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The Devil Wears Black
From USA Today bestselling author L. J. Shen comes a second-chance romance about love, loss, finding yourself, and getting lost in the right person.
Maddie Goldbloom stitched up a plan to ensure everything in her life was perfect—from a career in fashion to a chic NYC apartment to a pediatrician boyfriend.
When her ex, Chase Black, storms back into her life with an outrageous request, her immediate reaction is to refuse him. But he only wants to fulfill his father’s last wish. So even though he’s the man who broke her heart, playing his fiancée shouldn’t be hard, especially if it means she gets to watch the arrogant devil squirm a bit.
What ensues is a chain of events that detonates Maddie’s life—and when Chase’s walls come down, they both are forced to face reality.
They say keep your enemies close. But what if your enemy is also the man you love?
Maddie Goldbloom stitched up a plan to ensure everything in her life was perfect—from a career in fashion to a chic NYC apartment to a pediatrician boyfriend.
When her ex, Chase Black, storms back into her life with an outrageous request, her immediate reaction is to refuse him. But he only wants to fulfill his father’s last wish. So even though he’s the man who broke her heart, playing his fiancée shouldn’t be hard, especially if it means she gets to watch the arrogant devil squirm a bit.
What ensues is a chain of events that detonates Maddie’s life—and when Chase’s walls come down, they both are forced to face reality.
They say keep your enemies close. But what if your enemy is also the man you love?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2021
About the author
L.J. Shen
55 books48.9k followersL.J. Shen is USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Elon Musk's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
HEAs and groveling are guaranteed.
She lives in Florida with her husband, three sons, and a disturbingly active imagination.
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Elon Musk's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
HEAs and groveling are guaranteed.
She lives in Florida with her husband, three sons, and a disturbingly active imagination.
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,440 reviews
March 10, 2021
dnf 20%
I TRIED ok? i tried.
so the main characters are all like:
Maddie Goldblum (h) ⇢ ooo i'm so ✨🤪quirky🧚🏼♀️✨ and relatable
Chase Black (H) ⇢ i wear black clothes therefore i am emo and i use popculture references in my daily vernacular to make myself look cultured and likeable to disguise my spiceless and tasteless personality.
and i'm like:
*pretends to be shocked*
because basically:
so in conclusion... i physically and mentally and spiritually cannot do this today.
but anyways, read Filthy Gods by R. Scarlett
I TRIED ok? i tried.
so the main characters are all like:
Maddie Goldblum (h) ⇢ ooo i'm so ✨🤪quirky🧚🏼♀️✨ and relatable
Chase Black (H) ⇢ i wear black clothes therefore i am emo and i use popculture references in my daily vernacular to make myself look cultured and likeable to disguise my spiceless and tasteless personality.
and i'm like:
*pretends to be shocked*
because basically:
so in conclusion... i physically and mentally and spiritually cannot do this today.
but anyways, read Filthy Gods by R. Scarlett
May 10, 2023
Wait is over my dears! This delicious, stimulating, tempting, emotional beauty is finally out! 🥰📚
Enemies to lovers, fake fiancé arrangement, sizzling-steamy- pants dropping, eyes popping chemistry, extremely entertaining, smart banters, favorite cultural references. Yes, I’m sold! We’re talking about L.J.Shen, one of the brilliant romance authors of the century! Of course I was dying to have an ARC. I was not patient enough to wait for release date!
Oh, I know, her last standalone romance novel definitely didn’t work for me but I had a real good feeling about this one as soon as I saw the cover and read the blurb. Guess I didn’t get wrong by listening my intuitions.
Book started as a three starred read- then characters started to grow on me and it turned into four and second half of the story: the romance parts melted my heart. So yes I cannot wipe the stupid smile on my face which will probably stay at my face for a week so you may guess a three starred reading turned into five sexy, heartwarming and extremely starred, absolutely satisfying adventure!
This is a first! I assure you, it didn’t happen to me before!At first I felt fifty shades of hate to Chase Black as soon as he was introduced. His cocky smile, arrogant, pretentious, mansplaining, egotistical style made me see red! I stopped reading and fantasized five billion ways to torture him. He’s a real target carrying a dartboard glued to his forehead.
And let’s meet with lovely Maddie Goldbloom: an eccentric, smart, artistic, sweetheart but also deserves her nickname as martyr because she doesn’t stand for herself and she is a real people pleaser. I want to drag her out of this story to position her in a different romcom with a gold hearted hero who can treat her better.
And of course before I start my reading I got spoilers telling me the douchebag hero may be cheater! Another punching point went to hero!
So my suspicions start to grow and I question myself if I chose the right romance book for me!
But a few chapters later, MAGIC started to happen. I slowly start to understand our black souled, heartless, very punchable hero may be not the villain I really thought. He and Maddie had a relationship and Maddie thought he cheated on her and called the quits and six months later he wants her acting like her fiancée as a dying father’s last wish, taking her to family house in Hamptons to spend time with the entire Black clan.
That’s why I felt this was regular three starred read at first because I got angry at Maddie not to let douchebag grovel more. He wanted a real big favor and he manipulated her because he knew she had a good heart and she could never reject a dying man’s wish.
But as soon as I learned more about their past relationship and heroine’s insecurities, reading to Chase’s POV ( see, I stopped calling him jerk or any other offensive nicknames. He’s still not my favorite hero but he turned into a tolerable one) everything made more sensible.
I loved Chase and Mad’s post it messages, nonstop teasing texts, discovering different sides of each other at the family gatherings, their newly formed friendship, extremely hot chemistry, passion, the way of facing their insecurities and changing.
Oh, let’s not forget letters to Maddie written by her mother before dying from cancer, telling the real meanings of flowers and giving important life anecdotes to Maddie which made me cry a lot.
This is not erotic romance or standalone romance. This book is hilarious, emotional, entertaining, laugh out loud and poignant rom-com. I can tell you this is the most enjoyable, smart and funny book of the author!
I know there were cliches and some parts were foreseeable but I adored the characters ( yes, surprise even the hatable douche a.k.a Chase Black stole my heart at the end. ) interestingly I also adored Chase’s family, his interactions with his all time nemesis cousin and half brother Julian. And I loved to see how Maddie blended with their lives.
Summary of my words: I LOVED IT SOOOOO MUCH and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT to true romance/ rom-com lovers!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for sharing this incredible Arc with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Follow me:( up to you😆)
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Enemies to lovers, fake fiancé arrangement, sizzling-steamy- pants dropping, eyes popping chemistry, extremely entertaining, smart banters, favorite cultural references. Yes, I’m sold! We’re talking about L.J.Shen, one of the brilliant romance authors of the century! Of course I was dying to have an ARC. I was not patient enough to wait for release date!
Oh, I know, her last standalone romance novel definitely didn’t work for me but I had a real good feeling about this one as soon as I saw the cover and read the blurb. Guess I didn’t get wrong by listening my intuitions.
Book started as a three starred read- then characters started to grow on me and it turned into four and second half of the story: the romance parts melted my heart. So yes I cannot wipe the stupid smile on my face which will probably stay at my face for a week so you may guess a three starred reading turned into five sexy, heartwarming and extremely starred, absolutely satisfying adventure!
This is a first! I assure you, it didn’t happen to me before!At first I felt fifty shades of hate to Chase Black as soon as he was introduced. His cocky smile, arrogant, pretentious, mansplaining, egotistical style made me see red! I stopped reading and fantasized five billion ways to torture him. He’s a real target carrying a dartboard glued to his forehead.
And let’s meet with lovely Maddie Goldbloom: an eccentric, smart, artistic, sweetheart but also deserves her nickname as martyr because she doesn’t stand for herself and she is a real people pleaser. I want to drag her out of this story to position her in a different romcom with a gold hearted hero who can treat her better.
And of course before I start my reading I got spoilers telling me the douchebag hero may be cheater! Another punching point went to hero!
So my suspicions start to grow and I question myself if I chose the right romance book for me!
But a few chapters later, MAGIC started to happen. I slowly start to understand our black souled, heartless, very punchable hero may be not the villain I really thought. He and Maddie had a relationship and Maddie thought he cheated on her and called the quits and six months later he wants her acting like her fiancée as a dying father’s last wish, taking her to family house in Hamptons to spend time with the entire Black clan.
That’s why I felt this was regular three starred read at first because I got angry at Maddie not to let douchebag grovel more. He wanted a real big favor and he manipulated her because he knew she had a good heart and she could never reject a dying man’s wish.
But as soon as I learned more about their past relationship and heroine’s insecurities, reading to Chase’s POV ( see, I stopped calling him jerk or any other offensive nicknames. He’s still not my favorite hero but he turned into a tolerable one) everything made more sensible.
I loved Chase and Mad’s post it messages, nonstop teasing texts, discovering different sides of each other at the family gatherings, their newly formed friendship, extremely hot chemistry, passion, the way of facing their insecurities and changing.
Oh, let’s not forget letters to Maddie written by her mother before dying from cancer, telling the real meanings of flowers and giving important life anecdotes to Maddie which made me cry a lot.
This is not erotic romance or standalone romance. This book is hilarious, emotional, entertaining, laugh out loud and poignant rom-com. I can tell you this is the most enjoyable, smart and funny book of the author!
I know there were cliches and some parts were foreseeable but I adored the characters ( yes, surprise even the hatable douche a.k.a Chase Black stole my heart at the end. ) interestingly I also adored Chase’s family, his interactions with his all time nemesis cousin and half brother Julian. And I loved to see how Maddie blended with their lives.
Summary of my words: I LOVED IT SOOOOO MUCH and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT to true romance/ rom-com lovers!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for sharing this incredible Arc with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Follow me:( up to you😆)
March 13, 2021
I tried again, but DNF @ 44%. Now for real. 😂
First attempt: DNF @41%
I can count on LJ Shen to deliver my first DNF in almost a year. I rolled my eyes so many times reading this book that the last time it happened, I might have pulled my eye muscle, because now my eyes hurt. For the sake of my health, I'm going to call it quits, because there is only so much "Martyr Maddie" (37 times btw), cringy metaphors and pop culture references I can handle before something else is pulled.
What do LJ's heroes and villains have in common? – They are all condescending assholes.
Byeeee, it was a pleasure. Not. 🏃♀️
First attempt: DNF @41%
I can count on LJ Shen to deliver my first DNF in almost a year. I rolled my eyes so many times reading this book that the last time it happened, I might have pulled my eye muscle, because now my eyes hurt. For the sake of my health, I'm going to call it quits, because there is only so much "Martyr Maddie" (37 times btw), cringy metaphors and pop culture references I can handle before something else is pulled.
What do LJ's heroes and villains have in common? – They are all condescending assholes.
Byeeee, it was a pleasure. Not. 🏃♀️
September 27, 2020
The minute I started The Devil Wears Black (TDWB) I knew it would be something special. But I truly did not expect that I would be so deeply obsessed and enthralled with Chase Black!!! Jesus Christ! If you loved Vicious and Dirty Headlines then YOU WILL DIE for TDWB!!! Chase is EVERYTHING!!! His cutting and sarcastic personality coupled with his intense connection with Maddie made this story completely UNPUTDOWNABLE. This is one of my favorite L.J. Shen stories hands down!!!!
Everyone who knows me knows that the fake-fiancée trope is my jam. But when you add in a bastard hero through and through and a sassy spitfire of a heroine, you just checked every box I die for!!!! And what a story this was!! Chase was pompous, arrogant and nothing less than a cutting straight-shooter. But his match? Maddie Goldbloom, his previously meek and agreeable girlfriend, now his fierce and formidable ex, decides the gloves are off and it's high time to show her ex who she really is and where he can stick his outlandish request. But what follows is a sexy, swoony and powerfully emotional story that took my breath away!
GAH!!! After reading this story I can say without a doubt, L.J. Shen broke the mold with Chase and Maddie!! This story is filled to the brim with amazing banter like only this author can deliver, blisteringly fiery sexual chemistry and witty comebacks and sarcastic retorts that will leave you captivated and speechless. What I loved more than anything however was how Shen once again showcases the healing power of love between two people who were once afraid to show who they really are and the powerful bonds of family that hold us together when the world is turned upside down. This story was truly outstanding and a notable best by this fantastic author! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤
Everyone who knows me knows that the fake-fiancée trope is my jam. But when you add in a bastard hero through and through and a sassy spitfire of a heroine, you just checked every box I die for!!!! And what a story this was!! Chase was pompous, arrogant and nothing less than a cutting straight-shooter. But his match? Maddie Goldbloom, his previously meek and agreeable girlfriend, now his fierce and formidable ex, decides the gloves are off and it's high time to show her ex who she really is and where he can stick his outlandish request. But what follows is a sexy, swoony and powerfully emotional story that took my breath away!
GAH!!! After reading this story I can say without a doubt, L.J. Shen broke the mold with Chase and Maddie!! This story is filled to the brim with amazing banter like only this author can deliver, blisteringly fiery sexual chemistry and witty comebacks and sarcastic retorts that will leave you captivated and speechless. What I loved more than anything however was how Shen once again showcases the healing power of love between two people who were once afraid to show who they really are and the powerful bonds of family that hold us together when the world is turned upside down. This story was truly outstanding and a notable best by this fantastic author! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤
September 5, 2020
**ARC received through Netgalley/Montlake**
The Devil Wears Black is without a doubt the best book LJ Shen has ever written. I'm truly, madly, deeply and all-consumingly in love with this story! I just want to shout it from the rooftops until my throat is sore and my lungs are burning. This epic masterpiece needs to be on everybody's TBR list. TDWB is a complete standalone, second chance at love Rom Com which doesn't have the same level of heavy angst like the usual LJ Shen novel. It's much lighter despite some heavy topics and a true feel good book. This story is hands down outstanding is so many ways - from the highly entertaining and fast-paced plot, witty and funny dialogue, intriguing and well-developed characters to the beautiful and poignant writing.
