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Devil You Know
Logan Bane always knew he wasn’t good enough for Ella Perez.
He was just a confused kid in a bad neighborhood. Ella was smart and beautiful, brilliant and special. When she looked at him, it was like feeling the sun on his face for the first time. Then she left him behind for bigger and better things, and Logan promised himself he’d never let someone cut him so deep again.
Gabriella Perez couldn’t afford to stay.
Staying in the old neighborhood meant staying stuck, staying poor. A full scholarship and entry to a prestigious law school was her chance to escape. It meant a brighter future — but it also meant leaving behind the boy she’d loved her entire life.
Now, twenty years, a marriage, a child, and a divorce later, Gabriella is in trouble. Assigned to prosecute a high-high-profile mob case, she finds herself the target of Yakov Vistin, one of the Chicago Bratva’s most notorious mob bosses. Calling in the security firm owned by her old best friends, Hawk and Logan, Gabriella hopes to stay alive — and keep her son safe — long enough to put Vitsin behind bars.
There’s just one problem — protection means being in close quarters with Logan for the first time since high school.
When old passions ignite, they’re forced to answer painful questions about the past and ask new ones about the future. As the trial date nears, the threat against Gabriella hits too close to home. Soon there's only one way out, and Logan is forced to entertain the possibility that saving Gabriella's life may mean losing her forever.
He was just a confused kid in a bad neighborhood. Ella was smart and beautiful, brilliant and special. When she looked at him, it was like feeling the sun on his face for the first time. Then she left him behind for bigger and better things, and Logan promised himself he’d never let someone cut him so deep again.
Gabriella Perez couldn’t afford to stay.
Staying in the old neighborhood meant staying stuck, staying poor. A full scholarship and entry to a prestigious law school was her chance to escape. It meant a brighter future — but it also meant leaving behind the boy she’d loved her entire life.
Now, twenty years, a marriage, a child, and a divorce later, Gabriella is in trouble. Assigned to prosecute a high-high-profile mob case, she finds herself the target of Yakov Vistin, one of the Chicago Bratva’s most notorious mob bosses. Calling in the security firm owned by her old best friends, Hawk and Logan, Gabriella hopes to stay alive — and keep her son safe — long enough to put Vitsin behind bars.
There’s just one problem — protection means being in close quarters with Logan for the first time since high school.
When old passions ignite, they’re forced to answer painful questions about the past and ask new ones about the future. As the trial date nears, the threat against Gabriella hits too close to home. Soon there's only one way out, and Logan is forced to entertain the possibility that saving Gabriella's life may mean losing her forever.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
256 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Michelle St. James
116 books584 followersMichelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 10, 2021
5 STARS for the Devil You Know by Michelle St James
An Advanced Reader Copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
20 years is a long time to have loved and lost someone that’s for sure ! I absolutely loved Gabriella and Logan’s story. Devil You Know can be read as a standalone and does end with a happily ever after.
This is a suspense romance with mafia flavor as well where the main storyline has Gabriella preparing to prosecute a very high profile mafia case only to have her life and that of her son Leo’s threatened. Logan has been lonely in his life in California and what is missing is his love for both Ella and Leo to become a family. The fear of the future is holding both Ella and Logan back for their own reasons mostly due to hurt and loss based in their pasts.
Second chance romance is one of my favorite genres something that very much plays into real life for all of us. Ms St James does a great job reminding us that life is all about taking a chance on anything where you can find real happiness.
Such a good read ! Highly recommend this author and series.
An Advanced Reader Copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
20 years is a long time to have loved and lost someone that’s for sure ! I absolutely loved Gabriella and Logan’s story. Devil You Know can be read as a standalone and does end with a happily ever after.
This is a suspense romance with mafia flavor as well where the main storyline has Gabriella preparing to prosecute a very high profile mafia case only to have her life and that of her son Leo’s threatened. Logan has been lonely in his life in California and what is missing is his love for both Ella and Leo to become a family. The fear of the future is holding both Ella and Logan back for their own reasons mostly due to hurt and loss based in their pasts.
