Darling Devil

by Kady Ash

They call him Darling Devil.
Handsome, talented, and cruel, Ardis lives up to his bad-boy rockstar persona and then some. What was supposed to be a quick job with a huge payout turns into a months-long battle to keep my heart and my reputation as a top-tier psychologist in tact, and it’s a battle I’m losing.
Between the blackmail, the crime scenes, and the way he looks at me when I’m on my knees for him, I’m starting to lose touch with reality. But one thing is exceedingly, painfully I’m in love with Ardis Darling, and he’s hellbent on ruining my life.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, M F Romance, Romance

504 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2023

Reviews

[Trinity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5

TW - a therapist/patient relationship where the patient is the aggressor, thoughts of suicide and a brief mention of a past attempt, non-con in the form of a forced blowjob and forced orgasm, several mentions of a past sibling death and the trauma that comes with survivor’s guilt, excessive drug and alcohol use/themes of addiction, violence, accidental arson, robbery, threats of sexual assault from an outside source, and a dangerously obsessed MMC, rehab, foster care, parental abandonment

CW - facefucking, DubCon due to blackmail, CNC, cunnilingus, slapping, spitting, choking, bondage, degradation, DP (cock & anal plug), spanking, finger sucking, cum play, biting, marking (cum, hickeys, light bruises), nipple piercings (FMC), frenum piercing (MMC), voyeurism, exhibitionism, a little somnophilia, sharing (one mfmmmm scene), thigh riding, and one instance of phone sex.

Tropes - rockstar, therapist x patient - taboo, forbidden, forced proximity, dark, obsessed, possessive, mental health rep

oh 👏🏾 my 👏🏾 god 👏🏾 i need this book injected into my blood stream

I loved this book so much, tysm Kady Ash for letting me Beta Read!!

Ardis (MMC) and Haley (FMC) were the perfect toxic couple, I was literally LIVING for them in this book. The pacing was good for me, it didn't feel like there was any filler and I love how the book just jumped right into it.

Ardis is an asshole but thats obvs why he's in therapy lol, I loved him and I felt so so so invested in his journey personally and with his therapy and all the steps he was and was not taking 😅

I think I have a thing for toxic relationships because Ardis and Hales??? omg they were so toxic but at the same time, defo made for each other. There was NOTHING that could have stopped them from being together; that along with Ardis' persistence could not break them lol

Ardis is a rockstar, the lead of his band under pressure from his label to clean up his act so they can go back on tour which is how he ends up with Haley as his therapist, who is known for turning rockstars' lives around. Haley seems prim and proper with her pantsuit and clear skin but, that all changes when Haley goes to see Stagnant Sky (a band you can find out more about in Octavia Jensen's Invite Only and Handle Me 😉) and Ardis' band, Darling Devil, gets on stage and sees her with all of her piercings and tattoos on display and ofc, he can't stay away

Kady Ash KNOWS how to write smut because, fuck me, she DELIVERED on that CW; the CNC and somno in this was really good so, if that's your thing, defo pick this up when it drops on 12th September! It is also on sale currently for £0.78 / $0.99 so run, don't walk

Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪

🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek

[ForeverreadinG · Rating 1 out of 5]

The hero was very immature and overly dramatic in every aspect.

That mf was intolerable.

I swear, it was going alright up until like 40% and then it flopped so badly.

The group scene ruined everything and felt VERY unnecessary.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a rockstar romance. Especially if it’s toxic and twisted. 😂 However, I honestly felt like Ardis was too much of a careless asshole. He didn’t ask Haley a single question about her family/upbringing/background until NINETY percent into the book. He treated her like garbage and usually with morally gray/black characters, there is some redeeming qualities when they’re with the FMC . So it made it a bit tough for me to fall for him. Like it mentioned in the book, he treated her more like an object and that’s not my vibe. 🤷🏻‍♀️ This one kinda missed the mark for me in the romance department, but the spice and toxicity was great. 😂

[kait ₊˚⊹♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ✩
i’m in my spencer charnas, ronnie radke, noah sebastian era so i had to read a emo rockstar romance and man oh man did this not disappoint!

i normally never read a book without an audiobook but this??? this shit was absolute fire and i found myself reading until 4am one night before i realized i needed to go to sleep

this is toxic, this is filthy, it’s not for everyone but it sure was for me

definitely check the content warnings on this one, and take those warnings seriously!

if you love toxic, nasty (as in sexy), rockstar shiiii definitely read this!

