A Dance With Devils

Lies And Truths Trilogy #1

by Charlotte E. Hart

Seven days of skin for about seven minutes of his help.

Born to money, arrogant, and fine as hell, Malachi Jones sauntered into my life with his screwed up idea of a bargain. I’m not that kind of girl, so I played him. Tried turning the tables without honouring my side of the deal.

Didn’t work.
He took what he wanted anyway.

The time for fear hasn’t started yet, according to him.
It’s coming, though. It's at the end of the flight we're on.
Fear and me don’t mix that well anymore, and despite the freaky dance that might be coming, I will retaliate when threatened.
I’m not who he thinks I am, and I've already been dealt worse in life than him.

I've got the scars to prove it.


Author note: This is a dark romance book. Varying triggers do apply.

Genres: Dark Romance, Contemporary

207 pages, ebook

First published February 9, 2022

About the author

Hailing from the depths of the quiet British countryside, Charlotte likes nothing better than sinking into her characters dark and devious world's. Sometimes they're kinky, sometimes they're twisted, and sometimes they're a serious hold on tight situation, but her stories are always filled with romance and love in some form.

"Life is a torrent of differences, different needs and wants, and it doesn't always end that well. Yet we strive to find our countering balance, hopeful for a happy every after. "
Charlotte E Hart
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Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a trilogy and feature’s Malachi and Alice. The Malachi we met previously in Grey and Hannah’s story. I was incredibly intrigued to learn more regarding this enigma and just how his brain works and maybe even some of the whys of why he is like he is. Life is mundane to Malachi a seeming sameness and ongoing apathy for everything is his ongoing MO. His only indulgence and break from the current monotony is his constant games and now that he’s fixated on a new plaything he’s determined to get her to dance on his strings.

Forcibly whisked off to god knows where Alice now finds herself an unwilling participant with the starring role in Malachi’s latest pastime. He’s the hunter she’s the prey but there’s something about Alice that reaches deep inside Malachi’s penetrating layers turning him inside out and affecting him like no one ever has before.

This was surreal and excellently written the language used is lyrical and captivating so much so that at times it even felt like you were inside a dream or that these two were existing in a whole separate reality. Their encounters together were also at times pure madness.

Be aware this definitely has a dubious feel to it all if you’ve read the previous trilogy you’ll understand where I’m coming from here it’s more like a subtle vibe saturating everything most probably due to the mind-altering pills involved. Also, suicidal impulses and intentions are explored here and during the course of this, we definitely come to realise that Malachi is so very broken inside and he’s essentially not a good man in fact he doesn’t even want to be.

There are some undisclosed secrets and mystery regarding our girl's true identity and background and just what she’s hiding from but it’s obvious straight off that Alice is at heart a warrior who fights with her whole heart. We get some brief appearances from Gray and Hannah as well and this does finish a bit dramatically leaving you wanting more. I’m definitely now rather intrigued with how this all might play out in the following books. I voluntary reviewed a copy of A Dance With Devils (Lies And Truth Trilogy #1)




Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Truth and Lies trilogy I desperately wanted Malachi’s story to be written. He had intrigued me like no other and I always felt he was playing games. I knew his story would be incredible and I was correct - A Dance with Devils has been outstanding from start to finish.

Malachi Jones is a complex and broken man, and I am desperate to learn more about him. He intrigues me now more than ever. I want to know everything about him and discover the reasons for his behaviour and actions.

There is so much to learn about Alice too. I’m not sure if I’m feeling a little jealous that she has caught Malachi’s attention or fearful for her! Alice is his new plaything and this isn’t necessarily going to go well for her….. time will tell. I cannot wait for this secretive young woman to share her story with us. I’m absolutely loving the mystery surrounding this couple, it makes this narrative an exciting and compelling read.

Gray and Hannah from The Truth and Lies trilogy make a fitting appearance in this story, and I’m excited to see if they influence the decisions that I’m anticipating Alice will have to make. I feel that they are the perfect couple to assist with the emotions and circumstances that Ally and Malachi have found themselves in.

A Dance with Devils is addictive reading. It is dark romance and therefore has a storyline that some readers may find difficult to read. Charlotte E. Hart has penned a fantastic story - one which enabled my mind to visualise perfectly the most incredible scenes that she created. I expect nothing less than excellence from Ms. Hart and she never disappoints. I am desperate to get my hands on A Taste of Truth which is book two in this trilogy. I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds!

