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VALENTINE
I'm locked in a gilded cage, and the devil holds the key.
Malcolm Whitlock, the city's most corrupt official. The man they call Devil, because when you make a deal with him, you're guaranteed to lose. Your wealth. Your life. Maybe even your soul.
And this respectable psychopath (his words, not mine) is the man I call brother-in-law. Because I'm just that particular brand of unlucky.
When a demon from Malcolm's past gets my best friend murdered, revenge is the force that draws us together. Obsession is the force that pulls me under his absolute control.
See, once you're in the devil's clutches, there's no turning back. And the most twisted part?
I'm losing sight of why I wanted to in the first place.
-
MALCOLM
He's the one thing that's ever been off limits to me. That's why I'll tear the underworld apart to make him mine.
Valentine is the wrong prey for a myriad of reasons, and at the very top of that list is the fact that he's a DiFiore. He's naïve, reckless, and far too pretty for his own good. He's a doctor who can barely even stand the sight of blood. It's a damn miracle he managed to stomach med school, let alone survive this long in a world as cruel and depraved as ours.
He's also straight. Just in case there needed to be one more reason I have no business wanting him.
When the monster who killed the one man I've ever truly loved comes back from the dead and Valentine ends up in his crosshairs, it falls to me to keep this beautiful idiot alive. I can't make any promises for his innocence, though. Not when he looks at me with those defiant honey-brown eyes, just daring me to make him mine.
My key witness. My prisoner. My boy.
Because as Valentine is about to learn, I'm the kind of man who always gets what he wants. I'm just not sure either of us is ready to pay the cost.
Author's This is an intense, high-heat, high-angst standalone MM Mafia Romance brimming with violence and mayhem. Malcolm is no hero, and reader discretion is advised. See author's website for specific content notes. While each book in the series features a different couple and is technically a standalone, it is recommended to read them in order.
I'm locked in a gilded cage, and the devil holds the key.
Malcolm Whitlock, the city's most corrupt official. The man they call Devil, because when you make a deal with him, you're guaranteed to lose. Your wealth. Your life. Maybe even your soul.
And this respectable psychopath (his words, not mine) is the man I call brother-in-law. Because I'm just that particular brand of unlucky.
When a demon from Malcolm's past gets my best friend murdered, revenge is the force that draws us together. Obsession is the force that pulls me under his absolute control.
See, once you're in the devil's clutches, there's no turning back. And the most twisted part?
I'm losing sight of why I wanted to in the first place.
-
MALCOLM
He's the one thing that's ever been off limits to me. That's why I'll tear the underworld apart to make him mine.
Valentine is the wrong prey for a myriad of reasons, and at the very top of that list is the fact that he's a DiFiore. He's naïve, reckless, and far too pretty for his own good. He's a doctor who can barely even stand the sight of blood. It's a damn miracle he managed to stomach med school, let alone survive this long in a world as cruel and depraved as ours.
He's also straight. Just in case there needed to be one more reason I have no business wanting him.
When the monster who killed the one man I've ever truly loved comes back from the dead and Valentine ends up in his crosshairs, it falls to me to keep this beautiful idiot alive. I can't make any promises for his innocence, though. Not when he looks at me with those defiant honey-brown eyes, just daring me to make him mine.
My key witness. My prisoner. My boy.
Because as Valentine is about to learn, I'm the kind of man who always gets what he wants. I'm just not sure either of us is ready to pay the cost.
Author's This is an intense, high-heat, high-angst standalone MM Mafia Romance brimming with violence and mayhem. Malcolm is no hero, and reader discretion is advised. See author's website for specific content notes. While each book in the series features a different couple and is technically a standalone, it is recommended to read them in order.
356 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2022
231 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
About the author
Joel Abernathy
47 books1,276 followersJoel Abernathy, also writing as L.C. Davis, is a trans author of MM romance. He enjoys writing dark and emotional romance about men loving men in all genres.
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January 21, 2023
“You’re mine, Valentine,” I whispered into another kiss as I pinned him against the door again. “Every part of you. Always. Forever. There’s no escape.”
I enjoyed Devil so much!
Malcolm and Valentine’s relationship was so messed up but so perfect. It was violent, possessive and just bloody. However, they were what the other needed. Despite Valentine’s more outgoing and bubbly personality in comparison to his brothers, we learn that he has had a traumatic sexual assault by a teacher. As the youngest, he was neglected by his father and sought validation. However, Malcolm is able to provide that security and pain he seeks. Malcolm is a sadist who stops short of taking someone against their consent but anything before that is game. He sees that Valentine is vulnerable, seeks validation, and enjoys pain. He uses it to his advantage and traps Valentine as prey. Valentine being Valentine (no real sense of self preservation and low key while book smart not real world smart) is not prepared for what he signs up for.
The sex between them is violent, like really violent and bloody. I felt bad at times for Valentine but it was also very sexy. Silas and Malcolm were fluff compared to what happens between Malcolm and Valentine. Malcolm is domineering in sex and seeks full control. He gives little regard for pleasure as he seeks to inflict pain, however, Valentine needs just that to fulfil his sexual preference and desires as well.
I loved the Daddy/boy-like dynamic between them as well. I loved how it did not seem insta love as they truly did start off as enemies before becoming anything close to lovers. They are truly made for one another.
Sidenote: The brothers love to collar their lovers.
Overall I enjoyed this addition more than the first! While I saw the twist coming I was still engaged right to the end. I am curious as to what is next to come in the third book!
I enjoyed Devil so much!
Malcolm and Valentine’s relationship was so messed up but so perfect. It was violent, possessive and just bloody. However, they were what the other needed. Despite Valentine’s more outgoing and bubbly personality in comparison to his brothers, we learn that he has had a traumatic sexual assault by a teacher. As the youngest, he was neglected by his father and sought validation. However, Malcolm is able to provide that security and pain he seeks. Malcolm is a sadist who stops short of taking someone against their consent but anything before that is game. He sees that Valentine is vulnerable, seeks validation, and enjoys pain. He uses it to his advantage and traps Valentine as prey. Valentine being Valentine (no real sense of self preservation and low key while book smart not real world smart) is not prepared for what he signs up for.
The sex between them is violent, like really violent and bloody. I felt bad at times for Valentine but it was also very sexy. Silas and Malcolm were fluff compared to what happens between Malcolm and Valentine. Malcolm is domineering in sex and seeks full control. He gives little regard for pleasure as he seeks to inflict pain, however, Valentine needs just that to fulfil his sexual preference and desires as well.
