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Unexpected #7
Diablo
After my honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, it only made sense to put my skills to good use as a personal bodyguard. The contracts keep me moving and traveling, and the money is good. All I’ve ever wanted was to make sure my mother and sister were taken care of after my father passed away. So when Anthony Costello, the notorious mob boss and my dad’s ex-employer, asked me to take on a special job for his family, I couldn’t say no.
But not even my six-year stint as an elite Marine could have prepared me for the hellscape that is being trapped in a secluded safe house with his son. Diablo Costello is a rude little chaos gremlin that lives to push all my buttons. I can’t keep him safe if he’s determined to fight me every step of the way. But I can see through the bratty facade. I know what Diablo needs. What he longs for. And God help me, I’m going to give it to him.
This book is a little different than my other books due to the characters involved. Please check the content warning in the beginning of the book!
But not even my six-year stint as an elite Marine could have prepared me for the hellscape that is being trapped in a secluded safe house with his son. Diablo Costello is a rude little chaos gremlin that lives to push all my buttons. I can’t keep him safe if he’s determined to fight me every step of the way. But I can see through the bratty facade. I know what Diablo needs. What he longs for. And God help me, I’m going to give it to him.
This book is a little different than my other books due to the characters involved. Please check the content warning in the beginning of the book!
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2023
About the author
Cora Rose
47 books2,947 followersCora Rose loves any kind of romance and consumes way too many books each year. She currently lives in the U.S. and spends her days daydreaming about the characters inside her head.
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews
July 23, 2023
Diablo did something to protect his twin brother Angelo, which has had some consequences. Someone is after him now for retribution.
I have an annoying habit of causing chaos and reaping the consequences. It’s just how I was made. Whereas Angel is the peacemaker, I revel in the mess, the conflict. I like to push people’s buttons. All of them. Simultaneously.
Diablo’s father (a famed mobster) sends Diablo away to keep him safe. If you read Lex, you know that Skylar is there for Diablo’s protection and he has been tasked with keeping Diablo alive.
I know that he’s just doing his job and that it’s my fault that I’m here, but I’m still bitter about it. Real fucking bitter. I’m a Brussels sprout.
Skylar is observant and knows what Diablo likes and wants. When Diablo finally starts to notice this, it melts his cold heart a little bit.
I don’t kiss. I’ve never kissed anyone before in my life, and yet I can’t stop myself this time. He got me my fucking saws. He knows me, he fucking cares.
This has a bit of an enemies-to-lovers vibe that I really enjoyed. Diablo is a massive brat and Skylar is the perfect man to tame him. A little bit anyways. LOL. Diablo is still crazy.
I am giggling now, like a little kid, but who knew Skylar could be funny. Shit, this makes me like him a little more. A lot more. This cannot be happening. I don’t like anyone. No one. I hate everyone. People. Ew.
Diablo will never admit it, but he needs me. He needs me to ground him and put him in his place.
When these two finally come together and have sex it’s explosive. They tear up the sheets.
It’s filthy and wrong and yet, everything about this is so fucking right. I’ve never been fucked like this. Never had someone treat me like this. Everyone has always been so afraid of me, of what my dad would do if he found out. Skylar gives zero fucks about any of it as he pounds into me.
Eventually, the people they are hiding from show up and Skylar saves Diablo in a major way, but Skylar gets injured in the process. Diablo doesn't take kindly to this and he takes his revenge on the person who hurt him.
“I don’t share. Certainly not your bratty ass.” Those words. “Does that mean I’m yours?” I ask, my words coming out in a wheeze. “Yeah. You’re. Fucking. Mine.”
TBH, this started kinda slow for me and I felt like I was missing something to pull me into the story more, but the last half and especially the last 30% or so was fantastic.
I loved seeing Diablo and his father interact toward the end and I loved seeing Skylar and Diablo start to open up to one another and give into their growing feelings. These two do not have a conventional relationship, but what they have works for them and I dig it.
I spanked him again yesterday for being a little shit, but he was asking for it by slashing my pillow with a knife. Apparently, I forgot to kiss him goodbye.
*** I received an ARC of this book from Indie Author Creative and this is my honest opinion. ***
I have an annoying habit of causing chaos and reaping the consequences. It’s just how I was made. Whereas Angel is the peacemaker, I revel in the mess, the conflict. I like to push people’s buttons. All of them. Simultaneously.
Diablo’s father (a famed mobster) sends Diablo away to keep him safe. If you read Lex, you know that Skylar is there for Diablo’s protection and he has been tasked with keeping Diablo alive.
I know that he’s just doing his job and that it’s my fault that I’m here, but I’m still bitter about it. Real fucking bitter. I’m a Brussels sprout.
Skylar is observant and knows what Diablo likes and wants. When Diablo finally starts to notice this, it melts his cold heart a little bit.
I don’t kiss. I’ve never kissed anyone before in my life, and yet I can’t stop myself this time. He got me my fucking saws. He knows me, he fucking cares.
This has a bit of an enemies-to-lovers vibe that I really enjoyed. Diablo is a massive brat and Skylar is the perfect man to tame him. A little bit anyways. LOL. Diablo is still crazy.
I am giggling now, like a little kid, but who knew Skylar could be funny. Shit, this makes me like him a little more. A lot more. This cannot be happening. I don’t like anyone. No one. I hate everyone. People. Ew.
Diablo will never admit it, but he needs me. He needs me to ground him and put him in his place.
When these two finally come together and have sex it’s explosive. They tear up the sheets.
It’s filthy and wrong and yet, everything about this is so fucking right. I’ve never been fucked like this. Never had someone treat me like this. Everyone has always been so afraid of me, of what my dad would do if he found out. Skylar gives zero fucks about any of it as he pounds into me.
Eventually, the people they are hiding from show up and Skylar saves Diablo in a major way, but Skylar gets injured in the process. Diablo doesn't take kindly to this and he takes his revenge on the person who hurt him.
“I don’t share. Certainly not your bratty ass.” Those words. “Does that mean I’m yours?” I ask, my words coming out in a wheeze. “Yeah. You’re. Fucking. Mine.”
TBH, this started kinda slow for me and I felt like I was missing something to pull me into the story more, but the last half and especially the last 30% or so was fantastic.
I loved seeing Diablo and his father interact toward the end and I loved seeing Skylar and Diablo start to open up to one another and give into their growing feelings. These two do not have a conventional relationship, but what they have works for them and I dig it.
I spanked him again yesterday for being a little shit, but he was asking for it by slashing my pillow with a knife. Apparently, I forgot to kiss him goodbye.
*** I received an ARC of this book from Indie Author Creative and this is my honest opinion. ***
August 31, 2023
Well ...
The book had a few nice moments, but overall it was nothing.
One of my favorite tropes - the bodyguard and the brat. This one is an OTT-brat and a not so impressive bodyguard … for me. 😬 I don’t like those characters, I’m sorry. They are way too much and annoying.
The writing is well done and the sex scenes are hot, just the usual Cora Rose style. BUT: condoms, safety talk …? tearing …! 😡😡😡
And then there is no plot, no development, I don’t see anything. The brattiness gets boring pretty quick. The bodyguard is too mellow and without depth.
Also the background to Diablo, why is he the way he is, could have been a bit more detailed. It only scratches the surface. And what is Skylar's problem...?
I thought I'd give Cora another chance after loving her first books and I'm still remembering Emery fondly, but I guess I'd better leave it alone. It's always the same old thing - boring and lacking.
The book had a few nice moments, but overall it was nothing.
One of my favorite tropes - the bodyguard and the brat. This one is an OTT-brat and a not so impressive bodyguard … for me. 😬 I don’t like those characters, I’m sorry. They are way too much and annoying.
The writing is well done and the sex scenes are hot, just the usual Cora Rose style. BUT: condoms, safety talk …? tearing …! 😡😡😡
And then there is no plot, no development, I don’t see anything. The brattiness gets boring pretty quick. The bodyguard is too mellow and without depth.
Also the background to Diablo, why is he the way he is, could have been a bit more detailed. It only scratches the surface. And what is Skylar's problem...?
I thought I'd give Cora another chance after loving her first books and I'm still remembering Emery fondly, but I guess I'd better leave it alone. It's always the same old thing - boring and lacking.
May 9, 2024
I liked this to a point but it was just too shallow for me.
We don't really get to know anything about Skylar. He goes from being adamant nothing will happen between him and Diablo to then embarking on a physical relationship - there was no real reasoning for the switch in thinking?
I enjoyed how bratty Diablo was to begin, but it got repetitive very quickly and went on too long before anything started to change. Again all we find out is he likes to use his saws and play his game, but we already knew that much from previous books. Is he truly a psychopath or just a socially awkward fan of dismemberment?