I've read and loved many books by this amazingly talented author who has managed to create her own brand of romance heroes she is well known and admired for - damaged, broken bad boys who hide their kind, caring hearts behind a thick wall of arrogance, sarcasm and cynicism. Devilishly handsome, playful and sexy guys who you want to punch in the face and then kiss it better while questioning your own sanity and taste in men.
Madison Goldbloom is a wedding dress designer who loves her job. She is living in a small studio apartment in New York and dating a pediatrician. Now imagine her surprise when her ex who broke her heart suddenly shows up at her door months after their painful break up and asks her to play his fake fiancée in order to fulfill his father’s last wish. Chase Black is a successful business man and the CEO of the Black & Co. empire. He is not used to beg for anything but he adores his old man and would leave no stone unturned in order to make his family happy. Even if it's to take advantage of his former girlfriend's kindness and compassion. Maddie agrees to his horrible plan while promising herself to not fall victim to the Chase effect again. But when the usually closed off commitment phobe stars lowering his walls she will realise that she is still not over him.
While Madison lives her life in technicolor, Chase deliberately chooses to stay in his neat, all Black universe. Madison likes to dress in bright colors and eye catching patterns showing off her quirky and artsy personality proudly while Chase is a stuck-up corporate guy who is wearing expensive watches and, you guessed it right, black designer suits. Madison is called Martyr Maddie by her friends because she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She has this need to please everyone and to not get into any kind of conflicts. Chase is the complete opposite, he is used to people catering to his every whim. He is very stubborn, extremely unreasonable at times and can be a moody and rude jerk. But he is also hard-working, loyal and devoted to his family. He deeply cares although he would rather get his teeth pulled than admit it. Chase is terrified of falling in love and making himself vulnerable but with Maddie's help he will realise that love makes you stronger and a better person. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Chase and Madison with all the sexual induendo. They also had combustible chemistry inside the bedroom which made for some really hot scenes.
I could gush about this fantastic story for hours but the key massage I want to convey is that this book is absolutely worth your time and money. Please do yourself a huge favor and one-click The Devil Wears Black. LJ Shen did a terrific job with her first Montlake Publishing novel and I truly look forward to more of them in the future! Standing ovations for Leigh and this 5+ stars must-read and a new top favorite read of all time!
The Devil Wears Black is without a doubt the best book LJ Shen has ever written. I'm truly, madly, deeply and all-consumingly in love with this story! I just want to shout it from the rooftops until my throat is sore and my lungs are burning. This epic masterpiece needs to be on everybody's TBR list. TDWB is a complete standalone, second chance at love Rom Com which doesn't have the same level of heavy angst like the usual LJ Shen novel. It's much lighter despite some heavy topics and a true feel good book. This story is hands down outstanding is so many ways - from the highly entertaining and fast-paced plot, witty and funny dialogue, intriguing and well-developed characters to the beautiful and poignant writing.
I've read and loved many books by this amazingly talented author who has managed to create her own brand of romance heroes she is well known and admired for - damaged, broken bad boys who hide their kind, caring hearts behind a thick wall of arrogance, sarcasm and cynicism. Devilishly handsome, playful and sexy guys who you want to punch in the face and then kiss it better while questioning your own sanity and taste in men.
Madison Goldbloom is a wedding dress designer who loves her job. She is living in a small studio apartment in New York and dating a pediatrician. Now imagine her surprise when her ex who broke her heart suddenly shows up at her door months after their painful break up and asks her to play his fake fiancée in order to fulfill his father’s last wish. Chase Black is a successful business man and the CEO of the Black & Co. empire. He is not used to beg for anything but he adores his old man and would leave no stone unturned in order to make his family happy. Even if it's to take advantage of his former girlfriend's kindness and compassion. Maddie agrees to his horrible plan while promising herself to not fall victim to the Chase effect again. But when the usually closed off commitment phobe stars lowering his walls she will realise that she is still not over him.
While Madison lives her life in technicolor, Chase deliberately chooses to stay in his neat, all Black universe. Madison likes to dress in bright colors and eye catching patterns showing off her quirky and artsy personality proudly while Chase is a stuck-up corporate guy who is wearing expensive watches and, you guessed it right, black designer suits. Madison is called Martyr Maddie by her friends because she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She has this need to please everyone and to not get into any kind of conflicts. Chase is the complete opposite, he is used to people catering to his every whim. He is very stubborn, extremely unreasonable at times and can be a moody and rude jerk. But he is also hard-working, loyal and devoted to his family. He deeply cares although he would rather get his teeth pulled than admit it. Chase is terrified of falling in love and making himself vulnerable but with Maddie's help he will realise that love makes you stronger and a better person. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Chase and Madison with all the sexual induendo. They also had combustible chemistry inside the bedroom which made for some really hot scenes.
I could gush about this fantastic story for hours but the key massage I want to convey is that this book is absolutely worth your time and money. Please do yourself a huge favor and one-click The Devil Wears Black. LJ Shen did a terrific job with her first Montlake Publishing novel and I truly look forward to more of them in the future! Standing ovations for Leigh and this 5+ stars must-read and a new top favorite read of all time!
May 7, 2022
~1.5 stars~
look honey, you’re totally blind if you see a 1 star rate in my review bc this was a complete 5/5 star for sureeee. L.J Shen NEVER disappoints. Her stories are always sO UNIQUE. I always take a GOOD MESSAGE away from her books. Every book she writes feels UNLIKE ANYTHING IVE EVER READ. How does she make every book of hers different than the last one, god knows. Like the PLOT and CHARACTERS are sO different from each one i’m in AWE. The characters are sO beautiful and special bc they are CONDESCENDING ASSHOLES and we love shitty and tasteless personality characters in this household right? They are sOO attractive and special.
⪻
look honey, you’re totally blind if you see a 1 star rate in my review bc this was a complete 5/5 star for sureeee. L.J Shen NEVER disappoints. Her stories are always sO UNIQUE. I always take a GOOD MESSAGE away from her books. Every book she writes feels UNLIKE ANYTHING IVE EVER READ. How does she make every book of hers different than the last one, god knows. Like the PLOT and CHARACTERS are sO different from each one i’m in AWE. The characters are sO beautiful and special bc they are CONDESCENDING ASSHOLES and we love shitty and tasteless personality characters in this household right? They are sOO attractive and special.
⪻
October 26, 2020
English/spanish version
The Devil Wears Black is epic beyond words! It is so hilarious, sexy, so emotional and angst, LJ Shen is the creator of a new trope: ROM-ANG-COM!. It is so addictive, I spent two days sitting on the couch reading without stopping, obsessed with the characters and what was going to happen, I HAVE NO WORDS FOR HOW MUCH I LOVE IT. It is kindle crack!!!
Chase Black wants Maddie, his ex-girlfriend, to help him by pretending to be his fiancée for a while, and Maddie can't say no, but now she is not willing to put up with anything from him and she is going to show him that she is not the submissive girlfriend that he used to know, this couple is so amazing, Chase is EVERYTHING, he is sarcastic, arrogant and jerk, but he also loves his family so much, gahhh, I die of love for him, and Maddie, is a sassy heroine who will steal your heart, and as the chapters go by, dear god, I swooned so hard, they warmed me up and melted my heart at the same time.
This story is unique, intense and powerful, it is a roller coaster of emotions multiplied by a thousand. The banter and intense chemistry between them are everything, almost melted my Kindle. And the sarcastic dialogues, I laughed out loud with them, Insuperable. But beyond all this, what left me completely captivated is that the story shows us that there is nothing more powerful than love, its strength breaks any barrier, no matter how high it is. LJ Shen made me live an epic experience, she has the ability to awaken the most intense feelings in the reader, a round of applause, an ovation to the author, this is the best romcom I've ever read.
Versión en español
¡The Devil Wears Black es épico más allá de las palabras! Es tan divertido, sexy, tan emocional, LJ Shen es la creadora de una nueva tropa: ROM-ANG-COM !. Es tan adictivo, estuve dos días sentada en el sillón leyendo sin parar, obsesionada con los personajes y lo que iba a pasar, NO TENGO PALABRAS PARA DESCRIBIR CUANTO LO AMO. ¡Es Kindle crack!
Chase Black quiere que Maddie, su exnovia, lo ayude fingiendo ser su prometida por un tiempo, y Maddie no puede decir que no, pero ahora no está dispuesta a aguantar nada de él y le va a demostrar que ella no es la novia sumisa que él solía conocer, esta pareja es tan increíble, Chase es TODO, es sarcástico, arrogante e idiota, pero también ama tanto a su familia, gahhh, me encantó, y Maddie, es una heroína que te robará el corazón, a medida que pasan los capítulos, querido Dios, me calentaron y derritieron mi corazón al mismo tiempo.
Esta historia es única, intensa y poderosa, es una montaña rusa de emociones multiplicadas por mil. La intensa química entre ellos es todo, casi derriten mi Kindle. Y los diálogos sarcásticos, me reí a carcajadas con ellos, Insuperable. Pero más allá de todo esto, lo que me dejó completamente cautivada es que la historia nos muestra que no hay nada más poderoso que el amor, su fuerza derriba cualquier muro, por más alto que sea. LJ Shen me hizo vivir una experiencia épica, ella tiene la capacidad de despertar los sentimientos más intensos en el lector, un aplauso, una ovación a la autora, esta es la mejor comedia romántica que he leído.
The Devil Wears Black is epic beyond words! It is so hilarious, sexy, so emotional and angst, LJ Shen is the creator of a new trope: ROM-ANG-COM!. It is so addictive, I spent two days sitting on the couch reading without stopping, obsessed with the characters and what was going to happen, I HAVE NO WORDS FOR HOW MUCH I LOVE IT. It is kindle crack!!!
Chase Black wants Maddie, his ex-girlfriend, to help him by pretending to be his fiancée for a while, and Maddie can't say no, but now she is not willing to put up with anything from him and she is going to show him that she is not the submissive girlfriend that he used to know, this couple is so amazing, Chase is EVERYTHING, he is sarcastic, arrogant and jerk, but he also loves his family so much, gahhh, I die of love for him, and Maddie, is a sassy heroine who will steal your heart, and as the chapters go by, dear god, I swooned so hard, they warmed me up and melted my heart at the same time.
This story is unique, intense and powerful, it is a roller coaster of emotions multiplied by a thousand. The banter and intense chemistry between them are everything, almost melted my Kindle. And the sarcastic dialogues, I laughed out loud with them, Insuperable. But beyond all this, what left me completely captivated is that the story shows us that there is nothing more powerful than love, its strength breaks any barrier, no matter how high it is. LJ Shen made me live an epic experience, she has the ability to awaken the most intense feelings in the reader, a round of applause, an ovation to the author, this is the best romcom I've ever read.
Versión en español
¡The Devil Wears Black es épico más allá de las palabras! Es tan divertido, sexy, tan emocional, LJ Shen es la creadora de una nueva tropa: ROM-ANG-COM !. Es tan adictivo, estuve dos días sentada en el sillón leyendo sin parar, obsesionada con los personajes y lo que iba a pasar, NO TENGO PALABRAS PARA DESCRIBIR CUANTO LO AMO. ¡Es Kindle crack!
Chase Black quiere que Maddie, su exnovia, lo ayude fingiendo ser su prometida por un tiempo, y Maddie no puede decir que no, pero ahora no está dispuesta a aguantar nada de él y le va a demostrar que ella no es la novia sumisa que él solía conocer, esta pareja es tan increíble, Chase es TODO, es sarcástico, arrogante e idiota, pero también ama tanto a su familia, gahhh, me encantó, y Maddie, es una heroína que te robará el corazón, a medida que pasan los capítulos, querido Dios, me calentaron y derritieron mi corazón al mismo tiempo.
Esta historia es única, intensa y poderosa, es una montaña rusa de emociones multiplicadas por mil. La intensa química entre ellos es todo, casi derriten mi Kindle. Y los diálogos sarcásticos, me reí a carcajadas con ellos, Insuperable. Pero más allá de todo esto, lo que me dejó completamente cautivada es que la historia nos muestra que no hay nada más poderoso que el amor, su fuerza derriba cualquier muro, por más alto que sea. LJ Shen me hizo vivir una experiencia épica, ella tiene la capacidad de despertar los sentimientos más intensos en el lector, un aplauso, una ovación a la autora, esta es la mejor comedia romántica que he leído.
September 5, 2020
**arc received through Netgalley/Montlake**
Here I am, with tears in my eyes, thanking mastermind LJ Shen for writing one of the most funniest, epic and heartbreakingly beautiful stories I ever had the pleasure to read: The Devil Wears Black. I've been a fan of this incredibly talented author for a while now and know firsthand that she's a very versatile wordsmith. She can make you laugh like crazy in one second, only to make you cry your eyes out in the next one. And don't get me started on the angst, because she can write that well too! But this book, is compared to her others, less angstier. In fact, it's lighter, while still bearing the typical LJ Shen trademark: hilarious and highly entertaining banter, an arrogant, sexy jerk of a hero and a loveable, smart and sweet heroine. I loved the way she told this enemies to lovers/second chance romance in dual POV and incorporating letters from the heroine's mother.
