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Devil's Advocate

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Would you give up everything you’ve worked for your whole life for a chance at true love?

Ashley Tanner’s only desire after losing her father to a prescription overdose as a teenager has been to support her working-class family. Now an ambitious lawyer, she’s on the verge of achieving the coveted partnership she’s worked for her entire career. But with her goal in sight, the return of a mysterious woman from Ash’s past puts the promotion at risk and forces her to confront the sacrifices she’s made to win at all costs.

Caitlyn Brewster is a self-made woman who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Guarding that secret has kept her from cultivating meaningful relationships. In fact, only one woman has managed to pierce Caitlyn’s defenses. A woman who runs more cold than hot. A woman best forgotten. A woman who, when a family emergency forces Caitlyn to move back home to Boston and accept a job at her uncle’s law firm, suddenly becomes her biggest rival.

Their volatile chemistry makes them a powerhouse legal duo, but the energy crackling between them might be more than they’re willing to admit. The closer they work together, the harder it becomes to control their desires, even as they’re faced with a case with stakes that could change everything for them both.

They’re both used to doing whatever it takes to win. What happens when only one of them can be victorious in the end?

If you enjoy a sensual ice queen age-gap office romance with a touch of humor, adorable family, and the cutest puppy on the planet, don’t miss Miranda MacLeod and TB Markinson’s latest collaboration!

426 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2022

372 people are currently reading
927 people want to read

About the author

T.B. Markinson

70 books1,150 followers
T. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.

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5 stars
871 (53%)
4 stars
534 (32%)
3 stars
162 (10%)
2 stars
39 (2%)
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13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Wallace.
1,448 reviews169 followers
October 4, 2022
'Arc generously provided by The Authors in exchange for a honest review'

**'Writers need to know that their books are like vessels with most of their ideas because it's all what's on those pages that matters to readers whether good or..'

3.5stars!
After finish reading this book, I ask myself this..'Why did Markinson & MacLeod write this particular story? There are so many books out that have this same theme of storytelling about the mechanics of a rich woman befriending or falling for a poor woman and all the sordid side stories that goes with it but what I think differentiates 'DEVIL'S ADVOCATE' from those other books is that it's just a simply interwoven storyline where the authors emphasize a lot on justice/lawyering being desirable, sorrow/sadness is endurable and falling in Love being a possibility -- with a unique twist and even readers will not feel either leading characters maximizing their worth for fake interest for a job or show weakness towards Love. Don't get me wrong the storytelling do follow the rich female/poor female vibe but Markinson & MacLeod also smartly told a more balance story that involved two strong opinionated women with some family dynamics & interactions, the drive to be successful, the growth of friendship & romance, a little angst and even the risks & facts of filing medical malpractice/negligence sues/claims etc..
Overall, 'DEVIL'S ADVOCATE' is a well told story -- that might have something for every reader and should be both an enjoyable and interestingly imaginative read.
A recommended book!
Profile Image for Sandra.
553 reviews133 followers
October 15, 2022
4.5 ☆
T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod did it again. Their latest release Devil's Advocate is a very entertaining, humorous romance with an interesting background story. It's a romance between a poor and a rich woman but the authors have the ability to weave in a second important theme. This time it's about who to work for as a lawyer. Should one directly follow one's dreams and try to right the wrongs? Or should one first make a name for oneself as a lawyer in a large firm and also represent clients who sometimes abuse their power, putting one's ideals on the back burner?

There is a lot of back and forth between Ash and Caitlyn from the very beginning and clearly, there is a strong attraction between them which soon turns sizzling hot. But can they trust each other when they are competing for the only job a big law firm is offering that promises career advancement? They must find out the true colors of the woman they fell in love with. Neither of them is perfect and that's what makes them approachable and endearing, though both can be bitchy. They both make mistakes and we all know that it's not always easy to own up to them afterward (that's not always my strong suit either). However, humor also plays a big role as it's usual in books by these authors.