Really I just would have liked to get to know the characters better. Why do I care if they're together when I know nothing about either of them individually?
Also the whole 'bad guy' situation didn't feel believable at all, and resolved so quickly. If Diablo was capable of what he did, why did he ever need the bodyguard or safe houses? It just didn't make much sense to me.
This series is definitely hit and miss.
We don't really get to know anything about Skylar. He goes from being adamant nothing will happen between him and Diablo to then embarking on a physical relationship - there was no real reasoning for the switch in thinking?
I enjoyed how bratty Diablo was to begin, but it got repetitive very quickly and went on too long before anything started to change. Again all we find out is he likes to use his saws and play his game, but we already knew that much from previous books. Is he truly a psychopath or just a socially awkward fan of dismemberment?
Really I just would have liked to get to know the characters better. Why do I care if they're together when I know nothing about either of them individually?
Also the whole 'bad guy' situation didn't feel believable at all, and resolved so quickly. If Diablo was capable of what he did, why did he ever need the bodyguard or safe houses? It just didn't make much sense to me.
This series is definitely hit and miss.
October 29, 2023
Diablo is one heck of a wild ride. This story has the reliable quirkiness and offbeat characters that this author is known for while giving you something a little bit different in tone and subject matter. I really loved the dynamic between bratty Diablo and his stern bodyguard Skyler. They have one unquestionable bond where their limits are put to the test while stuck in hiding together.
I loved how well the brattiness of Diablo's character came through in this story. He is one touch-starved character who is in desperate need of discipline, making Skyler the perfect disciplinarian who is struggling to maintain his boundaries with this incredibly difficult and stubborn charge.
Their relationship is complicated, but I fully understood why both needed each other so desperately. I also loved the forced proximity between these two as they are forced to cohabitate, which creates many hilarious and steamy moments between the two.
Overall Diablo is another wonderfully entertaining entry in this series that never fails to surprise.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I loved how well the brattiness of Diablo's character came through in this story. He is one touch-starved character who is in desperate need of discipline, making Skyler the perfect disciplinarian who is struggling to maintain his boundaries with this incredibly difficult and stubborn charge.
Their relationship is complicated, but I fully understood why both needed each other so desperately. I also loved the forced proximity between these two as they are forced to cohabitate, which creates many hilarious and steamy moments between the two.
Overall Diablo is another wonderfully entertaining entry in this series that never fails to surprise.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Read
July 30, 2023DNF 35%
August 2, 2023
⭐︎
3.5 Stars Rounded Up
⭐︎
I was a little bit unsure how to rate this, but eventually settled on 3.5 stars.
I was excited for this, and it didn't quite live up to what I'd hoped it was going to be.
Diablo is...a lot to take. Especially the first half of this book. He was relentless in his brattiness and never really let up except for a few moments here or there. He was determined to be as annoying as possible.
And I get it to an extent. He didn't get much attention from his father his whole life - mother dead awhile ago, it seems like - and with Diablo's personality, not getting the love and attention he needs leads to how he is now. I get all that.
Doesn't make him any less annoying. Especially when he never changes it, not really. He is who is he is...and that's a fucking annoying shithead, really.
It did bring my enjoyment of this down considerably. I thought, or was hoping, that eventually he'd...let up a little. That he'd eventually have his bratty moments, but be more real and vulnerable with Skylar.
Which, in his way, he kinda did near the end. The reason I'm rounding up instead of down with this is because while he didn't let up the brattiness, he did soften up some with Skylar. Not as much as I would have liked, and he kept up the front that Skylar always saw past and that he knew Skylar saw past, so I didn't really get why he kept at it when it was just them alone, but still, he did show vulnerability at times. And softened in at least some way. It became like his "I hate you's" were actually "I love you's" that he couldn't say.
I do wish we had gotten there. We kinda do. Skylar says it at the end, and we know Diablo feels the same, but he doesn't say it. I guess when he can't even say it to his brother, Angelo (aka Angel), who he's closest to outside of Skyler, it makes sense he doesn't say it. But...I would have liked Skyler to be the exception to him being unable to say it *sigh* oh well.
Now, to me it also gets points off because I don't think there was enough build up to get to the "I love you" stage, but I at least was feeling something between these two by the end.
This book actually took a long while to get them past the beginning stages, and then we don't get much once they're past those beginning stages. I would have wanted less of the beginning stages and more of them really getting into their romance.
I really enjoyed Skylar as a character, though, so this gets points for that. I also didn't quite feel that much chemistry at first between these two - some, but not a ton - until around 68% when they have penetrative sex for the first time. It was...really fucking hot. And they made kissing an art form. In that way, the build up was worth it. I guess this could have just been a little longer, to see them really getting to that "I love you" stage.
The "threat" didn't really feel like a threat either. In this, Skylar is having to take Diablo from safe house to safe house that his mobster father owns because this guy called Elio, who took advantage of his brother Angel and who Diablo retaliated against through hacking, as no one hurts his sweet brother Angel and gets away with it.
Only, now the guy is after him. And we don't get any type of threat from the guy until the climax. It's just these two, in a house after house, and their antics together, and then a random new bodyguard Casey out of the blue (who I suspect might be the LI for Angel if he gets a book? I bet he is. But that's really the only reason he's there. Doesn't make much sense otherwise.) until all the sudden he's a problem.
It more like the Elio threat was just a way to get these two alone for an extended period of time than any actual legitimate part of the plot. So that plot point felt weak and underutilized. And with how many times Diablo escaped/almost escaped/tried to escape the little houses he was confined to, like maybe he could have almost got killed by Elio being close on their tale and then they get away to another safe house after that.
It would also teach Diablo the lesson to actually listen to Skylar and he wasn't just doing it for funsies.
Instead he learns that lesson too late at the climax. Thankfully it all turns out okay. But Diablo was so annoyingly careless with his and Skylar's life just to be obstinate and I wanted him to reap a bit of what he sowed.
Also, while the sex was absolutely hot, heed that this is dub-con. While Diablo absolutely wants it and it's part of his character to pretend he doesn't care about anything, ever, in his life, he and Skylar never discuss the consent.
And he acts like he doesn't want it, and Skylar goes ahead and fucks him anyway. Which, yeah, he does truly consent behind the lies he insists on, but there's no verbal confirmation of it, which is where the dub-con comes in.
And there's a particular scene near the end where if it was anyone but Diablo, and it wasn't an established part of their dynamic, it would just be straight up non-con. I know with who these characters are, that they aren't actually good people (especially Diablo. But Skylar is willingly working for a gangster, so....he's more in the gray area as well) and they aren't exactly educated in informed consent.
Which is fine, but if you're someone who needs clear consent/enthusiastic consent in your romance books, this might not be the one for you.
As it is, it is really hot, and going into this knowing the consent isn't discussed at all, I can just enjoy it for what it is.
So overall, this could have been improved. And honestly, if the last third of this hadn't been so enjoyable, I probably would have just given this 3 stars. That was what it was shaping up to be, honestly.
Enjoyable at times at first, but nothing to write home about. The first half especially is a bit of a slog to get through. Not only because not much is happening, but not much is happening on top of Diablo being fairly insufferable a lot of the time. It was fine at first, but got old real fast.
But, the last third of the book really came through. The chemistry was on point, the fucked up way they connected, was good. The thing that gets Diablo to bend slightly is...it's fucked up, but works for them. It's so Diablo and Skylar, which you'll get if you read this.
And again, while Diablo didn't soften as much as I wanted, wasn't as vulnerable and real with Skylar as I wanted, he did soften somewhat, which did wonders for lessening my annoyance with him.
So overall, this was enjoyable. Worth a read. Definitely not the strongest in this series, and disappointing in some ways. But it comes through in the end, especially that last third of the book.
I wonder who the next book will be about. Hopefully Angel. He seems so sweet, I want a man (potentially Casey?) to worship him as he deserves.
Can't wait! 😍🥰😘
My Ratings for the Unexpected series:
✨ Whit: 4.25 stars (my review)
✨ Sem: 4.25 stars (my review)
✨ Emery: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Luke: 3.25 stars (my review)
✨ Lex: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Colin: 4 stars (my review)
✨ Diablo: 3.5 stars
I was a little bit unsure how to rate this, but eventually settled on 3.5 stars.
I was excited for this, and it didn't quite live up to what I'd hoped it was going to be.
Diablo is...a lot to take. Especially the first half of this book. He was relentless in his brattiness and never really let up except for a few moments here or there. He was determined to be as annoying as possible.