Maddison Goldbloom has been obsessed with weddings since her childhood. As the daughter of a flower shop owner, she loved watching her mother arrange beautiful bouquets for brides. Now at twenty six, she's living her dream and is working as a wedding dress designer in New York. Just when she starts to date Ethan, a pediatrician and epitome of prince charming, the devil himself knocks at her door: Chase Black. Her super rich and super evil ex. The guy she dated for six months. The one who cheated on her and broke her heart. Now he's back in her life and asking for a favor. He needs her to act as his fake fiancée, for his dying father's sake. Can sweet Martyr Maddie, who can't say no and always puts others first, pretend to be a fiancée in love, when all she wants to do is to strangle Chase for everything he's done? And is Chase Black really the heartless devil in a suit everyone is taking him for? Or is there more to the young and successful businessman who's sworn to never get trapped by marriage?
If you've read some previous books from LJ Shen, then you definitely know that nobody writes bad boys better than her! I was ready to hate Chase right from the start but I had no idea how many facets his character would have! I must confess that I misjudged him. All I saw at the beginning were his flaws like his stubbornness, arrogance and manipulation of Maddie. But deep down, he had a good heart that he was desperately trying to protect. Chase loved his family and deeply cared about his parents and sister, as well as his cousin and niece. When he met Maddie, she turned his world upside down and made him feel things that scared him. Once he let the walls around his heart drop and allowed me to see him for who he really was, I started to love him with all my being! Damn you LJ Shen, for always making me fall hard for your heroes!
I adored Maddie instantly. How could I not when she was such a sweet, compassionate and loving person? Despite everything Chase has done, she agreed to act as his fake fiancée to make his father happy, even though she was scared to be hurt again. Having lost her mother at a young age, she knew the devastation of losing a parent. In the end she wasn't only helping Chase, she was also there for his entire family at their darkest hours. No wonder they all loved her so much! I could never understand why she felt like she wasn't enough for Chase. Because she was the best thing that ever happened to him. I was so proud of her for overcoming her insecurities and realizing her own worth in the end.
One of the best parts about this book was the funny, witty and sexy banter between Maddie and Chase. They had great chemistry and were simply made for each other. Like two broken pieces that made a perfect whole. It took some time until they both dealt with their issues, but once they did, everything klicked into place.
I could gush about The Devil Wears Black all day! After all, it isn't just my top favorite LJ Shen book, it's also one of the best rom coms ever written. I highly recommend it to everyone, because it's beauty and epicness will touch you in a way you won't be able to forget. I seriously can't remember ever laughing and crying so much at the same story! Thank you Mrs. Shen for writing this masterpiece about love, loss and finding your true self. I loved everything about it and will keep it close to my heart forever and always. 5+ stars!
Here I am, with tears in my eyes, thanking mastermind LJ Shen for writing one of the most funniest, epic and heartbreakingly beautiful stories I ever had the pleasure to read: The Devil Wears Black. I've been a fan of this incredibly talented author for a while now and know firsthand that she's a very versatile wordsmith. She can make you laugh like crazy in one second, only to make you cry your eyes out in the next one. And don't get me started on the angst, because she can write that well too! But this book, is compared to her others, less angstier. In fact, it's lighter, while still bearing the typical LJ Shen trademark: hilarious and highly entertaining banter, an arrogant, sexy jerk of a hero and a loveable, smart and sweet heroine. I loved the way she told this enemies to lovers/second chance romance in dual POV and incorporating letters from the heroine's mother.
Maddison Goldbloom has been obsessed with weddings since her childhood. As the daughter of a flower shop owner, she loved watching her mother arrange beautiful bouquets for brides. Now at twenty six, she's living her dream and is working as a wedding dress designer in New York. Just when she starts to date Ethan, a pediatrician and epitome of prince charming, the devil himself knocks at her door: Chase Black. Her super rich and super evil ex. The guy she dated for six months. The one who cheated on her and broke her heart. Now he's back in her life and asking for a favor. He needs her to act as his fake fiancée, for his dying father's sake. Can sweet Martyr Maddie, who can't say no and always puts others first, pretend to be a fiancée in love, when all she wants to do is to strangle Chase for everything he's done? And is Chase Black really the heartless devil in a suit everyone is taking him for? Or is there more to the young and successful businessman who's sworn to never get trapped by marriage?
If you've read some previous books from LJ Shen, then you definitely know that nobody writes bad boys better than her! I was ready to hate Chase right from the start but I had no idea how many facets his character would have! I must confess that I misjudged him. All I saw at the beginning were his flaws like his stubbornness, arrogance and manipulation of Maddie. But deep down, he had a good heart that he was desperately trying to protect. Chase loved his family and deeply cared about his parents and sister, as well as his cousin and niece. When he met Maddie, she turned his world upside down and made him feel things that scared him. Once he let the walls around his heart drop and allowed me to see him for who he really was, I started to love him with all my being! Damn you LJ Shen, for always making me fall hard for your heroes!
I adored Maddie instantly. How could I not when she was such a sweet, compassionate and loving person? Despite everything Chase has done, she agreed to act as his fake fiancée to make his father happy, even though she was scared to be hurt again. Having lost her mother at a young age, she knew the devastation of losing a parent. In the end she wasn't only helping Chase, she was also there for his entire family at their darkest hours. No wonder they all loved her so much! I could never understand why she felt like she wasn't enough for Chase. Because she was the best thing that ever happened to him. I was so proud of her for overcoming her insecurities and realizing her own worth in the end.
One of the best parts about this book was the funny, witty and sexy banter between Maddie and Chase. They had great chemistry and were simply made for each other. Like two broken pieces that made a perfect whole. It took some time until they both dealt with their issues, but once they did, everything klicked into place.
I could gush about The Devil Wears Black all day! After all, it isn't just my top favorite LJ Shen book, it's also one of the best rom coms ever written. I highly recommend it to everyone, because it's beauty and epicness will touch you in a way you won't be able to forget. I seriously can't remember ever laughing and crying so much at the same story! Thank you Mrs. Shen for writing this masterpiece about love, loss and finding your true self. I loved everything about it and will keep it close to my heart forever and always. 5+ stars!
October 29, 2020
this is classic l.j. shen. if you have read any of her other books, you know exactly what that means and what you are getting with this story.
her books are usually hit or miss with me and, luckily, this one is leaning more towards a hit. i still have a difficult time reading about MC love interests who are rude and use bullying as a form of affection. while chase does have jerk tendencies, i wasnt massively put off by them. i think it helps that maddie could stick up for herself.
overall, a cute (albeit predictable) story that is easy to read and gets your mind off of the world for a little bit. if you enjoy enemies to lovers with a rich boy a-hole who tries to redeem himself, then this is the perfect story for you.
thank you to montlake for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
her books are usually hit or miss with me and, luckily, this one is leaning more towards a hit. i still have a difficult time reading about MC love interests who are rude and use bullying as a form of affection. while chase does have jerk tendencies, i wasnt massively put off by them. i think it helps that maddie could stick up for herself.
overall, a cute (albeit predictable) story that is easy to read and gets your mind off of the world for a little bit. if you enjoy enemies to lovers with a rich boy a-hole who tries to redeem himself, then this is the perfect story for you.
thank you to montlake for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
March 11, 2021
Me to all the "DRAMA" Going on and on and on⬇️
Two things-
1. I am here to judge the books not THE AUTHOR
2.Secondly life is too short for DRAMA
I would rather enjoy the plenty of dramas I get from books.
Having said that after all the proves receipts we got after the release of The Villian I Don't think I can address L.J Shen as my favourite author anymore, unless she comes clean
But her books Vicious, The Villian, The Kiss Thief, Sparrow, Bane, Broken Knight, Playing with Fire, Dirty Headlines, Midnight Blue will always be my most all-time favourite books.
I will perhaps read her books in future too and I am not "Canceling" L.J Shen.
I have loved and enjoyed ALMOST all of her books accept from Defy and In the Unlikely Event.
So yeah I will be reading and re-reading her books.
And in the meantime the best we can do in this situation - If you choose to read L.J Shen books please leave your honest reviews and opinions. I am so bored of the same ARC reviews again and again
"L.J did it again " "Mike drop" "L.J outdid herself"
I mean dude 😂
Sometimes I even wonder if you love a book so much won't you will be able to write at least 5 sentences related to the characters and premise?
Let's write reviews and rate books and so that other people can find a book that will allow them escape ❤️.
Also
i) Let's not attack someone in the name of TEA
ii)Let's not rate a book without reading pls
iii)Let's leave constructive criticism strictly strictly strictly on BOOKS.
iv)Our opinions are ours
We are different people with different Taste.Let's respect that.
v) Let's call out an author when we see injustice, but Let's not make it juicy and get distracted from the actual purpose of calling out that author.
So yeah that's my statement on L.J Shen
I hope the book community doesn’t get anymore toxic.
If it gets uglier than it is right now , Imma just go blind-eyed.
Cz eww the world is toxic enough. I want my book life as untainted as possible fr. 🥺
If you ask me
I Don't mind reading about Heroes or heroines with the same characteristics but with a different Storyline.
Okay straight to the point Chase Black reminded me of Célian Laurent from Dirty Headlines and I am more than okay to the point that I wanna read Dirty Headlines....again (Don't look at my tbr)
Madison is mixture of Emilia and Indigo (From Midnight Blue)
(And the Side piece Ethan reminded me of F**king Josh from Broken Knight 🤭)
The problem I had with
Chase Black in the first 30% of this book ⬇️
🚯 Chase black had commitment issues
If you ask me it is the most unattractive trait a person can have.
You are MORE than okay to have sex with a girl, but when it comes to committing to her you will back out?
No that's the biggest turn off to me and the most unattractive man on planet earth.
🚯At first few chapter Chase's inner monologues about Maddie was rather, unfortunately, reminding of Hunter describing Sailor.
Hunter was sleeping with Sailor because he had no other options
And
Chase was sleeping with Maddie because she is fun-sized 😒 yeah no thank u.
🚯 Chase didn’t like Maddie's dressing sense I get it you are the god of fashion and in your Universe, all Maddie is allowed to wear is some overpriced black fabric
but he didn’t even trust that Maddie is actually good career wise.
He was treating and seeing Maddie as dirt under his feet nothing more. He had zero compassion and respect towards her.
I was like dude is she your companion or a sex toy?
L.J Shen has this uncanny talent of making me love the most hated character, okay precisely speaking asshole alphas by the end of the book.
And Chase Black was nothing different.
I wanted to punch him in the face sure
But by the end I was totally smitten by his witty remarks and caring family man persona underneath his devilish ruthless glint.
I adored Madison Goldblooom aka Maddie
Strong yet Soft, the romantic by heart, who likes to wear her emotions on her sleeves.
Not the perfect heroine who doesn’t make any mistake instead learns from her mistake.
Extraordinarily kind but not someone whom you stomped off without getting any Consequences.
Maddie shared a really special relation with her mother. I was looking forward to her words throughout the book.
I need more mother-daughter relation like this one.
Her relationship with Chase was the most entertaining thing I read in a while both of them made me laugh my a** off 😆.
They were a match I Didn't think I need until now.
Corporate P*rn and a Hipster 😇 speaking of a match made in hell.
I think they share the best banter, back forth without forming a dysfunctional relationship.
Why not 5 Stars
My problem is the execution of the storyline.
It's development was good. The main leads side characters captured me. But-
1.Insufficient ChasexMad moments
My romantic heart needed more tender moments like this one.
They were so much involved in saving the world that the Chase Maddie couple moments were missing
2.Not enough grovelling (tho grovelling is never enough for me) and the courtship game wasn’t top-notch.
Chase's ordering around instead of showing how he changed after got the second chance was disappointing tbh.
They were so stuck up by their arrangement that it becomes off putting at some point.
I was like "are you playing real couple or fake couple now"?
3.Man there was no presence of Madison's father? It was astonishing. I would love a man to man convo between Maddie's father and Chase.
Anyway overall I enjoyed it.
As per usual it was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down, just like most of other L.J's books.
I love Chase and I love Maddie, I think they bloomed together but I just wish I could see more ChaseXMaddie Black against the world.
Separately yes they did kick ass but together the ass-kicking would have been magical 🥺.
Nonetheless, I had a great time reading this book. Enemies to Lovers second chance romance is my new gig I would say.
P.S- I love Daisy so much 😭😭😂😂😂 she is the highlight of this book.
Happy Reading xoxo 🖤💐🖤
“Cross my heart and hope to die.” He put a hand on his chest mockingly.
“At least our hopes are aligned.”
Two things-
1. I am here to judge the books not THE AUTHOR
2.Secondly life is too short for DRAMA
I would rather enjoy the plenty of dramas I get from books.
Having said that after all the proves receipts we got after the release of The Villian I Don't think I can address L.J Shen as my favourite author anymore, unless she comes clean
But her books Vicious, The Villian, The Kiss Thief, Sparrow, Bane, Broken Knight, Playing with Fire, Dirty Headlines, Midnight Blue will always be my most all-time favourite books.
I will perhaps read her books in future too and I am not "Canceling" L.J Shen.
I have loved and enjoyed ALMOST all of her books accept from Defy and In the Unlikely Event.
So yeah I will be reading and re-reading her books.
And in the meantime the best we can do in this situation - If you choose to read L.J Shen books please leave your honest reviews and opinions. I am so bored of the same ARC reviews again and again
"L.J did it again " "Mike drop" "L.J outdid herself"
I mean dude 😂
Sometimes I even wonder if you love a book so much won't you will be able to write at least 5 sentences related to the characters and premise?
