Dancing With The Devil

by Gayatri Ramchandran

Corvo:
They didn’t call me “The Raven” for no reason.
I’m known for being ruthless, lethal, and dangerously magnetic. I’m a shadow, the monster pirouetting in the dark. I’m feared yet loved by all, and the entire city surrenders to my name as I rule them with an iron fist.
People always look both ways before crossing me.
Until Bianca Romano turned my life into a storm with just a single glance.
She became mine to keep.
My obsession.
My beautiful temptation.
I broke my rules for her, but that doesn’t mean she can control me.
She’s staying, and she wants to play my game.
But I’ll show her exactly who’s in control.

Bianca :
They call him “The Raven.”
Legend has it that if you look at him, there’s no going back. But I bent my rules for him, and now I’m his, with no way out.
Corvo De La Rossi isn’t the monster he claims to be.
Because I know underneath that brutal exterior lies a lot of pain.
If he’s the monster, the beast in this fairytale, then I’m the beauty who will put back the broken, lost pieces of him-the one who will tame him.

340 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2022

About the author

Gayatri Ramchandran is a twenty-something Indian author who started writing since she discovered her passion and love for reading. Starting her writing journey on the digital platform, Wattpad, she completed her first full-length novel at the age of nineteen.
When Gayatri isn’t writing, she can be found in bookstores thinking about how to ransack the entire bookshelf, binge-watching some of her favorite Netflix T.V. shows, or relaxing by indulging her mind in a good book. Gayatri is a sucker for steamy and angsty romances, and loves writing about kick-ass heroines who have the innate potential to bring their alpha males, to their knees. She is also a big-time eighties, hair-metal nut- seriously, you should have a look at her playlist!
Gayatri is currently residing in Dubai where her imagination is forever running wild.

Reviews

[nikki]

Absolutely adored Corvo and Bianca and would def recommend this book! I'm so, so, so proud of my bestie Gayatri for writing this amazing story and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us❤️

*Thank you to Gayatri for providing me with an ARC❤️‍🔥

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am in a really, really awkward place reviewing this book. So, I'm just going to lay it on the table. I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. And often ARCs come to reviewers before they've had their final editing pass. So, it's not uncommon to find the occasional editing mishap. I'm used to that. We look over them. But Dancing With the Devil seemed to have come to me before it had any editing, despite releasing only days after I read it. The file I read was really quite rough. I would have DNFed it if I hadn't been committed to the review.

I normally wouldn't talk about this in a public review. It, of course, isn't pertinent to those purchasing or reading the book after it's had further editing. Presuming it does; we reviewers generally take it on faith that the books will get that additional, final pass. But I feel like I have to mention it here, because I'm not wholly able to disentangle how much of my dislike for the book was because of how unpleasant and uncomfortable it was to actually read and how much was not liking the actual story and writing style itself. Do you see my difficulty? I don't think I can fairly review it without including this note on a possible conflict.

At the end of the day, I gave this a 1-star. I might have been willing to grant it an extra star if I had a cleaner copy and knew some of the over-inflated dialogue was toned down and smoothed out. But I don't think it ever would have been a real winner. Raven talks in catch-phrases, monologues like a super villain pretty much constantly. The plot judders along inconsistently. I was never even wholly able to decide if Raven's demonic descriptions were meant to suggest he physically had a demonic form or was just poetic license, on the author's part. (So, I literally don't know if this is a paranormal or contemporary book AND I'VE FINISHED IT.)

All in all, the best I can maybe say for Gayatri R.'s Dancing With the Devil is that I finished it.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging first in series - however -
There were areas I wanted/needed more details, more background (I didn't quite get the connection with the characters that I desired)
More one-on-one interaction time between some of the characters
A longer build-up perhaps?
Everything happens pretty fast which is great for keeping me on edge, but a little harder for me to connect
Definitely desired more of their undeniable chemistry - Hades hot!

I did get a bit irritated with Bianca a few times. She was quick to (over)react and not always in a positive sense.

Corvo however, was a straight shooter. He bathed in his darkness and it suited him. Never denying who he was or what he wanted
He did make some concessions for his princess

Plenty of edge of your seat moments
Lots of crimson splatters
All bound by a tsunami of smexy

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corvo rules his city with hard and fast rules no one dares to break. Until Bianca, his enemy by birth, the woman he falls for. Theirs is a dramatic, suspenseful story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing with the Devil is so delightfully, dark and delicious! This retelling of Beauty and the Beast will have dark romance readers wanting to pick up a copy of this book for themselves. There is the strong intimate energy between Corvo and Bianca. You can feel the enemies to lovers vibe they were giving off to one another.