[Charlotte Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malachi Jones.

Game player. Enigma. Asshole.

Also, swoooooon. 😉

[Julia Butterfield - Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachi is a mysterious, intriguing enigma and I was soooo looking forward to this after meeting him in Gray and Hannah's trilogy. I went in thinking it was going to be a twisted, psychological, dark read and that Malachi was going to mess with my mind...... I was not disappointed! I loved the first part of this trilogy and I think he may have met his match!

Damaged, complex, a game player, Malachi plays his games to avoid the monotomy of life and the darkness that consumes him. He was fascinating before and even more so now that we are seeing glimpses of what is really going on inside his head. His soul is clearly very broken, but Alice has caught his interest and he always gets what he wants...... doesn't he?

So many secrets Charlotte E Hart is keeping from us as Malachi takes what he wants, but gets more than he bargains for in Alice. She's tough, feisty and a survivor, she started to make him feel.....something.

If you've read The Truth and Lies Trilogy, you'll be aware of what happens at his Castle. If you haven't, I don't want to give much away, but Malachi's games take an almost surreal, dreamlike turn as predator chases prey, under the forced influence of the special, coloured pills. It's a dark, dangerous, emotional, frightening but alluring game, not for the faint hearted and after that ending, I need to know those secrets about both Malachi and Alice because I have no idea yet where their story will take them.  I love that Gray and Hannah are involved too and am really looking forward to the next installment!

4.25 enthralling stars

[Sandra Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't know where to start as this really isn't your run of the mill book!!!
When we met Malachi in the Truth and Lies Series, I really didn't like him. He made me uncomfortable. There was just "something" about him...
In A Dance with Devils, Ally's life is simple. Or so it seems, until she meets Malachi. And he decides he wants her. But she isn't all she seems. At this point I actually liked him. Then it was downhill all the way!
Absolutely fabulous writing from Ms Hart. She made my dislike into like into dislike and far more besides! The story is full of drugs and madness and I really had no idea of what was going on most of the time...just that I wanted Ally to escape the evil Malachi's clutches...and now I have to wait to find out what's going to happen next!
I don't think this series will be for the faint hearted somehow!

[Sherry Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop the press. I'm obsessed. I just finished this book and OMG I'm going to be going through withdrawal until the second one comes out. Its gritty, savage, ugly, complex, consuming, it has everything. One day read and your mind will be toast afterwards. I loved all of the characters and cant wait until all of the secrets are exposed. It left me on edge from the first page and made me hungry for more on the last page. Yes read this book. If you don't like abuse or drugs this might not be the book for you but for me. But for all of my opened minded book family catch up. This is going to be a ride worth taking.

And to one of my favorite aurthors........... Hell Yeah bring it on Mrs. Hart. I'm all ready ready for the second additional. Happy Reading!!!!!

[Charley Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve absolutely devoured this book!!! Prey and hunter meet kaleidoscope colours.

A magical world of want, need, depravity and payback

Cannot wait for book 2

[Corinne Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dance With Devils

All consuming — those are the first words that come to mind after reading this book! You see, I picked it up yesterday morning and before I knew it I was coming to the end of the book! Mind reeling, not really sure what I just experienced, but it was so gripping and compelling I just couldn’t stop! I am hopeful that for Malachi and Alice’s sake there is some kind of meaningful resolution to their story. Malachi, for the most part, is dead inside as near as I can tell. Settling for an uncaring, unfeeling, mundane existence after his world is shattered by the heartless act of his father. The after effects leaving him a shell of a man emotion. But with money and power come a world of escapism that becomes meaningful to him - his only way of coping. Until the day he walks into a bar and sees Alice. She’s at least different and interesting enough for him to make an effort, peaking his interest enough that he can’t walk away. He helps her and tries to force her into his lifestyle the only way he knows how — he kidnaps her under the ruse of a deal he perceives them making. What ensues after will just utterly consume you to the point that your done with the book you just started and are left shaking your head wondering if you have the strength to pick up the next book to find out what happens next. Knowing in your heart that you need to find out what happens next!! I will be searching out book 2 because Alice has captured my attention too and I’m thinking, no hoping, she can redeem Malachi. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dance With Devils is the first book in Charlotte E Hart’s new Lies and Truths Trilogy. It follows on from her Truths and Lies Trilogy where we first met Malachi Jones. In Gray and Hannah’s story he was a bit of an enigma and left me wondering about the way he behaved. In this story he is the hunter and Alice ‘Ally’ is his prey whether she likes or wants to be. This is a dark, psychological read which will mess with your mind like the drugs the couple take. The author definitely makes you will feel like you are along for the ride with Malachi and Ally and it’s one hell of a trip.