Let's write reviews and rate books and so that other people can find a book that will allow them escape ❤️.
Also
i) Let's not attack someone in the name of TEA
ii)Let's not rate a book without reading pls
iii)Let's leave constructive criticism strictly strictly strictly on BOOKS.
iv)Our opinions are ours
We are different people with different Taste.Let's respect that.
v) Let's call out an author when we see injustice, but Let's not make it juicy and get distracted from the actual purpose of calling out that author.
So yeah that's my statement on L.J Shen
I hope the book community doesn’t get anymore toxic.
If it gets uglier than it is right now , Imma just go blind-eyed.
Cz eww the world is toxic enough. I want my book life as untainted as possible fr. 🥺
🖤💐🖤💐🖤Review🖤💐🖤💐🖤
If you ask me
I Don't mind reading about Heroes or heroines with the same characteristics but with a different Storyline.
Okay straight to the point Chase Black reminded me of Célian Laurent from Dirty Headlines and I am more than okay to the point that I wanna read Dirty Headlines....again (Don't look at my tbr)
Madison is mixture of Emilia and Indigo (From Midnight Blue)
(And the Side piece Ethan reminded me of F**king Josh from Broken Knight 🤭)
"On paper, he was too good to be true. In reality, he was so bad it hurt to breathe next to him."
The problem I had with
Chase Black in the first 30% of this book ⬇️
🚯 Chase black had commitment issues
If you ask me it is the most unattractive trait a person can have.
You are MORE than okay to have sex with a girl, but when it comes to committing to her you will back out?
No that's the biggest turn off to me and the most unattractive man on planet earth.
🚯At first few chapter Chase's inner monologues about Maddie was rather, unfortunately, reminding of Hunter describing Sailor.
Hunter was sleeping with Sailor because he had no other options
And
Chase was sleeping with Maddie because she is fun-sized 😒 yeah no thank u.
🚯 Chase didn’t like Maddie's dressing sense I get it you are the god of fashion and in your Universe, all Maddie is allowed to wear is some overpriced black fabric
but he didn’t even trust that Maddie is actually good career wise.
He was treating and seeing Maddie as dirt under his feet nothing more. He had zero compassion and respect towards her.
I was like dude is she your companion or a sex toy?
L.J Shen has this uncanny talent of making me love the most hated character, okay precisely speaking asshole alphas by the end of the book.
And Chase Black was nothing different.
I wanted to punch him in the face sure
But by the end I was totally smitten by his witty remarks and caring family man persona underneath his devilish ruthless glint.
I adored Madison Goldblooom aka Maddie
"I happen to like who I am.
A six, but with a ten heart.”
Strong yet Soft, the romantic by heart, who likes to wear her emotions on her sleeves.
Not the perfect heroine who doesn’t make any mistake instead learns from her mistake.
“You know, life is not about flaunting expensive rings and marrying your way up the tax bracket.
Oh, I’ve had this job since long before I met Chase. Marrying into money is not an Olympic sport for me.” I smiled back. Chase pretended to cough to stifle a laugh.
Extraordinarily kind but not someone whom you stomped off without getting any Consequences.
Dear Maddie,
Fun fact of the day: The poppy has astonishingly flourished on battlefields, smashed by boots, tanks, and the first industrial war the world had ever seen. It is a token of remembrance in Britain.
Poppies are strong, stubborn, and impossible to break. Be a poppy. Always.
Love,
Mom. x
Maddie shared a really special relation with her mother. I was looking forward to her words throughout the book.
I need more mother-daughter relation like this one.
Her relationship with Chase was the most entertaining thing I read in a while both of them made me laugh my a** off 😆.
They were a match I Didn't think I need until now.
Corporate P*rn and a Hipster 😇 speaking of a match made in hell.
I think they share the best banter, back forth without forming a dysfunctional relationship.
Why not 5 Stars
My problem is the execution of the storyline.
It's development was good. The main leads side characters captured me. But-
1.Insufficient ChasexMad moments
“I don’t want to be your friend.” Chase held my eyes, sobering up for a fraction of a second.
“I want to be your everything. Even that’s not enough. So thanks, but no thanks.”
My romantic heart needed more tender moments like this one.
They were so much involved in saving the world that the Chase Maddie couple moments were missing
2.Not enough grovelling (tho grovelling is never enough for me) and the courtship game wasn’t top-notch.
Chase's ordering around instead of showing how he changed after got the second chance was disappointing tbh.
They were so stuck up by their arrangement that it becomes off putting at some point.
I was like "are you playing real couple or fake couple now"?
3.Man there was no presence of Madison's father? It was astonishing. I would love a man to man convo between Maddie's father and Chase.
Anyway overall I enjoyed it.
As per usual it was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down, just like most of other L.J's books.
I love Chase and I love Maddie, I think they bloomed together but I just wish I could see more ChaseXMaddie Black against the world.
Separately yes they did kick ass but together the ass-kicking would have been magical 🥺.
Nonetheless, I had a great time reading this book. Enemies to Lovers second chance romance is my new gig I would say.
P.S- I love Daisy so much 😭😭😂😂😂 she is the highlight of this book.
Happy Reading xoxo 🖤💐🖤
August 22, 2022
"Chase had been acting weird the past few days. And by weird I meant nice. He was oh so very nice. Attentive, sweet, caring... not himself. I worried he was going through a mental breakdown or something."
(from the last chapter, speaks volumes of how the hero behaved until then)
*rant mode activated*
"The Devil Wears Black" by L.J. Shen is promoted as "a second-chance romance about love, loss, finding yourself, and getting lost in the right person". Sound like it's going to be so inspirational, right?
As per usual with this author's works whatever praise you see about the book online ends up a complete lie: there's no romance or chemistry between the main leads, and on top of that Shen seems to have some questionable views on how to treat family members.
I can't help but start off this review with a promo line of my own:
"The Devil Wears Black is a novel that has more animal mating talk than any Animal Channel out there."
& another one because I feel generous:
"Mrs. Shen is in a desperate need of a ruler, dictionary and new set of jokes that aren't stuck in the edgy 2000s."
So many people describe the book as seductive, witty and emotional when it actually feels like it was written by a malfunctioning robot with no grasp on how humans interact on daily basis, let alone understands what love or romance is.
In TDWB Shen is yet again taking her previous works and recycling whatever she can, I counted at least 59 similar things:
Similarities list
It's insane how this woman basically keeps publishing the same book with different title and character names and people keep falling for it.
The cover, title and blurb:
The first two are a shameless rip-off of The Devil Wears Prada & don't really make sense once you read the book: there's no cake, no marriage feud (a vibe a destroyed wedding cake gives) and Chase is an actual insult to the Devil. I feel like Shen saw how much traction the show Lucifer got and decided to get on that train too.
You know on what cover a dress would have made sense? On this book, and not the freaking cake, pitchfork... They're not even getting married as a sham, they're faking an engagement. A ring would have been good too.
The blurb leads you to believe Maddie is in a serious relationship with pediatrician boyfriend and is quick to refuse helping her ex, in reality she's casually dating Ethan and would constantly drop him for Chase, no hesitation.
The Plot:
(check out my reading updates for more insight into how everything went/for detailed commentary)
Chase and Maddie dated for 6 months before she caught him cheating on her on his birthday, so she broke up with him. Maddie took the break-up hard and would cry around her office for months.
6 months later Chase shows up out of the blue & informs her his father is dying. Her ex's mother and sister are huge messes so he thought lying about being engaged would stop them from unraveling at the illness news. Maddie quickly agrees to pretend she's his fiancee for one weekend that turns into months of constant lying to a dying man.
The Characters
- Maddie "Did-I-Tell-ya-Martyr-is-my-nickname" Goldbloom: 26 yo, your typical qUiRKy doormat heroine that's a discount Disney "princess" who loves talking to inanimate objects & bases life decisions on flowers because they must be her dead mother. Maddie's been given the nickname "Martyr" by her friends (though I suspect she herself came up with it and forced them to use it, because she sure loves saying it non-stop) for how she never refuses people. Hence to why she doesn't refuse helping Chase.
Here, I offer Shen the actual definition of Martyr:
a person who is k!lled because of their religious or other beliefs.
You could have called her Martian Maddie and it would have made the same amount of sense.
doormat ≠ martyr
If Maddie is such a good soul, a Martyr, a person that knows time with a dying parent is precious... why didn't she refuse to lie for Chase & instead advise him to tell his father the truth so he can spend the remaining time with his father??
To add to the quirkiness, Maddie, who is a wedding gown designer, loves dressing like she chose her outfits blindfolded, few examples:
black heels with white cross prints, flowery dress & a checkered headband
Sequined purple dress, green velvet jacket & brown heels
A-line black dress with cat ears on the shoulders, orange cardigan (that would only cover said cat ears??) & blue heels
Chase ofc loves making fun of her bad fashion choices a lot:
“I choose to dress quirky and all over the place.”
“Why?”
“Because it is my personality in textile form.”
“Are you bipolar?” I deadpanned.
Maddie is obsessed with flowers (bcs her mom owned a flower shop), checking the word of the day and wedding gowns (loves showing off her engagement ring because people must make up stories about her in their heads).
- Chase "Gaston LeDouche" Black: 32 yo, your typical Shen arsehole hero that loves talking about his 7-inch peeny & only wears black to be edgy.
forearms as thick as (Maddie's) thighs, with the tousled black hair, blue-gray eyes of a manga character & jawline people "commit war crimes for"
Chase is a COO at a his dad's famous department store, a future CEO, that's ready to exchange a part of his company just to f*ck Maddie. LeDouche loves saying what a great fit for CEO he is, ironically we never see him actually work.
The first time he met Maddie, all he saw aside from the ugly outfit was her boobs so he asked her out on a date to see them and check if they really are "the perfect size for his palms".
This 32-year old man didn't notice he was in a relationship with Maddie FOR 6 MONTHS, so when he did his solution was to fake cheating on her by bringing a woman home when he knew she would be there to surprise him.
“You could’ve broken up with me.”
“I figured you’d get the message, get mad, then reappear in the form of a fuck buddy.”
Chase would constantly blame Maddie for "tricking him" into the relationship.
In many ways Chase is just Hunter Fitzpatrick in a black wig: he uses "dudebro" at 32 (Hunty was 19), mentions the same p0rn actress, wants to break the heroine, calls people idiots & talks about his 7-incher like it's a separate living entity.
Chase believes lying to his dying father is a sacrifice, a noble act that would save him a place in Heaven (actual thing he said). He never even apologized about doing this while telling others to apologize. But hey, lying is OKAY because the dad said he's proud of it.
If you think Cillian is an unlikable douche, Shen has an excuse for all his actions: Amber broke his heart when she chose to marry his cousin.
- M&C as a couple:
Starting with a look into how Maddie describes her previous relationship with Chase. If this doesn't sound appealing, idk what is:
I’d never known what he felt, even when he was deep inside me. I’d lie there, looking into his eyes, and see my own reflection staring back at me.
I was like a stress ball. Something he played with absentmindedly while his thoughts drifted elsewhere. I remembered feeling acutely unseen whenever he looked at me. The way he huffed when he took in my quirky dresses. The side-eyes he awarded me with, which made me feel just a tad less attractive than a circus monkey.
In their relationship Maddie never felt like she could be herself, Chase would constantly disapprove of her clothes, make her feel like she has to think hard about her every word.
For some reason she ends up crying after their breakup, instead of cheering she got away from that toxic, awful relationship.
Chase & Maddie had the chemistry of two worms, their banter, 90% of the time in cringey text messages form, was painful to experience. There was no proper growth to them as a couple, no steamy scenes. If you're grabbing this book expecting any sеxual tension, you're going to be disappointed... Shen got lazy writing those too, 70-80% into the story there was nothing, then you get: a generic s*x scene with belly button licking, a skipped one, toilet s*x where they laugh like lunatics during & get caught. All of those so forgettable.
Maddie's mindset was that she ONLY HAS 2 OPTIONS when it comes to dating: Ethan (the boring good guy she couldn't bring herself to f*ck) & Chase (the douche that makes her jayjay sing & body feel electrocuted). The whole time she worshipped Chase, even when she believed he cheated. She saw him as this misunderstood, broken man that needed her, he was the missing piece to her own broken self.
SO EMOTIONAL. I can't handle it.
At one point Chase came up with a plan for Maddie to test him & Ethan as boyfriends: a challenge to keep azaleas alive (because Maddie can tell a lot for a person by how they take care of their plants). Only Ethan, the busy doctor, was never notified of said competition by Maddie, only given a BS excuse they're a gift and instructions how to take care of them. Talk about fair chances.
Meanwhile, Chase went from blamming her for their relationship to hoping he can f*ck her out of his system to magically wanting to marry her because his father told him they're perfect for each other.
Where in other books Shen would cram in some "romance" in the very last chapters, here you're not worthy of that either.. all you get before the sudden marriage proposal in Ch. 26 is short TEXTS showing that M&C hung out as friends. It's too much work to write those scenes properly, obviously.
The writing:
TDWB is written in the typical L.J. Shen's fashion: weird metaphors only she understands; a constant stream of pop culture references; quotes ripped off from Pinterest with 1-2 words changed so they look hers; grotesque & gory descriptions (all side characters must be pointed out by their flaws, pimply w/ bored expressions).
All of the "twists" (fake cheating, Maddie wearing her own wedding gown at Fashion week, Chase's plant not dying, Chase not being his niece's real daddy) were hinted so many times they weren't even twists once the reveals happened.
