Dark Devotion

Blackmore University #1.5

by Cora Kent

Resistance is futile; I will have Christine.
With every breath she takes, she's one step closer to being mine .
When she finally gives in, I'll leave her yearning for more.

Dark Devotion takes place the night before the start of Dark Obsession. When Christine's mother dies, it leaves Niccolo with his eyes on the only prize her daughter.

If you can't be the good guy, sometimes you have to play the villain .

Note : Dark Devotion sets the scene for Niccolo and Christine's relationship in Dark Obsession.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Novella, Contemporary, Ebooks, College

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

Cora Kent fell for her first villain before she even knew what romance was. Ever since Scar was denied a happily ever after, she’s been on a mission to give all the dark, dangerous anti-heroes the endings they deserve. If the Big Bad Wolf had swept Little Red off her feet, it might have saved the fairy tale—so that's exactly what Cora does in her novels: grants her bad boys redemption through passion, power, and the women who can handle them.

When she’s not spinning tales of morally gray heroes and forbidden desires, you’ll find her snuggled up with her cat, sipping a margarita, and watching Grey’s Anatomy.

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

This is a quick, 33 page novella prequel to the next book in the series, Dark Obsession. It gave a little glimpse of the lives of Christine and Niccolo. He was once married to her mother but now his feelings are changing and he's fallen for her. This is such a quick read, and it's written extremely well. I can't wait to read my ARC of Dark Obsession next! <3

[Neapolitan670 &#x1f4da;&#x1f5a4; · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a super quick novella, a prequel to Dark Obsessions that gives you a backstory before their full story.

Her mother marries a younger man, but tragedy strikes and he’s left with a step daughter….

Well written little prequel 😊 that leads us into the next book…

[κris ☄ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! 

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book feels illegal but I'm not gonna lie I enjoyed it and was more eager to read this in a full-length book. 


I did not kid when I said in my Cruel Intentions book review that I am very excited about these two characters' book. Mainly the reason, it has my favorite tropes: age gap, forbidden love, and professor-student. 


I am eager to read this soon because this prequel serves its intent to quench my thirst for Christine and Niccolo's story more.

[sab · Rating 4 out of 5]

i don’t quite know how to rate this but i *am* reading dark obsession so i reckon that’s a good sign

[CriSsStina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in the series, and I'm intrigued by how this second book will play out.

I'm not sure how to rate such a short prequel. It's just a little glimpse we get into their life and it does make me curious enough to want to read their book, even though I'm pretty sure it will make me uncomfortable with the idea that he was with her mother 😅. I know they were not in love, which makes the situation a little bit more understandable, so I'll give it a chance.

The age gap is large but fine. Even though I can't understand what a 30-year-old H has in common with an 18 year old h 🤷‍♀️. The most questionable thing in their relationship is that he took care of her after her mother died (she was 15). Anyway, I'll give the next book a chance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yarielle Arya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this story was so wild and I never expected anything that happened to happen! It was very unpredictable in a very good way, the only reason I rated 4 stars instead of 5 stars was because their relationship was a little strange to me. But other than that the storyline and everything that happened was amazing! Definitely a story I’d recommend if anyone is into the age-gap taboo romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[book_lover_jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quick read with a little bit of background info.

Stars: 3.5/5

[Crystal Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know prequels are short and not a full novel, but dang it once they are over I am begging for more. But I guess that’s the point.

Cora Kent’s writing never disappoints.

When Christine’s mom passes away she is left in the care of Nicole because she doesn’t want to leave her home and friends.

But not that she is of age, the tension between the two are building and he’s not sure he can contain himself.

[Just A Girl In Bookworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super quick read with just 33 pages. It is a prequel to the book, Dark Obsession. It gives a little glimpse of the lives of Christine and Niccolo. 

Although it feels wrong, with Niccolo having married Christine's mother & continuing to raise Christine after her mother passed away, & allowing himself to have more feelings than he should for a stepdaughter, I can't lie & say I didn't enjoy it, because I did. I now want to read this in a full-length book. It has some of my favourite tropes: Age-Gap, Forbidden Love & Professor/Student 

It is hard to leave a decent review for such a short book.

Spice Level 🌶️🌶️

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the aftermath of her mother’s death, Christine (h18) finds herself in the care of Niccolo (H30), her steadfast yet enigmatic stepfather. Bound by a promise to protect her, Niccolo defies Christine’s uncles, who seek to uproot her life, and takes on the role of her guardian. But the boundaries of their relationship blur, stirring emotions neither Niccolo or Christine expected nor are they ready to confront. Niccolo, a man shaped by familial obligations and an unyielding sense of duty, struggles to reconcile his growing feelings with the moral weight of his role. Christine, coming into her own as a young woman, navigates the complexities of grief, independence, and a connection with Niccolo that challenges everything she once believed. Hot and steamy prequel setting the characters and backdrop of before the start of "Dark Obsession," exploring connection, loss, and forbidden feelings.