I loved the Daddy/boy-like dynamic between them as well. I loved how it did not seem insta love as they truly did start off as enemies before becoming anything close to lovers. They are truly made for one another.
Sidenote: The brothers love to collar their lovers.
Overall I enjoyed this addition more than the first! While I saw the twist coming I was still engaged right to the end. I am curious as to what is next to come in the third book!
May 24, 2022
4.5 stars
What was missing in book 1 was in book 2!
The second book was certainly more exciting, and at the beginning it already had tense and dangerous moments between the characters! Malcon and Valentine had an absurd good chemistry, their scenes were delicious, I drooled at all the hot moments of this book.
I could have another book with both of them that I would gladly read🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The plot twist with the Doctor was very good, but I had already suspected him. Very close characters rarely convince me. I had a flea behind my ear and was rightly suspicious
It was a good book from start to finish. What will be the next? Luca and Geo? Are all siblings Gay or Bi in this family? I love it!
What was missing in book 1 was in book 2!
The second book was certainly more exciting, and at the beginning it already had tense and dangerous moments between the characters! Malcon and Valentine had an absurd good chemistry, their scenes were delicious, I drooled at all the hot moments of this book.
I could have another book with both of them that I would gladly read🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The plot twist with the Doctor was very good, but I had already suspected him. Very close characters rarely convince me. I had a flea behind my ear and was rightly suspicious
It was a good book from start to finish. What will be the next? Luca and Geo? Are all siblings Gay or Bi in this family? I love it!
June 14, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
This is the second book in the DiFiore Mafia Family series, and comes with quite a few trigger warnings. However, first and foremost, considering all the events that have been happening lately, please be aware that this book contains a hospital shooting and a workplace shooting. In addition, the sexual relationship between the two main characters is violent and aggressive, leading to tearing, bruising, choking, and pain (between two enthusiastically consenting adults). If such events are likely to cause you discomfort or distress, do not pick up this book.
That said, if you’re looking for a dark romance with an emphasis on the dark, then this book is well worth your time.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
This is the second book in the DiFiore Mafia Family series, and comes with quite a few trigger warnings. However, first and foremost, considering all the events that have been happening lately, please be aware that this book contains a hospital shooting and a workplace shooting. In addition, the sexual relationship between the two main characters is violent and aggressive, leading to tearing, bruising, choking, and pain (between two enthusiastically consenting adults). If such events are likely to cause you discomfort or distress, do not pick up this book.
That said, if you’re looking for a dark romance with an emphasis on the dark, then this book is well worth your time.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
did-not-finish
May 17, 2022Dnf @ 11%
Jesus. How can someone be SO IMMATURE as a Mafia boy???????? Give me a paragraph where Valentine wasn't whining about any of the ADULT figures smh.
Jesus. How can someone be SO IMMATURE as a Mafia boy???????? Give me a paragraph where Valentine wasn't whining about any of the ADULT figures smh.
dnf
March 30, 2025dnf at 40%
Yeah, no. I'm very sensitive about age gaps, especially when one of the mcs is under 25 (I'm 24) and here it's not just the 15 year age gap that makes me uncomfortable and the fact that the younger one is still more of a child than an adult and the older one actually thinks of him as a child - yeah, it's not sick at all -, but who thought writing a 'love story' where one of them is honest to god afraid of the other and can't do anything against the abuse is a good idea?
The only way it could end is with the younger one developing a Stockholm syndrome because he is almost like a prisoner now.
I get that it's a mafia story, but I wanted mafia plot not an abusive relationship with a barely adult and an almost 40-year-old.
Why can't these creeps find someone around their age?
Yeah, no. I'm very sensitive about age gaps, especially when one of the mcs is under 25 (I'm 24) and here it's not just the 15 year age gap that makes me uncomfortable and the fact that the younger one is still more of a child than an adult and the older one actually thinks of him as a child - yeah, it's not sick at all -, but who thought writing a 'love story' where one of them is honest to god afraid of the other and can't do anything against the abuse is a good idea?
The only way it could end is with the younger one developing a Stockholm syndrome because he is almost like a prisoner now.
I get that it's a mafia story, but I wanted mafia plot not an abusive relationship with a barely adult and an almost 40-year-old.
Why can't these creeps find someone around their age?
May 23, 2022
"I found myself wondering what it was like to feel everything so strongly. To be so easy to manipulate, both to the heights of euphorioa and the depths of despair."
Devil by Joel Abernathy is book 2 in the DiFiore Mafia Family series and whilst it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend that you read Ghost first, for Silas and Enzo's back story. This is Valentine and Malcolm's story, and it is dark and obsessive and borderline abusive. Please do take note of the author's TWs and proceed with caution.
Val is the youngest of the DiFiore brothers, a doctor, who has been protected as much as possible from the family's business, given he is a sensitive soul - in most things. Not so much in others...
Malcolm is the Chief of Police and Val's brother in law. He is a psychopath, a monster.
When their paths cross following a murder, Malcolm has to keep Valentine alive, as he is the key witness in the hunt for the murderer. A murderer that Malcolm has very personal reasons for wanting to apprehend.
But how long can Malcolm keep his hands off what he wants. And does Valentine even want him to....
"I was crazy. Crazy enough to want him. Crazy enough to need him. Crazy enough to let him own me, wreck me, break me, because when I was his, it was the closest my world had ever been to sane."
TROPES:
🌶 MM dark romance
🌶 High angst
🌶 BDSM
🌶 Enemies to lovers
🌶 High heat
🌶 "Mine"
4 stars
Devil by Joel Abernathy is book 2 in the DiFiore Mafia Family series and whilst it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend that you read Ghost first, for Silas and Enzo's back story. This is Valentine and Malcolm's story, and it is dark and obsessive and borderline abusive. Please do take note of the author's TWs and proceed with caution.
Val is the youngest of the DiFiore brothers, a doctor, who has been protected as much as possible from the family's business, given he is a sensitive soul - in most things. Not so much in others...
Malcolm is the Chief of Police and Val's brother in law. He is a psychopath, a monster.
When their paths cross following a murder, Malcolm has to keep Valentine alive, as he is the key witness in the hunt for the murderer. A murderer that Malcolm has very personal reasons for wanting to apprehend.