The jokes that people found so WITTY were either gory (Maddie thinking C would crack a joke about a girl being mutilatеd by her bf), about farts and s*x or just recycled from her old books.
that barely patient smile he awarded his employees that made you feel so stupid you needed to wear a helmet indoors.
Anytime Shen would use brackets, it'd contain useless information, at one point she even resigned to smashing random keys on her keyboard and leaving that into the dialogue: (!@#^%$!). 2 EDITORS thought it was cool.
Shen can't go one emotional/serious scene without ruining it with some tacky s*x joke. Including the dead father's will reading (lube joke).
WTH moments:
- Chase casually thinking about making scarves out of his family's guts=witty?
Chase threatening to grill a man's eyes for looking at Maddie=romantic?
- A whole paragraph about Chase's p0oping. Who doesn't want to hear about the hero's bowel problems in a romance novel?
- Shen's obsession with characters with failing lungs & always using the most uncomfortable metaphors for them struggling to breathe.
- Chase's hair changing colors (black->blonde): originally he was "a real-life Gaston", then Shen switched to comparing him to Chris Hemsworth & James Dean. Go figure what model to use on your teasers, Shen fans.
Repetition, the mother of reaching word count:
- Martyr Maddie being used 36 Times.
- Constantly making the same joke about Maddie's dog wanting to fuck the squirrel Frank (this might have been their love story with how much we hear about them): 12 TIMES.
- Shen trying to justify the title by constantly saying Chase is THE DEVIL: 30 times.
- Characters would groan (17), growl or gallop a lot, esp. Chase: with whole sentences being growled out (7).
Research, PLEASE:
- Deary, if you're gonna make flowers such a big part of your book (HAVING A MOM BEING A FLORIST) maybe research the flowers you use: saying azaleas are YUMMY (Maddie ate them and her mother knew about it, didn't tell her she shouldn't), when they're toxic and shouldn't be eaten!
- Shen saying wedding gowns at FASHION WEEK are boring & look the same, only Maddie has a innovative idea for her design. Just watch one fashion show video, sis.
DOUBLE WTF MOMENT:
After getting "growth as couple" in form of texts, Shen yet again settled for not writing a proper wedding ceremony in the EPILOGUE, instead she had Maddie TEXT Chase at the ALTAR that she's pregnant. I kid ya not, she texted her groom in front of the pastor and all the guests. And after that you get no wedding vows, nothing.
But wait... it gets worse. Once Maddie was in labor, literally about to pop out a baby, she was TEMPTED TO GO ON A TEXTING SPREE WITH CHASE.
The messages of TDWB
- If you hate your family member, lie to them you care even if it tastes like sh!t, they're family:
Say it. It’s going to taste like turd, but you need to say it. He is family.
“I care about you too.”
- Lying to your dying relative is okay, a totally noble act, that way they won't worry about you once they die.
- If you're "broken" you can only be with another "broken" person:
“Perfect and broken do not coexist. Broken needs another broken to become whole.”
“I’ve a feeling Chase is the definition of broken. You’re a good match.”
“The Devil Wears Black” is a typical overhyped release by L.J. Shen.
The author gets lazier with each new release to a point full scenes are now substituted by random text coversations.
The book itself is badly edited, full of tasteless, tacky jokes and metaphors that only make sense to the writer. The marketing/design is trying to ride on other popular franchises' coattails, while the number of ratings on GR that keep growing so "naturally" makes as much sense as a dog dating a squirrel. The story has ZERO ROMANCE, is as steamy as a well-ventilated bathroom and contains questionable messages about relationships and family.
*Me broken*
My review of Playing with fire
(from the last chapter, speaks volumes of how the hero behaved until then)
*rant mode activated*
"The Devil Wears Black" by L.J. Shen is promoted as "a second-chance romance about love, loss, finding yourself, and getting lost in the right person". Sound like it's going to be so inspirational, right?
As per usual with this author's works whatever praise you see about the book online ends up a complete lie: there's no romance or chemistry between the main leads, and on top of that Shen seems to have some questionable views on how to treat family members.
I can't help but start off this review with a promo line of my own:
"The Devil Wears Black is a novel that has more animal mating talk than any Animal Channel out there."
& another one because I feel generous:
"Mrs. Shen is in a desperate need of a ruler, dictionary and new set of jokes that aren't stuck in the edgy 2000s."
So many people describe the book as seductive, witty and emotional when it actually feels like it was written by a malfunctioning robot with no grasp on how humans interact on daily basis, let alone understands what love or romance is.
In TDWB Shen is yet again taking her previous works and recycling whatever she can, I counted at least 59 similar things:
Similarities list
It's insane how this woman basically keeps publishing the same book with different title and character names and people keep falling for it.
The cover, title and blurb:
The first two are a shameless rip-off of The Devil Wears Prada & don't really make sense once you read the book: there's no cake, no marriage feud (a vibe a destroyed wedding cake gives) and Chase is an actual insult to the Devil. I feel like Shen saw how much traction the show Lucifer got and decided to get on that train too.
You know on what cover a dress would have made sense? On this book, and not the freaking cake, pitchfork... They're not even getting married as a sham, they're faking an engagement. A ring would have been good too.
The blurb leads you to believe Maddie is in a serious relationship with pediatrician boyfriend and is quick to refuse helping her ex, in reality she's casually dating Ethan and would constantly drop him for Chase, no hesitation.
The Plot:
(check out my reading updates for more insight into how everything went/for detailed commentary)
Chase and Maddie dated for 6 months before she caught him cheating on her on his birthday, so she broke up with him. Maddie took the break-up hard and would cry around her office for months.
6 months later Chase shows up out of the blue & informs her his father is dying. Her ex's mother and sister are huge messes so he thought lying about being engaged would stop them from unraveling at the illness news. Maddie quickly agrees to pretend she's his fiancee for one weekend that turns into months of constant lying to a dying man.
The Characters
- Maddie "Did-I-Tell-ya-Martyr-is-my-nickname" Goldbloom: 26 yo, your typical qUiRKy doormat heroine that's a discount Disney "princess" who loves talking to inanimate objects & bases life decisions on flowers because they must be her dead mother. Maddie's been given the nickname "Martyr" by her friends (though I suspect she herself came up with it and forced them to use it, because she sure loves saying it non-stop) for how she never refuses people. Hence to why she doesn't refuse helping Chase.
Here, I offer Shen the actual definition of Martyr:
a person who is k!lled because of their religious or other beliefs.
You could have called her Martian Maddie and it would have made the same amount of sense.
doormat ≠ martyr
If Maddie is such a good soul, a Martyr, a person that knows time with a dying parent is precious... why didn't she refuse to lie for Chase & instead advise him to tell his father the truth so he can spend the remaining time with his father??
To add to the quirkiness, Maddie, who is a wedding gown designer, loves dressing like she chose her outfits blindfolded, few examples:
black heels with white cross prints, flowery dress & a checkered headband
Sequined purple dress, green velvet jacket & brown heels
A-line black dress with cat ears on the shoulders, orange cardigan (that would only cover said cat ears??) & blue heels
Chase ofc loves making fun of her bad fashion choices a lot:
“I choose to dress quirky and all over the place.”
“Why?”
“Because it is my personality in textile form.”
“Are you bipolar?” I deadpanned.
Maddie is obsessed with flowers (bcs her mom owned a flower shop), checking the word of the day and wedding gowns (loves showing off her engagement ring because people must make up stories about her in their heads).
- Chase "Gaston LeDouche" Black: 32 yo, your typical Shen arsehole hero that loves talking about his 7-inch peeny & only wears black to be edgy.
forearms as thick as (Maddie's) thighs, with the tousled black hair, blue-gray eyes of a manga character & jawline people "commit war crimes for"
Chase is a COO at a his dad's famous department store, a future CEO, that's ready to exchange a part of his company just to f*ck Maddie. LeDouche loves saying what a great fit for CEO he is, ironically we never see him actually work.
The first time he met Maddie, all he saw aside from the ugly outfit was her boobs so he asked her out on a date to see them and check if they really are "the perfect size for his palms".
This 32-year old man didn't notice he was in a relationship with Maddie FOR 6 MONTHS, so when he did his solution was to fake cheating on her by bringing a woman home when he knew she would be there to surprise him.
“You could’ve broken up with me.”
“I figured you’d get the message, get mad, then reappear in the form of a fuck buddy.”
Chase would constantly blame Maddie for "tricking him" into the relationship.
In many ways Chase is just Hunter Fitzpatrick in a black wig: he uses "dudebro" at 32 (Hunty was 19), mentions the same p0rn actress, wants to break the heroine, calls people idiots & talks about his 7-incher like it's a separate living entity.
Chase believes lying to his dying father is a sacrifice, a noble act that would save him a place in Heaven (actual thing he said). He never even apologized about doing this while telling others to apologize. But hey, lying is OKAY because the dad said he's proud of it.
If you think Cillian is an unlikable douche, Shen has an excuse for all his actions: Amber broke his heart when she chose to marry his cousin.
- M&C as a couple:
Starting with a look into how Maddie describes her previous relationship with Chase. If this doesn't sound appealing, idk what is:
I’d never known what he felt, even when he was deep inside me. I’d lie there, looking into his eyes, and see my own reflection staring back at me.
I was like a stress ball. Something he played with absentmindedly while his thoughts drifted elsewhere. I remembered feeling acutely unseen whenever he looked at me. The way he huffed when he took in my quirky dresses. The side-eyes he awarded me with, which made me feel just a tad less attractive than a circus monkey.
In their relationship Maddie never felt like she could be herself, Chase would constantly disapprove of her clothes, make her feel like she has to think hard about her every word.
For some reason she ends up crying after their breakup, instead of cheering she got away from that toxic, awful relationship.
Chase & Maddie had the chemistry of two worms, their banter, 90% of the time in cringey text messages form, was painful to experience. There was no proper growth to them as a couple, no steamy scenes. If you're grabbing this book expecting any sеxual tension, you're going to be disappointed... Shen got lazy writing those too, 70-80% into the story there was nothing, then you get: a generic s*x scene with belly button licking, a skipped one, toilet s*x where they laugh like lunatics during & get caught. All of those so forgettable.
Maddie's mindset was that she ONLY HAS 2 OPTIONS when it comes to dating: Ethan (the boring good guy she couldn't bring herself to f*ck) & Chase (the douche that makes her jayjay sing & body feel electrocuted). The whole time she worshipped Chase, even when she believed he cheated. She saw him as this misunderstood, broken man that needed her, he was the missing piece to her own broken self.
SO EMOTIONAL. I can't handle it.
At one point Chase came up with a plan for Maddie to test him & Ethan as boyfriends: a challenge to keep azaleas alive (because Maddie can tell a lot for a person by how they take care of their plants). Only Ethan, the busy doctor, was never notified of said competition by Maddie, only given a BS excuse they're a gift and instructions how to take care of them. Talk about fair chances.
Meanwhile, Chase went from blamming her for their relationship to hoping he can f*ck her out of his system to magically wanting to marry her because his father told him they're perfect for each other.
Where in other books Shen would cram in some "romance" in the very last chapters, here you're not worthy of that either.. all you get before the sudden marriage proposal in Ch. 26 is short TEXTS showing that M&C hung out as friends. It's too much work to write those scenes properly, obviously.
The writing:
TDWB is written in the typical L.J. Shen's fashion: weird metaphors only she understands; a constant stream of pop culture references; quotes ripped off from Pinterest with 1-2 words changed so they look hers; grotesque & gory descriptions (all side characters must be pointed out by their flaws, pimply w/ bored expressions).
All of the "twists" (fake cheating, Maddie wearing her own wedding gown at Fashion week, Chase's plant not dying, Chase not being his niece's real daddy) were hinted so many times they weren't even twists once the reveals happened.
The jokes that people found so WITTY were either gory (Maddie thinking C would crack a joke about a girl being mutilatеd by her bf), about farts and s*x or just recycled from her old books.
that barely patient smile he awarded his employees that made you feel so stupid you needed to wear a helmet indoors.
Anytime Shen would use brackets, it'd contain useless information, at one point she even resigned to smashing random keys on her keyboard and leaving that into the dialogue: (!@#^%$!). 2 EDITORS thought it was cool.
Shen can't go one emotional/serious scene without ruining it with some tacky s*x joke. Including the dead father's will reading (lube joke).
WTH moments:
- Chase casually thinking about making scarves out of his family's guts=witty?
Chase threatening to grill a man's eyes for looking at Maddie=romantic?
- A whole paragraph about Chase's p0oping. Who doesn't want to hear about the hero's bowel problems in a romance novel?
- Shen's obsession with characters with failing lungs & always using the most uncomfortable metaphors for them struggling to breathe.
- Chase's hair changing colors (black->blonde): originally he was "a real-life Gaston", then Shen switched to comparing him to Chris Hemsworth & James Dean. Go figure what model to use on your teasers, Shen fans.
Repetition, the mother of reaching word count:
- Martyr Maddie being used 36 Times.
- Constantly making the same joke about Maddie's dog wanting to fuck the squirrel Frank (this might have been their love story with how much we hear about them): 12 TIMES.
- Shen trying to justify the title by constantly saying Chase is THE DEVIL: 30 times.
- Characters would groan (17), growl or gallop a lot, esp. Chase: with whole sentences being growled out (7).