The secondary characters, especially the families of the mains, play an important part in the story and bring in a lot of life and depth. Neither of the mains had an easy past due to very different reasons but the more you learn about them, the better you understand them.

What made the story so exciting, besides the romance, was the backstory of how things work in a big law firm. Backstabbing, distrust, and fighting with all means for the next client. I guess swimming in a shark tank cannot be worse.

MacLeod and Markinson once again created strong women who must learn to accept their weaknesses, not only rethink principles and prejudices but also be able to change them. They have to stand up for themselves and others and fight. The authors' storytelling is fluid, engaging, and character-driven, with MCs that are real and likable, which draws me in every time.

Another wonderful and entertaining romance.

ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda.
864 reviews134 followers
November 13, 2022
Two very femme hotshot lawyers, Ashley Tanner & Caitlyn Brewster, going head-2-head, rivals at work but not between the bedsheets. Met years ago when they both were vying for an internship in a prestigious law firm that coincidentally belongs to Caitlyn’s uncle, which is not known to many as she kept it under wraps and rather be known for her merits. Sparks ignited between the 2 but simmered before the flame got any bigger. Five years later, they met again. Both working for the same law firm with Caitlyn relocated from NY’s branch to be closer to her sister. And both vying for the coveted partnership.

Absolutely loved the premise!

Ratings: 4.5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Gail.
990 reviews58 followers
October 11, 2022
Markinson and MacLeod join forces once again in this well paced book.
The backdrop for this plot is a well-known law firm, the cases handled and desire by lawyers to become a partner in that firm. Leads Caitlyn and Ash met years before with Ash the winner of that competition however she carries a few scars from that meeting. She is now top of the lot vying for the coveted partner spot - her hard-nosed drive, dedication and total billable hours soars over everyone else. Along comes Caitlyn, blonde, beautiful, smart and gets along with everyone. But hold on, rumor has it that maybe that isn't how she's achieved success. The red dress she had on (when Ash met her again after 6 years) smacks of ??? On opposite sides of the social divide, both women have eyed the prize of "partner" and worked towards it.
Secrets and age gap aside, there is humor and a fierce rivalry that morphs into a hot partnership at work and in the bedroom that hold the reader. A scumbag lurks in their midst. When truths are revealed and their social conscience re-emerges is a HEA possible?
Easily recommend and on my re-read shelf.

I rec'd a copy from the authors. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Profile Image for Bárbara Sousa.
376 reviews48 followers
October 21, 2022
These two writers always deliver 🔥 I really enjoyed this one, even though at first I was a little taken aback by the MCs banter 😂 but, soon enough, I got used to it and started vibing with it hehe it’s a bit different but it suits them and their personalities. The only reason I’m not giving 5* is because I feel like the story ended too fast 😩 I wish it had ended with them wining the case against the big pharma company, and maybe actually witness Ash proposing. But anyways, it was really good overall 😍
Profile Image for Clara Addicted to sapphic books.
365 reviews261 followers
February 18, 2025
This book gets straight to the point from chapter one: an encounter, instant chemistry, and antagonism between the characters. Six years later, the two characters are more accomplished and are both workaholics. I really enjoy when a character misjudges another and is proven wrong throughout the book. Ash can be incredibly stubborn, judgmental, and frustrating, and seeing her lower her defenses was truly satisfying. Each scene brings the two protagonists closer, with a push-and-pull dynamic that was really well-balanced. The investigation backstory keeps the reader invested, even though it was a bit predictable. I wish the authors had taken more time to resolve this plot in the end, in addition to the romance. They conclude the romance perfectly, but I wanted more details on the lawsuit years later.This book is a classic enemies-to-lovers story that I really enjoyed. Markinson and Macleod do so much for the community, and yet their books are a bit underrated. I will make sure to catch up more on their work.This book is a classic enemies-to-lovers story that I really enjoyed. Markinson and Macleod do so much for the community, and yet their books are a bit underrated. I will make sure to catch up more on their work.
Profile Image for Netgyrl (Laura).
625 reviews214 followers
dnf
October 23, 2022
DNF. The premise sounded great but for some reason I just was not enjoying the story.
Profile Image for Guerunche.
652 reviews35 followers
July 12, 2023
4.5 stars

I enjoyed this one quite a bit! When I learned that the Legendary Angela Dawe had narrated this audiobook, I ordered it pronto. lol God, I missed having new stuff from her.