And I get it to an extent. He didn't get much attention from his father his whole life - mother dead awhile ago, it seems like - and with Diablo's personality, not getting the love and attention he needs leads to how he is now. I get all that.
Doesn't make him any less annoying. Especially when he never changes it, not really. He is who is he is...and that's a fucking annoying shithead, really.
It did bring my enjoyment of this down considerably. I thought, or was hoping, that eventually he'd...let up a little. That he'd eventually have his bratty moments, but be more real and vulnerable with Skylar.
Which, in his way, he kinda did near the end. The reason I'm rounding up instead of down with this is because while he didn't let up the brattiness, he did soften up some with Skylar. Not as much as I would have liked, and he kept up the front that Skylar always saw past and that he knew Skylar saw past, so I didn't really get why he kept at it when it was just them alone, but still, he did show vulnerability at times. And softened in at least some way. It became like his "I hate you's" were actually "I love you's" that he couldn't say.
I do wish we had gotten there. We kinda do. Skylar says it at the end, and we know Diablo feels the same, but he doesn't say it. I guess when he can't even say it to his brother, Angelo (aka Angel), who he's closest to outside of Skyler, it makes sense he doesn't say it. But...I would have liked Skyler to be the exception to him being unable to say it *sigh* oh well.
Now, to me it also gets points off because I don't think there was enough build up to get to the "I love you" stage, but I at least was feeling something between these two by the end.
This book actually took a long while to get them past the beginning stages, and then we don't get much once they're past those beginning stages. I would have wanted less of the beginning stages and more of them really getting into their romance.
I really enjoyed Skylar as a character, though, so this gets points for that. I also didn't quite feel that much chemistry at first between these two - some, but not a ton - until around 68% when they have penetrative sex for the first time. It was...really fucking hot. And they made kissing an art form. In that way, the build up was worth it. I guess this could have just been a little longer, to see them really getting to that "I love you" stage.
The "threat" didn't really feel like a threat either. In this, Skylar is having to take Diablo from safe house to safe house that his mobster father owns because this guy called Elio, who took advantage of his brother Angel and who Diablo retaliated against through hacking, as no one hurts his sweet brother Angel and gets away with it.
Only, now the guy is after him. And we don't get any type of threat from the guy until the climax. It's just these two, in a house after house, and their antics together, and then a random new bodyguard Casey out of the blue (who I suspect might be the LI for Angel if he gets a book? I bet he is. But that's really the only reason he's there. Doesn't make much sense otherwise.) until all the sudden he's a problem.
It more like the Elio threat was just a way to get these two alone for an extended period of time than any actual legitimate part of the plot. So that plot point felt weak and underutilized. And with how many times Diablo escaped/almost escaped/tried to escape the little houses he was confined to, like maybe he could have almost got killed by Elio being close on their tale and then they get away to another safe house after that.
It would also teach Diablo the lesson to actually listen to Skylar and he wasn't just doing it for funsies.
Instead he learns that lesson too late at the climax. Thankfully it all turns out okay. But Diablo was so annoyingly careless with his and Skylar's life just to be obstinate and I wanted him to reap a bit of what he sowed.
Also, while the sex was absolutely hot, heed that this is dub-con. While Diablo absolutely wants it and it's part of his character to pretend he doesn't care about anything, ever, in his life, he and Skylar never discuss the consent.
And he acts like he doesn't want it, and Skylar goes ahead and fucks him anyway. Which, yeah, he does truly consent behind the lies he insists on, but there's no verbal confirmation of it, which is where the dub-con comes in.
And there's a particular scene near the end where if it was anyone but Diablo, and it wasn't an established part of their dynamic, it would just be straight up non-con. I know with who these characters are, that they aren't actually good people (especially Diablo. But Skylar is willingly working for a gangster, so....he's more in the gray area as well) and they aren't exactly educated in informed consent.
Which is fine, but if you're someone who needs clear consent/enthusiastic consent in your romance books, this might not be the one for you.
As it is, it is really hot, and going into this knowing the consent isn't discussed at all, I can just enjoy it for what it is.
So overall, this could have been improved. And honestly, if the last third of this hadn't been so enjoyable, I probably would have just given this 3 stars. That was what it was shaping up to be, honestly.
Enjoyable at times at first, but nothing to write home about. The first half especially is a bit of a slog to get through. Not only because not much is happening, but not much is happening on top of Diablo being fairly insufferable a lot of the time. It was fine at first, but got old real fast.
But, the last third of the book really came through. The chemistry was on point, the fucked up way they connected, was good. The thing that gets Diablo to bend slightly is...it's fucked up, but works for them. It's so Diablo and Skylar, which you'll get if you read this.
And again, while Diablo didn't soften as much as I wanted, wasn't as vulnerable and real with Skylar as I wanted, he did soften somewhat, which did wonders for lessening my annoyance with him.
So overall, this was enjoyable. Worth a read. Definitely not the strongest in this series, and disappointing in some ways. But it comes through in the end, especially that last third of the book.
I wonder who the next book will be about. Hopefully Angel. He seems so sweet, I want a man (potentially Casey?) to worship him as he deserves.
Can't wait! 😍🥰😘
My Ratings for the Unexpected series:
✨ Whit: 4.25 stars (my review)
✨ Sem: 4.25 stars (my review)
✨ Emery: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Luke: 3.25 stars (my review)
✨ Lex: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Colin: 4 stars (my review)
✨ Diablo: 3.5 stars
July 29, 2023
2.5/5 stars
I usually love Cora Rose’s books. I know what to expect from them which is OTT characters. It just didn’t feel like a Cora book to me. I didn’t particularly enjoy the characters at all. Diablo was so fucking annoying sometimes. I swear to god sometimes I wished Skylar would take a saw from Diablo’s collection and kill him with it. Diablo needed to get a fucking grip. He constantly wonders why no one likes him and it’s being he’s annoying as fuck.
I usually love Cora Rose’s books. I know what to expect from them which is OTT characters. It just didn’t feel like a Cora book to me. I didn’t particularly enjoy the characters at all. Diablo was so fucking annoying sometimes. I swear to god sometimes I wished Skylar would take a saw from Diablo’s collection and kill him with it. Diablo needed to get a fucking grip. He constantly wonders why no one likes him and it’s being he’s annoying as fuck.
December 11, 2023
it's giving same old same old. my expectations were low for miss cora rose and said expectations were met so i can't out rightly say that i was disappointed. it was a quick easy read for me.
July 22, 2023
3.75 ⭐️, rounded up to 4
- age gap (30/19)
- body guard
- size difference
- forced proximity
- noncon/dubcon
- rope play
Much like Lex, I always enjoyed seeing Diablo pop up throughout the series, but I’m not quite sure how I feel about him as a main.
He’s a giant brat, probs the brattiest character I’ve ever read, and fought Skylar every chance he got. I wasn’t sure I was going to like him to be honest, and was annoyed by him instead of endeared for like 60% of the book. Every childish outburst was a cry for attention, and even though I get why *insert daddy issues here*, I wanted to strangle him 🤣
Buuuuuttttt when we finally got to see the realness and vulnerability behind Diablo’s abrasive and OTT facade, he ended up winning me over. Although, I think out of the two, Skylar is my favorite with his eternal patience, intensity, and major Dom vibes. He really had Diablo’s best interests in mind, even when the kid was being a chaotic mess for funsies. Plus, outside of Angel, he’s the only one to give him the love and affection he deserved.
Diablo is definitely not what I expected, and not like the other books in the series. It is a bit darker and kinkier than the others, but Cora never disappoints no matter what direction she does in. When it comes to steaminess, this one does have fewer sex scenes than previous books in the series and seemed to focus more on their dynamic (which I didn’t mind at all).
Overall, when I wasn’t wanting to strangle Diablo, I really loved his character and his relationship with Skylar.
- age gap (30/19)
- body guard
- size difference
- forced proximity
- noncon/dubcon
- rope play
Much like Lex, I always enjoyed seeing Diablo pop up throughout the series, but I’m not quite sure how I feel about him as a main.
He’s a giant brat, probs the brattiest character I’ve ever read, and fought Skylar every chance he got. I wasn’t sure I was going to like him to be honest, and was annoyed by him instead of endeared for like 60% of the book. Every childish outburst was a cry for attention, and even though I get why *insert daddy issues here*, I wanted to strangle him 🤣
Buuuuuttttt when we finally got to see the realness and vulnerability behind Diablo’s abrasive and OTT facade, he ended up winning me over. Although, I think out of the two, Skylar is my favorite with his eternal patience, intensity, and major Dom vibes. He really had Diablo’s best interests in mind, even when the kid was being a chaotic mess for funsies. Plus, outside of Angel, he’s the only one to give him the love and affection he deserved.
