The Devil Wears Black

I went into *The Devil Wears Black* expecting another fluffy rom-com, but L.J. Shen delivered something far more satisfying: a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heart-wrenching, with a side of ‘how dare you make me care this much.’ The banter between the leads is *chef’s kiss*—it’s the kind of dialogue that makes you pause the audiobook just to savor it, replaying lines like they’re stand-up comedy gold. Erickson and York are the dream team here; Erickson’s dry, sarcastic delivery gives the heroine a voice that’s impossible not to root for, while York’s portrayal of the reformed bad boy is so smooth it’s easy to forget this is fiction. Their dynamic is electric, and the chemistry they bring to the table makes the slow-burn tension feel *earned*, not forced. That said, the audiobook isn’t without its quirks. Some of the side characters blur together in the narration, making it hard to keep track of who’s who without a quick mental checklist. And while Shen’s writing is undeniably witty, there are a few moments where the internal monologue drags the pacing down, especially in the first half. But these are minor nitpicks in what is otherwise a thoroughly entertaining listen. If you’re a fan of rom-coms with a bite—stories that don’t just make you laugh but also make you *feel*—this audiobook is a must-play.