Devon Harper isn't just an agent of the Safeguard Systems private security firm, he's also a cambion, the half-breed offspring of an incubus and a human. While on the trail of Porter, a dangerous summoner, Devon's own demonic birthright betrays him to a warding spell and he's captured, leaving his sometime partner Rio to step in and save the day. Unfortunately, their quarry is well away by the time Devon is freed. If they don't catch him fast, Porter could once again vanish overseas and out of their reach.
As the two men begin their search, the urgency of their mission can't quite distract Devon from the growing affection he feels for Rio—the one person whose calm nature seems to quiet his restless spirit. Their hunt leads them to a Seattle hotel, but Devon is captured and Porter almost killed as the demon who has been pulling his strings springs his ultimate trap. He's got plans for Devon, and unless Rio is willing to risk everything by revealing his own hidden nature to stop him, he may have found a way to become the most powerful incubus to ever walk the Earth.
Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
It's probably me but the story did nothing for me. It isn't bad and I still kind of curious about this world where demons and angels impact human lives, mainly through their offsprings. To a certain degree I liked how incubi are shown, which seems to be quite often a difficult task in other books by other authors, but what I liked on one hand is on the other hand also the reason why I couldn't really believe in the HEA, at least not the forever kind of love.
At the end it was enough to keep me curious enough to tag along but not enough to keep me engaged. It does as a pastime, nothing more, nothing less. Cari Z can do better than in this early piece from 2012.
Apologies to Cari Z for not being in the headspace to write a meaningful review for this immersive, entertaining, dark(ish), suspenseful story. I was captivated, intrigued and on the edge of my seat from start to finish. As far as I’m concerned, this is quintessential Cari Z with great world building and thoughtfully crafted character interaction and development.
This books gets right to the action from the first chapter. It’s not a slow burn, it’s an inferno. I was hooked from the start and found Rio and Devon wonderful characters. I hope there is more books coming!
I really hope there are more books forthcoming in this series because I enjoyed the hell out of this book. The world was unique and the characters well written. I had no trouble at all immersing myself in the story and it was hard for me to put down for any length of time. Well worth the price paid in my opinion and I eagerly await word of a sequel.
This book was unavailable for a while now but it was suddenly "revived" so while I was a bit worried it's going to be more on the erotica side (which I haven't been interested in reading lately) I was happily surprised this was a sweet romantic read with a lot of intriguing suspense and action. Our MCs worked great together even though they seem like total opposites (and in a way they are..) but it also what made their relationship so special.
Devon Harper and Rio Pagani both work for Safeguard Systems. It's a security company though they also deal with discarding demons and the cult they create around them. This time Devon is after Porter Grey a very powerful demon summoner whom the company have been hunting for years. He's finally in the US and it's time to get him. When his plans don't exactly go according to plan and his cover or rather his identity as half human-half incubus is revealed he is rescued by his favorite Safeguard's employee - Rio. Once together - they stay together and do their best to track and capture Porter who seem to be one step ahead of them.
Devon and Rio have known each other for a few years now and though they worked together on a few jobs and slept together - which isn't that surprising considering Devon's nature and his need for sexual interaction to use his powers - being together as a couple has never been on the table. Rio is immune to Devon's alluring powers which surprises Devon and while he enjoys seeing Rio acts from a REAL interest in him it's also a bit confusing as he isn't sure what he is seeing in him. Rio cares for Devon, it might not really be in his nature but with his care for his dog Maggie he isn't the soloist he presents himself to be. It's obvious from the beginning these two care about each other but the time spent together, especially when Devon's abilities are compromised, gives them an opportunity to build something new and special between them. It was simple and easy. warm and sexy as it was sweet and endearing.
The synopsis is quite revealing in this one. I say if you want to truly be on your toes skip it all together. What I've said here should be enough. There is also a mystery concerning who or rather WHAT Rio is. Everyone sort of guesses he's not human but (almost) no one has been around long enough to have actually MET someone like him. He has his reasons - good ones - to keep his identity hidden but when Devon's life is on the line he unleashed his power and fights for the man he has come to love.