Diablo is definitely not what I expected, and not like the other books in the series. It is a bit darker and kinkier than the others, but Cora never disappoints no matter what direction she does in. When it comes to steaminess, this one does have fewer sex scenes than previous books in the series and seemed to focus more on their dynamic (which I didn’t mind at all).
Overall, when I wasn’t wanting to strangle Diablo, I really loved his character and his relationship with Skylar.
May 10, 2025
Re-read on 10th May/25
I'll say I did like this book much better the second time around. I'll give it 3.75⭐ and I'd almost round it up, but what got me was almost no relationship development from the conflict that happened in that shed where Skylar was shot, forward.
From that point on Skylar and Diablo were suddenly a done deal.
The build-up was going so well, they were getting closer and closer and what I think should've happened was Skylar going back home and then after the separation them realizing how much they mean to each other and making it happen.
"Before I leave my room, I glance back at Diablo who is gazing at me with a dreamy look in his eyes. Yeah. He can’t fucking hide that either.
“Don’t say a word or I will cut out your tongue.”
The organ in question slips from my mouth and wets my lips. “Oh, but you like my tongue.”
His cheeks turn a pretty pink and he throws the covers over his head to hide it from me. “Can’t hide, Diablo. Saw that blush.”
“Fuck you, motherfucker!” he squeaks, and a laugh slips from my lips as I trail out of the bedroom."
The ending was abrupt, everything happened too fast, not nearly enough was said about their relationship, so it was a bit sour for me, not really satisfying.
I'd also like to know more about Diablo's past, I think his destroying tendencies were just thrown around a little bit but the main issue wasn't addressed and that was that the guy is clearly traumatized and needs fucking therapy.
I was kind of hoping Skylar would drag him out of this life.
It is a much better and more interesting story than most in this series so far.
_____________________________________
Original review on 15th Aug/23
Rating : 3.5⭐
This is Diablo's book, the guy Lex usually works with, so we've met him already in his book.
Diablo is a 20 - year old small, feisty guy who has psychopathic tendencies and a murderous streak that doesn't get adressed as a problem, because his father is some kind of a mafia don and Diablo is very much like him, he can get away with murder - and he does.
🟢 Mafia boss' son / his bodyguard
🔵 Age gap 20/30
🟣 Size difference
🟡 Forced proximity
🟠 An unconvincing love story, no emotional depth developed, even though it's there somewhere
🟢 I don't like the cover
🌶️ Spice is good, but not that much of it; spanking, oral, penetrative; t/b
Diablo's bodyguard is Skylar, an ex-marine who's twice Diablo's size. Diablo is in danger for protecting his brother, so he has to go into hiding and Skylar is there to keep him alive.
Diablo is a spitfire little twink, who doesn't really feel wanted or attractive, he's socially awkward, but very dangerous, so when he's put together in a room with Skylar, who's taking care of Diablo's brattiness with spankings and gentle teaching of simple, mundane chores that Diablo was never taught, Diablo starts literally melting inside.
"I'm irredeemable. I know this. I've accepted it. I'm going to die alone. No one can stand me long enough to stick around."
Diablo still has his guard up for most of the story, but Skylar is so in tune with him, he knows exactly how to handle him, understands him and has a way for him to calm down and even express his feelings and desires.
In a way.
Kind of.
"He is a little shit, I wasn’t wrong about that. But in many ways he’s mine. And mine alone."
I did like Diablo and his inner monologues, they were funny and entertaining, I thought not enough was said about his life or him in this book. He goes from a feisty little monster to a real monster, he did have an awful upbringing and he was actually killing people, that came out as a big, big surprise.
The pairing with Skylar seemed like a really good idea, but Skylar got lost in the process, we really don't get to know Skylar, his POV isn't as good as Diablo's.
I also felt like Skylar was really crossing that professional line many times over with Diablo being that much younger and smaller and the only solution Skylar had was a sexual one.
The author gave him a more sensitive, gentle side to level this out later on, but I wasn't feeling it. I think Skylar should've been more held back, pausing anything between them until there was a substantial build-up there.
Them falling in love (did they even fall in love??) wasn't really felt. I get they have an unconventional relationship, but they went from one night together to Skylar being afraid Diablo wasn't interested anymore and then to them living together. It all happened too fast.
There's so much that could be said about Diablo coming out of his shell, opening up and really loving someone and Skylar loving him, but I somehow just don't feel they're a done deal, even though I really liked the idea of Diablo having this beefcake holding him and taking care of him.
I was really hoping for more. 😐
I am interested in Diablo's brother and father's story though, hopefully we'll get them.
I'll say I did like this book much better the second time around. I'll give it 3.75⭐ and I'd almost round it up, but what got me was almost no relationship development from the conflict that happened in that shed where Skylar was shot, forward.
From that point on Skylar and Diablo were suddenly a done deal.
The build-up was going so well, they were getting closer and closer and what I think should've happened was Skylar going back home and then after the separation them realizing how much they mean to each other and making it happen.
"Before I leave my room, I glance back at Diablo who is gazing at me with a dreamy look in his eyes. Yeah. He can’t fucking hide that either.
“Don’t say a word or I will cut out your tongue.”
The organ in question slips from my mouth and wets my lips. “Oh, but you like my tongue.”
His cheeks turn a pretty pink and he throws the covers over his head to hide it from me. “Can’t hide, Diablo. Saw that blush.”
“Fuck you, motherfucker!” he squeaks, and a laugh slips from my lips as I trail out of the bedroom."
The ending was abrupt, everything happened too fast, not nearly enough was said about their relationship, so it was a bit sour for me, not really satisfying.
I'd also like to know more about Diablo's past, I think his destroying tendencies were just thrown around a little bit but the main issue wasn't addressed and that was that the guy is clearly traumatized and needs fucking therapy.
I was kind of hoping Skylar would drag him out of this life.
It is a much better and more interesting story than most in this series so far.
_____________________________________
Original review on 15th Aug/23
Rating : 3.5⭐
This is Diablo's book, the guy Lex usually works with, so we've met him already in his book.
Diablo is a 20 - year old small, feisty guy who has psychopathic tendencies and a murderous streak that doesn't get adressed as a problem, because his father is some kind of a mafia don and Diablo is very much like him, he can get away with murder - and he does.
🟢 Mafia boss' son / his bodyguard
🔵 Age gap 20/30
🟣 Size difference
🟡 Forced proximity
🟠 An unconvincing love story, no emotional depth developed, even though it's there somewhere
🟢 I don't like the cover
🌶️ Spice is good, but not that much of it; spanking, oral, penetrative; t/b
Diablo's bodyguard is Skylar, an ex-marine who's twice Diablo's size. Diablo is in danger for protecting his brother, so he has to go into hiding and Skylar is there to keep him alive.
Diablo is a spitfire little twink, who doesn't really feel wanted or attractive, he's socially awkward, but very dangerous, so when he's put together in a room with Skylar, who's taking care of Diablo's brattiness with spankings and gentle teaching of simple, mundane chores that Diablo was never taught, Diablo starts literally melting inside.
"I'm irredeemable. I know this. I've accepted it. I'm going to die alone. No one can stand me long enough to stick around."
Diablo still has his guard up for most of the story, but Skylar is so in tune with him, he knows exactly how to handle him, understands him and has a way for him to calm down and even express his feelings and desires.
In a way.
Kind of.
"He is a little shit, I wasn’t wrong about that. But in many ways he’s mine. And mine alone."
I did like Diablo and his inner monologues, they were funny and entertaining, I thought not enough was said about his life or him in this book. He goes from a feisty little monster to a real monster, he did have an awful upbringing and he was actually killing people, that came out as a big, big surprise.
The pairing with Skylar seemed like a really good idea, but Skylar got lost in the process, we really don't get to know Skylar, his POV isn't as good as Diablo's.
I also felt like Skylar was really crossing that professional line many times over with Diablo being that much younger and smaller and the only solution Skylar had was a sexual one.
The author gave him a more sensitive, gentle side to level this out later on, but I wasn't feeling it. I think Skylar should've been more held back, pausing anything between them until there was a substantial build-up there.
Them falling in love (did they even fall in love??) wasn't really felt. I get they have an unconventional relationship, but they went from one night together to Skylar being afraid Diablo wasn't interested anymore and then to them living together. It all happened too fast.
There's so much that could be said about Diablo coming out of his shell, opening up and really loving someone and Skylar loving him, but I somehow just don't feel they're a done deal, even though I really liked the idea of Diablo having this beefcake holding him and taking care of him.
