Gabrielle Evans

This seventh volume, as expected, focuses on Onyx and Echo’s relationship. For once, the majority of the book isn’t concerned with the demon’s test in the war against Ares. Instead, the focus is firmly on Onyx and his needs, how they relate to Echo and the other mates, as well as the entire building group dynamic between all eight men and their ‘houseguests.

Onyx has always felt like the odd demon out. He doesn’t want to admit it, but that has made him feel isolated on occasion. show more Even though the others do their best to give him what he needs, none of them depend on submitting like Onyx depends on dominating. Until Echo comes along and is able to admit that he doesn’t only submit to make Onyx happy, but actually has a need that is the complement to Onyx’s.

Through these two battling it out as well as some pretty scary outside intrusions and events, it becomes clear that this is no longer just about individual demons getting tested. The whole group is being challenged and scrutinized – as a group. They will either be found wanting or worthy at the end of it. With only one more ‘individual test’ to go, the final war is now getting uncomfortably close. I can’t wait for the final two volumes. show less

This is one of the best books in this series so far for me. Not just because I think writing a story about 'Nesie' (the Loch Ness monster) is a great idea, but because the issues between the two mates were real, dealt with in a fun and thoughtful way, and the banter between them was hilarious.

Coby (a water horse shifter and the supposed 'monster') doesn't like crowds or people very much. It is in line with his nature of a lonely existence in a lake, and is a clear contrast to his mate's show more preferences of being with people all the time. It wasn't the only point of difference between them and caused much of the instant dislike both felt. Coby has more of a need to get along with his mate once they are linked, but he isn't willing to compromise and his temper flars up on a regular basis.

Samuel is a very interesting contradiction in terms. He hates his family, is totally focussed on his job, and has no patience for Coby at first. His learning process about himself and discovering his own prejudice against paranormals is just as shocking to him as the gradual realization that he may like Coby more than he ever thought possible. Not that he is going to give in easily, but when he does come around - look out Coby!

This is a very fun read. The 'villain', a woman after Samuel, is a little obvious, but able to cause enough stress to create some external tension. If you like paranormals mating with humans, want to see mates starting out as 'almost enemies' battle it out, and are partial so some very hot action between the sheets, you may like this book. show less

The Gods of Chaos series continued to intrigue and amuse me with this second volume. Even though there were fewer plot twists than in the first one, it held its own. The focus in Dance with the Devil is firmly on the inner turmoil and the character growth of Archer, the man being tested, reformed or taught a lesson, whichever wording you prefer. It fits the series theme of finding redemption from your sins really well.

Archer is a bit of an airhead at first. He gets severely punished - 3 show more months of reliving one’s sins while suffering physical deprivation is pretty bad. Interestingly, even that doesn’t quite teach Archer the lesson he needs to learn. While it gets him to the point of regretting what he did (an important first step), it can’t really teach him how to do better. That's what he spends the rest of the book figuring out.

Levi is a great guy. Controlled yet passionate, with the patience like an angel and hotter than should be legal, he is the one who teaches Archer about basic human decency, friendship, loyalty and the fact that one an CAN be enough. Oh, and he throws in a few lessons about self –worth as well, helping Archer regain his confidence.

I loved the lesson in this book: punishment is only the start, real change can only come from real-life situations and, sometimes, the help of a devoted friend/lover. If you like stories with sexy men who learn how to change their lives, who make you laugh and feel for them, and who keep you in suspense as to how they will deal with their attraction, you will probably like this book as much as I did. show less

I must admit that the title of this series, Gods of Chaos, intrigued me from the first time I saw this book. It seemed to promise a higher than normal percentage of twists in the story and that made me curious. Luckily, this turned out to be true and the number of surprises, twist and truly chaotic situations was a delight. Add to this the quirky characters and the sheer humor of the situation and this quickly became a very fun book to read. An interesting variation on the ‘thou shalt be show more cursed until the lesson is learned’ plotline, this adds a fresh, modern day angle to the well-known plot.

Rayne starts out as a pain in the you-know-where; he’s arrogant, selfish, and a lot of other non-complimentary things. When he finally insults the wrong person, actually one of the gods of chaos, fate catches up with him and he is made to face the horrible consequences of how he’s been behaving. I loved the revelation about the reasons for his acting this way. It suddenly made him a lot more human, and I started to root for him.

Dante is just simply a great guy. The polar opposite of Rayne, he offers a chance for true love, something neither of the men had expected they’d ever get. I loved the way he takes Rayne in and stands by him, despite all the backs-and-forths their budding relationship has to endure.

This is a great start to a new series. I loved it, and if the sequels even come close to this first book, it will be a great ride! If you like stories with unexpected twists, sexy men who battle out their differences and emotions that make you laugh and cry in turn, you will probably like this book as much as I did. show less