While reading of Devon's dads they felt familiar so I stopped reading to find if I've already met them before and realized they actually DO have their own short novella "In All Your Ways". If you haven't read it I recommend you do. It's a bit of a spoiler to know who and what they are but I don't think it truly spoilers anything in the story itself.
I love the diversity in Cari's books. I never know what to expect and where her world building is going to take me each time. This was a wonderful read so I'm really happy Cari brought it back and allowed me to enjoy it.
Action, adventure, danger, cambions ( demon/human hybrid) and nephilim ( angel/human hybrids) this book had it all. Loved Devon, the cambion, who is so sweet despite being part incubis and needing sex for energy and using sex as a weapon. I also loved Rio, the powerful, skilled partner who always saves the day. They are a great couple together. I liked the secondary characters too such as Steven, whose assistance is key in saving the day. The story was great, plot literally explosive at times, and I loved the depth it provided in each of the characters past. I hope the author continues with this series!
Safeguards Systems is owned by Ronald and Elliana Mayhew. The goal is to go after demons, demon summoners and those who commit the most evil and illegal crimes.
Devon Harper is one of the demon hunter operatives. He is cambion, his charm and allure alone put’s him in some very interesting psychical situations. He’s the best at what he does but danger still surrounds him. He’s on assignment at the Pearly Gates club on the hunt for one of the most unique demon summoners and cambion creators, Porter Grey. He’s also up against guards and the owner of the club, Saint Peter. Devon is in a sticky situation, a Peach pit with a symbol is Devon’s downfall and it get’s him captured. Maria, Devon’s handler has to call in the posse to get Devon out of serious trouble.
Rio Pagani is one of the best protectors around. Maria calls him in to get Devon out of hot water. Rio is a giant of a man and does what no one else can. He goes in guns blazing and anything else he can use from his arsenal to save Devon. Devon is an open book and Rio knows what Devon needs to calm him. But no one really knows anything about Rio, he’s never shared anything about himself. Even though Rio seems cold at times he has a soft spot, especially for his dog Maggie.
Devon and Rio have known each other for a few years. They’ve worked on several ops together and at times have had a physical relationship. But Devons allure has does not effect Rio. Devon has hopes that maybe there could be more, someday, between him and Rio.
With the escape of Porter Grey, Devon and Rio run into all types of trouble. Finally, Grey in tracked down in Seattle. As the plan is put in motion to capture Grey, once again, Devon becomes trapped. Rio is beside himself, he doesn’t know what he can do. Will he have to reveal his personal secret in order to save Devon? What of Devon, as the the most evil demon will reveal secrets about Devons own life.
Cari Z brings a fast paced, action packed, angels and demons tale to the readers. There’s unexpected twists and turns kept me on edge. It’s well written and has many humorous and snarky moments. I like that it also has a touch of mystery as Rio and Devon both have secrets that surround them. Rios character was my favorite. I would have liked a more solid relationship between him and Devon. But I realize, it’s Devons nature as a cambion that get’s him involved with others.
With the two great characters of Rio and Devon, I liked the family connection that comes with this tale. Renard and Emile Harper, Devon’s two Dad’s. Devon’s step-siblings: Jaime, Chloe and Angelo. They all make Rio feel accepted. Steven Sorenson was also an interesting character.
I’ve read several of Cari Z’s novels before and “Dark Around the Edges” is just as exciting and entertaining. I’m always surprised with what she continues to bring to the readers.
My first meeting with Devon and Rio and it was filled with steamy moments, slow building affection, friendships and adventure that had nothing ordinary about them.
I loved the way the different characters was portrayed, the incubus, angels, demons, magic users, it was new and inventive and it made the book better. It doesn't hold back on the details when characters are possessed.
There's so many details I liked and I really want more of their story because this is at best a HFN.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Highly recommend reading. Didn't want it to end. I love the MC's. Opposites who fit together like yin and yang perfectly. Lots of action, keeping you throughly engaged gfe ed through out the story.
This book was everything I love in a story! Unique storyline, nasty demons and even a nephilim!! I truly enjoyed reading this story. Highly recommended
I loved the book but it feels unfinished. Maybe it's me but I need something tangible for an epilogue than what's been provided. I loved the concept, the writing and I want a real conclusion.