I was really hoping for more. 😐
I am interested in Diablo's brother and father's story though, hopefully we'll get them.
Did Not Finish
August 15, 2023dnf at 24%
I was getting pretty bored of this, so I stopped to read something else. Now that I am finished with the other book, I can’t make myself pick this one back up. Diablo and Skylar both got on my nerves. This book kinda reminded me of that book Sainted, and I dnf’d that one, too. I will return to this series when Miss Rose writes Ben. See you soon xoxoxo
I was getting pretty bored of this, so I stopped to read something else. Now that I am finished with the other book, I can’t make myself pick this one back up. Diablo and Skylar both got on my nerves. This book kinda reminded me of that book Sainted, and I dnf’d that one, too. I will return to this series when Miss Rose writes Ben. See you soon xoxoxo
Read
June 27, 2024Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
“You never stick a fork in an electrical appliance.” He rolls his eyes at me, and I grab his wrist tighter, wrenching the fork from his hand. “I’m serious. Don’t do it.” I have a feeling Diablo now wants to do it just because I told him not to. I can see him in the middle of the night, sneaking over to the toaster to try it. Just to see if I’m right.
My first Cora Rose book, and I am definitely going back and reading more from this series. I gotta admit I found Diablo to be exhausting in the beginning, but when his facade started to crack and we could see the vulnerable boy underneath all the mouthing off, he just made me cry a little. And if it wasn’t sad, it was really hot, or made me laugh. Highly entertaining, and I would definitely recommend.
Diablo snorts so loudly he chokes, slapping his knee and turning purple. I debate pulling the car over to do the Heimlich and then decide to let him ride it out. He deserves to choke. The little shit.
Skylar grew on me more and more during the book as well, especially when he responded with tenderness instead of anger in the face of massive tantrums, lol. That’s a patient man right there. I am also a massive fan of size differences, so this one was *chefs kiss*
I have never in my life been touched like this. Tenderly, almost reverently. I hate it. Hate that I want it. Hate that when this is all over I have something to look back on and yearn for.
I haven’t read a lot of it, but I thought the dub-con and CNC was done really well here. It was hot instead of making me uncomfortable.
“Diablo! For fuck’s sake!” My lips turn up as I realize that he’s found the cactus in his duffle. I pricked my hand a thousand times grabbing it and regret nothing.
“Is that what this is now? Exclusivity?” “You want to share?” My stomach churns at the thought. “No. If you fucked someone else, I’d have to commit murder.”
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Bodyguard, brat, size difference, age gap, forced proximity, BDSM lite, mobster son
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Dubious consent
Consensual non-consent
Violence
Gunshot wound
Medical emergency
Dismemberment (few details, off-page)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“You never stick a fork in an electrical appliance.” He rolls his eyes at me, and I grab his wrist tighter, wrenching the fork from his hand. “I’m serious. Don’t do it.” I have a feeling Diablo now wants to do it just because I told him not to. I can see him in the middle of the night, sneaking over to the toaster to try it. Just to see if I’m right.
My first Cora Rose book, and I am definitely going back and reading more from this series. I gotta admit I found Diablo to be exhausting in the beginning, but when his facade started to crack and we could see the vulnerable boy underneath all the mouthing off, he just made me cry a little. And if it wasn’t sad, it was really hot, or made me laugh. Highly entertaining, and I would definitely recommend.
Diablo snorts so loudly he chokes, slapping his knee and turning purple. I debate pulling the car over to do the Heimlich and then decide to let him ride it out. He deserves to choke. The little shit.
Skylar grew on me more and more during the book as well, especially when he responded with tenderness instead of anger in the face of massive tantrums, lol. That’s a patient man right there. I am also a massive fan of size differences, so this one was *chefs kiss*
I have never in my life been touched like this. Tenderly, almost reverently. I hate it. Hate that I want it. Hate that when this is all over I have something to look back on and yearn for.
I haven’t read a lot of it, but I thought the dub-con and CNC was done really well here. It was hot instead of making me uncomfortable.
“Diablo! For fuck’s sake!” My lips turn up as I realize that he’s found the cactus in his duffle. I pricked my hand a thousand times grabbing it and regret nothing.
“Is that what this is now? Exclusivity?” “You want to share?” My stomach churns at the thought. “No. If you fucked someone else, I’d have to commit murder.”
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Bodyguard, brat, size difference, age gap, forced proximity, BDSM lite, mobster son
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Dubious consent
Consensual non-consent
Violence
Gunshot wound
Medical emergency
Dismemberment (few details, off-page)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2025
RTC maybe
Tropes:
MM
Bodyguard x the bratty son of a mafia boss
Forced proximity
Spoiled brat
Age gap
Size difference
Spanking & bondage
Tropes:
MM
Bodyguard x the bratty son of a mafia boss
Forced proximity
Spoiled brat
Age gap
Size difference
Spanking & bondage
May 17, 2024
Tropes: age gap, bodyguard/client, forced proximity, brat
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: consensual nonconsent / dubcon, spanking, discipline
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: some parents are dead, undernegotiated consensual nonconsent, no safeword discussion, unsafe sex, rough sex with bleeding, murder, violence, mental health issues, poor coping mechanisms
Reread May 16, 2024
Diablo is the 19-year-old son of a mobster. He is a gremlin of a character, a brat, violence, self-destructive. He's messed up because of the life he lives and how he was raised without affection, and his coping mechanisms are not healthy. From a young age he acted out and he's killed, he's dismembered people for his dad, and he's probably done a bunch of other things.
Skylar is 30. He's a former Marine. His father worked for Diablo's father until he died of cancer. Now Skylar works for Diablo's father and he is assigned to bodyguard Diablo after Diablo ticked off a dangerous guy named Elio to protect / avenge Diablo's more innocent twin brother Angel. They are in close proximity. Diablo regularly acts out and Skylar takes the approach of teaching and punishing him. But the punishments turn increasingly sexual as they get to know each other.
I'm a huge fan of Cora's books. They are a lot of fun for me. I enjoy the humor, and the wild chaos. Diablo was a fun character for me, I do love a gremlin of a character, a brat. But I will say I needed a little bit more from this book. Probably needed more because of the sensitive things brought up in this book, whereas other books of hers I've just been happy to go along for the ride, but for this one I needed a bit more of a guided journey. The dynamic that was growing between them was very promising. But I feel like I needed another like 100 pages to develop it more. It felt like their relationship went from sex to feelings too soon. They weren't really opening up to each other, then spoiler alert, Skylar got into a coma and when they woke up they just committed to a long-term relationship. I get that they were scared by the near death experience, but I needed more pages spent developing the relationship. It made me have a hard time believing that they actually had a happily ever after, it made it seem more like a happy for now. Also, this book was a lot darker than Cora's other books, what with all the murder LOL. And I did think that the non-consent stuff was done worse than it should have been done. I've read dubcon/consensual non-consent before and there are conversations that happen - where there are either safe words or even without safe words the dominant person makes it clear that the submissive person has power and agency, but that wasn't present here. Diablo wanted things, but conversations need to happen, otherwise it's too rapey. Also, Diablo seems to have mental health issues and needs some therapy so he can have healthier coping mechanisms, it feels like a gap that that wasn't addressed.
I still really enjoyed this book, it just wasn't perfect for me. I really liked the possessive and obsessive feelings they had. The steam was hot. There were some funny moments. The brattiness was entertaining. The bed sharing at the hospital was so sweet. I loved Diablo losing his s*** over Skylar being injured.
Some notable moments:
"I adjust my stance, my cock hardening in my pants. I’ve got to get my shit under control. If I do give him a spanking, it won’t be sexual. It will be a professional one. Totally one hundred percent professional. My dick won’t even twitch while doing it."
"I stumble into his room hours later, my skin covered in sawdust, my body completely relaxed. I feel like I’ve just come out from a long massage—not that I’ve ever really enjoyed those, but I can imagine that’s what people feel like. Euphoria. “You done?” Skylar asks as he sits up in bed, the sheet falling down his bare abdomen. I see the way those muscles flex and become more defined as he moves. Mouthwatering, really. I nod wordlessly and move toward him, crawling onto the bed and straddling his thighs. Without thinking twice about it, my hands slide through his hair and my lips descend onto his."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: consensual nonconsent / dubcon, spanking, discipline
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: some parents are dead, undernegotiated consensual nonconsent, no safeword discussion, unsafe sex, rough sex with bleeding, murder, violence, mental health issues, poor coping mechanisms
Reread May 16, 2024
Diablo is the 19-year-old son of a mobster. He is a gremlin of a character, a brat, violence, self-destructive. He's messed up because of the life he lives and how he was raised without affection, and his coping mechanisms are not healthy. From a young age he acted out and he's killed, he's dismembered people for his dad, and he's probably done a bunch of other things.
