of main plot points) and there’s really no way to accurately describe the huge plot twist in this book without spoiling it… so I’ll just say that there is a big plot twist and leave you wondering what it could be. If you need a shake up from the typical romance novel then you should give Devil Side a try.
this was my first book by this author & i went in blind. aside from a lot of errors, it took me a while to get into the book. overall, it was a cute story & had a good plot, it just didn’t draw me in like i hoped it would.
gia & max make a go of a spontaneous road trip together, leaving behind the entire future her overbearing father had planned out for her. luckily, max gives her the love, encouragement & support she always needed to find the confidence to stand on her own & use her own voice.
a cute story of acceptance, love, chasing your dreams, finding yourself, overcoming struggles & so much more.
This is my first book by this author. It was an incredible and very interesting read. I don't really want to say much because it would spoil the book and the big reveal. It was phenomenal.
Gigi Moretti , whose life is perfectly directed by her father couldn’t take the pressure anymore when she’s forced to get engaged with Benny. So she leaves the perfect life behind & goes with Maxwell Mitchell, a family friend, on his musical tour across the country. Max has a past which he has kept as a secret his whole life. Except his mothers no one knows about Aiden. Gigi really enjoys staying with Max on his journey and has taken the role of Manager for Max, books all the events for him & also maintains his twitter account. The more time they spend together, the deeper they fall and the closer she gets to the truth. Everything is perfect. And then she meets Aiden!! And it all changes.
Gigi is a sweet & caring girl and talented. Both Max & Aiden are equally good even though we get to know about Aiden towards the end of the story. Renzo, Gigi’s brother is also a cinnamon roll.
I really enjoyed reading this book. This book has everything from emerging talent, Destination search, love and beautiful relationships. Go for it!!