Second chance romance is one of my favorite genres something that very much plays into real life for all of us. Ms St James does a great job reminding us that life is all about taking a chance on anything where you can find real happiness.
Such a good read ! Highly recommend this author and series.
September 9, 2021
Twenty years ago Logan Bane and his two best friends, Hawk and Ella, made plans for a future together, but then Ella left town to never return. Gabriella Perez and her son is in danger from the bratva and the only people she trusts to keep them safe is Hawk and Logan from Imperium. To do his work and be professional Logan must keep his emotions buried and not let all the hurt and resentment surface. Gabriella is grateful for the protection, but nothing is getting in her way to prosecute one of the bratva for murder. From the very beginning you get sucked into this captivating read about a second chance at love, wrapped in suspense, action, tension and sizzling chemistry between Logan and Gabriella. Great story!
September 7, 2021
I loved the characters, even some of the people were a part of the bratva. There were characters that I remember not only from the firs book of the series, but from a couple books before. This is a love story. Even though they were in love years ago, when they were young, that love continued although they lived separate lives. When Gabriella gets in trouble with the Russian mob, Logan is the one who is dispatched to
to Chicago to make sure she and he son, Leo are kept safe. They find that they still have a strong emotional tie. Out of his love for her and wanting to keep her and her son safe he comes up with a plan hat will keep them safe for the rest of their lives. The problem is he doesn't know if Gabriella will go for it or if it might drive her away for ever.
to Chicago to make sure she and he son, Leo are kept safe. They find that they still have a strong emotional tie. Out of his love for her and wanting to keep her and her son safe he comes up with a plan hat will keep them safe for the rest of their lives. The problem is he doesn't know if Gabriella will go for it or if it might drive her away for ever.
September 5, 2021
Gabriella Perez is a prosecutor who is working a high mod profile case. She turns to an old friend Hawk who owns Imperium Agency for protection for her & her son. They grew up together along with Logan who also is with Imperium. This was Gabriella’s last resort because she knows Imperium is the best agency for protecting her & her son. What she didn’t know was Logan was going to be the one on the job. Gabriella broke Logan heart years ago and she married had a son and ended up divorced. Will the sparks fly again between Gabriella and Logan and will he be able to protect Gabriella from Bratva who is trying to not have this case go to trial. Will the sparks fly between them being together again? Another great book written by Michelle St. James.
September 7, 2021
Michelle St James is always a winner for me. I love her character development, when you read her books you are transported. Logan and Elle had my interest from page one, but hey, she threw in Bratva to the equation and mafia is always a winner for me in any book. I am beyond excited that we clearly get to know Lyon in the next book and his introduction in this book really whet the appetite.
September 1, 2021
Another riveting book by Michelle St. James. This book will have you flipping pages quickly. So much testosterone from all the good-looking men from the Imperium Security Firm. They have been hired to protect Gabriella Perez and her young son from the Bratva, a notorious crime family, as she prepares to prosecute one of their men. Logan, one of the partners of Imperium, has a history with her and will protect her at all cost. I couldn't wait for the romance to rekindle. And it was definitely worth the wait. Michelle St. James writes with so much emotion, she lures you in page by page. And we get introduced to Lyonya from the Bratva, with some foreshadowing of a future romance. Don't miss this gripping story! Sizzling, Thrilling and Intense!!!
September 9, 2021
Michelle, I’m so glad you took the chance and wrote this first! What an amazing story of two lost loves who have to fight against all odds to find their true happiness. Logan and Ella together was like coming home to mammas house, it’s was all the feels!
P.S. Bea needs her own story! Her whit is something else!
P.S. Bea needs her own story! Her whit is something else!
September 4, 2021
Love this follow on book and hearing Logan’s story with his childhood sweetheart. So many emotions alongside a threat against her and her sons life. Great book and really looking forward to the next one
September 2, 2021
Gabriella and her son need protection from the Bratva. Logan from
Imperium Security has known her from childhood and vows to protect her.