As much as I did really enjoy this book. I have to admit that it took me a few chapters to really gel with this book and become fully invested in Bianca and Corvo. However, once I was hooked, I would find myself reading multiple chapters at a time. I will not see Beauty and the Beast in the same way again but for good reason.

[Kiara M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is dark, raw, and full of suspense. I fell in love with Corvo from the very first page and absolutely adored Bianca. The story hooked me in from the start and I was on the edge of my seat till the very last. It was hot, consuming, and fast-paced, exactly what I needed. I absolutely loved the author's writing style and I am so proud of how far she has come.
So, if you're looking for a short, hot, fast-paced, enemies to lovers mafia romance THIS IS THE BOOK YOU SHOULD GO FOR!

[Whatishreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was my ftr from this author and I absolutely loved her writing style. This is a beautiful love story of Corvo and Bianca. I love Corvo despite him being an asshole to her in the beginning and she held her ground and put him in his place (she even punched him) which I loved the most. It was amazing to see them going from enemies to lovers. It was short book which I finished in one go. I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a fast paced enemies to lover mafia romance.


*ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion*

[BookedByHaf ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝙱𝚈 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙰𝚄𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝙰 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆
—
Gayatri is one of the new emerging indie authors who has successfully published two books this year. I've read her previous book (This Could Be Us) and I knew I had to sign myself for her future arcs. If this doesn't indicate towards her marvelous writing, there must be something wrong with you 😬

Dancing With The Devil, is loosely based off of the beauty and the beast retelling. Before diving into my honest review, one must pay attention to the trigger warning, because when I tell you it's dark, it really is! On this point onwards, DWTD is a dark romance story that compliments multiple tropes, you want an Alpha hero dominating over the whole city (Check), craving for some Enemies-to-lovers romance (Check) Queen Heroine (Check) Enemies daughter (Check) Alpha hero (Check). I could go on and on with the tropes. But this isn't even the best part of the story! 😭

Author Gayatri. R marveled in writing the most poetic story ever! A story built by words of melancholy, because there are just some stories who grab you by the throat only to consume itself in you. I remember reading this book twice in one month and never getting tired of it!

If talking about the characters then with all due respect, Corvo De La Rossi is mine. This is an open challenge for the ladies out there. With that being said, Corvo is one of those characters who could easily pass the word lethal. He's a silent, lurking devil that wouldn't roar like a monster, but he's a devil hidden in the shadows of his own ruling. He's the calm before the storm, a lightning bolt that strikes when least expected. I could write me a book regarding this man, fuck that, I could write a whole series about him. If talking about Bianca, I salute the author for making such a heroic character. Calling Bianca a queen seems mainstream and basic, something Bianca Romano isnt. When I started with the book, I instantly fell in love with Bianca because of how she pulled me towards her. The kind of personality blazing fire. I'm still shooketh on the fact by how Bianca has tamed the big, bad and brutal devil.

I'm just going to stop myself right now, because I could go on and on with my review. This book is amazing! The author has shown massive improvement from her previous book. And I urge readers to give this book a chance it deserves, you might as well thank me later. ❤️

[NefeliK · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC received for an honest review*

«He’s consuming the entirety of me. My soul. My heart. My entire body. I never knew darkness tasted so sweet.»

Dancing with the devil was a great first book by the author. Both characters, Bianca and Corvo were likeable and their story was great. The only thing I didn’t liked is how fast the plot developed. I needed more information, more moments of the couple and the book to be a little longer. The epilogue was really sweet

[Hiba Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the ARC for Dancing With The Devil back in July and I won’t lie I was in a bad reading slump from that time till now. I felt horrible because I wanted so badly to read this book and not being able to provide my review on time really sadden me. But I finally managed to start reading the first few chapters and I was hooked. I managed to read this almost in one sitting because it was fast paced which is something I don’t mind. Yes I agree that some things could have used more explaining but other then that I have no complaints. I actually enjoyed reading Corvo & Bianca’s story. The beauty and beast vibes are always my favorite so I definitely loved reading this book. I’m sad it took me this long but I’m so looking forward to what comes next in this series, especially with the way that epilogue ended. I definitely recommend you give this book a try.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the buildup of this story. Its Darkest, raw and hooks you in. This is definitely worth the time to read! Steaming Hot!

[Kristina Simkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book written by this author and I am so glad I did. Dancing with the Devil is an excellently written amazing page turner from beginning to end. This book is a dark beauty and the beast retelling with a mafia twist and it was so good that I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved Corvo aka Raven and Bianca’s story. They had there ups and downs at times of course but overall they showed us what it truly means to love someone for everything that they are. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves a more realistic feeling storyline.🖤

[Dana McKee NOLA504NERDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book from Gayatri and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was a very entertaining spin on dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Corvo is a strong leader as well as monstrously lethal. Feared by many, he’s a straight up alpha dominate hero. Bianca is just as strong and heroic. She gave Corvo a taste of his own medicine, and in doing so, captured his heart. This story is fast-paced and suspenseful. The story and character developments were exemplary. It was well-written and flowed smoothly from one chapter to the next, easily captivating me. I could not put it down! A definite MUST read for fans for dark romance or dark fairytale retellings. Thank you to DS Promotions for gifting me this exciting book in exchange for an honest review.