Skylar is 30. He's a former Marine. His father worked for Diablo's father until he died of cancer. Now Skylar works for Diablo's father and he is assigned to bodyguard Diablo after Diablo ticked off a dangerous guy named Elio to protect / avenge Diablo's more innocent twin brother Angel. They are in close proximity. Diablo regularly acts out and Skylar takes the approach of teaching and punishing him. But the punishments turn increasingly sexual as they get to know each other.
I'm a huge fan of Cora's books. They are a lot of fun for me. I enjoy the humor, and the wild chaos. Diablo was a fun character for me, I do love a gremlin of a character, a brat. But I will say I needed a little bit more from this book. Probably needed more because of the sensitive things brought up in this book, whereas other books of hers I've just been happy to go along for the ride, but for this one I needed a bit more of a guided journey. The dynamic that was growing between them was very promising. But I feel like I needed another like 100 pages to develop it more. It felt like their relationship went from sex to feelings too soon. They weren't really opening up to each other, then spoiler alert, Skylar got into a coma and when they woke up they just committed to a long-term relationship. I get that they were scared by the near death experience, but I needed more pages spent developing the relationship. It made me have a hard time believing that they actually had a happily ever after, it made it seem more like a happy for now. Also, this book was a lot darker than Cora's other books, what with all the murder LOL. And I did think that the non-consent stuff was done worse than it should have been done. I've read dubcon/consensual non-consent before and there are conversations that happen - where there are either safe words or even without safe words the dominant person makes it clear that the submissive person has power and agency, but that wasn't present here. Diablo wanted things, but conversations need to happen, otherwise it's too rapey. Also, Diablo seems to have mental health issues and needs some therapy so he can have healthier coping mechanisms, it feels like a gap that that wasn't addressed.
I still really enjoyed this book, it just wasn't perfect for me. I really liked the possessive and obsessive feelings they had. The steam was hot. There were some funny moments. The brattiness was entertaining. The bed sharing at the hospital was so sweet. I loved Diablo losing his s*** over Skylar being injured.
Some notable moments:
"I adjust my stance, my cock hardening in my pants. I’ve got to get my shit under control. If I do give him a spanking, it won’t be sexual. It will be a professional one. Totally one hundred percent professional. My dick won’t even twitch while doing it."
"I stumble into his room hours later, my skin covered in sawdust, my body completely relaxed. I feel like I’ve just come out from a long massage—not that I’ve ever really enjoyed those, but I can imagine that’s what people feel like. Euphoria. “You done?” Skylar asks as he sits up in bed, the sheet falling down his bare abdomen. I see the way those muscles flex and become more defined as he moves. Mouthwatering, really. I nod wordlessly and move toward him, crawling onto the bed and straddling his thighs. Without thinking twice about it, my hands slide through his hair and my lips descend onto his."
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
I've been dying to find out what was going on with Diablo since Lex and finally got to see what was up. After pissing off someone he shouldn't to protect his twin brother, he's bouncing from safe house to safe house with Skylar, his bodyguard. Diablo is a little brat, and the more time they spend together, the more buttons Diablo pushes until Skylar has the teach him a lesson(s)! Things heat up and walls come down as these two navigate new feelings while trying to stay alive. Diablo is crazy, unhinged, and sweet in his own way. I really enjoyed this story and loved the ending. Looking forward to seeing more from the Unexpected series!
The audiobook brought the story to the next level! Loved it!
The audiobook brought the story to the next level! Loved it!
July 23, 2023
I wasn’t so sure how I would feel about this book. We’ve met Diablo in the past but only really in passing so I wasn’t overly excited waiting for his story but knew I would absolutely read it when it came out. I ended up absolutely loving it!!
Cora Rose has taken a different turn while writing this book and it’s really like nothing she has written before. This book takes a dive into the world of the mafia and of dub-con and CNC. I thought it was exceptionally well done and didn’t go too far at all. At no time did I think it was too close to the line of non-consent. If you are looking for a great book to ease into dub-con or CNC I would recommend this book.
Skylar and Diablo were actually really great together and they start as a bodyguard/employee relationship. Diablo is quite the brat and Skylar knows exactly what Diablo needs in his life…. Skylar! This book was great to start but around 50% it just shot off and I didn’t want to put it down. Their chemistry was fantastic, there was suspense to the storyline and you were rooting for them to get to their HEA!
I didn’t expect this book to be as emotional and sweet as it was. I felt a lot for Diablo and the reasons behind why he needs the things he does. I thought Diablo was perfect for him and did everything right. Like with other Cora Rose books there is some craziness that you should be prepared for (a little more bloody in this one though) but it completely fits these characters and their relationship.
I absolutely recommend this book (as well as the others in the series) and can’t wait to read whatever she comes out with next!
Cora Rose has taken a different turn while writing this book and it’s really like nothing she has written before. This book takes a dive into the world of the mafia and of dub-con and CNC. I thought it was exceptionally well done and didn’t go too far at all. At no time did I think it was too close to the line of non-consent. If you are looking for a great book to ease into dub-con or CNC I would recommend this book.
Skylar and Diablo were actually really great together and they start as a bodyguard/employee relationship. Diablo is quite the brat and Skylar knows exactly what Diablo needs in his life…. Skylar! This book was great to start but around 50% it just shot off and I didn’t want to put it down. Their chemistry was fantastic, there was suspense to the storyline and you were rooting for them to get to their HEA!
I didn’t expect this book to be as emotional and sweet as it was. I felt a lot for Diablo and the reasons behind why he needs the things he does. I thought Diablo was perfect for him and did everything right. Like with other Cora Rose books there is some craziness that you should be prepared for (a little more bloody in this one though) but it completely fits these characters and their relationship.
I absolutely recommend this book (as well as the others in the series) and can’t wait to read whatever she comes out with next!
August 10, 2024
I wanted to like it so bad! But this one is just not it for me.
Leave it to Cora Rose to always come up with one of a kind and original characters. I just wish there was more to it plot wise. I'm still struggling to get grip on Skylar as I'm not sure who he is apart from being Diablo's bodyguard.
I think I would've enjoyed it more if both characters showed a bit more of their inner world.
Tropes
Bodyguard x bad boy
Forced proximity
Dub con
Size difference
Leave it to Cora Rose to always come up with one of a kind and original characters. I just wish there was more to it plot wise. I'm still struggling to get grip on Skylar as I'm not sure who he is apart from being Diablo's bodyguard.
I think I would've enjoyed it more if both characters showed a bit more of their inner world.
Tropes
Bodyguard x bad boy
Forced proximity
Dub con
Size difference
August 2, 2023
See, I have an addiction. And it has to do with Cora’s men. And I’m not even ashamed to admit it, but the crazier, the better.
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but if these men were real, there would be so many red flags. They’re stalkers, violent, they blow up stuff and hurt themselves in the process. They are needy, super clingy, irresponsible and often immature brats/brutes.
But on paper it just works! I think it has to do with the humor—it creates a distance—it’s hard to take things too seriously when you have permanent stomach cramps from laughing.
Do I endorse psychopathic behaviour such as cutting up people and/or corpses with electric knives? No. Was I entertained? Yes.
Was Diablo annoying, juvenile, over-the-top needy? Yes. Did I love him? Fuck yes! Would I date him? Not even if you put a gun to my head. I would however consider having him as a pet. He was kinda cute aside from his murderous escapades but I’ll just make sure to have rope and a wooden spoon close by when he acts up.
Skylar on the other hand! Good Lord, here comes another one. I hope that Sem & Luke can make room for him in our imaginary kingsize bed. What a dreamboat of a guy! Seriously! Patient. Kind. Dominant. Knows how to spank you and tie you up! Skylar is just my idea of a good time x 100 🫠🥵🤤
So, here we go:
Plot: 🧡🧡🧡🧡
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon: 🫠🫠🫠
Angst: can you spell zero?
Bonus points: size difference, forced proximity & mild (very mild) dub con/non con (in a perfect world Cora would’ve gone all in on this kink but maybe next time - one can only hope! But it was still 🔥🔥)
*please check TWs provided by the author
*I rcvd an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
Did Not Finish
July 31, 2023DNF. This book was too annoying, even more than the ones at the beginning which I read and kind of enjoyed. Diablo was just too silly. And annoying. And a slob. Nope.