Another exciting instalment to the Imperium Saga.
Imperium Security has known her from childhood and vows to protect her.
Another exciting instalment to the Imperium Saga.
September 1, 2021
This was an exciting romantic and sexy read
May 17, 2022
My favorite books are romance-suspense so I was looking forward to this novel which is a lot shorter than the specified 282 pages.
I wonder whether I read the same book seeing all those five star reviews. I admit it is a nice second chance romance but the suspence/crime part is done badly.
Logan is part owner of "the best of the best" security firms in the US, childhood friend of Gabriella who needs a bodyguard while preparing for a mafia trial. Logan and some employees go to Chicago to check her home and daily routines for security holes while the LA team does background checks.
So far I have no complaints, but then the "best of the best" behave truly amateurish:
Usually security companies have female employees especially for children, that way they blend in and can easily accompany female or young subjects even to restrooms.
My second complaint is
A good editor would improve the reading experience, there were many wrong or misspelled words, the use of commas was randomly. The book is shorter than the advertised 352 pages.
I wonder whether I read the same book seeing all those five star reviews. I admit it is a nice second chance romance but the suspence/crime part is done badly.
Logan is part owner of "the best of the best" security firms in the US, childhood friend of Gabriella who needs a bodyguard while preparing for a mafia trial. Logan and some employees go to Chicago to check her home and daily routines for security holes while the LA team does background checks.
So far I have no complaints, but then the "best of the best" behave truly amateurish:
Usually security companies have female employees especially for children, that way they blend in and can easily accompany female or young subjects even to restrooms.
My second complaint is
A good editor would improve the reading experience, there were many wrong or misspelled words, the use of commas was randomly. The book is shorter than the advertised 352 pages.
September 14, 2021
Continuing to love this series! After getting to know a little about Logan through his friendship with Hawk, I was excited to see what would happen to him and who he would end up with in this book, and Michelle did not disappoint! In childhood, Hawk and Logan were best friends with Ella, and as they grew up, Logan and Ella developed feelings for each other. When they graduated though, they both had different views of what their future would look like – Ella was determined to get out of her hometown while Logan was determined to stay and make it a better place. Decades later, Ella has been married and divorced with a child, and Logan works with Hawk and still pines for her, and when he finds out that her latest case has put her in danger, he drops everything to ensure her and her son’s safety. Reluctant to see Logan at first, as they spend time together, the feelings start to come back and they fall into the same way they did as kids, but when the threat is neutralized and she returns home, we aren’t sure if they will end up together. This was a great read that kept me on my feet trying to figure out what would happen, even including characters from another series which I enjoyed, and I was so happy how this book ended. I’m excited to see who is next in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 5, 2022
When Logan Bane takes the lead on a job to provide security for his ex, the past hits him like a gut punch. Gabriella Perez left her past behind to gain her independence but when Logan Bane shows up as the lead for her private security detail, everything is thrown off balance. When Logan and Ella’s world collide almost 20 years later, the stakes are extremely high. Ella and her son Leo’s lives are in danger and Logan has a glimpse of what his life could be missing. Ella is determined to hold on to her independent life but is she really fulfilled?
This is an angsty second chance story filled with danger involving the Russian mafia, some hot sexy fun times and a spunky little cougar nanny. Logan and Ella’s chemistry is undeniable but can they leave the past behind? How do they come out the other side unscathed? Another great story from Michelle
This is an angsty second chance story filled with danger involving the Russian mafia, some hot sexy fun times and a spunky little cougar nanny. Logan and Ella’s chemistry is undeniable but can they leave the past behind? How do they come out the other side unscathed? Another great story from Michelle
October 20, 2021
Very well written story and absolutely loved the characters. The right amount of suspense and tension to make you flip the pages faster.
Logan and Ella were sweetheart during high school. Ella moved away because she wanted different goals in life than Logan. Many years later they are reunited under not so ideal circumstances. But the passion is still there and so is a lurking danger.