But how long can Malcolm keep his hands off what he wants. And does Valentine even want him to....
"I was crazy. Crazy enough to want him. Crazy enough to need him. Crazy enough to let him own me, wreck me, break me, because when I was his, it was the closest my world had ever been to sane."
TROPES:
🌶 MM dark romance
🌶 High angst
🌶 BDSM
🌶 Enemies to lovers
🌶 High heat
🌶 "Mine"
4 stars
Read
June 7, 2022Omg what happened? I remember I liked the first one.
June 17, 2022
DNF at 22%
This was a combination of intensely boring and dreadfully painful.
I thought, since this said cages in the blurb, there'd be kidnapping. And I was excited, because kidnapping and Stockholm syndrome is awesome, and also kidnapping would get this dweeb away from people in the ER. Unfortunately, no. No kidnapping.
• Our sad sack "doctor" MC - wow the medical content in here was atrocious. A patient with a gunshot wound to the chest comes in! Lets....x ray him. No??
• bad doctor MC, who is from a mafia family, is a complete doorknob. everyone knows, don't talk to the cops, ever. what does he do? talks to the cops. the other characters call him out/talk about him being a literal dumb babby, and I have to agree that he is dumber than a literal babby who still sees everything upside down.
• The MCs were wildly cardboard. By the time I quit, Chris the attending had the most personality. Which, well... and also i don't remember the MCs names, but I do remember chris. strong work.
• Lots of infodumping. In fact, just way too many words. Subtract about 150 pages of useless words and maybe this would be skimmable.
• Even the action scenes were low tension and boring, like the assassin man whatever the hell that shootout was??
• the characters had barely met by 20%!!! what the hell. boring as shit
Overall: meandering boring crap, lost track of what’s happening because it’s so drawn out and dumb, no kidnapping, cage is not literal, no romance, characters barely interacted
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
This was a combination of intensely boring and dreadfully painful.
I thought, since this said cages in the blurb, there'd be kidnapping. And I was excited, because kidnapping and Stockholm syndrome is awesome, and also kidnapping would get this dweeb away from people in the ER. Unfortunately, no. No kidnapping.
• Our sad sack "doctor" MC - wow the medical content in here was atrocious. A patient with a gunshot wound to the chest comes in! Lets....x ray him. No??
• bad doctor MC, who is from a mafia family, is a complete doorknob. everyone knows, don't talk to the cops, ever. what does he do? talks to the cops. the other characters call him out/talk about him being a literal dumb babby, and I have to agree that he is dumber than a literal babby who still sees everything upside down.
• The MCs were wildly cardboard. By the time I quit, Chris the attending had the most personality. Which, well... and also i don't remember the MCs names, but I do remember chris. strong work.
• Lots of infodumping. In fact, just way too many words. Subtract about 150 pages of useless words and maybe this would be skimmable.
• Even the action scenes were low tension and boring, like the assassin man whatever the hell that shootout was??
• the characters had barely met by 20%!!! what the hell. boring as shit
Overall: meandering boring crap, lost track of what’s happening because it’s so drawn out and dumb, no kidnapping, cage is not literal, no romance, characters barely interacted
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
February 3, 2023
4.5 Stars
"You know, this is basically kidnapping,” I said. "Oh, yeah? Call the cops."
This book revolves around Valentine and Malcolm. Valentine has a knack for finding trouble and Malcolm is basically tasked with keeping him safe and out of harms way after Valentine deals with a crazy situation at work. There is a lot of entertaining back and forth with these two.
If you’re going to treat me like a child, you could at least get me an activity book or something." I snorted a laugh. "That can be arranged."
While Silas and Enzo pushed to have Malcolm keep an eye on Valentine, they become concerned about the situation when it appears that Val and Malcolm start getting involved. They try to separate them and then shit hits the fan. Just like the first book in this series, this one also included a huge twist that I did not see coming.
Valentine was mine. Mine to protect, mine to punish, and mine to keep as long as I damn well pleased.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Valentine and Malcolm progress and grow. They come to realize that they are really quite perfect for one another. Their kinks line up and they both find some sense of calm and happiness when they are together.
"We're all fucked up one way or another," I said with a shrug. "I get off on causing pain. You get off on feeling it. Seems like a pretty good match to me."
The sex is super hot. It does veer into the violent territory, but they both wanted it and needed it that way. The possessiveness on Malcolm's part was fantastic.
“I want you to touch yourself while I choke you, and in the morning, I want my hands to leave a bruise that wraps around your throat so even if you take off that collar, everyone will know you’re mine.”
I was crazy. Crazy enough to want him. Crazy enough to need him. Crazy enough to let him own me, wreck me, break me, because when I was his, it was the closest my world had ever been to sane.
***I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.***
"You know, this is basically kidnapping,” I said. "Oh, yeah? Call the cops."
This book revolves around Valentine and Malcolm. Valentine has a knack for finding trouble and Malcolm is basically tasked with keeping him safe and out of harms way after Valentine deals with a crazy situation at work. There is a lot of entertaining back and forth with these two.
If you’re going to treat me like a child, you could at least get me an activity book or something." I snorted a laugh. "That can be arranged."
While Silas and Enzo pushed to have Malcolm keep an eye on Valentine, they become concerned about the situation when it appears that Val and Malcolm start getting involved. They try to separate them and then shit hits the fan. Just like the first book in this series, this one also included a huge twist that I did not see coming.
Valentine was mine. Mine to protect, mine to punish, and mine to keep as long as I damn well pleased.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Valentine and Malcolm progress and grow. They come to realize that they are really quite perfect for one another. Their kinks line up and they both find some sense of calm and happiness when they are together.
"We're all fucked up one way or another," I said with a shrug. "I get off on causing pain. You get off on feeling it. Seems like a pretty good match to me."
The sex is super hot. It does veer into the violent territory, but they both wanted it and needed it that way. The possessiveness on Malcolm's part was fantastic.
“I want you to touch yourself while I choke you, and in the morning, I want my hands to leave a bruise that wraps around your throat so even if you take off that collar, everyone will know you’re mine.”
I was crazy. Crazy enough to want him. Crazy enough to need him. Crazy enough to let him own me, wreck me, break me, because when I was his, it was the closest my world had ever been to sane.