Research, PLEASE:
- Deary, if you're gonna make flowers such a big part of your book (HAVING A MOM BEING A FLORIST) maybe research the flowers you use: saying azaleas are YUMMY (Maddie ate them and her mother knew about it, didn't tell her she shouldn't), when they're toxic and shouldn't be eaten!
- Shen saying wedding gowns at FASHION WEEK are boring & look the same, only Maddie has a innovative idea for her design. Just watch one fashion show video, sis.
DOUBLE WTF MOMENT:
After getting "growth as couple" in form of texts, Shen yet again settled for not writing a proper wedding ceremony in the EPILOGUE, instead she had Maddie TEXT Chase at the ALTAR that she's pregnant. I kid ya not, she texted her groom in front of the pastor and all the guests. And after that you get no wedding vows, nothing.
But wait... it gets worse. Once Maddie was in labor, literally about to pop out a baby, she was TEMPTED TO GO ON A TEXTING SPREE WITH CHASE.
The messages of TDWB
- If you hate your family member, lie to them you care even if it tastes like sh!t, they're family:
Say it. It’s going to taste like turd, but you need to say it. He is family.
“I care about you too.”
- Lying to your dying relative is okay, a totally noble act, that way they won't worry about you once they die.
- If you're "broken" you can only be with another "broken" person:
“Perfect and broken do not coexist. Broken needs another broken to become whole.”
“I’ve a feeling Chase is the definition of broken. You’re a good match.”
“The Devil Wears Black” is a typical overhyped release by L.J. Shen.
The author gets lazier with each new release to a point full scenes are now substituted by random text coversations.
The book itself is badly edited, full of tasteless, tacky jokes and metaphors that only make sense to the writer. The marketing/design is trying to ride on other popular franchises' coattails, while the number of ratings on GR that keep growing so "naturally" makes as much sense as a dog dating a squirrel. The story has ZERO ROMANCE, is as steamy as a well-ventilated bathroom and contains questionable messages about relationships and family.
*Me broken*
My review of Playing with fire
March 9, 2021
I read one chapter. Then, I made the decision (probably the best of my life) that I wouldn’t put myself through this torture, especially since this author is nothing but a bully.
November 15, 2020
You want to know what I think is funny.
Is that I don’t understand what this book was trying to sell here
So supposedly there together for six months he makes it look like he’s cheating on her but witch he wasn’t?
Okayyyy and for some reason it’s because of that ya know bad boy vibe he’s got and damn he just has to push her away ya know for her own good before he does something that really hurts her.
Ummm? Tf?
Dose that make may sense to anyone
Yeah but I guess he’s feeling her again and this time around he’s he wants her back.... so even though he made it look like he was cheating he wasn’t... but the time they where apart it was cool to fuck anyone he wanted?
Okay sure.
And I honestly don’t think anyone can really relate to Maddie who tf would pretend to be there x boyfriends fiancé for his dying father... for nothing return
Out of the kindness of her heart? Bitchhhhh
Is that supposed to win me over with her charm?
Because bruh seriously I ain’t gonna be his fake fiancé with his “cheating” ass unless he’s got a million up front
Is that I don’t understand what this book was trying to sell here
So supposedly there together for six months he makes it look like he’s cheating on her but witch he wasn’t?
Okayyyy and for some reason it’s because of that ya know bad boy vibe he’s got and damn he just has to push her away ya know for her own good before he does something that really hurts her.
Ummm? Tf?
Dose that make may sense to anyone
Yeah but I guess he’s feeling her again and this time around he’s he wants her back.... so even though he made it look like he was cheating he wasn’t... but the time they where apart it was cool to fuck anyone he wanted?
Okay sure.
And I honestly don’t think anyone can really relate to Maddie who tf would pretend to be there x boyfriends fiancé for his dying father... for nothing return
Out of the kindness of her heart? Bitchhhhh
Is that supposed to win me over with her charm?
Because bruh seriously I ain’t gonna be his fake fiancé with his “cheating” ass unless he’s got a million up front
August 5, 2021
Great characters that you root for!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💙💜🖤❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📘📗📕📙📘
World building: 🌏🌏🌍🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️🤓🥸😎🥳
The Hero(s): Chase Black - Billionaire owner of Black & Co. and playboy extraordinaire. He and Madison were an item and broke up six months ago due to his cheating. Now he is back to ask a favor of her and he knows because of her giving nature she will comply with his wishes.
The heroine(s): Madison Goldbloom (a.k.a Martyr Maddie) - a wedding dress designer for Croquis, a company partnered with Black & Co. to sell their lines exclusively at the Black & Co. stores. Maddie was devastated when she found out that Chase had been cheating on her and didn’t want to even talk to him again.
The Love Story: Chase’s father Ronan has stage four Cancer and apparently Chase never told his family that he and Maddie broke up. So when his entire family starts to slip into a depression after hearing of his Father’s Cancer, he tells them that he asked Maddie to marry him. She agrees to help him by going to the Black’s Hampton’s estate for the weekend for their “engagement” party.
I thought at first that Chase would be one of those guys who is using his fathers illness to get back the woman he lost but soon found out it wasn’t the case. Chase was truly a jerk who was having fun with Maddie and hadn’t realized they were a couple, but as soon as he found out, he did his best to extract himself from the situation and truly only is back with her to make his family happy.
Chase goes on about how she tricked him into a relationship while he wasn’t paying attention. He seems to blame Maddie a lot for what happened between them when they were seeing each other.
Though it is certainly interesting to see how Chase goes from feeling like Maddie was pulling the wool over his eyes somehow to wanting her in his life again and realizing how it looked from her side. Though he still has a huge fear of commitment and never wants to get married.
The book is funny in parts and the romance is a slow burn, unlike when they were together before. Chase has a filthy mind and a dirty mouth to go with it. He is always thinking of what he would like to do to Maddie and has no filter so much of the time he says exactly what is on his mind.
This was an enemies to lovers story, but it was quite different than some of L.J.’s previous books. No high school bullies in this one or vicious anti-Heroes either. But overall, I liked it. I enjoyed Chase and Maddie as characters and the supporting characters as well. There were a few mean characters in the book to add to the story so I got my quota of antagonistic derision as well.
I couldn’t decide how to rate this one overall, because it definitely wasn’t as steamy as I would like, despite Chase’s filthy mouth and dirty thoughts and I am more into the darker romances at this point in my reading life. However, for the type of book (Fake engagement/enemies-to-lovers/second chance romance), it met all my criteria. L.J. Shen is really good at making you root for all the characters in a story not just the two main characters. The story, world building and character development makes up for the lack of darkness and lower number of erotic encounters in my mind.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💙💜🖤❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📘📗📕📙📘
World building: 🌏🌏🌍🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️🤓🥸😎🥳
The Hero(s): Chase Black - Billionaire owner of Black & Co. and playboy extraordinaire. He and Madison were an item and broke up six months ago due to his cheating. Now he is back to ask a favor of her and he knows because of her giving nature she will comply with his wishes.
The heroine(s): Madison Goldbloom (a.k.a Martyr Maddie) - a wedding dress designer for Croquis, a company partnered with Black & Co. to sell their lines exclusively at the Black & Co. stores. Maddie was devastated when she found out that Chase had been cheating on her and didn’t want to even talk to him again.
The Love Story: Chase’s father Ronan has stage four Cancer and apparently Chase never told his family that he and Maddie broke up. So when his entire family starts to slip into a depression after hearing of his Father’s Cancer, he tells them that he asked Maddie to marry him. She agrees to help him by going to the Black’s Hampton’s estate for the weekend for their “engagement” party.
I thought at first that Chase would be one of those guys who is using his fathers illness to get back the woman he lost but soon found out it wasn’t the case. Chase was truly a jerk who was having fun with Maddie and hadn’t realized they were a couple, but as soon as he found out, he did his best to extract himself from the situation and truly only is back with her to make his family happy.
Chase goes on about how she tricked him into a relationship while he wasn’t paying attention. He seems to blame Maddie a lot for what happened between them when they were seeing each other.
“I don’t know what we were thinking,”
I agreed solemnly. We weren’t dating. You were dating me without my knowledge. If I hadn’t woken up in time, we’d probably be married and pregnant by now.
Though it is certainly interesting to see how Chase goes from feeling like Maddie was pulling the wool over his eyes somehow to wanting her in his life again and realizing how it looked from her side. Though he still has a huge fear of commitment and never wants to get married.
“Love = pain.
Pain = suffering.
Suffering = not today, Satan. Not today.”
The book is funny in parts and the romance is a slow burn, unlike when they were together before. Chase has a filthy mind and a dirty mouth to go with it. He is always thinking of what he would like to do to Maddie and has no filter so much of the time he says exactly what is on his mind.
This was an enemies to lovers story, but it was quite different than some of L.J.’s previous books. No high school bullies in this one or vicious anti-Heroes either. But overall, I liked it. I enjoyed Chase and Maddie as characters and the supporting characters as well. There were a few mean characters in the book to add to the story so I got my quota of antagonistic derision as well.
I couldn’t decide how to rate this one overall, because it definitely wasn’t as steamy as I would like, despite Chase’s filthy mouth and dirty thoughts and I am more into the darker romances at this point in my reading life. However, for the type of book (Fake engagement/enemies-to-lovers/second chance romance), it met all my criteria. L.J. Shen is really good at making you root for all the characters in a story not just the two main characters. The story, world building and character development makes up for the lack of darkness and lower number of erotic encounters in my mind.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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March 7, 2021
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'THE DEVIL WEARS BLACK' Is a full length, stand-alone romance book by L.J. Shen. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
Well that's kind of embarrassing with how quickly I inhaled this...One minute there I was in my happy place reading and then the next I'm closing out of the last page.
Throw in a fake relationship and its one that I will come back to again and again, and the fact that L.J. Shen was dipping her toes in this genre I was giddy, the feels, the angsty emotional turmoil when things go south are what I seek in this type of trope and this author delivered it in spades.
Madison and Chase were as different as chalk and cheese but together they were perfection, from the banter to the sexual tension which sizzled off the pages, these two had me captivated. I loved seeing them grow, especially our heroine Madison whom I just adored. Chase took a bit to warm up to which I kind of liked, he had his flaws but all in all its those flaws which made me love him more. He was the 'Devil' and he owned it.
I think L.J.Shen out did herself with this book, it was toned down to what I'm used to from her and I think that's what I enjoyed the most about this book, it flowed perfectly and the storyline hooked me from the start.
March 1, 2021
I couldn’t get the taste of bully out of my mouth while reading this. Oh, and the book wasn’t great either.
I was legitimately excited to read this when I received an early copy via NetGalley back in September. I haven’t loved most of the author’s newer books, but she is undeniably talented and has the potential to write something great. Since this is her first with a traditional publisher, I was hoping that this might feel more polished and perhaps reined in a bit.
That was all well before the allegations came to light.
I’m voluntarily leaving a review only because it was already on my Kindle. I have no plans to buy the book, nor to support the author further.
In terms of the story, there are definitely things that I enjoyed, but they're greatly outweighed by the things I didn't. The author excels at writing complex relationships that draw you in, and this one is an interesting mix of second chance and fake relationship romance. Unfortunately, the main issue between the two is the antihero’s past (assumed) cheating. It’s not made immediately clear to the reader - and certainly not the heroine - whether or not he actually DID cheat. That means that I cringed a little every time I saw the heroine start to fall for him again, and I had trouble respecting either one. He’s also kind of a jerk, which... is no surprise. If you’re in the mood for something twisty and already love the author’s work, this may work better for you. Oh, and if you’re also willing to overlook the multiple accusations against her. I’m not. For me, this wasn’t a satisfying read, and I've already purged it from my memory.
I was legitimately excited to read this when I received an early copy via NetGalley back in September. I haven’t loved most of the author’s newer books, but she is undeniably talented and has the potential to write something great. Since this is her first with a traditional publisher, I was hoping that this might feel more polished and perhaps reined in a bit.
That was all well before the allegations came to light.
I’m voluntarily leaving a review only because it was already on my Kindle. I have no plans to buy the book, nor to support the author further.
In terms of the story, there are definitely things that I enjoyed, but they're greatly outweighed by the things I didn't. The author excels at writing complex relationships that draw you in, and this one is an interesting mix of second chance and fake relationship romance. Unfortunately, the main issue between the two is the antihero’s past (assumed) cheating. It’s not made immediately clear to the reader - and certainly not the heroine - whether or not he actually DID cheat. That means that I cringed a little every time I saw the heroine start to fall for him again, and I had trouble respecting either one. He’s also kind of a jerk, which... is no surprise. If you’re in the mood for something twisty and already love the author’s work, this may work better for you. Oh, and if you’re also willing to overlook the multiple accusations against her. I’m not. For me, this wasn’t a satisfying read, and I've already purged it from my memory.
March 10, 2021
I'm not even going to try to read this, ✨sorry not sorry✨
There are better authors you can support! Thank you, next :)
There are better authors you can support! Thank you, next :)
March 29, 2021
Yessss!! I absolutely loved this book! Just what I needed🖤 I don't always read romance...but when I do...you can bet it will be L.J. Shen! I loved the Kiss Thief, however I loved this one even more. Enemies to lovers anyone?! Yes please!
The devil wears black and this handsome devil is named Chase Black. He had the girl and then he lost the girl...by cheating on her.. Oh Chase...He just couldn't help himself, or so Maddie thought. She hates him, loathes the very ground he walks on, thinks he is the devil...yet when he shows up on her doorstep with a "arrangement" to be his fake fiancee...will she remember just how much she hates him?