Malachi is a complex character and I am sure it isn’t just the pills that make him the way he is. He is indifferent to life, finds normality boring and goes hunting women for his entertainment. The situation with his wife becomes clearer and explains some of his weird behaviour. He is also slowly realising that Hannah really does love Gray and he can’t have her any more so is on the look out for a new plaything. Ally becomes his target when she stands up to a group of unruly men in the bar where she works. Malachi plays the hero so he can lure her into his web of hedonism and depravity. He becomes obsessed with her and stalks her to get what he desires.

He successfully hunts Ally down and after an unfortunate turn of events for her, he forcibly takes her to his secluded castle and the games begin. The problems for him start when she infiltrates his psyche and affects him more than anyone else has. He is intrigued by Ally because he knows she is hiding something but he also has no idea how to cope with his feelings for her.

I loved the start were we watched him go after her and learnt a bit about her circumstances. There is definitely some real mystery to Ally and her family’s past which will no doubt be revealed as the story continues. I felt this gave an added interest into her and more depth to her character. It maybe all a game to him but she is a survivor and has battled worse. He is annoyingly starting to grow on her even when she knows she should run like he tells her to.

“Hunt, chase, play,” he murmurs. “Dance with devils.”

I found some of the events in the castle as bizarre and peculiar as Malachi.The writing and words used are as psychedelic as the effects of the pills on the couple. All very surreal and confusing at times when trying to work out what was real and what was going on in their heads. I’m interested to see how Ally reacts to all she has experienced with Malachi. It was nice seeing Gray and Hannah again and it was a good job Gray is there for his friend because he is going to need him.

The ending was dramatic and really heart wrenching as we found out more about Malachi. He is a broken man struggling to deal with what life has thrown at him. He copes the best way he can by using Gray’s mind altering pills and indulging in the lifestyle his castle provides. I am really curious how this will continue and what other secrets might come to light in the next instalment. I think we can definitely expect more madness and mayhem both from the author and this couple.







Merged review:

A Dance With Devils is the first book in Charlotte E Hart’s new Lies and Truths Trilogy. It follows on from her Truths and Lies Trilogy where we first met Malachi Jones. In Gray and Hannah’s story he was a bit of an enigma and left me wondering about the way he behaved. In this story he is the hunter and Alice ‘Ally’ is his prey whether she likes or wants to be. This is a dark, psychological read which will mess with your mind like the drugs the couple take. The author definitely makes you will feel like you are along for the ride with Malachi and Ally and it’s one hell of a trip.
Malachi is a complex character and I am sure it isn’t just the pills that make him the way he is. He is indifferent to life, finds normality boring and goes hunting women for his entertainment. The situation with his wife becomes clearer and explains some of his weird behaviour. He is also slowly realising that Hannah really does love Gray and he can’t have her any more so is on the look out for a new plaything. Ally becomes his target when she stands up to a group of unruly men in the bar where she works. Malachi plays the hero so he can lure her into his web of hedonism and depravity. He becomes obsessed with her and stalks her to get what he desires.
He successfully hunts Ally down and after an unfortunate turn of events for her, he forcibly takes her to his secluded castle and the games begin. The problems for him start when she infiltrates his psyche and affects him more than anyone else has. He is intrigued by Ally because he knows she is hiding something but he also has no idea how to cope with his feelings for her.
I loved the start were we watched him go after her and learnt a bit about her circumstances. There is definitely some real mystery to Ally and her family’s past which will no doubt be revealed as the story continues. I felt this gave an added interest into her and more depth to her character. It maybe all a game to him but she is a survivor and has battled worse. He is annoyingly starting to grow on her even when she knows she should run like he tells her to.
I found some of the events in the castle as bizarre and peculiar as Malachi.The writing and words used are as psychedelic as the effects of the pills on the couple. All very surreal and confusing at times when trying to work out what was real and what was going on in their heads. I’m interested to see how Ally reacts to all she has experienced with Malachi. It was nice seeing Gray and Hannah again and it was a good job Gray is there for his friend because he is going to need him.
The ending was dramatic and really heart wrenching as we found out more about Malachi. He is a broken man struggling to deal with what life has thrown at him. He copes the best way he can by using Gray’s mind altering pills and indulging in the lifestyle his castle provides. I am really curious how this will continue and what other secrets might come to light in the next instalment. I think we can definitely expect more madness and mayhem both from the author and this couple.