***I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.***
May 21, 2023
2.5/5 stars
It was fine. But I was annoyed for most of the book. Valentine was annoying. Basically every time he talked I was like stop, like no speaking from you. Also he was a pushover a little too much to the point where it made me annoyed. I think that’s just a me thing. Malcolm was also fine. He wasn’t as appealing to me. I hated him most of the time, but it’s whatever.
It was fine. But I was annoyed for most of the book. Valentine was annoying. Basically every time he talked I was like stop, like no speaking from you. Also he was a pushover a little too much to the point where it made me annoyed. I think that’s just a me thing. Malcolm was also fine. He wasn’t as appealing to me. I hated him most of the time, but it’s whatever.
May 28, 2023
I'm sorry i tried really hard to like this book but i just couldn't for a lot of reasons tbh
Fucking until u bleed isn't smtg that turns me on
N Valentine oh god it's heartbreaking Valentine deserved so much better; so much more than being treated like a child, treated like he was useless n idiot - by everyone including his own brothers
everyone thought he was the fav child n his dad never scolded or beat him; everyone thought he was living his best life when he thought committing suicide so often
His schoolmates used to beat him up
His teacher fucking raped him only for his father to beat him for it later
his own brother attacked him for no apparent reason appart from the fact that Valentine had called on his bullshit that his life wasn't going good like he wanted everyone to believe- just this n Luca beat him n when he did realise what Val had gone thru he didn't fucking react the way he should've, he was a disgrace as a big brother; only thinking about his own problems n thinking they were bigger than Valentine's
Luca disgusted me
N what all it takes it sick fucking n he falls in love w Malcolm?
Who treated him like he was a kid too, fucking him until he bled god no; Valentine deserved so much better
Someone to actually care bout him n protect him;Who actually cared about Val's mental health n not just about his own sick pleasure like Malcolm did
I hate that disgusting fuck
Fucking until u bleed isn't smtg that turns me on
N Valentine oh god it's heartbreaking Valentine deserved so much better; so much more than being treated like a child, treated like he was useless n idiot - by everyone including his own brothers
everyone thought he was the fav child n his dad never scolded or beat him; everyone thought he was living his best life when he thought committing suicide so often
His schoolmates used to beat him up
His teacher fucking raped him only for his father to beat him for it later
his own brother attacked him for no apparent reason appart from the fact that Valentine had called on his bullshit that his life wasn't going good like he wanted everyone to believe- just this n Luca beat him n when he did realise what Val had gone thru he didn't fucking react the way he should've, he was a disgrace as a big brother; only thinking about his own problems n thinking they were bigger than Valentine's
Luca disgusted me
N what all it takes it sick fucking n he falls in love w Malcolm?
Who treated him like he was a kid too, fucking him until he bled god no; Valentine deserved so much better
Someone to actually care bout him n protect him;Who actually cared about Val's mental health n not just about his own sick pleasure like Malcolm did
I hate that disgusting fuck
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
I usually prefer a friend's to lovers trope, because it's easier and the path of least resistance. But this enemies to lovers, with all the lust, sexual tension, dominance, and brattiness make this one doubly hot with all the rough angry $*x !!!! *fans self* In-between all the dark and twisted parts, it was much appreciated and enjoyed. I didn't see the twist coming. Am I wrong to say I relished the agony Mal experienced??? Lol.
Seems fair, and I like fairness. A vulnerable man in love is a beautiful sight!!! Great read.
Seems fair, and I like fairness. A vulnerable man in love is a beautiful sight!!! Great read.
did-not-finish
May 22, 2022No. There's kink and then there's abuse. This is abuse.
July 23, 2023
This book was so long, overly long, draining, repetitive and unfair to one of the main characters. I didn’t even find it hot or romantic it was just stupid.
June 18, 2022
This is beyond fucked up, I am aware that kinks are very much a thing, but the way it happens in this book is just abusive, I was pushing through the book but when Malcolm fucked valentine so violently that he bleeded and then he said 'i love the way you bleed for me' the fuck?
Safe to say, not my vibe, made me uncomfortable and I felt bad for valentine because he was clearly traumatized by his past and Malcom is not doing him any favors.
I feel like the reviews on the first book influenced the way this one turned out, people said it wasn't dark enough so maybe the author felt like overcompensating, and I see, it worked for some people, but, for me is a hard no
Also, I should add that I never write reviews on the books I read so, the fact that I am writing this many words to say how much this book didn't do it for me should be enough for you to grasp the extend of my deslike
Ps: sorry for any grammar mistakes, English is not my first language
Safe to say, not my vibe, made me uncomfortable and I felt bad for valentine because he was clearly traumatized by his past and Malcom is not doing him any favors.
I feel like the reviews on the first book influenced the way this one turned out, people said it wasn't dark enough so maybe the author felt like overcompensating, and I see, it worked for some people, but, for me is a hard no
Also, I should add that I never write reviews on the books I read so, the fact that I am writing this many words to say how much this book didn't do it for me should be enough for you to grasp the extend of my deslike
Ps: sorry for any grammar mistakes, English is not my first language
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
Highly toxic, severe domestic abuse presented as if it were BDSM/kink.
January 16, 2023
This was so much better than book one. The pace was better, and the characters and relationships were also better developed. Even the plot had some genuinely suspenseful moments. I will say Malcolm was definitely an asshole, and I didn't even start to like him until towards the end. But I did like Valentine, and seeing how Malcolm was ultimately able to give Val exactly what he needed had me rooting for the relationship anyway. This was very much a dark romance, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
May 23, 2022
So I love a dark romance but this just missed the mark for me. Let's start with Valentine, he is such a whiner to have been raised in a mafia family. Then he acts like he is a complete idiot and so does everyone else around him but he is a freaking DOCTOR. Also with as thorough as Silas was I find it odd that he didn't vet out who worked at the hospital to see who truly worked there (don't want to spoil it by saying more).
Onto Malcolm he had a lot of potential for me, just how I like a cop: broody and corrupt. But when Valentine and Malcolm go to the cabin it is straight abuse and there is never a true build up to actual feelings. I found it hard to believe he went from a distraction/toy to loving him more than your dead husband but never realizing it.
I would love to have heard why in the world it was smarter to keep Demon alive. Also near the ending hinting that Johnny was in love with Valentine when in the early parts of the book there was no hint of that at all.
Had a lot of potential but there was just a lack of connection for me and too many plot holes.
Onto Malcolm he had a lot of potential for me, just how I like a cop: broody and corrupt. But when Valentine and Malcolm go to the cabin it is straight abuse and there is never a true build up to actual feelings. I found it hard to believe he went from a distraction/toy to loving him more than your dead husband but never realizing it.
