Dark Devils

Savagely Depraved #0.5

by J.L. Quick

Living in the quaint, small town of Adelaide cove, it was expected that Grant, Edmund, Elizabeth, William, and Samuel would befriend each other.

What they didn’t expect was their extreme wealth, questionable pasts and common interests drawing them closer together.

No one knew how savagely depraved and carnal those desires truly were. One fateful night of sinful indulgences would seal their bond, releasing an evil in them even they didn’t know was there.Dark Devils is a prequel novelette for the Savagely Depraved series.

Genres: Dark, BDSM, Dark Romance

78 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2024

About the author

J.L. Quick is an author of spicy, dark, contemporary (18+) romance novels and novellas. Utilizing a mixture of her life experiences and Master's degree in Psychology, she creates deep, rich characters who battle their demons while finding savage and brutal love. In her free time, she enjoys reading, food festivals, visiting distilleries, and cult-classic movies. J.L. Quick resides in the Mid-Atlantic with her husband and the pack of pitties.

Reviews

[anouk♡ semi-hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you booksirens for providing me with this arc🫶🏼

❥ 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏:
this was an intriguing start to a new series! honestly, the novella itself is mostly a bunch of (dark, kind of disturbing) sex. however, the smut is well-written and there were some things making me curious about the rest of the series. for such a short book, this definitely holds a punch!

❥ 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚:
the story starts out with an introduction to the main characters (grant, edmund, william, elizabeth and samuel) through their police files.
i thought that was so original and a fun way to give some backstory anddd show pictures of the mc’s! there’s no further mention of that in the story, so i’m wondering if that’s foreshadowing the direction of the rest of the series.
the mc’s all have very specific desires and they’re all very very rich. knowing not everyone will play along with the type of sex they have in mind, they pay women a million dollars to play out their darkest desires. however.. will the women ever recover? if they even survive the night at all..

[jenniferlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what the hell I just read but I need more of it!!!

Grant, Edmund/Eddie, William/Will, Elizabeth/Liz & Samuel/The Kid are all sexual deviants…or maybe sexual sadist would be a better word choice….but hey they pay big money to their uh conquests/victims
It a really quick read but it’s packed full of information…I think I had it read in about an hour

Check the trigger warnings before reading…things get messy & go down hill quick…be prepared

[Drasevia · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY SH*T!

That was DARK… and intense for such a short read!! 8,5/10.😎

[Jamie Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umm okay JL! This was completely unexpected but absolutely welcomed! I can’t wait to learn and read more about these 5 characters and their hobbies. For being 47 pages this little novelette packs a big punch!

[Book Boyfriend Whoarder Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the story of family ties. In this book we get to learn a little background for the characters involved. It’s a dark short novella. I enjoyed it, can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Alison Goodhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally now on way to devour the full series after this LOL!
Gets you hooked instantly and definitely wasn’t what I was expecting but hot damnn it’s good!

[Love.thebookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little taster into the savagely depraved series!! Absolutely a fan

[tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

needed a quick palette cleanser & this was recommended & gifted to me by a friend (thanks nina, lovee you)! only 46 pages & now i’m intrigued to pick up & start this series 🤪

[Troubleinfl (Dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers, please take seriously the trigger warnings for this book! This is darker than most and the acts are far beyond the pale that a normal kink club. I can't stress this enough!

This is a very quick read to introduce you to what happens with a group of people with depraved tastes. Their companions for the evening are all there voluntarily but I doubt they realized what they would get into!

I'm not sure whether I'll continue the series. We'll see when the first full-length story is released in the next few weeks.

If you are sadistic enough, read if you dare.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

❈Talk about edging someone to death. This sensational tease of a novella has me completely bound gagged and drooling for more. The Savagely Depraved world is exactly as advertised. Violence, multi POV, secret society, bondage, deranged billionaires, murder, kink, kinks, and more kinks, and dark pitch black morals, if any. Buckle up because this is going to be a turbulent ride.
❈The character introductions are incredibly intriguing and the taste of the depravity is so dark and delicious. This is the perfect set up for the upcoming series. Just as things start to amp up and spiral out of control your collar gets yanked and you are left with no gratification, panting for more.
❈ I can’t even begin to imagine where JL Quick is going with this series but I am in deep

[K.M. Rogness · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild page turner! I'm definitely here for this! The dark aspects, the smutt, the good and bad--all of it! One of my top fave reads of 2024, and I can't wait to see what else this author has! I loved every second of this, and was pissed that it had to end. CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS BEFORE READING! but I definitely recommend 👌

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

I'm leaving this review because I wanted to! I want everyone to know how good it is 🖤🫶

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dark Devils by J.L. Quick is an intriguing introduction to the Savagely Depraved series, blending dark elements with a touch of suspense. Set in the small town of Adelaide Cove, the story follows Grant, Edmund, Elizabeth, William, and Samuel—friends bound by wealth, mysterious pasts, and mutual interests that run far deeper than anyone could have guessed.