“If you ever hung a picture of Oli Sykes, Kellin Quinn, Ronnie Radke, Andy Biersack, or Jeremy McKinnon on your wall or scribbled their lyrics on your notebooks, this one's for you. It... clearly wasn't just a phase.”
THIS DEDICATION>>>>> ms kady you are absolutely correct… it was not just a phase

[Emma ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I got a bit bored between 50 - 75%

[Lyndsey Mosbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 stars for me. Super spicy & I really liked the fmc but Ardis Darling was just unbearable towards the end 😂

[Heather Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kady knows how to captivate your attention and forget the rest of the world.

Ardis and Haley are toxic for each other, but they fit perfectly together as well. Haley is a therapist assigned by Ardis' record label to handle him. He's been out of control and spiraling and causing major issues for the label. If she can't make improvement with him then the label won't let him, and the band go on tour and will drop them. So, Haley does everything she can to try to help him, even if she risks her own heart in the process. His one deal may cost her everything. But is he worth it?

The emotional roller coaster I went on throughout this book was painful but beautiful in a weird way. You see all the pain and hurt that Ardis is struggling with, and anyone who has battled depression can see say that it isn't easy. He's in the limelight constantly and is trying to hide his pain with drugs and alcohol. He may have hurt Haley in some awful ways, but Haley healed him in a way no one was able to. She was his rock just as much as he was hers. The bond they formed was solid from the start and nothing could tear that apart. And the spice was on point! I was hot and bothered all over just reading these scenes. Especially the group activity scene! Ardis' mouth and words work wonders in more ways than one.

Thank you, Kady Ash, for an ARC of Darling Devil. As always, I love your work and can't wait to read more by you. This book may have been different than some of your other books, but it was just as powerful as the others.

[Ambrosia]

Another "possessive alpha" who his sharing his woman with his band. I really can't with this trend. It makes no damn sense and it's annoying

[DMN · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clearly a decently written piece, but I could not feasibly connect to the MMC at all - he was so unlikeable and downright unattractive to me - a belligerent, rude, immature, narcissistic junkie who was a flat out forcefully try-hard dominant and just so blatantly unappealing. I unapologetically hated him from the very beginning.

The FMC, on the other hand, was so confusing to me - at first, I really liked her - she was smart and clearly good in her field, and confidently gave the best insights and advice. But every time she yielded to this obscure dynamic and bastard of a MMC without even REALLY trying to be sensible in any way, she just gave me the ick. I can't even count on both hands how many times she asked herself "What the hell is wrong with me?" ... Girl, YOU'RE THE DAMN THERAPIST HERE! In the end, I guess it all made me realize there really is someone for everyone, regardless of how nonsensical it comes across from the outside looking in.

The MMC was always toeing the line, but really, REALLY lost me with the sharing - for no other reason than his unbearable toxic levels of self satisfaction. He was selfish, manipulative, abusive, and disgusting - not at all worthy of any sort of redemption arc, in my opinion; even in his softest, most vulnerable moments. To be clear, none of the actual triggers bothered me, and they're listed clear as day before the prologue - this guy was just an unpalatable asshole and I was not at all into it. Period. Perhaps I am just not as taken with these OTT/POSSESSIVE jerks as I used to be. Or, on the contrary, this MMC all on his own was just completely ridiculous. Both things can be absolutely true.

Again, the writing was good, so 2 stars only for that ... and the few insightful quotes that came from the FMC, but the MMC turned me off so much, I couldn't be bothered to even try and like this any more than I feel it truly deserves.