[chesirern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Devotion by Cora Kent is the prequel to Dark Obsession. What a fascinating short novella. It gives you a great backstory to Niccola and Christine. This novella explains a lot about what happens before Dark Devotion so when you begin that story you understand the characters more.
I highly recommend reading this novella not only because it is a great short read but because it helps you understand the series better.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I have an addiction to Cora Kent’s writing! Everytime I see a book on book funnel from her, I instantly get onto reading it! I love her books, this one included!
Quick read Novella, a prequel to Dark Obsession giving you more insight into Niccolo & Christine.
If you’ve read even one book by Cora Kent and loved it, go read this!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read and provides a good insight into the world of Christine and Niccolo. It gives a context to what is to come with these two and I can't wait to read more!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yoneidis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, well, well, this promises to be a taboo love story. Teacher-student, stepfather-stepdaughter and in the world of the mafia. Do I want to read it? Of course. Niccolo and Christine promise to be very interesting characters.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Prequel
-Age Gap
-Mafia
-Taboo Relationship
-professor/student

I can’t wait to read the next book. I’m so excited

[Isis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the Prequel to Dark Obsession, it’s short and to the point although I feel like there could’ve been more

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

what was that

[Jo’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple read with just enough insight into the characters to really create a solid and tantalizing experience.

[Meagan Lambrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excited to start Dark Obsession 😍

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enticing start

This is a very short prequel to Dark Obsession, which I have read. It frames the events in the novel, and answers a few questions about the relationship between the protagonists.
Quite a tease.

[Ashley Nestler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing prequel!

I love the intro to Niccolo and Christine! Only a little over 30 pages and I'm wishing there was more to read!

[Gabriëlla Croes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little prequel to the story of Niccolo and Christine left me intrigued. Their connection feels forbidden yet undeniable.
I am ready to read more about them and see how their story will play out.

➛ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
➛ 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 - 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆 & 𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒐
➛ 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝
➛ Prequel to 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, to be released on 𝟬𝟭.𝟯𝟬
➛ 𝐊𝐔 ❌

*Check content warning if needed, this is a dark romance.*

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well ….well what a teaser but we get to see how it all started. Niccolo was forced into marriage by his family meeting his wife an older woman with a daughter yes, an age difference but they loved one another until she passed away due to cancer leaving a teenage daughter who lost her mother at the age of 15 being the only father figure in the picture, he took custody of his stepdaughter. Christine had a crush on Nic, she saw how he loved her mother, took care of her when she was sick and one day, she hopes to find a husband who will take care of her just like he did her mother. She is headed off to Blackmore college she as a student and him as a professor but their relationship has shifted the attraction is instant, intense oh but so wrong and yet he fights so hard considering his position, she fights knowing or thinking it is wrong but the more they fight the stronger the magnetic pull between them grows until he can’t take it anymore giving in can cause trouble for them both but he isn’t letting her go, she is his but can he keep her considering she is a college student, he technically still takes care of her but where are they headed ….happiness?

[Nanii’s Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Devotion (Blackmore University #1.5)
by Cora Kent

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⇝ ★★★★☆

🦋 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞 🦋
“Christine is more than just my stepdaughter; she’s my favorite person to be around, even when she’s being a pain in my ass.”

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
Oh lord, I cannot wait to start the next book. This will definitely have you feeling a bit off because the MMC was married to the FMC’s mother and he spent the last 4 years taking care of her (the FMC who is now 18 years old), but I’m a sucker for stepfather x stepdaughter so let’s see how this goes. How it went from fatherly love to “I want to fuck your brains out” is beyond me but I am excited for their full-length book.

🫧 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖

[Araya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 2 🔥🔥
Tropes:
- Short Story
- Stepfather Romance
- Age Gap
- Taboo
- Forbidden
- Spanking
- Prequel

‘Dark Devotion’ is the prequel to ‘Dark Obsession’ and it is a short and spicy introduction to a dark stepfather, stepdaughter mafia romance.
I think ‘Dark Devotion’ helps set up ‘Dark Obsession’ fairly well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mars Rads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very short prequel to the second book in the Blackmore University series. This novella sets ups the characters that we meet in Dark Obsession and gives us a peek at how these two characters came into each other’s lives. We get a tiny glimpse at these two before they are at Blackmore University. This isn’t supposed to be a full story. It is less than 100 pages and barely scratches the surface of the events that unfold between these two characters. It isn’t long enough to get really invested in this story, but it does whet your appetite if you haven’t read Dark Obsession. It makes you want to know what these characters will get into and experience. It gives a look at why the characters act the way that they do. It does exactly what it is supposed to do as a prequel.