What begins as a seemingly ordinary friendship takes a darker turn as one fateful night of indulgence reveals the group's depraved and carnal desires. This novelette serves as a prequel, setting the stage for the series, but also raises a lot of questions that leave readers eagerly awaiting more.

One of the novel’s strengths is its ability to establish a dark and foreboding atmosphere, and the dynamics between the characters are definitely intriguing. J.L. Quick builds a sense of mystery around each character's past, which adds to the tension and anticipation of what’s to come.

However, I found that Dark Devils left me with more questions than answers. As a prequel, it introduces a lot of elements without fully exploring them, which can be frustrating. The pacing is quick, but at times it feels like the story could have benefited from more depth and development, especially in character backstories.

While the dark, BDSM themes may appeal to readers who enjoy boundary-pushing fiction, this book definitely comes with its share of trigger warnings, so please prior to reading make sure that you read the TWs at the beginning of the book.

Overall, Dark Devils is a solid, though brief, introduction to what promises to be a darker, more twisted series. If you’re curious about the Savagely Depraved world and don’t mind explicit content, this book is worth checking out.

[Valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, illicit read

A group of white men in their 40s -- as described via a police profile depicted as a rap sheet (very cool) -- indulge in their proclivities arranged by the 32 year-old spouse of one of the sadists, each willing woman earning $1 million for their participation and submission (subjugation).

What happens when men of immense influence and power seeking perverse pleasures exercise no restraint?

This story starts a fast-pace, spicy genesis of where their depravity all begins for Grant, Edmond, Samuel, William, and wife / handler Elizabeth (Liz). While I enjoyed the pace, its progression left little in the way of character development. The men, aside from keeping their rap sheet in mind, felt largely indistinct and homogeneous with a small exception for William since he participated in kinkiness with wife, Liz.

Aside from the getting immediately to the point of the plot line and multiple points of view, this book was simply OK. I also could appreciate the spice, especially the wife-husband bedroom play, but the BDSM did not allure me with the common book-focused emphasis on S&M. I felt no affinity for any of the characters. I didn't understand where the cliffhanger wanted to lead me.

Was this a prequel leading into a story of elitist, deviant men and a woman being chased by the law? Was this a suspense thriller eluding to a redemption arc of one of the men? Is there a heroine?

Overall, a good read, but missing the hook to compel me to the next book.

[Mariana | By Any Medium · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story/Plotline : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Editing : ✏️✏️✏️✏️.5

Well then, if you want to set up a prequel novella of what to expect in the follow-up full length novel, THIS is the way to do it!

This story introduces you to the main characters : Elizabeth ‘Liz’, William, Edmund ‘Eddie’, Grant and Samuel ‘The Kid’ who have very interesting and varying tastes.

Grant who enjoys shibari/bondage and breath play, Edmund who gets off on pain (sexual sadist), Will and Liz on humiliation/degradation and Samuel on asphyxiation/fear.

I am sure all these desires (kinks) will come back in play for the full-length book, Family Ties as the men and Liz are a tight knit circle. Liz is the madam for the group and helps to procure the women for the men’s entertainment for their evening of depravity. Everything is going well and everyone is having their fun until someone goes a little too far and shit hits the fan… which is where this novella ends.

I am going to be honest and say that I had to look up a couple terms (cuckquean/hot husband) as I had not come across it before in my reading thus far and wow, does it make sense when you come across the scene between Liz and Will.

My only grievance with this story is that I wish it was longer!

[Andy West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the shit. I've been looking some fucked up story and this prequel is just amazing.

I love how they use case-files like detective things report to introduce the characters in general. Each chapter is from each characters POV. I think this is sort of like the Salacious Players Club series by Sara Cate but darker. It has to do with like a sex ring thing, like in the L.O.R.D.S series typa dark.