I really loved Ella! I can identify with her…mother, hard worker, and tries to prioritize everything but realizes that something is missing. Logan is a sweetie and they are a good couple.
*I voluntarily accepted an advance reader copy for my honest review*
Logan and Ella were sweetheart during high school. Ella moved away because she wanted different goals in life than Logan. Many years later they are reunited under not so ideal circumstances. But the passion is still there and so is a lurking danger.
I really loved Ella! I can identify with her…mother, hard worker, and tries to prioritize everything but realizes that something is missing. Logan is a sweetie and they are a good couple.
*I voluntarily accepted an advance reader copy for my honest review*
May 17, 2022
Surprise!
I didn’t know that I’ll love this book, but surprise surprise. I am a sucker for second chance romance. This one especially was twenty years long. Logan has never forgotten Ella, his soul mate. No serious relationship, am guessing not many casual ones either. A chance to protect her and the son was too good to pass up. Or a very real necessity. It became an emotional conundrum for the two former lovers. The dangerous aspect of prosecuting the Mafia makes the story very interesting.
All is well that ends well, even though it took twenty years. Our introduction to ‘the Lion’ is a clever thing. I’ll love to read his book.
I didn’t know that I’ll love this book, but surprise surprise. I am a sucker for second chance romance. This one especially was twenty years long. Logan has never forgotten Ella, his soul mate. No serious relationship, am guessing not many casual ones either. A chance to protect her and the son was too good to pass up. Or a very real necessity. It became an emotional conundrum for the two former lovers. The dangerous aspect of prosecuting the Mafia makes the story very interesting.
All is well that ends well, even though it took twenty years. Our introduction to ‘the Lion’ is a clever thing. I’ll love to read his book.
June 16, 2022
This was a great book, I loved it.
I like the struggle that the main FMC Ella goes through. She learns that sometimes other things are more important than status and work. I really could understand her emotional struggle to be better, to become much more than what her past had pegged her to be. Sometimes keeping the past close rather than letting it go is not a great thing.
Logan finds himself struggling to keep her at a distance, the one he let go of the first time. The one he didn't try to fight for because he was too scared of changes. This time around he fights to win her back. To keep her with him.
I like the struggle that the main FMC Ella goes through. She learns that sometimes other things are more important than status and work. I really could understand her emotional struggle to be better, to become much more than what her past had pegged her to be. Sometimes keeping the past close rather than letting it go is not a great thing.
Logan finds himself struggling to keep her at a distance, the one he let go of the first time. The one he didn't try to fight for because he was too scared of changes. This time around he fights to win her back. To keep her with him.
June 16, 2022
Three youngsters who where born and raised on the wrong side of the tracks. The 2 boys decided to stay and make good. The girl decided to leave and never look back. Now, 20 years later, they have all succeeded but Ella and Logan sacrificed their love. Will they have a second chance?
A nice and carefree read. Agreed, no special twists or turns in the plot but the chemistry between Logan and Ella made up for this. Ella‘s son and nanny as well as other subcharacters supported the storyline nicely.
All in all a nice and entertaining read.
A nice and carefree read. Agreed, no special twists or turns in the plot but the chemistry between Logan and Ella made up for this. Ella‘s son and nanny as well as other subcharacters supported the storyline nicely.
All in all a nice and entertaining read.
June 18, 2022
A Chicago attorney in the prosecutors office, Ella is prosecuting the biggest case in her life. It’s against a mobster who supposedly killed a man. When she gets little “ warnings” she calls a childhood friend. Hawk and Logan own a security business. Logan and Ella were childhood sweethearts until she leaves for college. Logan never thought he was good enough for her but he’ll protect Ella and her son, with his life.
Great story. Just too many point of views for me. Action. Sex. Will keep you on the edge of your seat. Second chance at love.
Great story. Just too many point of views for me. Action. Sex. Will keep you on the edge of your seat. Second chance at love.