Because this story is just a tiny taste, it doesn’t have a lot of plot or a lot of angst. The spice is almost non-existent. But all of that comes in Dark Obsession. This is just supposed to pull you in and give you a tiny glimpse at the back story of Nic and Chris. We get to see a tiny bit of the man that Nic is, loyal and loving, smart, but with a temper when it comes to Chris. We get to see Chris as the bratty teen that Nic had to raise after losing his wife. But it also shows the beginning of the feelings that he has for her. There wasn’t much to this novella but it sets up Dark Obsession, therefore doing its job. It gives us back story and base feelings to build off of.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Devotion is a touching prequel by Cora Kent. Niccolo Terlizzis doesn't want to join his families business. He is finishing his Ph.D. in Philosophy. His father is consigliere of the Castiglione family and his sons have duties. Niccolo is twenty-five and has been asked to marry Caterina Lucatello who is forty. She inherited a fortune and she also has a thirteen daughter Christine. Caterina becomes sick and is hiding it from Niccolo, but her daughter Christine knows. By the time Caterina goes to the doctor she finds out that she has stage 4 cancer. Christine watches how Niccolo takes such good care of her mother every day and night through her sickness. Christine hopes to find a husband like him one day. When Caterina passes Christine is fifteen, Niccolo takes care of Christine as best as he can. The way that Niccolo and Christine see each other is beginning to change now that it is only them in the home.
Christine will be going to Blackmore College as a student and Niccolo as a professor. Even though this was a short story I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilynn Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora Kent’s Dark Devotion takes readers on a suspenseful, intense journey into the complex world of forbidden attraction and the murky boundaries between desire and morality. As a prequel to the Dark Devotion series, it sets the stage for the relationships that will unfold later, introducing readers to the gripping dynamic between the protagonist and her stepfather—a powerful and mysterious figure.

Kent’s writing style is provocative, and she doesn’t shy away from exploring the more taboo aspects of her characters’ interactions.

The pacing of the book is fast, with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge. Kent does an excellent job of building suspense while gradually peeling back layers of the characters' motivations.
For those of us readers who enjoy darker, edgier stories with morally gray ambiguous characters, Kent delivers a compelling, provocative tease of what’s more to come in the series.

Ultimately, Dark Devotion is a prequel that will leave readers craving more. The emotional stakes are high, and the dynamics between the characters set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling, if controversial, series. If you’re a fan of dark romance with a mix of morally gray characters this book is a must-read!.

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niccolo Terlizzi was a son of the consigliere of the Castiglione mafia family, and he refused to join the family business. Nic was an unemployed 25-year-old in college studying to be a college professor when his father informed him that he must agree to an arranged marriage to Christine’s mother, Caterina Lucatello, in order to expand the mafia family. When Christine’s mother died two years later, her uncles tried to take the 15-year-old away, but Nic fought them, and was able to keep Christine with him. He took care of her during her tumultuous teen years, and now she is 18 years old and a spoiled brat. Still, Nic is infatuated with his stepdaughter. Christine has always been aware of the goodness of how Niccolo cared for her mother, even when she was dying of cancer. Christine has also been aware of the raw sensuality of Niccolo and his Greek God-like body. This prequel was an excellent introduction to the taboo, age-gap relationship between Christine and Niccolo. The author has done a fantastic job with world building and character development. Readers can feel the sexual tension building in the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

***BOOK REVIEW***
Name: Dark Devotion
Author: Cora Kent
Rate: 4/5 🌟

~What a quick read. Now this a prequel novella before Dark Obsession, so it gives us a little more information of how Niccolo’s feelings started to bloom for Christine. Yes, there is possibility that a lot of people will see this story wrong, but yet again it’s a story! Plus as a reminder once you turn 18 you are legally an adult!!! Anyways, based on this backstory Niccolo was forced into getting married, only because his family didn’t approve of his profession. This is when he meet Christine’s mother. She was an older woman near her 40s, so there was an age difference between them. That did not stop them, since they still showed love affection for once another. Couple years into his marriage he became a widow due to losing his wife to cancer, this is when he took custody of Christine at the age of 15. He seen this teenager grow up till it was time to go to college. Who knew from both of them being away from Christine’s family there will be some attraction between them… Would they finally give in to the temptation??? Can’t wait to find out… Dark Obsession coming soon…