[Leah Weatherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can first meet Malachi in the Truth and Lies series, but it will not affect your reading of this book if this is your first introduction to him.

Malachi is a man of money, a man of mystery and a man who doesn’t wish to live within our realms of reality. He has created his own world where only those who are invited by him are welcome, where he encourages people he believes need fixing with his world of debaurchery. Sex, pain and little pills of many colours are his recipe.

But when Alice enters his world, his secrets start to unravel. Will he fix Alice or will she be the one to fix Malachi…can Malachi even be fixed??

I can assure you this is a typical Charlotte E Hart book. As there are lots of drugs involved, this can be quite a dizzy book to read. Lots of ups, downs, twists and turns. You will wonder which way is up.

If you like dark reads this is a must for you.
I felt like I had only just started reading it when I got to the end. I need more and can’t wait for the next instalment. Well done Miss Hart for yet another gripping and amazing book

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What have I just read? pure brilliance, at first I thought it would be slow, but then bang it pulled me in so quickly, Malachi is mysterious, troubled and sexy all rolled into one.

This is book one in the Lies and Truths Trilogy and the start of Malachi and Alice's journey.

Malachi was bored and needed a new toy to play with, and when he found Alice he knew that she was the one he wanted, so he made a deal with her Seven days and he would fix her electricity, not at she had any choice, what he wanted he got, and so the fun begins.

It seems they both have secrets and I'm sure before the end of this series we will find them all out, brilliant story, so well written, I just got book two and am ready to dive in. It deserves more than 5 stars!

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's here the one that many people have been waiting for Malachi & his story. Malachi was introduced to to us in the truth & lies series. Now we get to learn more about the man himself and the lifestyle he lives, the sex, the pain, all of it. Malachi wants Alice, will she give in and embrace his world or will she change the man himself. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions full of twists and turns. Absolutely fantastic reading you think you know where the story maybe going, but then you're wrong. I can't wait for the next book if this is just the start of the series god help us for what's coming next.

[Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’m struggling to express my thoughts on this mind-blowing, powerful, evocative story. Ms Hart eases you in gently and has you attached to both Ally and Malachi before the true madness begins and I literally felt like I had taken those special pills and fallen down the rabbit hole with both of the characters. The psychedelic tones, the colours, the varying beat of the feelings vibing through the story just had me awestruck. Malachi is a truly complex character and we've only just scratched the surface - I’m so excited to learn more in the next book.

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachi is an enigma, a mysterious man with a troubled soul. I was drawn in by his character, but even more so with the games he played, with Alice in particular. She clearly has her own bag of skeletons, and they seem to have an inexplicable magnetism towards each other. Beware the darkness of this story, and the disturbing bent of Malachi's twisted mind, but just know that these two will keep drawing you in as more is revealed!

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a trilogy and feature’s Malachi and Alice. And wow this is a very dark and twisted mind game that is just pull you in and hold you tell the very ending. This series is going to be outstanding with the mind games that are being played.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read about Malachi in Truth and Lies trilogy, I knew I would be lusting after another of Charlotte E. Hart's side alphas! Grey who?
Malachi has an interest in Alice, and once he is interested.....he pursues her, and after getting her out a a bad situation, asks for a week with her. What happens next is a story of damaged souls, dark and twisted histories, and exquisite storytelling. Alice is in for all sorts of depravity! Charlotte never fails to satisfy the dark cravings we love to read about! Obsessed and ready for book 2!

[Kavya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everything is wrong with this book. I don't even know why I wasted my time on reading something so wrong and weird. The start was so good, then it all went wrong. I couldn't understand and there was no consent. People gave this 5 stars!?

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow so dark! Loved it!

Full review to follow

[Herguiltypasstime · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this gave me a headache. If tou read this and understood the series of events playing out with clarity then you must be a genius! Once they arrived at the castle I was lost.

[Sue Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a start to this series. Malachi takes Alice from her normal life into his strange one and sends her running down the rabbit hole with a deal she thinks she can get out of. His dark selfishness is potent and Alice tries to get him to open up. A fantastic dark read written beautifully by Charlotte and I can’t wait to read more