I would love to have heard why in the world it was smarter to keep Demon alive. Also near the ending hinting that Johnny was in love with Valentine when in the early parts of the book there was no hint of that at all.
Had a lot of potential but there was just a lack of connection for me and too many plot holes.
February 13, 2024
Eh, it was alright I guess. It just felt a lot rushed especially when it seemed like a slow burn in the beginning. I was 70% past and nothing major had happened in book, and then they became daddy/boy, fell in love, had the 3rd act breakup, confessed their love, got shot together, and got engaged in the last 30%. I was more confused than anything. Intially I gave it a try because the mafia civil servant seemed interesting but well, I feel like I kind of wasted my time with this one.
August 2, 2023
This was… certainly something
This series might just not be for me because once again, I sat through another installation and ended up disliking most of the characters(The MCs in particular). Additionally, These two mens’ romantic feelings towards each other were unbelievable at best. Lust? Maybe… Love? Definitely not.
Val was like a clueless puppy, so naive it hurt to read at times. He Didn’t read as someone who had a mob boss for a dad or even someone who grew up in the life. He also made the silliest decisions and truly deserved some therapy instead of being paired with someone as empty as Malcolm.
Malcolm I simply could not stand. I’ve read books with less pleasant MCs(and that’s saying something) but I simply could not find even a modicum of “like” for him. He was just ...not it. Look, it’s not because he was cruel or heartless or all that dark stuff. I have read about even darker MCs who managed to make me sympathise with them but with Malcom, I think the authors did too good a job at making him unlikeable. I simply did not care what happened to him. He had ZERO redeeming qualities.
The writing was good but the story not so much.
Also, I found it difficult to believe that Silas who was touted as this “Omnipresent/Omniscient” fixer somehow didn’t know where Demon was all this while… especially considering who he turned out to be and his proximity. I felt like this could’ve been better addressed but it was left as a huge plot hole which really bothered me.
Will I continue the series? I honestly don’t know. It’s not been a great experience for me so far.
This series might just not be for me because once again, I sat through another installation and ended up disliking most of the characters(The MCs in particular). Additionally, These two mens’ romantic feelings towards each other were unbelievable at best. Lust? Maybe… Love? Definitely not.
Val was like a clueless puppy, so naive it hurt to read at times. He Didn’t read as someone who had a mob boss for a dad or even someone who grew up in the life. He also made the silliest decisions and truly deserved some therapy instead of being paired with someone as empty as Malcolm.
Malcolm I simply could not stand. I’ve read books with less pleasant MCs(and that’s saying something) but I simply could not find even a modicum of “like” for him. He was just ...not it. Look, it’s not because he was cruel or heartless or all that dark stuff. I have read about even darker MCs who managed to make me sympathise with them but with Malcom, I think the authors did too good a job at making him unlikeable. I simply did not care what happened to him. He had ZERO redeeming qualities.
The writing was good but the story not so much.
Also, I found it difficult to believe that Silas who was touted as this “Omnipresent/Omniscient” fixer somehow didn’t know where Demon was all this while… especially considering who he turned out to be and his proximity. I felt like this could’ve been better addressed but it was left as a huge plot hole which really bothered me.
Will I continue the series? I honestly don’t know. It’s not been a great experience for me so far.
May 25, 2022
Another successful Abernathy read! If there was a new release by this author every month, I would most definitely lead a happy life.
This was a character-dynamic-driven story, where the dangerous, snarky cop detains the bratty young man in order to keep him safe. Said cop had some steamy ulterior motives for capturing up Valentine, and I was waiting at the edge of my seat for him to come through. And boy, did he COME THROUGH!
Very sexy read. There was bdsm, and it was woven into the plot, which, to me, is the only way to read a bdsm mm story. I really do not like it when kink stories read like an instruction manual. This one just doesn't do that, which I was SUPER grateful for it.
Really liked both the mcs, ESPECIALLY Valentine's inner monologue:
"Maybe there was something to that Stockholm theory, after all. That was fast."
His thoughts were GOLD.
I do wish there had been some softer moments, but overall fantastic read!
This was a character-dynamic-driven story, where the dangerous, snarky cop detains the bratty young man in order to keep him safe. Said cop had some steamy ulterior motives for capturing up Valentine, and I was waiting at the edge of my seat for him to come through. And boy, did he COME THROUGH!
Very sexy read. There was bdsm, and it was woven into the plot, which, to me, is the only way to read a bdsm mm story. I really do not like it when kink stories read like an instruction manual. This one just doesn't do that, which I was SUPER grateful for it.
Really liked both the mcs, ESPECIALLY Valentine's inner monologue:
"Maybe there was something to that Stockholm theory, after all. That was fast."
His thoughts were GOLD.
I do wish there had been some softer moments, but overall fantastic read!
January 2, 2024
Loved so much of this! Kitten play is in for 2024! I only wish it'd been longer with greater focus on the MMC's connection cause I wanted to feel their bond strengthening more!
January 17, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Devil is the second book in the DiFiore Mafia Family series by Joel Abernathy. It follows a corrupt police chief and the DiFiore brother who becomes his obsession.
Valentine doesn't belong in his mafia family. He's too sensitive , too caring, too emotional, and ends up being a liability more than an asset. He's two years into his medical residency when an old friend shows up at the ER and doesn't survive. The encounter leaves him understandably shaken and with a bullseye on him. He wants revenge against the man who did it, Demon, but this killer was trained by a psychopath and he's not the only one who wants him Dead. Malcolm has reasons of his own for wanting Demon dead, and when his brother asks for him to keep an eye on Valentine, he takes his job seriously. Malcolm is calculating, dangerous, and without empathy. At some point in their forced proximity, Valentine becomes more than a possession to him, and he will do and sacrifice what he needs to in order to keep him safe.
Valentine was mine. Mine to protect, mine to punish, and mine to keep as long as I damn well pleased.
I went into this knowing what to expect from this "psychopath" and I'm glad it wasn't the focus/title of Malcolm's personality. That being said, I loved Malcolm. There's no reason for it lol he shows no caring or even semi loving thoughts towards Val until 3/4th the way through the book, but I was hooked on him from the beginning. He's domineering , intimidating, rough , and the complete opposite of sensitive Valentine, who is noting more than a possession to him for the majority of the book. He's literally a cold-hearted bastard with primal instincts, and Val quickly becomes his prey. Valentine was a big ball of emotions and came off as a bit pathetic at times, but maybe it just seemed that way since he was such an extreme opposite of Malcolm.