I love a good legal romance. And the delicious sexual tension between the rival lawyers Ashley Tanner and Caitlyn Brewster had me invested from early on. I kept saying that the hate sex between these women was going to be off the charts, but really both characters carried a spark of feeling between them throughout the story so hate might not be quite accurate. The chemistry was certainly palatable. While the social classes of the women and age gap might have worked against them, when it came down to values they were more compatible than they realized.

Recommend this second chance romance.
Profile Image for lauraღ.
2,343 reviews170 followers
could-not-finish
August 10, 2024
DNF @ 14%. Perhaps I'll come back to this at some point, especially since I don't think I really gave it enough of a try. But something about the writing and the humour really doesn't click with me, and I found myself nitpicking at the smallest and most trivial things. Trivial things that nonetheless bugged me. (You got to know her, soul deep, after 30 minutes? Okay. Sure.) And I knew that if I'm finding flaws in the writing this early on, it's not a great sign. Both Ash and Caitlin are a little annoying to me, and I don't think I'm in the mood for a workplace rivals to lovers; at least not in the way these authors write it. I sampled the audiobook, read by my beloved Angela Dawe, but even that wasn't enough to entice me to continue.

Like I said, maybe I'll come back to this in the future. Maybe I'm just not in the right kind of mood for this type of humour.
Profile Image for Fran Sappharc.
818 reviews46 followers
October 3, 2022
Wow, what a start! In a short space of time, I really like both mains but don’t want them to get together too soon. Not because I’m looking for slow burn but because the plot has been so well set up that I know it would be a disaster for the bigger picture, for both characters. The dialogue zipped along and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
What happens next is a series of push pull interactions. Chemistry pulls them together and plot pushes them apart. This is a good length book so nothing has to be or is rushed. Nor do the plot bumps feel dragged out. Just as things look like they are bumpy again there is an understanding that breaks through between the mains. It is well done. As I said at the start, I liked both mains, but what I liked more as I got to know them was they both did things I didn’t like….. this made them human rather than a number of mains in other books where they are a bit one dimensional.
The buried mines that will damage this relationship have been getting placed throughout the book, and I am so here for them exploding as I know I am in safe hands with these authors!
Well, the first bomb I’d forgotten about so I felt as surprised as one of the mains and had to put the book down to mentally prepare myself! I am that involved that my trust of the writers is forgotten and I am IN this book, not a bystander!
I sped read towards the end as I was desperate to find out how the story would end!!!
This book was a solid 4.5 stars most of the way through, but my immersion and speed reading nudged it to 5.
Profile Image for Sam.
837 reviews114 followers
November 10, 2022
This book was fun but I think it could go either way for anyone. I like the twist in the story. What I don’t understand is why it begins in sort of flashback, but it isn’t made clear, you have to figure it out bye reading. I didn’t really like that.

I do like these characters, it’s nothing new, rivals to lovers and rich girl/ poor girl, but the characters make it fun to read. Especially because there are differences between these characters you’d never expect and they are mainly in their private lives. They fit so well because they have similar work ethics (crazy hours) and would do anything for the ones they love.
Profile Image for Lady Olenna.
839 reviews63 followers
February 11, 2024
3.5 Stars

I admit I almost did not finish this book. I was on page 42 and I wasn’t feeling it. Then, I threw caution to the wind and I’m glad I did because I enjoyed the story eventually.