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌶️Spice Level: 5/5
🎯Plot/Pacing: 3/5
🧲Chemistry: 3/5

tropes:
-rockstar romance
- toxic
-dark romance
-therapist x patient

Okay I gave this 3 stars but I definitely want to talk about the positives of this book because it isn’t bad! THE SMUT. I would say 80% of the book is smut (which isn’t a bad thing) and the smut was HOT. I would definitely call this a very dark romance, more so a very toxic one. But that makes the smut even hotter if you’re someone like me who likes crazy or messed up smut.

Now- as I said this is a very toxic romance. Ardis is a rockstar (btw I imagined him as Andy the whole time and it was amazing- specifically him in American Satan) and Ardis has a major substance abuse issue. The whole reason Haley is there (besides that she’s kinda secretly a fan and has tattoos etc isn’t super strait laced as she appears) is because he needed a therapist to get through his tour or he’s kicked off.

Okay but seriously it’s very toxic in the best way. It was intense at every turn and I’m sure there’s people who would go to church after reading if you aren’t the type for darker romance but I think the description is a decent warning. I really only am giving 3 stars because I wish for more plot and romance than it had, it honestly really needed it to make Ardis not such a bad lover, though he did his best to redeem himself at the end. I loved the idea of the book and the smut itself makes it worth a read for sure!

[Alexis Hoover · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I want to thank the author for having this book available on kindle unlimited, you rock! There are not many ratings so I really want to make a semi thorough review, and hope my feedback helps. Please do not view my three star rating as harsh, usually when I rate books three stars it just means that is an average read. I enjoyed the book, and would recommend it, for sure! It was just lacking in areas for me, personally.

The only serious fault I found in this story was the FMC. It surprised me that she has an entire degree (psychology at that); however, was able to be easily manipulated and was very delusional when it came to the MMC. The FMC was the main reason this was not a four star book for me, as I felt like her character overall was very lacking. In contrast, the author did a wonderful job with connecting me to the MMC in this story. I find that a lot of books I read the FMC are the same, and not as developed as the counterpart romance lead, and that was the same case for this book.

On to the writing style, I absolutely love this authors writing. It is very easy to read, and she does an amazing job with keeping you engrossed in the story. I also really appreciate the book length, and the dynamic set up of the plot. It wasn't just a simple bland read, it actually had depth and an amazing story line.

Those were my main points I wanted to get to, but I do recommend this book, for sure. I plan to pick up other works by this author.

[Soph ⋆☾⋆ bookfinsta_shh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️

After reading like 8 Kady Ash books in a row I’m still wanting more, they’re like fucking crack I swear just inject this shit into my veins and maybe then I’ll be sated 💉😌

I’m an absolute slut for a rockstar romance but this was just WILD in the absolute best way! Ardis is fucking unhinged, I don’t wanna give away the shit he pulls cuz it was just so much fun reading it, but him and Haley are so fucking perfect for each other 😍 *swoons*

As always Kady delivered with the fucked up spice I’m now addicted to, we got slapping, choking, degradation, somno, sharing scene etc etc. It’s slightly and I do mean only slightly less spicy than some of her other books but I feel like this in comparison has way more story to focus on than the others so truly you won’t be hard done by it’s still fucking hot as shit 🔥🔥

The only bad thing is that this was a standalone and I would kill to read more about the rest of the band members, they all seemed so kinky waaaah 😭

[Holly Cliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling Devil
Kady Ash

Finally a rockstar romance for the metal heads out there! As an elder-emo and a dark romance girlie, this book absolutely checked some boxes I didn’t even realize I was missing.

While this book was beyond heavy alot of times, there were some moments that had me cry-laughing; especially Ardis only responding to the other doctor in song lyrics.

I couldn’t get enough of the push/pull between Haley and Ardis. Watching them both fight their feelings for one another while simultaneously trying to work through past traumas kept me glued to this book to the end.

Please heed the trigger warnings if you read this book, but I can’t recommend it enough. This is easily my new favorite rockstar romance.

[Sara Workman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmm yummmm....this book was a good ass time.