Story wise, for this prequel is very short and I read it in 1 day. If you need some porn, this is the book. I hope it's longer but I understand since the whole thing focuses on the group not the person they are fucking. So it's like that first scene of a movie, where the criminals do what they do and cut it short to the title screen.

This is perfect, I wish there's a super like in Goodreads because this will be there and I can't wait to read the whole series.

Looking forward for Grant(typing), Edmund(pain), and Samuel(CNC).
For Will and Liz, it's also cool w the jealousy thing, Will is also so rough but so loving to Liz, but it's not my forte, but I look forward to it too, I wonder what's they story gonna be about.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The prequel introducing you to the depravity

This is the prequel novelette to the Savagely Depraved Series. We are introduced to the billionaires who are the morally black and the opposite of sexually vanilla. Their desires are savage, dark, depraved, and even sadistic. They don’t care who gets hurt they just want to get what they want and they are willing to pay for silence and submission.

This prequel is just a glance into the evening that made the Devils of Adelaide Cove. It’s a flashback into that night and provides introduction to all the MCs.

Spice is 5🌶️ the majority of this 50 page prequel is smut. If this is any indication of what this series will be it’s going to be spicy as fuck. 🥵🥵 I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!!

A couple of my favorite quotes:

“Just so you know, I don’t give a fuck if you take enjoyment from what happens next.” ~ Edmund

“That’s it. Fucking fight me. You’re so fucking tight when you scream.” ~ Samuel

“Maybe I should have been clearer earlier, I meant don’t fucking kill any of them.” ~ Liz

—————————

Please mind the trigger warnings if you have any. This is morally B L A C K and there is tons of smut and lots of triggers. It’s DARK. You’ve been warned.

Tropes & triggers: morally black and deranged MMCs, billionaires, secret society, bondage, dub con, non con, breath play, drowning, orgasm control, murder, prostitution, sadism, degradation, submission,
No HEA and multiple POV

✨I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fucking yes.

I might have picked up a few new kinks a long the way…. DAMN YOU.

This group is D A N G E R O U S. This group is hot. They are quite a bunch.

Okay, time for me to cool down. *Fans myself*

Anyway, here are the details.

A group of friends just casually meet in this lavish mansion because obviously that’s what rich people do. While there, staged before them are 4 women. These four women are all absolutely stunning. Why are they there? Well, say someone offered you $1,000,000 to spend a night with someone and they could do absolutely WHATEVER they wanted to you? Would you do it?

One night with the rich, depraved, and severely fucked up? Are you in?

“As Charles Baudelaire once said, “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.

That’s fucking bullshit.

The greatest trick he ever pulled was convincing the world there was only one of him”

Give me my next book J. L. Or we ARE fighting.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

For this Novella to be 47 pages, it packs of punch of information the way I feel novella's should. What a great way to start a new series and also sad because I wanted more. Living in the quaint, small town of Adelaide cove, it was expected that Grant, Edmund, Elizabeth, William, and Samuel would befriend each other. What they didn’t expect was their extreme wealth, questionable pasts and common interests drawing them closer together, and together they are deadly. This book was more then a kink club of the wealthy no nope it was kink club times 10 then add in deprived sexual need and it still does not cover it. but it was oh so good.. check trigger warning (if you need them) if not then read this novella; you will not be sorry.

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book by J.L Quick before reading “Dark Devils.” And OMG!! What did I get myself into?!! Just opening the book to the first page informed me this was gonna be a wild ride! This book is related to the Savagely Depraved series. This book had me so enthralled that I didn’t realize I finished the book! I kept trying to swipe for the next page! It wasn’t until I looked at the percentage that I realized it was the end of the book! It was a very dark and depraved book but I am so digging it!
I need to add the Savagely Depraved to my TBR list. I also need to check out the other books that J.L has available because I am loving the vibe from “Dark Devils.” Thank you, J.L., for such a great read and new books for my TBR list. I will also be adding J.L. to my favorites list as well!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay i defiantly wasn't expecting the book to go the way it did, but it most certainly left me wanting more. I'd love more of all the characters but i feel like i'd love to see more of Samuel, as he didn't really get talked about too much. It would be nice to have more of a backstory as well on all the characters and the first time they met.

Check the trigger warnings before reading, because things will change drastically and be very fast paced.