This is my idea of a perfect romance book...it was snarky, funny banter...combining two of my favorites-enemies to lovers and fake relationship ...she killed it with this book! Look at that cover! If you think the cover is fantastic, wait until you see what is inside.
The devil wears black and this handsome devil is named Chase Black. He had the girl and then he lost the girl...by cheating on her.. Oh Chase...He just couldn't help himself, or so Maddie thought. She hates him, loathes the very ground he walks on, thinks he is the devil...yet when he shows up on her doorstep with a "arrangement" to be his fake fiancee...will she remember just how much she hates him?
This is my idea of a perfect romance book...it was snarky, funny banter...combining two of my favorites-enemies to lovers and fake relationship ...she killed it with this book! Look at that cover! If you think the cover is fantastic, wait until you see what is inside.
March 8, 2021
My God what a boring book, you get immediately thrown in with their fake dating like I only know your names but I digress.
LJ took some stuff from Villain and Vicious and made this way too long and boring book.
I couldn't care less about both tham, they have no chemistry, overall I thought I would at least I would get some entertaining trash but no this is waste of time for me.
LJ took some stuff from Villain and Vicious and made this way too long and boring book.
I couldn't care less about both tham, they have no chemistry, overall I thought I would at least I would get some entertaining trash but no this is waste of time for me.
March 26, 2024
5 ⭐️
Dear Reader,
If you come across this review, check to see if people have written good things about it before reading it: I want you to know that this book is definitely worth your time. And if you're reading this review after finishing this book, you already know why my review is the way it is.
The Devil Wears Black is a witty read that will have you giggling and kicking your feet in the middle of the night. Many of the conversations between Maddie and Chase will make you question whether they are even a great match. Oh, believe me, they are very much so in their own unique ways.
PS. Yes, the Devil always wears black and has no other color clothes.
PSS. No, this book has nothing to do with The Devil Wears Prada.
Happy reading y’all. 🤞🏻😌
Dear Reader,
If you come across this review, check to see if people have written good things about it before reading it: I want you to know that this book is definitely worth your time. And if you're reading this review after finishing this book, you already know why my review is the way it is.
The Devil Wears Black is a witty read that will have you giggling and kicking your feet in the middle of the night. Many of the conversations between Maddie and Chase will make you question whether they are even a great match. Oh, believe me, they are very much so in their own unique ways.
PS. Yes, the Devil always wears black and has no other color clothes.
PSS. No, this book has nothing to do with The Devil Wears Prada.
Happy reading y’all. 🤞🏻😌
March 10, 2021
This was like Vicious and Emilia all over again.
Quirky clothes? Check.
Broody alpha male? Check.
Doormat heroine? Check, check, check.
At this point, I'm convinced this author has run out of ideas and is just recycling her old plots. You know that meme that says, "Here, have my homework, but change it up a bit so it's not exactly the same?" that's exactly how every L.J. Shen book is. Guess it doesn't surprise me that she plagiarizes most of her quotes as well, originality left the chat a long time ago.
Anyway, I guess if you like supporting authors that cheat, steal, and bully other authors and bloggers, then go for it.
Quirky clothes? Check.
Broody alpha male? Check.
Doormat heroine? Check, check, check.
At this point, I'm convinced this author has run out of ideas and is just recycling her old plots. You know that meme that says, "Here, have my homework, but change it up a bit so it's not exactly the same?" that's exactly how every L.J. Shen book is. Guess it doesn't surprise me that she plagiarizes most of her quotes as well, originality left the chat a long time ago.
Anyway, I guess if you like supporting authors that cheat, steal, and bully other authors and bloggers, then go for it.
Read
March 11, 2021* Disclaimer. I haven't read this 🗑️ and I don't plan to. Mrs Regina LJ George won't get 1 more cent from me. I usually don't rate/rant about books I haven't read but Mrs Shen will always get this special treatment *
I genuinely wanted to stay in my #dramafree bubble and out of thisUN lovely person business. Unfortunately my feeds are envaded by this "book" reviews/rating *condolences to all my dear GR friends who went through this torture* and I've just seen Mrs Shen gloating on IG because once again, she hit #1 on Amazon. Regardless of the proofs of plagerism and alligations of bullying she and her team still haven't addressed after more than 3 months because who cares? Other people took the fall.
The fact that this woman still has a career is depressing, infuriating, disappointing and insulting. SM Soto lost her career, her agent and all her supporters in less than 24h for doing less.
Shen hits #1. Again. She's probably sitting there sipping her wine and laughing with gusto.
Please just go and support amazing authors like Saffron A Kent, R Scarlett, Ashley Jade, Kennedy Fox, Willow Winters, Trillina Pucci, Ella Fields, A. Zavarelli. They all deserved it ❤️
I'll be hear (IM)patentialy waiting for Karma to make HER course. You know what the say.. Karma is a bitch. I belive she always catch up with her fellows.
☮️ Or Not 😝
I genuinely wanted to stay in my #dramafree bubble and out of this
The fact that this woman still has a career is depressing, infuriating, disappointing and insulting. SM Soto lost her career, her agent and all her supporters in less than 24h for doing less.
Shen hits #1. Again. She's probably sitting there sipping her wine and laughing with gusto.
Please just go and support amazing authors like Saffron A Kent, R Scarlett, Ashley Jade, Kennedy Fox, Willow Winters, Trillina Pucci, Ella Fields, A. Zavarelli. They all deserved it ❤️
I'll be hear (IM)patentialy waiting for Karma to make HER course. You know what the say.. Karma is a bitch. I belive she always catch up with her fellows.
☮️ Or Not 😝
March 28, 2021
Este es de esos libros que tiene un romance muy TRASHY!!
Con un protagonista que es un grandísimo imbécil nivel HIJO DE PUTA!!😡😠
Y Una protagonista lista para audicionar como tapete BIG FOOL!!
No esperaba mucho de este libro y aun así me decepcionó.
Para ser una comedia romántica yo esperaba enamorarme del prota que fuera lindo, súper adorable, sexy as hell pero tenemos a un asshole de esos que son fuckboys de los que tienes que huir Run Forest Run 🏃🔜
Uno de los protagonistas que más me gustan de esta autora es Vicious y es bastante asshole, toxic shit pero Vic era cool, si estaba enamorado y tiene una super rendencion , este no ni si quiera le pide perdón a ella por engañarla y dejarla al contrario ella tiene la culpa por apegarse a él HAZME EL FAVOR.
Y ella todavía estando ahí como tapete para que él la pisotee NO NO NO.
Más o menos a la mitad del libro mejora, pero no me quito el mal sabor de boca del principio y lo indignada que estaba.
No sé qué estaba pensando la autora que un personaje de este tipo iba a gustar ni en el dark romance lo toleraría.
Con un protagonista que es un grandísimo imbécil nivel HIJO DE PUTA!!😡😠
Y Una protagonista lista para audicionar como tapete BIG FOOL!!
No esperaba mucho de este libro y aun así me decepcionó.
Para ser una comedia romántica yo esperaba enamorarme del prota que fuera lindo, súper adorable, sexy as hell pero tenemos a un asshole de esos que son fuckboys de los que tienes que huir Run Forest Run 🏃🔜
Uno de los protagonistas que más me gustan de esta autora es Vicious y es bastante asshole, toxic shit pero Vic era cool, si estaba enamorado y tiene una super rendencion , este no ni si quiera le pide perdón a ella por engañarla y dejarla al contrario ella tiene la culpa por apegarse a él HAZME EL FAVOR.
Y ella todavía estando ahí como tapete para que él la pisotee NO NO NO.
Más o menos a la mitad del libro mejora, pero no me quito el mal sabor de boca del principio y lo indignada que estaba.
No sé qué estaba pensando la autora que un personaje de este tipo iba a gustar ni en el dark romance lo toleraría.
March 10, 2021
Sooo let take a moment of for those who actually believed that bully shen will ever speak on the matter of plagiarism, bullying and requiring her arc readers to give her books 5+ stars. All she knows is to manipulate readers ( I was one of those people in the past ) and write about men who do not know how to respect women.
DNF at 20%. The main girl is so freaking annoying, that I had stop myself from rolling my eyes every 10 minutes. And let’s not talk about chase bc he is piece of sh*t. He is the perfect combination of Baron, Trent, Wolfe,...and every single hero of lj shen. The only reason I read this book bc i have a soft stop for second chances and was bored out of my mind so decided to pick this book but looks like it was a bad idea.
DNF at 20%. The main girl is so freaking annoying, that I had stop myself from rolling my eyes every 10 minutes. And let’s not talk about chase bc he is piece of sh*t. He is the perfect combination of Baron, Trent, Wolfe,...and every single hero of lj shen. The only reason I read this book bc i have a soft stop for second chances and was bored out of my mind so decided to pick this book but looks like it was a bad idea.
March 9, 2021
i'm very surprised my eyes haven't permanently rolled into the back of my head by now.
madison goldbloom is a direct descendant of emilia leblanc, persephone penrose AND louisa clark. it is ridiculous. most of the times, "quirky" girls in books make me cringe. having no fashion sense but she is a designer??? you just have to laugh at this point lmao
the first half was bad, i didn't feel the connection between the main characters at all. i was so ready to dnf but i pulled through. i won't deny that some parts were cute but the rest was annoying, predictable and underwhelming. the hero was similar to all the other heroes by lj shen and at times, i honestly couldn't stand him.
Also, one of the things i just could not ignore was the emphasis on the size of maddie's body. it was so creepy to me???
"Madison was smaller than the average human being, which preferable, seeing as I hated people, so the less there was of them, the better. Alas, this specific person was a honey trap. Because what she lacked in size, she made up for with enthusiasm."
"Other men obviously didn't have partners Mad's size, or they'd bury them completely. How I'd been able to be on top of this girl several times a week was a mystery to me. She looked so fragile standing next to me in that moment. I decided not to put the full weight of my arm on her shoulders, which resulted in my arm sort of hanging in the air an inch from her body. It was inconvenient, but she was tiny. So tiny she couldn't possibly count as an entire person."
"I removed my arm from Mad's shoulder at the same time she swiveled toward me, stomping my foot with all her might. It took a second to register her foot was on mine. She weighed practically nothing. Most of it was fabric and accessories she'd probably found in a Claire's discount basket."
"Do you think if we ever made a sex tape, it would look weird? You're so big," Mad mused."
Also, the description of his sister: "Katie turned to face me, fiddling with the pearls on her neck. She was tall for a woman, with long dark hair and impeccably malnourished figure she liked to wrap in elegant dresses. She was the type of person to blend in with furniture and take up as little space as possible. The opposite of small, olive-skinned, chatterbox Madison."
safety details: madison and chase had a relationship for six months but broke up because maddie thought he cheated on her (he didn't). after the break up, he had girls over at his place, he later told maddie that he slept with four girls only. she did not sleep with anyone after him (which i'm very mad about, she should have slept with every tom, dick and harry. a big fuck you to lj shen for that), she started seeing a doctor but all they did was kiss. chase was engaged to his brother/cousin's now wife, amber. he came back from a trip to see them together and a baby on the way. chase was "broken" over this and it was a main reason why he never wanted a relationship or to fall in love. he admitted later on it was just lust, puppy love with amber. chase did not sleep with any women when he was fake engaged to maddie.
madison goldbloom is a direct descendant of emilia leblanc, persephone penrose AND louisa clark. it is ridiculous. most of the times, "quirky" girls in books make me cringe. having no fashion sense but she is a designer??? you just have to laugh at this point lmao
the first half was bad, i didn't feel the connection between the main characters at all. i was so ready to dnf but i pulled through. i won't deny that some parts were cute but the rest was annoying, predictable and underwhelming. the hero was similar to all the other heroes by lj shen and at times, i honestly couldn't stand him.
Also, one of the things i just could not ignore was the emphasis on the size of maddie's body. it was so creepy to me???
"Madison was smaller than the average human being, which preferable, seeing as I hated people, so the less there was of them, the better. Alas, this specific person was a honey trap. Because what she lacked in size, she made up for with enthusiasm."
"Other men obviously didn't have partners Mad's size, or they'd bury them completely. How I'd been able to be on top of this girl several times a week was a mystery to me. She looked so fragile standing next to me in that moment. I decided not to put the full weight of my arm on her shoulders, which resulted in my arm sort of hanging in the air an inch from her body. It was inconvenient, but she was tiny. So tiny she couldn't possibly count as an entire person."
"I removed my arm from Mad's shoulder at the same time she swiveled toward me, stomping my foot with all her might. It took a second to register her foot was on mine. She weighed practically nothing. Most of it was fabric and accessories she'd probably found in a Claire's discount basket."
"Do you think if we ever made a sex tape, it would look weird? You're so big," Mad mused."
Also, the description of his sister: "Katie turned to face me, fiddling with the pearls on her neck. She was tall for a woman, with long dark hair and impeccably malnourished figure she liked to wrap in elegant dresses. She was the type of person to blend in with furniture and take up as little space as possible. The opposite of small, olive-skinned, chatterbox Madison."
safety details: madison and chase had a relationship for six months but broke up because maddie thought he cheated on her (he didn't). after the break up, he had girls over at his place, he later told maddie that he slept with four girls only. she did not sleep with anyone after him (which i'm very mad about, she should have slept with every tom, dick and harry. a big fuck you to lj shen for that), she started seeing a doctor but all they did was kiss. chase was engaged to his brother/cousin's now wife, amber. he came back from a trip to see them together and a baby on the way. chase was "broken" over this and it was a main reason why he never wanted a relationship or to fall in love. he admitted later on it was just lust, puppy love with amber. chase did not sleep with any women when he was fake engaged to maddie.