I guess I could classify this as enemies to lovers. It hit all the marks of such trope. The edge of this story, I guess, is the legal arc that added depth. It wasn’t just plain enemies to lovers romance which would have made the story dull and boring.
Profile Image for emily.
897 reviews164 followers
December 9, 2023
I think this might be one of my favs of this author combination so far! This had a lot of things I love: rivals that actually feel like rivals and don’t stop being such right away, family connections and tensions, sister dynamics, great chemistry between the MCs, and two MCs that I loved and rooted for. The only thing that would have made it better was sticking with Lori Prince as their narrator, because while I enjoy Angela Dawe, and think she’s very talented, she isn’t actually my fav and I didn’t love the voice she gave to Caitlin. Not terrible by any means, literally apart from that this was a stellar performance. This one will probably go in my reread and relisten pile. Really fun.
Profile Image for Ariadne.
40 reviews
December 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book. However, I felt there were many missed moments to develop the MC’s relationship and make us love them and believe they actually fell in love. Also, as an attorney the legal aspect was good, but not great. Somethings felt a little too pushed to make us think we’re in the legal world. Like I get your naming rules of evidence or elements of discriminaiton, but no lawyer ever talks like that in real life. This might just be me as an attorney being more receptive of these things, but that was my feel here. Despite my issue with the legal aspect, the one real let down was the lack of development in the MC’s relationship. It felt we were just pushed into them falling in love. Many missed opportunities to develop their connection and also many missed opportunities to build up the tension btw them. For that, I can only give it 3⭐️.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tere.
261 reviews57 followers
November 4, 2023
Angela Dawe saved this one for me.
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,126 reviews32 followers
October 15, 2022
Wow another fantastic co-write by Miranda and T.B. Once I got into this book I couldn’t put it down. Ash and Caitlyn are both stubborn and determined to succeed not matter what background they came from. Rich girl/ poor girl they have so much heat between them. Ash has a soft side that comes out when needed and she can understand Caitlyn and her need to help her sister. These workaholics are made for each other and it was fun and exciting to see them falling in love.
284 reviews9 followers
October 3, 2022
Push pull romance drama between hot lawyers
There's a definite spark between main characters Caitlyn and Ash when they first meet. That spark gets fanned into sizzling chemistry and attraction between them when it's not being dampened by one of them. The age gap between them is less an issue than the socioeconomic differences in their upbringings and current situations. There are mind games played and lawyer shenanigans that don't always paint them and their chosen professions in the best light but also some humor and family moments that give all the characters a chance to shine. Even if you're sure you know going into the story how it's all going to end it's doubtful you'll be able guess all the plot twists and turns that happen along the way which makes it an entertaining page-turner. As usual Miranda and TB collaborate in such a seamless way the story reads as if written by one person but isn't a rehash of the other stories they've written together. I look forward to reading more by the authors in the future both when they collaborate again and write solo.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Carol Hutchinson.
1,124 reviews72 followers
December 7, 2022
An interesting case!

Ashley, an ambitious lawyer who desperately wants to make partner at the firm she is working for finds herself face to face with Caitlyn, a privileged woman from Ash’s past. Caitlyn is facing her own trials, with a wayward father and a little sister who needs her but she isn’t impressed to find herself back working with Ash until they find they are a force to be reckoned with and their connection is one neither of them can ignore.

Fantastic story about two completely opposite characters who couldn’t have been more perfect for one another! Caitlyn and Ash had an instant tension, fuelled by a past encounter, that you just knew was going to ensue in a fun story as they had to work together. I loved how they found something to bring them together, that then fuelled their attraction to one another and passion for their careers.

They both learned so much from working together and in the end I hoped they might put aside their differences to explore the connection they so obviously new they shared. There were so many cute moments when their professional lives started to blur with their personal, and the case bringing them even closer together started to get personal for them both too. They were so fierce and determined I knew that no one was going to get in their way apart from each other, and that was okay because they ended up wanting the same thing.

It was really intense at times but that only made the story one I couldn’t put down. I had to know if their rivalry would resurface when it all came down to who would make partner or if something bigger awaited them that they would embrace. Loved the setting, the story, and everything they went through because every tiny moment carried such excitement.