Because it's short and faced paced it's a perfect read for when you don't have much time to read.
Liz is probably my favourite character in the book, with the way she acts but also how she takes being treated too
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelly Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a VERY fast passed novella, to lead to another book. It's trigger warning heavy.

Grant, Edmond, Samuel and William all have dark desires. Liz is the one who arrange the woman for the men to play with. She also is with William. The two of them choosing to play together with a third party. All of them wealth, created their own personal kink club. Liz is able to find woman who are willing to participate with the understanding that the night will earn them $! million. The men allowed to do whatever they want, no matter how dark or sinister.

After a night of unleashing their devils, a chain of events starts after one goes too far. Leaving only one girl standing. And then we are left with a cliffhanger...

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, if the goal was to be intriguing, mission accomplished—because seriously, what on earth did I just read?

This prequel is depraved, spicy, and honestly a little concerning (in the best way). It somehow packs so much twisted energy into such a short read. The dynamic between these characters is intense and dark, and you can already feel all the chaos and obsession simmering under the surface.

If you’re curious about the kind of unhinged stories that leave you saying “just one more page” until it’s over, this definitely does the job. Consider me hooked—and a little nervous about where this series is going.

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliciously dark!!

Oh, this was an intriguing one! So dark, so spicy and dare I say a little but murderous! A super quick read but one that quickly pulls you in. What drew these people together? How did they find there shared desires? And where will the dark secrets they share take us? One thing’s for sure, Adelaide Cove is hiding some depraved stuff!!! And for a million big ones you can find out but at what cost? Give it a read!

[Megan Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel hits hard!!!! I’ve never been more upset that a book had to end as I was with this one! Literally can’t wait to uncover more from this series to figure out what happened, what will happen, and who did it! Just in the amount of pages we had, there was mystery, smut, and sooooooooo much spice. Literally can’t wait for more! In true JL fashion, she hooked me from the dedication and never let me go!

[Cal D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho. Ly. 🥵 This spicy little prequel novella sucked me right in and I am now begging for more from JL about these depraved, morally black (yes, black - not grey) characters.

The Tropes:
🖤 Secret Society
🖤 Bondage
🖤 Multiple POV
🖤 Breath Play
🖤 Death/Murder
🖤 Cuckqueaning
🖤 Orgasm Control
🖤 Deranged Billionaires

This was a hot, quick read and 👏 that 👏 ending 👏.

😱

I need more of these characters NOW.

Thanks so much to JL Quick for the ARC of this book!

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella to the Savagely Depraved series, this book introduces you to the dark and dirty desires of five people. They pay good money for women who will bow to their every wish, and unfortunately never make it out of the mansion. Although it's not necessary to read before the first book, it is recommended to help understand better what the reader is getting into.

Check trigger warnings.

I received this book as an ARC and this is my opinion.

[Colleen Shrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say, please make sure to read the trigger warnings before reading. I have a feeling Will and Liz will be my favorites from this series. It is indeed going to be savage, dark, and depraved and I CANNOT WAIT. 🔥🤤

@jlquickwrites as always I can’t wait to see what happens in this series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy level

[Jasmine Acena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owners of depraved minds, prepare for your introduction to an even further devious world with the Savagely Depraved series. I don’t know what I was expecting but if there’s one thing I know, it’s to expect the unexpected with J.L.
I loved this novelette; the quick ish prequel gives readers an idea of whose stories will be told, which POVs they’ll receive and likely checking their kinks at the cover 🤣 Seriously, these characters are incredibly dark. Morally gray isn’t on their color wheel, that’s for sure. Pitch freaking black but damn, do I want more!

[Mersadies · Rating 5 out of 5]

*READ TRIGGERS AND WARNING 1ST*
You have been warned...

This book brought out some raw feelings and Kinks I wasn't aware of 🤣. This book and any others in the serious draw you in and captivate you into every person involved. Amazing detail and very good attention to depth and proper process into a very Depraved dark world with alot of BDSM, it is however not in line with REAL BDSM standards due to the ending 😂. It kept me on my toes and ready for more the whole way. Read more like a Dark Romance and mystery then I expected and I loved it!

[Mandy Peden · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Dark Devils by @jlquickwrites
😮‍💨 The name of the series, Savagely Depraved, says it all. This quick read was nothing but dark spice, but so good! If you’re looking for something short and not-so-sweet, this is a great option! Now on to read the ARC for Family Ties, the second book in the series! It comes out on the 31st!