All that mattered was the fact that at this very moment, chocking me breathless and f*cking me senseless, he was mine.
My Master.
My Daddy.
My worst nightmare and my filthiest dream all wrapped up in one person.
If you recall my review of book one you'll know I was a bit salty at the lack of pet play and I can say where that one failed this one delivered. While I could have used much more of the pet play, Val was a natural kitty, and when Malcolm collars him it felt right for them. It felt like a natural part of their story and not an afterthought. The romance between them takes a while to get started because they really do hate each other. And when it occurs it's based on non-con role play, but thankfully it is discussed before it progresses past spanking and Val even has a safe word. Their sadistic and masochistic preferences aligned to a perfect match that made for intense and violent intimacy.
Devil by Joel Abernathy was an intense dark romance with more than one shoot out, sacrifice, revenge, kink, and a satisfying ending.
CW: violence, mention of parental abuse, noncon spanking, BDSM [Daddy Dom, Kitty Play] rough sex, non-con role play, sexual choking.
Devil is the second book in the DiFiore Mafia Family series by Joel Abernathy. It follows a corrupt police chief and the DiFiore brother who becomes his obsession.
Valentine doesn't belong in his mafia family. He's too sensitive , too caring, too emotional, and ends up being a liability more than an asset. He's two years into his medical residency when an old friend shows up at the ER and doesn't survive. The encounter leaves him understandably shaken and with a bullseye on him. He wants revenge against the man who did it, Demon, but this killer was trained by a psychopath and he's not the only one who wants him Dead. Malcolm has reasons of his own for wanting Demon dead, and when his brother asks for him to keep an eye on Valentine, he takes his job seriously. Malcolm is calculating, dangerous, and without empathy. At some point in their forced proximity, Valentine becomes more than a possession to him, and he will do and sacrifice what he needs to in order to keep him safe.
Valentine was mine. Mine to protect, mine to punish, and mine to keep as long as I damn well pleased.
I went into this knowing what to expect from this "psychopath" and I'm glad it wasn't the focus/title of Malcolm's personality. That being said, I loved Malcolm. There's no reason for it lol he shows no caring or even semi loving thoughts towards Val until 3/4th the way through the book, but I was hooked on him from the beginning. He's domineering , intimidating, rough , and the complete opposite of sensitive Valentine, who is noting more than a possession to him for the majority of the book. He's literally a cold-hearted bastard with primal instincts, and Val quickly becomes his prey. Valentine was a big ball of emotions and came off as a bit pathetic at times, but maybe it just seemed that way since he was such an extreme opposite of Malcolm.
All that mattered was the fact that at this very moment, chocking me breathless and f*cking me senseless, he was mine.
My Master.
My Daddy.
My worst nightmare and my filthiest dream all wrapped up in one person.
If you recall my review of book one you'll know I was a bit salty at the lack of pet play and I can say where that one failed this one delivered. While I could have used much more of the pet play, Val was a natural kitty, and when Malcolm collars him it felt right for them. It felt like a natural part of their story and not an afterthought. The romance between them takes a while to get started because they really do hate each other. And when it occurs it's based on non-con role play, but thankfully it is discussed before it progresses past spanking and Val even has a safe word. Their sadistic and masochistic preferences aligned to a perfect match that made for intense and violent intimacy.
Devil by Joel Abernathy was an intense dark romance with more than one shoot out, sacrifice, revenge, kink, and a satisfying ending.
CW: violence, mention of parental abuse, noncon spanking, BDSM [Daddy Dom, Kitty Play] rough sex, non-con role play, sexual choking.
January 30, 2023
1.5 'I held out till the end' stars
I had a really hard time not dropping this book around the 40%-50% mark. I was on the verge of purposely looking up low reviews to give me a reason to stop reading this because I couldn't stand to read one more scene where Malcom treated Valentine like trash. I only held out just to see if my guess for who the bad guy was at the end was correct and to see if Malcom had a good enough redemption arc.
He didn't.
Valentine deserved better.
I know the author wrote Valentine as being really into all the depraved shit Malcom did to him but I couldn't fucking buy it. It probably doesn't help that I don't buy/get the whole Masochism and Sadist dynamic so that probably also made me less believing of the fact that Valentine was, "deep down" 🙄, craving all the mean shit Malcolm did to him. This wasn't love, it was Stockholm Syndrome and I'm disappointed. Plus, there was a whole power imbalance and Val is so young and honestly is the dumbest one out of his brothers so I just couldn't help but feel like even he didn't know what he wants and was just being gaslit into thinking he was into what Malcolm was doing to him.
At the very least, if it felt like, in the beginning especially, Malcolm was acting the way he was from a place of love or that he was respecting Valentine then maybe I would've felt different about their relationship. But no, it just read so kidnappy, and punishing, and mean, and sadist and felt like it was all done more to inflict pain and torture and humiliation than it was for love. Maybe that was the point - this series is supposed to be dark after all. If so, my bad, it's not the book, it's me.
Anyway, I'm just pissed. My idiot, innocent, vibrant baby Valentine; I wanted him to be treated like a princess, I was hoping whoever he ended up with would spoil him and baby him but also keep him in line because we know he can be sassy. Give him a Daddy, sure, but don't make him a meanie.
Regarding the actual plot - I already guessed who Demon was but thought it wouldn't have made sense for who I guessed to actually be him so when he was revealed I was scratching my head trying to piece together how that made sense. Anyway, I don't care too much about that. Having read this book though, I'm no longer as interested in reading Luca's story as I was after finishing Book 1. Mainly because I don't like Demon and because the next book is purported to be even darker than the previous two - and if my above review from watching a self-proclaimed psychopathic Malcolm's treatment of Valentine was anything to go by, it's probably safe to say I'm less likely to be a fan of an even more psychopathic Demon's treatment of Luca.
I had a really hard time not dropping this book around the 40%-50% mark. I was on the verge of purposely looking up low reviews to give me a reason to stop reading this because I couldn't stand to read one more scene where Malcom treated Valentine like trash. I only held out just to see if my guess for who the bad guy was at the end was correct and to see if Malcom had a good enough redemption arc.
He didn't.