March 8, 2021
Addictive and charming tale of second chances had me up late into the night. I was obsessed, involved and invested from the word GO and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to reach the end, but sad that it ended too.
It's hilariously entertaining love story of Dramatic proportions. There's drama in the relationship that goes from hot to cold to molten lava-esque proportions within a span of year. Sworn enemies to fake friends to fake love and the boundaries blurring as the time goes. Leigh has created MAGIC once again with her writing wand. She's cast a spell on me as I delved deeper and deeper into the sizzling, teasing, flirtatious story of Chase Black and Maddie Goldbloom.
"I longed to run away. Somewhere far, where he couldn’t grab my heart with his poisonous claws again and devour it."
Her insecurities and his rough façade are sure shot recipe for fireworks and when forced together to spend the weekend with the smart Ass family, pretending to be in love, I knew it would turn out to be a spellbinding, Unputdownable read. She has some misunderstood pre-set notions, he comes with a boulder of unforgivable falsehoods, both burn for each other, yet brain keeps raising red flags.
"That ship has sailed.”
“More like sank in the middle of the fucking ocean.”
But Leigh is nothing if not compassionate and she gives us a treat of redemption and by the end, the obnoxious, pretentious Black starts to show glimpses of golden streaks hidden inside.
Maddie is eccentric, witty and sweet creature, is misled and stands corrected often. She follows her heart and places her own self last At the cost of helping others.Martyr Maddie
"the new dent in my heart, the shape of his iron fist."
I particularly loved the funny post it's and naughty, teasing texts touch.
You won't be able to stop reading once you start so don't make the mistake I did, of starting it at night.
Tears and laughter will keep you awake and you may or may not pull an all night r but at least the huge big smile on your face at the end of it, will be so worth it😃
5 stars for Mad About Love
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It's hilariously entertaining love story of Dramatic proportions. There's drama in the relationship that goes from hot to cold to molten lava-esque proportions within a span of year. Sworn enemies to fake friends to fake love and the boundaries blurring as the time goes. Leigh has created MAGIC once again with her writing wand. She's cast a spell on me as I delved deeper and deeper into the sizzling, teasing, flirtatious story of Chase Black and Maddie Goldbloom.
"I longed to run away. Somewhere far, where he couldn’t grab my heart with his poisonous claws again and devour it."
Her insecurities and his rough façade are sure shot recipe for fireworks and when forced together to spend the weekend with the smart Ass family, pretending to be in love, I knew it would turn out to be a spellbinding, Unputdownable read. She has some misunderstood pre-set notions, he comes with a boulder of unforgivable falsehoods, both burn for each other, yet brain keeps raising red flags.
"That ship has sailed.”
“More like sank in the middle of the fucking ocean.”
But Leigh is nothing if not compassionate and she gives us a treat of redemption and by the end, the obnoxious, pretentious Black starts to show glimpses of golden streaks hidden inside.
Maddie is eccentric, witty and sweet creature, is misled and stands corrected often. She follows her heart and places her own self last At the cost of helping others.Martyr Maddie
"the new dent in my heart, the shape of his iron fist."
I particularly loved the funny post it's and naughty, teasing texts touch.
You won't be able to stop reading once you start so don't make the mistake I did, of starting it at night.
Tears and laughter will keep you awake and you may or may not pull an all night r but at least the huge big smile on your face at the end of it, will be so worth it😃
5 stars for Mad About Love
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March 1, 2021
This author! This book! PERFECTION!
This book is what I’ve come to expect from the author — emotionally riveting, witty and intriguing, with a healthy dose of sensual and sexy.
Here’s what I loved:
The trope is one of my favorites. Fake relationships are definitely my jam!
These two characters have a complicated history that made the interactions between them that much more entertaining. I literally laughed out loud several times!
Great execution - the storyline and character development are expertly handled. I particularly enjoyed Chase’s journey.
The subplot will hit you right in the feels. The family dynamic and secondary characters will definitely keep you on your toes.
Witty and concise writing that, as previously stated, will entertain, engage, and leave you in your feels is a hallmark of this author and she delivers.
Overall, I simply loved it! Chase Black is Alphahole perfection and The Devil Wears Black is sure to TOP my favorites of 2021. Highly recommended!
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
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This book is what I’ve come to expect from the author — emotionally riveting, witty and intriguing, with a healthy dose of sensual and sexy.
Here’s what I loved:
The trope is one of my favorites. Fake relationships are definitely my jam!
These two characters have a complicated history that made the interactions between them that much more entertaining. I literally laughed out loud several times!
Great execution - the storyline and character development are expertly handled. I particularly enjoyed Chase’s journey.
The subplot will hit you right in the feels. The family dynamic and secondary characters will definitely keep you on your toes.
Witty and concise writing that, as previously stated, will entertain, engage, and leave you in your feels is a hallmark of this author and she delivers.
Overall, I simply loved it! Chase Black is Alphahole perfection and The Devil Wears Black is sure to TOP my favorites of 2021. Highly recommended!
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Subscribe to Blog
March 9, 2021
To be honest I didn’t get into the book, at least not more than one chapter in.
I do refuse to read something that probably is also plagiarized.
I do refuse to read something that probably is also plagiarized.
December 16, 2021
3.5 Conflicted Stars-Quick, FREE for PRIME MEMBERS!
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
So I had been looking forward to this book-full stop. I loved the cover, the teases and it sounded really fun. I clicked as soon as it was released and dug in.
There were some things I truly loved, the letters from our gal's mom that started each chapter. PERFECTION. Hit me in the heart and understood the importance of them because of my own personal history.
I got the overall jest of the story...set out to suspend my mind for the fake engagement, etc. There was banter and all yet, FOR ME...I had some issues with the tone of the main characters. I was not able to accept what the main guy called his niece and even though it was supposed to be "Cute", every time it showed up...it just drove home, yuck for me.
The overall theme was the idea of doing a Good Thing for a parent...but there were so many other issues that took me out of the good feels.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
January 29, 2021-New Tease From L.J. Shen!!!
January 8, 2021
I Can Think Of Many Places...
I Would Like That Devilish Tip Of Tongue...
September 15, 2020
"He Was The Closest Thing...
To Corporate Porn...
I'd Ever Seen In My Life."
July 17,2020
Maddie Goldbloom Has A Problem...
It Isn't Her Career...
That Is Coming Along Perfectly...
She Doesn't Have A Housing Problem...
Her NYC Apartment Is To Die For...
She Even Doesn't Have...
The Usual Issues with Dating...
Under Boyfriend See Pediatrician...
Nope, Everything Was Going Along Perfectly...
Until Chase Black, Her Ex Resurfaces...
If There Was A Thing...
Called "Corporate Porn"...
He Would Be The Poster Boy...
Yeah, Chase Black Was Something...
And When He Entered Your Force Field...
There Was No Stopping Him...
Now He Wants Maddie's Help...
And It Isn't Really For Him...
It Is A Wish Fulfillment for His Father...
Now Maddie Has Roped Herself...
Into Playing His Fiancée...
And The Only Thing Maddie Knows For Sure Is...
The Devil Wears Black-March 9, 2021
May 28, 2020
Oh, Ms. Shen...
You Tease Us So...
Scorching Enemies-to Lovers-Check
A Sweet Smart Wedding Dress Designer-Check
A Favor Needed-Check
A Reason to Make An Ex-Boyfriend Turn Into a Fake Fiance-Check
Naturally, Montlake Has Another Winner On Their Hands...
After All, It Is L.J. Shen Writing...
The Devil Wears Black-March 9, 2021
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
So I had been looking forward to this book-full stop. I loved the cover, the teases and it sounded really fun. I clicked as soon as it was released and dug in.
There were some things I truly loved, the letters from our gal's mom that started each chapter. PERFECTION. Hit me in the heart and understood the importance of them because of my own personal history.
I got the overall jest of the story...set out to suspend my mind for the fake engagement, etc. There was banter and all yet, FOR ME...I had some issues with the tone of the main characters. I was not able to accept what the main guy called his niece and even though it was supposed to be "Cute", every time it showed up...it just drove home, yuck for me.
The overall theme was the idea of doing a Good Thing for a parent...but there were so many other issues that took me out of the good feels.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
January 29, 2021-New Tease From L.J. Shen!!!
"You...you stupid..." I squinted, trying to find adequate words. And failing. He strode over to me, picked me up from the floor, and righted me against the sink. He turned on the tap and began to wash my face for me, running his big palm over my nose and mouth. He held me by the waist to keep me from falling.
"Finish that thought, Mad. I've a feeling it's going to be amusing," he said tonelessly, plucking a toothbrush from the silver container by the sink and applying a generous amount of toothpaste to it.
"Conceited...arrogant...egotistical..."
"Nah-ah. You don't get to use synonyms. That's cheating."
"Bastard!" I roared.
January 8, 2021
"Chase Black Was The Devil.
My Personal Devil.
Always Clad In Black,
A Whiplash-Cruel Comment Ready
On The Tip Of His Tongue."
I Can Think Of Many Places...
I Would Like That Devilish Tip Of Tongue...
September 15, 2020
"He Was The Closest Thing...
To Corporate Porn...
I'd Ever Seen In My Life."
July 17,2020
Maddie Goldbloom Has A Problem...
It Isn't Her Career...
That Is Coming Along Perfectly...
She Doesn't Have A Housing Problem...
Her NYC Apartment Is To Die For...
She Even Doesn't Have...
The Usual Issues with Dating...
Under Boyfriend See Pediatrician...
Nope, Everything Was Going Along Perfectly...
Until Chase Black, Her Ex Resurfaces...
If There Was A Thing...
Called "Corporate Porn"...
He Would Be The Poster Boy...
Yeah, Chase Black Was Something...
And When He Entered Your Force Field...
There Was No Stopping Him...
Now He Wants Maddie's Help...
And It Isn't Really For Him...
It Is A Wish Fulfillment for His Father...
Now Maddie Has Roped Herself...
Into Playing His Fiancée...
And The Only Thing Maddie Knows For Sure Is...
The Devil Wears Black-March 9, 2021
May 28, 2020
Oh, Ms. Shen...
You Tease Us So...
Scorching Enemies-to Lovers-Check
A Sweet Smart Wedding Dress Designer-Check
A Favor Needed-Check
A Reason to Make An Ex-Boyfriend Turn Into a Fake Fiance-Check
Naturally, Montlake Has Another Winner On Their Hands...
After All, It Is L.J. Shen Writing...
The Devil Wears Black-March 9, 2021
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 9, 2021
Ewwwww. No. Nope. Nu uh. Sorry but no.
“You could’ve broken up with me.”
“I figured you’d get the message, get mad, then reappear in the form of a fuck buddy.”
^Oh boy. That was hilariously bad.
So let’s break it down shall we? We first meet Madison who is in a relationship with perfect boy Ethan. Few pages into the book and she is approached by her bad-boy billionaire ex boyfriend Chase Black, who comes up with the whole fake fiancé charade to appease his family and dying father in exchange for helping Madison with whatever shit she has.
Madison or MARTYR MADDIE as she is called goes along with it in sympathy for Chase’s dad. Who has cancer btw.
And that’s when we see Chase finally fight for Madison. Why? So he can fuck her. Not for a relationship. *a boy after my own heart*
“I can’t promise you forever, but I can promise you right now, and it’s more than I’ve ever offered a woman before.”
*fake swoon* Chase Black really knows the way to a girls heart doesn’t he.
Ethan - Coffee is highly unhealthy. I’ll send you an article.
I just don’t get why authors make the boyfriends look like a boring stick in the mud. It’s a total cop out for us to fall in love with the H. Unfortunately that method isn’t really successful in this book.
I think having Ethan in this book was totally unnecessary. It honestly made me dislike the heroine, how she kept dragging him along and used him to get over Chase.
Overall. I think I only liked the few ending chapters where they supported eachother as friends and went from there. That should’ve been how the storyline went from chapter 10 or 12. And not the whole “I don’t have heart. I can only fuck” bullshit.
“You could’ve broken up with me.”
“I figured you’d get the message, get mad, then reappear in the form of a fuck buddy.”
^Oh boy. That was hilariously bad.
So let’s break it down shall we? We first meet Madison who is in a relationship with perfect boy Ethan. Few pages into the book and she is approached by her bad-boy billionaire ex boyfriend Chase Black, who comes up with the whole fake fiancé charade to appease his family and dying father in exchange for helping Madison with whatever shit she has.
Madison or MARTYR MADDIE as she is called goes along with it in sympathy for Chase’s dad. Who has cancer btw.
And that’s when we see Chase finally fight for Madison. Why? So he can fuck her. Not for a relationship. *a boy after my own heart*
“I can’t promise you forever, but I can promise you right now, and it’s more than I’ve ever offered a woman before.”
*fake swoon* Chase Black really knows the way to a girls heart doesn’t he.
Ethan - Coffee is highly unhealthy. I’ll send you an article.
I just don’t get why authors make the boyfriends look like a boring stick in the mud. It’s a total cop out for us to fall in love with the H. Unfortunately that method isn’t really successful in this book.
I think having Ethan in this book was totally unnecessary. It honestly made me dislike the heroine, how she kept dragging him along and used him to get over Chase.
Overall. I think I only liked the few ending chapters where they supported eachother as friends and went from there. That should’ve been how the storyline went from chapter 10 or 12. And not the whole “I don’t have heart. I can only fuck” bullshit.
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