A great story that I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Elena.
314 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2023
From all the books co-authored by these two authors, this has been my favorite so far. Really well told story on paper, and superbly narrated and brought to life by Angela Dawe.
Profile Image for Patricia.
145 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2024
My third Markinson / Macleod read and it’s so fun. Easy to read, good characters and fun and flirty dialogue. A little spice, what’s not to love?
Profile Image for Tierney Moore.
Author 14 books93 followers
December 9, 2023
This was good, another solid entry from this author pairing. I can't quite put my finger on why I'm giving it 4 and not 5. It ticks all the boxes, in particular the leads are very strong. And I do like an opposites-attract, enemies-to lovers-story. And I do appreciate stories that has significant page time where the MCs are together and so we can explore their budding relationship.

Perhaps I'm being harsh in judging this book against the authors' very best, like The AM Show and Flight Plan. No matter, I shall still be investigating their back catalogue in the coming months :)
Profile Image for RA Young.
321 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2023
More rom than com but still has that holiday special vibe

This wasn't a Christmas book, but I was picturing how to pitch it as a movie, and that's probably how I'd pitch it. It's got all the qualities of a good romcom, though heavier on the rom than the com, it would work with the Holiday movie format as it sort of peaks around the Holidays. It's got two characters with chemistry and conflict, secrets, relatable hang ups, a sweet kid, a cute dog, and a moral question when it comes to legal battles.
I thought the teenagers character was very well done. She was 15, but a young 15, which tracks with her life experiences and needs, and I always really like when a teen character is written as a total sweetheart. Too often they're cast in this moody, unreasonable, and antagonistic role, which does match a lot of teens, particularly from my experiences as a teen, but these days, most teens I know now are actually almost cavity inducing in their kindness and compassion, and undisguised desire just to be loved and accepted by the adults in their lives. Not sure if it's gen Z throwing off all those expectations for being awful and all "teens vs adults" that most millennials grew up under, (just looks how teens were portrayed in kid's shows from the 90s), but I find characters like this one reflect that generation really well.
It's also possible my friends are just awesome at parenting and our kids are all anomalies.
Anyway, the book was a refreshing read for sure. What I've come to expect from this duo of writers.
Profile Image for Lyn Denison.
Author 15 books60 followers
October 10, 2022
If you thought lawyers had no sense of humour you should broaden your horizons by reading this book. There’s the lighter ‘laugh out loud’ bits and the ‘is it getting warm in here’ romantic bits. Plus there’s the essential essence of a great read with really likeable characters and an interest-holding plot. Read this book and be entertained.
Profile Image for Cheri.
1,117 reviews86 followers
October 31, 2022
This writing pair are quick becoming a favorite. I guess finding them late gives me the bonus of not having to wait to read another in their catalogue.

Ash and Caitlyn were so fun to follow and I just loved their story - and their chemistry. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good rom-com.
Profile Image for Alexa Steli.
622 reviews4 followers
dnf
December 3, 2025
I can't finish this at 28%and I'm bored out of my mind ,worse I hate the main characters especially Ash. Why are we bringing down women ???the fuck
Profile Image for Rowan.
310 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2022
Another great book form this dynamic duo. Well written, with interesting characters and a good plot, you will not be disappointed when you read this book. Would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Patricia.
550 reviews12 followers
November 16, 2022
Not gonna lie, they had me at 5 and nothing and 9 years to graduate from university. I'm the combination of both and finally felt seen LMAO

jokes apart...

This was so much fun to read, with a lot of friction and chemistry between MC. I also loved that we didn't have to deal with a massive conflict since they had already a lot of friction going on during the story. IMHO, it would've been overkill. And I think I can add that I think it was quite sweet too, especially because they actually were quite open communicating even when at odds and being petty <3, so good for them.

Anyway, this should be an easy pick for anyone, especially for those wanting something chill to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews

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