Valentine deserved better.
I know the author wrote Valentine as being really into all the depraved shit Malcom did to him but I couldn't fucking buy it. It probably doesn't help that I don't buy/get the whole Masochism and Sadist dynamic so that probably also made me less believing of the fact that Valentine was, "deep down" 🙄, craving all the mean shit Malcolm did to him. This wasn't love, it was Stockholm Syndrome and I'm disappointed. Plus, there was a whole power imbalance and Val is so young and honestly is the dumbest one out of his brothers so I just couldn't help but feel like even he didn't know what he wants and was just being gaslit into thinking he was into what Malcolm was doing to him.
At the very least, if it felt like, in the beginning especially, Malcolm was acting the way he was from a place of love or that he was respecting Valentine then maybe I would've felt different about their relationship. But no, it just read so kidnappy, and punishing, and mean, and sadist and felt like it was all done more to inflict pain and torture and humiliation than it was for love. Maybe that was the point - this series is supposed to be dark after all. If so, my bad, it's not the book, it's me.
Anyway, I'm just pissed. My idiot, innocent, vibrant baby Valentine; I wanted him to be treated like a princess, I was hoping whoever he ended up with would spoil him and baby him but also keep him in line because we know he can be sassy. Give him a Daddy, sure, but don't make him a meanie.
Regarding the actual plot - I already guessed who Demon was but thought it wouldn't have made sense for who I guessed to actually be him so when he was revealed I was scratching my head trying to piece together how that made sense. Anyway, I don't care too much about that. Having read this book though, I'm no longer as interested in reading Luca's story as I was after finishing Book 1. Mainly because I don't like Demon and because the next book is purported to be even darker than the previous two - and if my above review from watching a self-proclaimed psychopathic Malcolm's treatment of Valentine was anything to go by, it's probably safe to say I'm less likely to be a fan of an even more psychopathic Demon's treatment of Luca.
February 7, 2023
So this is the one where I found a glaring plot issue. If you don't want part of the story to be spoiled, don't read on.
This book introduces us to the concept of Demon, one of the MC's in the third book. In this book, we discover that Demon is Ghost's ex. He was a hitman turned nuisance whom Ghost was sent to take out, but Ghost saw some promise in Demon and instead, took him under his wing and trained him. But then Demon got completely out of control and Ghost had to kill him. Enzo asks Ghost if the break-up was bad, and Ghost says "I had to take him out". So I don't think Ghost had a conversation with Demon first, just tried to kill him.
Part of Ghost's reason for doing this is that Demon killed Devil's lover, Owen. Devil, as we learn in this book, is Ghost's brother, Malcolm. Oh, and I have no idea what precisely Malcolm and Owen's relationship status was since Owen is first referred to as Malcolm's husband, then his lover, then his fiance. So who the hell knows.
So are you with me so far? Ghost killed his lover because said lover killed Ghost's brother's lover.
The only problem with that is that it's stated later that Demon killed Devil's lover because Ghost betrayed him and tried to kill him.
Are you seeing my issue? There's no time travel in this book, so how those two things can coexist as motives is beyond me.
It's a plot hole big enough to drive a Mack truck through. So I tried to see if maybe I'd missed something. If maybe Ghost broke up with Demon, then Demon killed Owen, then Ghost tried to kill Demon (and thought the attempt a success). But if that's what Abernathy was going for, that wasn't explicitly stated. All we got from Ghost was "I had to take him out" in reference to their breakup, and then Demon's statement to Luca in book three that his motive for killing Owen was Ghost's betrayal. You could also reconcile this inconsistency if you said Ghost tried to kill Demon, Demon killed Owen, then Ghost tried to kill Demon again and thought he succeeded. But he didn't. You could also say he tried to kill Demon and Demon kiled Owen and then disappeared for five years...but both Ghost and Devil believe Demon to be dead. So that's shot.
I really can't believe no one caught this. I just double checked and found no page of thanks to an editor or any proofreaders. and that right there might be the problem. Abernathy should maybe consider having a few people go over his manuscripts before they're published.
This book introduces us to the concept of Demon, one of the MC's in the third book. In this book, we discover that Demon is Ghost's ex. He was a hitman turned nuisance whom Ghost was sent to take out, but Ghost saw some promise in Demon and instead, took him under his wing and trained him. But then Demon got completely out of control and Ghost had to kill him. Enzo asks Ghost if the break-up was bad, and Ghost says "I had to take him out". So I don't think Ghost had a conversation with Demon first, just tried to kill him.
Part of Ghost's reason for doing this is that Demon killed Devil's lover, Owen. Devil, as we learn in this book, is Ghost's brother, Malcolm. Oh, and I have no idea what precisely Malcolm and Owen's relationship status was since Owen is first referred to as Malcolm's husband, then his lover, then his fiance. So who the hell knows.
So are you with me so far? Ghost killed his lover because said lover killed Ghost's brother's lover.
The only problem with that is that it's stated later that Demon killed Devil's lover because Ghost betrayed him and tried to kill him.
Are you seeing my issue? There's no time travel in this book, so how those two things can coexist as motives is beyond me.
It's a plot hole big enough to drive a Mack truck through. So I tried to see if maybe I'd missed something. If maybe Ghost broke up with Demon, then Demon killed Owen, then Ghost tried to kill Demon (and thought the attempt a success). But if that's what Abernathy was going for, that wasn't explicitly stated. All we got from Ghost was "I had to take him out" in reference to their breakup, and then Demon's statement to Luca in book three that his motive for killing Owen was Ghost's betrayal. You could also reconcile this inconsistency if you said Ghost tried to kill Demon, Demon killed Owen, then Ghost tried to kill Demon again and thought he succeeded. But he didn't. You could also say he tried to kill Demon and Demon kiled Owen and then disappeared for five years...but both Ghost and Devil believe Demon to be dead. So that's shot.
I really can't believe no one caught this. I just double checked and found no page of thanks to an editor or any proofreaders. and that right there might be the problem. Abernathy should maybe consider having a few people go over his manuscripts before they're published.
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January 20, 2023Dropping this book at 62% :(
> I was fond of Malcom in the first book, with what little we saw of him. In this book, he seemed overbearing, dangerous, and violent—which I guess was somewhat mentioned in the synopsis.
> The first book of this series was amazing! 5 stars ✨. I could easily understand how love and a relationship bloomed between the two main characters. I expected the same of this book, but there seemed to be no love involved, just lust. And if there was any love, it was toxic.