August 9, 2023
Lack of character development
I really was hoping to love this story. A bodyguard and his client….heck yes! But I finished this book feeling very…..disappointed
Diablo was a too fucking much to take in. He was bratty but in a toddler having a tantrum sense. I’m not even kidding. I don’t even think a toddler goes to the extremes that Diablo went. Throwing and breaking dishing? Dropping food on the floor and walking past it? Kicking and hitting people unprovoked? Slashing pillows because someone forget to say goodbye? Like we get it..Diablo is a brat but this was wayyyyyyy too over the fucking top. I wanted somebody to just whoop his fucking ass one good time. I wasn’t able to connect with his character at all. He was underdeveloped. We still didn’t get a true sense of who he really is outside of being a goddamn menace. No growth in his character. He was extremely unlikable.
Skylar was decent. I felt his character was very…..safe, kind of lackluster. Fuck it! He was dry as hell and boring 🤣 I did like how he was the calm within Diablo’s storm but he was also underdeveloped. Not much personality. It was like watching paint dry with a couple of ass smacks thrown in. I wasn’t able to connect with his character either.
Honestly I have no idea what attracted these two together besides the forced proximity. Their chemistry was lacking immensely. Their relationship did not feel organic. Everything was very surface level. Hell not even surface level. Their dicks twitched a bit for the other and it equated to love? Diablo with the whole “what I really feel, is the opposite of what I say” was exhausting as hell.
I was a big fan of Cora Rose’s stories. Whit, Emery, and Sem are some of my favorite stories ever. I’ve read her entire catalog, but lately I’ve been disappointed in her writing. She brings us these over the top characters and lots of humor, but the actual development of the characters and creating believable love stories has been lacking lately. Even the humor is the same. The same old sarcasm is really getting old. The stories are beginning to feel the same.
I really was hoping to love this story. A bodyguard and his client….heck yes! But I finished this book feeling very…..disappointed
Diablo was a too fucking much to take in. He was bratty but in a toddler having a tantrum sense. I’m not even kidding. I don’t even think a toddler goes to the extremes that Diablo went. Throwing and breaking dishing? Dropping food on the floor and walking past it? Kicking and hitting people unprovoked? Slashing pillows because someone forget to say goodbye? Like we get it..Diablo is a brat but this was wayyyyyyy too over the fucking top. I wanted somebody to just whoop his fucking ass one good time. I wasn’t able to connect with his character at all. He was underdeveloped. We still didn’t get a true sense of who he really is outside of being a goddamn menace. No growth in his character. He was extremely unlikable.
Skylar was decent. I felt his character was very…..safe, kind of lackluster. Fuck it! He was dry as hell and boring 🤣 I did like how he was the calm within Diablo’s storm but he was also underdeveloped. Not much personality. It was like watching paint dry with a couple of ass smacks thrown in. I wasn’t able to connect with his character either.
Honestly I have no idea what attracted these two together besides the forced proximity. Their chemistry was lacking immensely. Their relationship did not feel organic. Everything was very surface level. Hell not even surface level. Their dicks twitched a bit for the other and it equated to love? Diablo with the whole “what I really feel, is the opposite of what I say” was exhausting as hell.
I was a big fan of Cora Rose’s stories. Whit, Emery, and Sem are some of my favorite stories ever. I’ve read her entire catalog, but lately I’ve been disappointed in her writing. She brings us these over the top characters and lots of humor, but the actual development of the characters and creating believable love stories has been lacking lately. Even the humor is the same. The same old sarcasm is really getting old. The stories are beginning to feel the same.
July 31, 2023
Missed the mark for me, but let’s start with the positive.
What I liked: Angel, Diablo, Anthony. This felt like a view of their family dynamics from an outsiders perspective. Father and sons. I could read. Whole book, family mafia drama, about the three of them. My favorite part was the random chapter in Anthony’s POV. Would have loved more from him, but alas, this was not his book.
Now, I’ll tell ya how I really feel. For starters, there was one key element of a Contemporary Romance that I felt was missing… THE ROMANCE.
- MMCs were flat / static.
Neither had a character arc in any way shape or form. That makes the story well… boring. No internal strife, desire to change or need to meet the others needs… it just was. Because of that lack of depth I felt no connection to the characters.
- Enemies to Lovers? I didn’t see it.
How can two people just suddenly get along with out compromise or change? Diablo & Skylar went from one to the other, somehow despite the lack of character arc - not to be confused with simply getting to know the characters. There was no change desired or otherwise, inward or outward. Aside from a few moments where unusual sentimental feelings surged, I wouldn’t have known either was effected at all - I knew only because it was stated explicitly, & even then there was no reason for those feelings beyond being turned on by physical contact…. which is fine… but missing the romantic element completely. It seemed they better understood each other in the end but… that wasn’t enough to make the fact they were endeared to one another make sense.
- Diablo: essentially a brat out of necessity, acting out when he wants attention (believable) but there was no depth or anything that made that trait endearing. It ended up being annoying. If Skylar didn’t have a gift in hand or start getting handsy / spanky / in the mood to tie him up, D would have probably never felt the need or been urged to seek him out.
- Skylar: a caricature of his character type profile, but in a way that didn’t allow him to display any personality, just the surface Alpha Body guard type. Honestly, no clue what he felt. One day he thought D was a gross mess and spanked his ass, the next he called him beautiful and then spanked his ass again. Idk.
In summary, this is an easy read with low angst and some spanking of a brat sprinkled in. Didn’t care how they turned out in the end, tbh. And I will absolutely read the next Cora Rose book the second it becomes available. She is nothing if not consistent and for the most part, even when it’s not my favorite (outside this one) her books are easy reads that make me laugh. And she is the mind that gave us Basil Lewis, so. Yeah. It hurts to put this rating and review out there but had to be honest because wtf is the point if I’m not?! Give it a try! You might love it! It’s just not for me.
What I liked: Angel, Diablo, Anthony. This felt like a view of their family dynamics from an outsiders perspective. Father and sons. I could read. Whole book, family mafia drama, about the three of them. My favorite part was the random chapter in Anthony’s POV. Would have loved more from him, but alas, this was not his book.
Now, I’ll tell ya how I really feel. For starters, there was one key element of a Contemporary Romance that I felt was missing… THE ROMANCE.
- MMCs were flat / static.
Neither had a character arc in any way shape or form. That makes the story well… boring. No internal strife, desire to change or need to meet the others needs… it just was. Because of that lack of depth I felt no connection to the characters.
- Enemies to Lovers? I didn’t see it.
How can two people just suddenly get along with out compromise or change? Diablo & Skylar went from one to the other, somehow despite the lack of character arc - not to be confused with simply getting to know the characters. There was no change desired or otherwise, inward or outward. Aside from a few moments where unusual sentimental feelings surged, I wouldn’t have known either was effected at all - I knew only because it was stated explicitly, & even then there was no reason for those feelings beyond being turned on by physical contact…. which is fine… but missing the romantic element completely. It seemed they better understood each other in the end but… that wasn’t enough to make the fact they were endeared to one another make sense.
- Diablo: essentially a brat out of necessity, acting out when he wants attention (believable) but there was no depth or anything that made that trait endearing. It ended up being annoying. If Skylar didn’t have a gift in hand or start getting handsy / spanky / in the mood to tie him up, D would have probably never felt the need or been urged to seek him out.
- Skylar: a caricature of his character type profile, but in a way that didn’t allow him to display any personality, just the surface Alpha Body guard type. Honestly, no clue what he felt. One day he thought D was a gross mess and spanked his ass, the next he called him beautiful and then spanked his ass again. Idk.
In summary, this is an easy read with low angst and some spanking of a brat sprinkled in. Didn’t care how they turned out in the end, tbh. And I will absolutely read the next Cora Rose book the second it becomes available. She is nothing if not consistent and for the most part, even when it’s not my favorite (outside this one) her books are easy reads that make me laugh. And she is the mind that gave us Basil Lewis, so. Yeah. It hurts to put this rating and review out there but had to be honest because wtf is the point if I’m not?! Give it a try! You might love it! It’s just not for me.
August 18, 2025
More accuratly like 3.5
KU Read
230 Pages
MM Romance
Forced Proximity
Size Difference
Age Gap
Mafia Family
Diablo is living up to his name and acts like a real brat for Sklyer, his assigned bodyguard who has to take Diablo on the run to different safe houses because he had put his father's enemy on blast as a pervert.
Of course, Diablo acts out, and Skyler, while having the patience of a saint, can still only take so much before he loses his $h!t with the tiny devil that he's been assigned to look after.