“If he’s the monster, the beast in this fairytale, then I’m the beauty who will put back the broken, lost pieces of him-the one who will tame him.”

5 Spicy Stars!
Nola504Nerds Blog

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This is the first book I have read by the author and was intrigued by the title and description. It is an interesting retelling of the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast. To all, Corvo is a “monster” and he rules with a tight fist. It is understandable considering what he went through as a child. Bianca is the daughter of Corvo’s enemy who has developed her strength as she ran away from her past. When the two come into contact, they make some startling realizations about each other which will have readers staying the course to see where their journey takes them. From page one, the reader can feel the harshness of Corvo’s world as the author uses vivid descriptions and imagery to convey the scene but, for me, it came across as too in your face and abrasive. As the chapters progressed, the flow of the storyline improved and moved a bit faster. Overall, this dark romance has some teeth and if you can make it through the first few chapters, it is an enjoyable read.

[aurelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Congratulations Gaya on your second release! 🤍

I enjoyed the story in general, but not too much to swoon so hard that my back breaks. I liked the slight similarities to Beauty and The Beast, and the mafia relations. (of course, we have to go there) plus the enemies to lovers and grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The story was fast paced; the plot unravels like BAM, BAM, BAM, which keeps you on the edge of your seat.

and although i enjoyed the world of DWTD, it’s the pacing that threw me off.

firstly, there’s nothing wrong with fast paced stories, but what disappointed me was how the story was promoted as a slow burn fairytale magic with steam and then it wasn’t. the steam and tension between characters were mild too.

secondly, i couldn’t connect with the characters in a deeper level. I empathized with their backstories, and that was it. I couldn’t feel the spark and chemistry, or the major point where Corvo realizes and accepts the truth that Bianca is not his enemy. There were areas I wished had more details and more background. I felt like a longer build-up between characters would’ve been better.

at the core, the story was promising.

but there were things that could have definitely been fixed before publishing. the flow of the writing was off at times, and some paragraphs sounded repetitive and were difficult to read. the action wasn’t as gripping.

i also wish there was more worldbuilding of Victoria’s Pearl, and mentions of how the crime family operates and its structure.

this is my honest review, and thank you for stopping by. 🤍

I’m still looking forward for the next books in the series and meeting all the new characters. 🤍

[Reading by Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything Bianca Romano knew had been a lie. Here mama's death hadn't been a suicide. She had been killed because of her papa. He had been enraged when her mama had discovered his secrets and his multiple affairs. The sounds of his slaps as they fought.

And then she finds out that she was nothing but an object...an object which he planned to promise her to a man even more despicable than him. Her face still stings and her mouth won't open properly from the slap Dino Berlusconi had given her after she had bitten him and slammed her fist in his nose. Before he could do more damage she had grabbed the gun on his desk pointed it at him and pulled the trigger.

She had killed the most feared man from the most feared crime family. A man her father had promised her to when she was a child. Now both her papa and the Berlusconi family were after her. She needed to leave. So she grabs a ticket to Victoria's Pearl and takes a seat on the train. A brand new life. A brand new identity.

Victoria pearl is Corvo De La Rossi's town. His kingdom. As long as you follow his rules you can enjoy life. He demands loyalty trust and respect....betrayal is not something he ignores. Gabriele Romano was one of those men. He had killed Corvo's parents eight years ago and now thought to steal from him. Now he is begging for mercy.

He tells Corvo that his daughter has an inheritance and Gabriele will use it to pay him back and that practically offers his daughter to him on a plate. The thought that he offered his daughter in exchange for his life without a thought both amazed and enraged him.

But he is more enraged because he had been told all of the Romanos were dead and to now find out that there is a daughter still alive.

I really had a hard time with this book. I couldn't relate to the characters or the story. This is the first time I have read Gayartri R and her writing style is just not for me.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

I read this book a few weeks before it was published, I had high expectations from what the author had told me about the plot and the synopsis, but after reading it I was left with a strange feeling: the story moved SO quickly and confusingly throughout the book, but especially towards the end, there were many situations that didn't make sense and at times I didn't know if the author was using metaphors or the story had already moved from mafia to fantasy , I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I just couldn't because everything was so confusing.

ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

Leí este libro unas semanas antes de que fuera publicado, tenía grandes expectativas por lo que la autora me había contado sobre la trama y la sinopsis, pero después de leerlo quedé con una extraña sensación: la historia avanzó MUY rápido y de manera confusa durante todo el libro, pero especialmente hacia el final, había muchas situaciones que no tenían sentido y por momentos no sabía si la autora estaba usando metáforas o la historia ya había pasado de mafia a fantasía , de verdad quería disfrutar de este libro, pero simplemente no pude porque todo fue muy confuso.

[Anya Alsobrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing with the Devil is the first book I have read by this author. I have to say the title and cover is what made me what to read this book. I have a sucker for a good cover. This book is dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Who does not love a good retelling?? In this book you meet Corvo who is our “beast” and Bianca is our "Bella". She is brave and strong women, which I love. I don't like weak female character. She will challenges him at every tune and while she is doing this you see see that she is also falling for him. As you read this book you will see that he starts changes as he falls for his beauty. But this is not the same beauty and the beast that we all grew up watching and reading. On no it is not, this book has some murder and lies in the mix also. This book will keep you guessing and wanting more. I have to say that I really did enjoy this book. I hope this author will make some more retelling of some fairytales.

[Tiyasa Tikadar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐀 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐀 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝." — 𝐆𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐧, 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥

★★★.5

gayatri's writing has always been enchanting in a way. the way she writes is just so poetic and so beautiful 🤌🏼

corvo and bianca's story was one hell of a kind. didn't know gaya would slay in mafia romance but she did. bianca is one hell of a strong fmc. corvo my man üñælive me please 😩 and the romance, the settings, the connection everything is just ✨chef kisses✨ also, the steamy scenes 👀🤤

would definitely recommend this to someone who's new in the mafia romance. oh and did i say the writing style is poetic? 👀 cause mafia romance written in poetic style >>>>>

thank you to the author for sending me an arc of this book ♡

[sinner_for_reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC RECEIVED FOR AN HONEST REVEIW.

I adore the chemistry and connection Corvo and Bianca had. From the beginning, Bianca was that sassy, no-shit-receiving heroin, which intrigued me a lot. And Corvo is exactly everything you could ask in a MC. For me, this book was super enjoyable and would totally recommend it. The writing is something I'm very impressed of, Gayatri did an excellent job in it as her first book.

If you are in mood for something dark, spicy, twisted and angsty, this one should be your next read.

[Ams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gayatri Ramchandran is a new to me author and I received an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review.

With a Beauty and the Beast vibe, Bianca and Corvo have an interesting relationship - with a history that started before they even met.
It is easy to get caught up in this story about a Principessa and a Monster but for me parts of the story jumped around. I felt like I was missing parts of Corvo's point of view so didn't find it as enjoyable as I was hoping I would

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing with the Devil is remarkable dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Corvo is an “monster” of leader who no one wants to cross. Bianca is our brave and strong heroine who not only challenge Corvo but starts falling for him. Corvo changes as he falls for Bianca. Their journey will definitely keep you on your toes with all the twists that comes their way. This book is a definitely must read.

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing With The Devil is a dark, raw retelling of Beauty and the Beast and will immediately hook the reader. Corvo is seen as a "monster". He treats people absolutely horrible. But then Bianca comes along and that all changes. This book was so good. The plot is good and the characters are unique. I'm excited to read more from this author.

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate giving 3 stars and after reading other reviews I’m not exactly sure if maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this book. I didn’t connect with the characters. I think for me the story just kept jumping around to much. This is a new author to me and I see great potential and I hope my review helps and doesn’t discourage.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The retelling of Beauty and the Beast in this book is done well. It takes a bit to build but once you get into it and feel the chaos that made Corvo you won’t be able to put it down. I really enjoyed the monster that he is and Bianca as a FMC - her father being Corvo’s enemy - she runs away and as they meet and their relationship develops it builds much faster. Definitely enjoyed this overall.

[Belzebeaut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were interesting. Corvo has a horrible way of treating other people, that is until he met Bianca. 

I really enjoyed the plot of this story and the crazy cast of characters. Looking forward for the author's future projects.

[Stacey Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite re-telling is when it's Beauty and the Beast. Corvo has a tight grip and iron fist but all that comes crashing down for one woman. A woman who's supposed to be his enemy. It is raw and gritty. A very strong plot with strong characters.

[Bhavna · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOT HOT HOT! Brilliant writing style and AMAZING CHARACTERS

[Darnell MR Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca and Corvo are such a contrast of light and dark. The interplay between these two is so touching. I was truly drawn into this story. This book is a great vacation read.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing with the Devil is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that's dark, twisty and steamy. Corvo and Bianca's story sucked me in and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!