> The pacing was unfortunately slow. There was a lot of info dumping I didn’t really care for.
> I feel that Malcom’s character was made unnecessarily over aggressive and dominant. I wonder if people like him exist in the real world. I didn’t finished the story, so I can’t say my account is completely accurate. Maybe there was a reason for how he was, explained toward the end of the story…or maybe the author thought that by making Malcom abusive, this story would be darker than the first one.
> I was disappointed while reading this book, but I liked Valentine’s character. To me, he was smart and exceptionally useful with his knowledge in medicine. I just hope he gets a happy ending.
> I do like this author’s writing style, however :). I will definitely be reading more of his stories! 🌸
> I was fond of Malcom in the first book, with what little we saw of him. In this book, he seemed overbearing, dangerous, and violent—which I guess was somewhat mentioned in the synopsis.
> The first book of this series was amazing! 5 stars ✨. I could easily understand how love and a relationship bloomed between the two main characters. I expected the same of this book, but there seemed to be no love involved, just lust. And if there was any love, it was toxic.
> The pacing was unfortunately slow. There was a lot of info dumping I didn’t really care for.
> I feel that Malcom’s character was made unnecessarily over aggressive and dominant. I wonder if people like him exist in the real world. I didn’t finished the story, so I can’t say my account is completely accurate. Maybe there was a reason for how he was, explained toward the end of the story…or maybe the author thought that by making Malcom abusive, this story would be darker than the first one.
> I was disappointed while reading this book, but I liked Valentine’s character. To me, he was smart and exceptionally useful with his knowledge in medicine. I just hope he gets a happy ending.
> I do like this author’s writing style, however :). I will definitely be reading more of his stories! 🌸
February 16, 2023
LOVE the DiFiore world!!
I have recently found myself back in this world after reading book one quite some time ago. Joel definitely DOES NOT disappoint when it comes to the DiFiore men and their partners!! I will flat out tell you that mafia is not typically something I love to read, but Joel has completely sucked me into this world!
Valentine is such an intriguing character and honestly kind of an enigma; he’s definitely a sad boy, but he holds his own through sass and humor and I loved every second of his growth throughout this book!! And Malcolm?! That man is possessive, overbearing and all things a daddy should be!! My goodness the pet play in this book was PHENOMENAL!!! So well done and it did not overshadow the main points of the book.
Malcom and Val end up forced together when a demon from Malcolm and his brother’s past comes back to haunt them. One thing leads to another and……
Anyway, Joel worked straight magic with this book!! I loved every single second of it, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down!! I definitely will be going straight to the next book in the series!!
I have recently found myself back in this world after reading book one quite some time ago. Joel definitely DOES NOT disappoint when it comes to the DiFiore men and their partners!! I will flat out tell you that mafia is not typically something I love to read, but Joel has completely sucked me into this world!
Valentine is such an intriguing character and honestly kind of an enigma; he’s definitely a sad boy, but he holds his own through sass and humor and I loved every second of his growth throughout this book!! And Malcolm?! That man is possessive, overbearing and all things a daddy should be!! My goodness the pet play in this book was PHENOMENAL!!! So well done and it did not overshadow the main points of the book.
Malcom and Val end up forced together when a demon from Malcolm and his brother’s past comes back to haunt them. One thing leads to another and……
Anyway, Joel worked straight magic with this book!! I loved every single second of it, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down!! I definitely will be going straight to the next book in the series!!
December 6, 2024
I knew that this wouldn't be a cute love story when I started reading it, but to have a character to be as sick as Malcolm was.. it was tough to read about all the degraded stuff he said to Valentine. While humiliation and degradation kinks can work for me, this time it didn't work. And I also didn't enjoy reading how Malcolm fucked Val while the latter had blood dripping down his thighs.
Valentine was a character I could sympathize with, because as someone who deals with intrusive thoughts quite often, it hit me hard when I read how he was relieved when he had a gun to his head and was ready to die. Too bad he felt for the Stockholm Syndrome and fell for the Devil himself.
Overall, I liked the story and the side characters, but I kinda wished Mal wasn't so depraved. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the cat roleplay thing either. Let's see how the final book will deliver with Demon/James and Luca as the main focus. Wish me luck.
Valentine was a character I could sympathize with, because as someone who deals with intrusive thoughts quite often, it hit me hard when I read how he was relieved when he had a gun to his head and was ready to die. Too bad he felt for the Stockholm Syndrome and fell for the Devil himself.
Overall, I liked the story and the side characters, but I kinda wished Mal wasn't so depraved. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the cat roleplay thing either. Let's see how the final book will deliver with Demon/James and Luca as the main focus. Wish me luck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2023
Be my Valentine!
What is about about men who know they’re bad, don’t care, and yet their utter nonchalance and depravity is so sexy, we can’t help but fall and fall hard for them? That’s Malcolm for you, and I am so glad Valentine is with him on every level. What fire and fun they are, in more than one way.
“Hellfire came into his eyes and a slow, malevolent smile tugged at his lips. One look in those eyes, and I knew exactly why they called this man Devil.
And I had just sold myself to him, body, soul, and all.”
Yessss, sir. Bring the heat, cue the obsession, and open your hearts because these two will have you on your toes, the edge of your seat, and wherever else the mood strikes. And I’m not kitten with ya.
What is about about men who know they’re bad, don’t care, and yet their utter nonchalance and depravity is so sexy, we can’t help but fall and fall hard for them? That’s Malcolm for you, and I am so glad Valentine is with him on every level. What fire and fun they are, in more than one way.
“Hellfire came into his eyes and a slow, malevolent smile tugged at his lips. One look in those eyes, and I knew exactly why they called this man Devil.
And I had just sold myself to him, body, soul, and all.”
Yessss, sir. Bring the heat, cue the obsession, and open your hearts because these two will have you on your toes, the edge of your seat, and wherever else the mood strikes. And I’m not kitten with ya.
June 3, 2022
Devil is the second book in the DiFiore Mafia Family series. I do advise you read Ghost first. Holy moly! This was a thrill ride. Malcolm and Valentine have serious chemistry. Val is a doctor and the youngest of the DiFiore brother. Malcolm is the Chief of Police and a psychopath. Sooo freakin good!! Loved every word in this story. This story hooked me, the pacing flowed and before I knew it, I was done with the story.
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