Diablo is unhinged, dude really needs to go to therapy and thank God he's fictional cos for the first time ever here is a Cora Rose guy I don't wanna be friends with cos he'd saw my hand off as soon as shake it... All while looking like butter wouldn't melt. I still enjoyed this book, it had a different feel which is great cos mixing up the vibes stops me getting bored with a series while still enjoying the interconnected aspect of books that could be read as stand-alones too.
KU Read
230 Pages
MM Romance
Forced Proximity
Size Difference
Age Gap
Mafia Family
Diablo is living up to his name and acts like a real brat for Sklyer, his assigned bodyguard who has to take Diablo on the run to different safe houses because he had put his father's enemy on blast as a pervert.
Of course, Diablo acts out, and Skyler, while having the patience of a saint, can still only take so much before he loses his $h!t with the tiny devil that he's been assigned to look after.
Diablo is unhinged, dude really needs to go to therapy and thank God he's fictional cos for the first time ever here is a Cora Rose guy I don't wanna be friends with cos he'd saw my hand off as soon as shake it... All while looking like butter wouldn't melt. I still enjoyed this book, it had a different feel which is great cos mixing up the vibes stops me getting bored with a series while still enjoying the interconnected aspect of books that could be read as stand-alones too.
July 30, 2023
did i hate this? no. did i love it? also no. do i know how i feel about this? definitely no.
i can say that this was definitely not what i was expecting. and that i would have liked a book about angelo way more.
diablo is definitely a lot. while i got why he acted that way, i would have liked it if he tone it down a little by the end.
i definitely liked his relationship with skylar (that man deserves a place in heaven because he managed to not kill diablo), but there were needed to be more feelings.
i liked the last part, that i can say.
i hope one day i will understand how i feel about the rest of the book.
now, can we stop playing and get on with ben’s book?
(EDIT: my friends, we have a wonderful update: ben is next AND angelo will get his book🥰 i’m so glad we stopped wasting time with that horrible series☺️)
i can say that this was definitely not what i was expecting. and that i would have liked a book about angelo way more.
diablo is definitely a lot. while i got why he acted that way, i would have liked it if he tone it down a little by the end.
i definitely liked his relationship with skylar (that man deserves a place in heaven because he managed to not kill diablo), but there were needed to be more feelings.
i liked the last part, that i can say.
i hope one day i will understand how i feel about the rest of the book.
now, can we stop playing and get on with ben’s book?
(EDIT: my friends, we have a wonderful update: ben is next AND angelo will get his book🥰 i’m so glad we stopped wasting time with that horrible series☺️)
July 29, 2023
How dare this be so spicy but also so heartwarming! Why was I almost crying multiple times while reading this 😭😭
Diablo was a selfish idiot for most of this book until the last 30% where he literally had me in my feels🥹🥹 Skyler was everything tho. I need a big bodyguard for myself 🙏🏼
Was this also ridiculous? Yes. But I loved every minute of it.
Cora rose slays once again. MM queen 🫶🏼🫶🏼
Diablo was a selfish idiot for most of this book until the last 30% where he literally had me in my feels🥹🥹 Skyler was everything tho. I need a big bodyguard for myself 🙏🏼
Was this also ridiculous? Yes. But I loved every minute of it.
Cora rose slays once again. MM queen 🫶🏼🫶🏼
April 27, 2026
It really shouldn’t have taken me this long to finish this book. I mean, it’s relatively short, but I just couldn’t find the motivation and kept stopping. It didn’t hook me at all, and even when the last few chapters added a bit more action and drama, it only slightly caught my attention, and I feel so sad and disappointed about that since I was so excited for Diablo’s book.
Don’t get me wrong, I loveeeed Diablo, his bratty side and the way he was really an unhinged secret softie at heart. With Skyler, I needed more, but I still liked him, and I think these two really match as a couple. Everything about this book should have had me obsessed. I think the premise, tropes, and characters had soooo much potential, but it just ended up feeling flat for me.
I can admit that there were many moments that made it worth reading, like Skyler teaching Diablo all the mundane things, which was so cute. The way Diablo’s thoughts and words said he hated affection, but his body and actions showed how much he actually craved it, and how Skyler understood that and showed him… ughhh, it could have been soooo good. But unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. I wanted and expected more from this couple.
I’m rating it 2.8 stars. I really do love Diablo and Skyler, especially the soft, affectionate moments they shared, combined with the spice. I also liked the dramatic final part of the book. So even though I feel disappointed because I expected more and did get bored at times, it still had enjoyable parts that made it worth finishing.
Don’t get me wrong, I loveeeed Diablo, his bratty side and the way he was really an unhinged secret softie at heart. With Skyler, I needed more, but I still liked him, and I think these two really match as a couple. Everything about this book should have had me obsessed. I think the premise, tropes, and characters had soooo much potential, but it just ended up feeling flat for me.
I can admit that there were many moments that made it worth reading, like Skyler teaching Diablo all the mundane things, which was so cute. The way Diablo’s thoughts and words said he hated affection, but his body and actions showed how much he actually craved it, and how Skyler understood that and showed him… ughhh, it could have been soooo good. But unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. I wanted and expected more from this couple.
I’m rating it 2.8 stars. I really do love Diablo and Skyler, especially the soft, affectionate moments they shared, combined with the spice. I also liked the dramatic final part of the book. So even though I feel disappointed because I expected more and did get bored at times, it still had enjoyable parts that made it worth finishing.
August 4, 2023
OK, I finished. But I have a few thoughts.🐸
1. First of all, the cover is awful. Scratch that, this cover is hideous. As if the graphic designer decided to take revenge on humanity for all the bad things in this world and mixed the ugliest colors together.
2. I don't feel the chemistry between Diablo and Skylar.🥺
3. I don't have enough empathy to understand Diablo's tantrums.
4. The spanking was hot, though.🤪
1. First of all, the cover is awful. Scratch that, this cover is hideous. As if the graphic designer decided to take revenge on humanity for all the bad things in this world and mixed the ugliest colors together.
2. I don't feel the chemistry between Diablo and Skylar.🥺
3. I don't have enough empathy to understand Diablo's tantrums.
4. The spanking was hot, though.🤪
August 1, 2023
No. Just…no.
Read
August 2, 2023
"I nod wordlessly and move toward him, crawling onto the bed and straddling his thighs. Without thinking twice about it, my hands slide through his hair and my lips descend onto his. I don’t kiss. I’ve never kissed anyone before in my life, and yet I can’t stop myself this time."
Diablo is book 7 in the Unexpected series by Cora Rose. This is Diablo and Skylar's story and it's a wild and whacky bodyguard/son of a mafia boss read!
If you love Cora's usual (whacky, tongue in cheek, suspend disbelief) writing style, you're going to adore Diablo too.
Tropes:
🌶️age gap
🌶️bodyguard romance
🌶️forced proximity
🌶️forbidden
🌶️opposites attract
🌶️steamy
🌶️HEA
4 whacky, steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Diablo is book 7 in the Unexpected series by Cora Rose. This is Diablo and Skylar's story and it's a wild and whacky bodyguard/son of a mafia boss read!
If you love Cora's usual (whacky, tongue in cheek, suspend disbelief) writing style, you're going to adore Diablo too.
Tropes:
🌶️age gap
🌶️bodyguard romance
🌶️forced proximity
🌶️forbidden
🌶️opposites attract
🌶️steamy
🌶️HEA
4 whacky, steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 17, 2023
There was a constant push and pull between the characters, it was getting really annoying. Especially since I simply didn’t get the attraction between the two of them.
It wasn’t all bad, though. The few sex scenes in this book were pretty good. Those, I liked.
But the rest was really not my thing. The characters were fine, but nothing more, the plot was mostly boring, except for a tiny (very obvious) part at the end of the book, and the overall vibe didn’t quite match mine, I think.
Oh well, life moves on.
It wasn’t all bad, though. The few sex scenes in this book were pretty good. Those, I liked.
But the rest was really not my thing. The characters were fine, but nothing more, the plot was mostly boring, except for a tiny (very obvious) part at the end of the book, and the overall vibe didn’t quite match mine, I think.
Oh well, life moves on.
August 6, 2023
Worst book of the series
Reading Cora’s very first book blew me away. I couldn’t believe it was the first one with how well written it was and how it instantly drew me in. THIS is what I would have expected from a first time author. The writing has gone downhill steadily as it seems she writes for laughs and not quality. Two stars because I did laugh a few times. But I had to scroll half the book just to finally be done with it.
Reading Cora’s very first book blew me away. I couldn’t believe it was the first one with how well written it was and how it instantly drew me in. THIS is what I would have expected from a first time author. The writing has gone downhill steadily as it seems she writes for laughs and not quality. Two stars because I did laugh a few times. But I had to scroll half the book just to finally be done with it.
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