Devil’s Advocate by T. B. Markinson & Miranda MacLeod

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Reviewed by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title: Devil’s Advocate
  • Authors: T. B. Markinson & Miranda MacLeod
  • Indie Authors/Publishers 
  • Publication date: September 30, 2022
  • Available formats: paperback, ebook 
  • File size: 1622 KB
  • Print length: 363 pages
  • Genre: contemporary romance 
  • Themes: family legacy, social class, family duty, corporate law, love and attraction, commitment and trust, Sapphfic romance 
  • Tropes: rich girl/poor girl, enemies to lovers

The blurb from the publisher…

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

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

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

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

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

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

My thoughts…

This is the 8th collaboration between Markinson and Macleod, and I think it’s fair to say readers are becoming more and more impressed with each new project these two co-author. Over the years the duo’s storytelling has become more complex and layered while their style and voice has grown more fluid. The two no doubt have chemistry in spades; each new novel just seems to sparkle.

Considering one of Markinson and MacLeod’s more recent writing ventures earned them a 2022 Golden Crown Literary Award, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Devil’s Advocate is knock-your-socks-off good. These two provide a new backdrop for their storyline this time though. Readers find themselves caught up in the cut-throat world of what it takes to make partner at a top-notch law firm. Things get dicey for the leading ladies and they discover everything isn’t always black and white when it comes to the law, especially when love is involved. The romance between these two spirited and attractive women is fresh and well told. Markinson and MacLeod prove once again that they are crafty and attentive storytellers; Devil’s Advocateis a well-paced and plotted romance through and through.

Markinson and MacLeod’s storytelling success lies in their understanding of story construction. They write character driven stories that readers connect with on emotional levels. Their romances are simple, but focused and they’re always compelling. The two keep things interesting by introducing surprises that push the storytelling while still keeping it inline with the underlying themes. These are romances that evoke reactions because the characters are challenged and changed, a mark of memorable and solid storytelling and something Markinson and MacLeod have mastered.

Final remarks…

A good romance has the lead characters battling for the romance. They square off, face adversity and eventually overcome the challenges placed in front of them. That’s exactly what happens here in Devil’s Advocate. Caitlyn and Ashley are two well-developed, likable characters that are determined to have it all and it sets the course for one terrific romance. 

Strengths…

  • Well-written 
  • Likable characters 
  • Intriguing plot
  • Compelling romance 
  • Well-scripted dialogue 
  • Good character chemistry 

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A bit about T. B. Markinson…

TB Markinson is a best selling author who lives in New England. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs, or reading. Not necessarily in that order.

Besides being a writer, she is an advocate and proud promoter of sapphic fiction. She cohosts the Lesbians Who Write Podcast with Clare Lydon and runs the I Heart SapphFic website with Miranda MacLeod.

A bit about Miranda MacLeod…

Originally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you’ll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that’s more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston.

Connect with the authors…

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