Tortured rockstar meets sexy therapist? Hello we love a taboo story! One of my friends started reading this book and immediately told our book group to read it too, because she just knew it would hit all the things we love and she was NOT wrong! This story captured my attention right from the start and I don't feel like it strayed the entire time. I loved the dynamic between Ardis and Haley but WOW are they toxic! Loved every freaking second of it.

I would definitely suggest checking the trigger warnings because there are some dark themes in this book. Talks of drugs, sex, drug abuse, overdose, suicide, abuse (physical and emotional), and more. Just know what you're getting into!

[The Book Hangover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm at the stage now that whatever Kady writes, I will read. I have read all her books and with everyone they keep getting better and better. This book has probably got to be my favourite so far. It is as always beautifully written and sucked me in so much that I simply could not put it down. The relationship between Ardis and Haley is so messy, toxic, and chaotic but at the same time just what they both need, and I loved the chemistry and spice between them too. Although this is a longer book with more of a storyline, you definitely don't miss out on any of the smut that is always in a Kady Ash book. Highly recommend, but please check your TW before jumping in.

[BobbiJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!

This book was as heart wrenching as it was spicy!

Ardis’ struggle with depression, survivor’s guilt, childhood trauma, and drugs. Haley’s struggle with trying to get Ardis into a better place, while also struggling with their relationship and how it started.

Ardis can be as funny in his antics as he can be angering. This couple fights hard to finally have their happy ending.

I definitely cried a time or two. It’s a beautifully messed up story that I’m so glad I got to read.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ardis and Haley! Haley was one of my favorite FMCs! She’s a professional and has an amazing career while also being tattooed and pierced and a complete badass. Ardis is toxic and so damaged he just wrecks everything he touches.

They’re doomed from the start but they burn so hot!

There were so many things I loved about this book but I want to keep spoilers out of my review. I’ll updated after release day! 😉

[Felicia]

DNF Books with a main character who is an active addict just stress me out. Not fun dark, just reminders of real life. I’ve had my fill of real narcissists who can’t be saved and ruin you on their way to bottom. No thank you. Also, he can’t be so possessive that he doesn’t want her to use toys, but also wants to share her with his entire band. No. Thank you. Oh, and there was NO after care in the half I read. Other than the FMC huffily thinking about how she wouldn’t be getting it.

[Scarlett Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat level: 5/5. This is the first book I've read by this author that wasn't co-written and I'm so happy I signed up to get this ARC! This dark, taboo romance is a relationship between a FMC therapist and an MMC patient who is the aggressor. Check those triggers my dudes because they include but aren't limited to: NonCon, Dubcon, CNC, talk about suicide, spits in her mouth, and DP with a peen and a toy. It's such a hot, obsessive whirlwind and I can't wait to read more books by this author.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So toxic but so good!

I love an emo musician and nobody seems to write about them as their MMC. While I loved this book, please check triggers if you give this a go. There are a lot going on here and the relationship is very toxic but you can’t look away. I loved this book!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

It was a very good read. I love a MMC who falls first but also will get on his knees for the FMC. Ardis is my favorite with all his shirts and traumas. I am in love with this book. ❤️

[Seraphina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given it 5⭐️ if not for the liner in the epilogue about sharing. I could have done without it as I’m not into the swinging lifestyle. Other than that I thought it a wonderful book and I love teddy.

[Courtney Stohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! 100% recommend if you love your rockstars!

This book gave me heavy Oli Sykes and Colson Baker vibes and I love it! I will be recommending this to all my rockstar lovers like myself!

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a amazing read and loved the plot and the fast pace read. This story pulled me in from the beginning tell the very end with the emotional journey throughout this dark read.

[marlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really like the ending as much but still amazing

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild 😜

Whew! Ardis & Haley were toxic af and I enjoyed every minute ❤️‍🔥 check triggers if you have them because this book is dark

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it🥵

[Katie Pastrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was very fun for my never ending emo phase

[Summer Mitch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even finish it and I don't care.

[Nicole St. John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good - 3.5-4⭐️. Spicy, but sweet. I felt some parts were a little rushed, but it was okay and the happy ending was beautiful.