June 28, 2022
Michelle St. James does it again! What a wonderful story of first love lost and found again. She really brought the story home for anyone who wonders what it would be like with your first love: dealing with all the pain, heartache, and regret, and finding that love again. I love that she brings in characters from other storylines to make all her books tie together. She includes just enough to tell you who these characters are even if you haven’t read the other books. Looking forward to what she writes next!
September 1, 2021
Gabriella Perez turns to Imperium for protection against Bratva. Logan Bane takes on the task of protecting Gabriella, his childhood friend and love of his life, and her son. Neither has forgotten the past, but Gabriella realizes she still has feelings for Logan. Will their second chance at love and being together survive despite the threat from Bratva? Another great book from Michelle St James.
May 17, 2022
Loved ❤ it
I enjoyed reading this romance. It is a second chance romance. The characters I loved. Especially Gabrielle (Ellie) and Logan. I really loved her son Leo.
She works for the DA. She is working to put away someone from the Russian Bratva. Then trouble comes her way.
The chemistry between them is just as strong as it was almost 20 years ago.
Read it for yourself.
I enjoyed reading this romance. It is a second chance romance. The characters I loved. Especially Gabrielle (Ellie) and Logan. I really loved her son Leo.
She works for the DA. She is working to put away someone from the Russian Bratva. Then trouble comes her way.
The chemistry between them is just as strong as it was almost 20 years ago.
Read it for yourself.
May 19, 2022
This was an OK read for second chance romance. Lance and Gabrielle always loved each other. Both of them were stubborn. Bea and Leo were the ones that made Gabrielle think about something other than her career. Nathan seemed ok with Gabrielle having such a high profile case, why didn't he do it? It would have been good for his campaign.
April 13, 2023
An ending to a good story
I was waiting to hear HEA about Hawk and Laurel but, book to spoke if it briefly and moved. I felt the ending to book 1 was anticlimactic and could have touch it a little more. Gabriela and Logan story also had a lack luster ending, though I loved the characters. Michelle St James is noted for the steamy sex. This book was mussing that.
I was waiting to hear HEA about Hawk and Laurel but, book to spoke if it briefly and moved. I felt the ending to book 1 was anticlimactic and could have touch it a little more. Gabriela and Logan story also had a lack luster ending, though I loved the characters. Michelle St James is noted for the steamy sex. This book was mussing that.
May 18, 2022
Never too Late
This author is new to me and I’m glad I delved into this wonderful second chance story. I loved all of the characters, the story had a great mis of suspense, romance, angst, sorrow, and laughter. I will definitely read more from this author.
This author is new to me and I’m glad I delved into this wonderful second chance story. I loved all of the characters, the story had a great mis of suspense, romance, angst, sorrow, and laughter. I will definitely read more from this author.
June 4, 2022
Great story
This story has a lot of danger,action,suspense,and a little romance thrown in keeps you hanging on the edge until the very end hats off to this author looking forward to reading more books from her
This story has a lot of danger,action,suspense,and a little romance thrown in keeps you hanging on the edge until the very end hats off to this author looking forward to reading more books from her
September 8, 2025
it was a really great story. but what the heck happened with the ending? i mean it's the typical hea. but is seems rushed and felt like the author was heading for a dealine. there would have been more possible. 90% of the story top, 10% ending flop.
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December 26, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2021)! 🎁
February 21, 2022
This book was very underwhelming.
However, I am looking forward to Lyons book.
A couple of chapters, and I am drawn.
However, I am looking forward to Lyons book.
A couple of chapters, and I am drawn.
May 15, 2022
Imperium Book 2
First rate story and characters. I loved the suspense of the lawyer story and was enamored of the relationship between Ella, Logan, and Leo. Bea was a hoot!!
First rate story and characters. I loved the suspense of the lawyer story and was enamored of the relationship between Ella, Logan, and Leo. Bea was a hoot!!
May 16, 2022
Devil You Know
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh and cry. There was just a little bit too much graphic sex in it for me.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh and cry. There was just a little bit too much graphic sex in it for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews