In a world where everything is within his grasp, love is the only thing that’s ever eluded him.
Lucien Vale is temptation incarnate. Devilishly charming, wickedly confident, and sinfully sexy, he rules Manhattan’s most elite clubs, indulging the city’s darkest desires with a knowing smirk and a whisper of seduction. He’s built an empire, played the game to perfection, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when it serves the greater good.
But love? That’s always been just out of reach.
Then he sees Kai Daniels—a man too raw, too vulnerable, and too damn captivating to ignore—being used by someone who doesn’t deserve him. And Lucien doesn’t hesitate. He steps in, knowing full well that some things aren’t meant to be owned.
But Kai’s past isn’t ready to let him go. His tormentor is powerful, relentless, and determined to make them both pay. As the stakes rise, Lucien is forced to become the man he’s kept buried—the one who doesn’t just play the game but makes sure his enemies never play again.
Now, with danger closing in and their connection burning hotter than ever, Lucien and Kai must decide if they’re willing to risk everything for a love that was never part of the plan.
* * * * * * Devilish can be read as a standalone novel in the Park Avenue Kings world, but for maximum enjoyment, read after Savage.
Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite Preslocke series. Her Prime Time series has been praised as “highly entertaining!” and “sexy as hell!”
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.Ella is represented by:
This book was exactly how I imagined Lucien would be. The luxury and emphasis on pleasure in every aspect of life, plus the detailed descriptions of settings, fabrics and artifacts made me feel like I knew exactly who Lucien was. I'm also super envious of his tea selection and the fact he goes out of his way to make Kai the perfect drink - I struggle to get my husband to brew my basic bitch tea let alone a fancy chai tea with honey flavoured frothed milk 😂
I loved the D/s dynamic between Lucien and Kai too, and the way Lucien built trust and encouraged Kai to be vocal and ambitious. Kai was a natural submissive and seeing him grow from the scared person he was to a confident young man was really fun to read. I loved his sassy side!
The vigilante brotherhood was really fun to read too, and I was laughing when Lachlan was so disgruntled with the plan but badass Lucien was a whole other side to his character. I really enjoyed how they all worked together...
I also loved how King shut East up in his brief cameo, I love seeing him put in his place so much!
I'm really hoping that the next book is for Alessio because I want his story so much...
***** I received an ARC of this book from the Brella Patreon, and this is my honest review
This book was... okay. The first one in the series was very exciting with the whole investigation as a plot and the couple was very hot, but Kai and Lucien were just cute, and that's the only way I can describe them.
The plot wasn't plotting, and I wasn't expecting a huge thing, but I think I created too much expectations after the first one and thought the other books would follow the same line of thinking since they were so powerful and so mysterious and so secretive, but it didn't happen in this one and the whole thing was kind of dumb.
Kai is a character with a LOT of traumas, he went through horrible things, and by everything that happened to him you'd think he'd be a very different type of character, but I just didn't connect with him at all. It's almost like the authors put a huge trauma on him and forgot they gave him that at some point, he wasn't scared, he wasn't distrustful or numb after everything he went through and I was baffled that a character that had that type of baggage didn't have any depth.
The BDSM was boring and bland, you can do so many things with dom/sub undertones and it didn't happened here at all, so that was also disappointing. And the slow burn the authors put in the tags of the book were bullshit, there wasn't a slow burn here, because even if they kissed in like, 40%, the pacing was pretty quick.
Overall , it's a very quick book to read, and the plot wasn't boring or plain bad, just a little stupid and a bit shallow.
Well, this requires the same amount of take it with a pinch of salt as all the books in the Park Avenue series' have done but that doesn't mean it's not an absolute gem of a romance.
I loved this one, Lucien hides such a caring heart underneath his outward drop dead gorgeous sex club owner vibes.
He's been searching for the sub to own his heart for years and when he removes Kai from a rope session he's clearly not comfortable with, he hits the jackpot.
What I loved the most about this almost Cinderella like narrative is that Kai isn't shown to be sad little victim but more a survivor of rotten circumstances that's seen him do the best he could with the tough choices he had to make.
But he's never had someone believe 100% in him and give him the freedom to make his own decisions and to choose his own path - and without wanting anything from him in return. So, of course, it takes a while for his guard to come down and for him to realise that Lucien is deadly serious when he says he just wants Kai to be happy.
Of course it helps that Lucien surrounds himself with the most extravagant of luxuries, that he's a hedonist who thinks life should be lived with indulgence and the most lavish of experiences.
That's not to say he's a self-centred dick though, on the contrary, he wants someone to spoil, someone he'll do anything for and he falls for Kai's sweetness and his growing confidence, as well as the sassy mouth that grows the more Kai feels safe.
The Dom/sub dynamic between them really is lovely to read, as things just grow organically and Lucien lets Kai express and explore what he wants. It's smoking hot, duh! This is Ella & Brooke we're talking about here.
But it's also deeply intimate too, as the barriers between both men fall down, and it's a truly lovely relationship to see develop, it's very swoony. The small things Lucien does to take care of Kai are even more important than the big gestures and I loved that Kai tried to do what he could for Lucien too.
The subplot is a one of those bits where the "pinch of salt" element comes into play but it works for the narrative being told and I generally just went with the flow for it!
There's no real clues given for who's book might be up next but I'm thinking it's possibly going to be Alessio's book and, if so, I'm expecting all the sparks if his love interest is who I think it might be!
ETA: Nope just realised Alessio's book will be Unholy, so now I reckon that Immoral will be Benoit's book!
#ARC kindly received from the authors via Foreword PR, I am voluntarily leaving a review
"This. This is my favorite place I’ve ever been.” I nipped at his lip and then moved up over him to plant my hands over the top of his on the bed. "And you’re going to have a hard time keeping me away now that I’ve found it."
Devilish is book 2 in the fabulous Park Avenue Kings series by powerhouse writing duo Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank. It's set in the same world as the Park Avenue Princes series by the same authors (with some cameo appearances in this one) pre-reading is not required (although I'd definitely recommend that series too!)
This is Lucien and Kai's story, with Lucien being one of the Park Avenue Kings, and billionaire playboy owner of some high end sex clubs (amongst more!) and Kai coming from an abusive life, leaving home at 15.
What To Expect:
🖤MM darkish romance 🖤D/S dynamic 🖤Age gap 🖤Forced proximity 🖤Steamy times 🖤Found family 🖤Touch him and ☠️ 🖤Mine 🖤HEA
I absolutely inhaled it and can't wait for the next King's story in Immoral!
Ella & Brooke poursuivent leur plongée dans le monde ultra luxueux et extravagant de l'ultra richesse newyorkaise, en mêlant relation teintée de bdsm avec une dynamique D/s, jet-set internationale, et toujours cette société secrète badass (pour laquelle il est impératif de suspendre toute crédibilité et juste jouer le jeu des autrices en embrassant le côté fun et transgressif).
C'est marrant parce qu'avant la cover reveal, j'avais une image très précise de Lucien dans ma tête (Tom Ellis dans Lucifer, ça vous dit quelque chose ? 🔥🥵), du coup quand les autrices ont dévoilé la couv, je me suis dit que je n'étais vraiment pas loin ...
Alors je préfère être totalement transparente, que ce soit pour cette série ou pour la série-"mère", l'univers de la richesse extrême et de ces hommes qui peuvent faire tout ce qu'ils veulent en toute impunité ou presque, ce n'est pas du tout mon délire. MAIS comme j'adore ces autrices, je mets ça de côté, et je me concentre uniquement sur le développement de la relation amoureuse.
Lorsque je lis une romance BDSM, j'ai toujours du mal lorsque le Dom a une situation financière et sociale diamétralement opposée à celle du soumis. Toutefois c'est très bien fait ici, car Lucien est très protecteur et très patient avec Kai. Plutôt que de le mettre sous sa coupe et l'enfermer dans un rôle de petite chose fragile, il lui permet de retrouver confiance en lui et de déployer ses ailes.
La relation évolue de façon crédible, alors même qu'ils viennent de cercles sociaux aux antipodes, et que Kai traîne un lourd bagage. C'était charmant à suivre, même si sur la globalité du roman, les évènements semblent se dérouler sur un laps de temps assez court. On sent que les autrices se sont fait plaisir avec certains passages comme la virée sur le Rocher et la bibliothèque de Lucien, et ce plaisir est communicatif !
Je reste un peu sur ma faim pour la partie société secrète badass, j'aurais aimé que le "gang" soit encore plus présent, mais j'avoue que LA scène où ils déploient tout leur talent est assez épique ! Du coup je suis curieuse de voir de quelle manière ils mettront leur talent à profit dans les tomes suivants, et je crois que je dirai ça à chaque tome, mais damn, vivement le tome sur le hot priest !
Absolutely loved this one. Right from the start I could tell this was going to be a new favorite book for me. Lucien and Kai had me swooning, they were so perfect together! If you’re looking for a book with age gap, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, billionaire playboy falls hard and touch him and ☠️ vibes, give Devilish a read.
Once again, I devoured a Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine's book. Those are slowly becoming my guilty pleasure.
Devilish is the second book in the Park Avenue Kings series, and I think I might be really fond of those little freaks! Despite all the clichés, I enjoyed this way more than I should.
This time, we're following the Devilish King, Lucien Vale, and his partner, Kai Daniels. They met under special circumstances, at his sex club, when Kai was poorly treated by his partner. And because he could sense something wrong between them, Lucien decided to stop Kai’s partner, and bring Kai to his home.
From this, Lucien began to slowly fall for Kai. I really appreciated their relationship, and the trust they had in each other. Considering Lucien’s job, I expected him to be a…yeah let’s be honest, a manwhore. I was happy to realize that it wasn’t really the case because he only wanted Kai. Lucien was another great (and very sexy) main character. I really appreciated him, and his consideration. The way he cared for Kai was so adorable.
The story dived into BDSM, with Lucien as a dominant and Kai as his submissive. I’m not familiar with BDSM; I don’t think I have ever read a book with BDSM elements. Or maybe I did, but never with clear roles for the characters.
I think the authors portrayed Lucien’s dominant side in a healthy way. For example, safe words are really important to him, and the submissive’s pleasure is his pleasure. He wasn’t mean, too. As Kai mentioned, he isn’t the kind to give punishments, which is funny to me because if I remember correctly, Lucien said that he would usually punish his partners if they don’t listen to him. He was whipped, that’s all I can say!
Kai never had healthy relationships in the past; it was always transactional, and people seemed to treat him as a low-life. I’m glad he came to discovered kinks and pleasure with a trustworthy partner, like Lucien.
The plot is kind of nonexistent, if I’m honest. Despite Rupert (Kai’s ex-partner)’s looming presence, the book is mainly about Lucien and Kai discovering their relationship. However, I do think the authors tend to jump into the love at first sight trope a bit too much. It already happened with the previous book. I wished we got more slow-burn, more work on the feelings…but I didn’t really mind it since it fit both characters.
The side characters were really fun. I can’t wait for Alessio and Father Vitale’s book (the last one in the series, I believe)! I think the next book will be about Theo since the story ended with the incoming wedding of his brother. I’m also intrigued by Sheperd, too. I wasn’t that interested in him in Savage but he picked my curiosity in this one! Overall, it was another great addition in the series, and a very nice read.
Safety: - No OMD;
- Kai was in an unhealthy relationship with a man at the beginning; he referred to him as “his keeper”. Nothing on-page between them;
- Since he met Kai, Lucien isn't interested in anyone but him;
- There’s a scene in which Kai asked Lucien to show him how he whipped his partners. Because he wasn’t sure it was something Kai would like, Lucien demonstrated it with another submissive (hence the voyeurism trope). Usually, it's something that would bother me. However, I liked that it was Kai who asked him to, and it was clear the whole scene was for Kai, and only him. Both of them stayed focus on the other, and no one else. In short, I considered it pretty safe.
The opening chapter held such promise - the possessive alpha rescuing the damsel in distress! The villain being chucked out and devolving from there. The secret society that rules over the world decides that the villain must pay, his secrets must be exposed and then………..
Nothing. Zip.
The story centres around Lucien and Kai. Lucien was introduced in the first book as a sexual dominant who is very good at extracting secrets you didn’t know you were telling. I expected a lot from him but I feel like I was robbed of a story.
While him and Kai are beautiful together, there was a hint of a story that never fully took root and that really disappointed me! Im hoping that there is something bigger at play and that perhaps the authors are building up to a bigger story! I don’t want to give any spoilers but there was a hint of something bigger and the villain seemed a bit more unhinged than was justified.
There was a happy ending which was the least we deserved but I almost got the impression that this was a filler book - there simply to set the scene for all that is to come!
Im going to watch this space and hope that there series shows these men in a better light soon! And by better i obviously mean badder, sexier and spicier!!!!!
I picture Tom Ellis from that TV show ‘ Lucifer’ when I read this scene -
‘From my black-and-gold throne high above the private club, I watched over the sinful scenes taking place, the many naked, leather-clad, and rope-bound bodies, and felt a supreme satisfaction. ‘
Maybe the cover is too blame 🤷🏻♀️
Lucien falls in lust with Kai and becomes his , well I guess kind of saviour?
Kai has had trauma and does what he needs to survive.
Lucien takes his time, building a relationship with Kai. Introduces him to a dom/sub relationship.
‘I bottomed out inside him, I leaned over him and kissed my way up his neck to his ear. “You asked me once where my favorite place was.”“This. This is my favorite place I’ve ever been.” I nipped at his lip and then moved up over him to plant my hands over the top of his on the bed. “And you’re going to have a hard time keeping me away now that I’ve found it.”
Lucien makes Kai feel safe, wanted and that he matters. It’s like a dream and he’s scared he’ll wake up. But he doesn’t need to worry 🤣
“Mmm. Feels good.” I flipped my hand over and tapped the belt against my palm. Lucien’s eyes were glued to the move. “I wonder if it would feel this good everywhere.” Lucien went completely still. He didn’t react. Didn’t say a word. Only watched me stroking his belt as the waiter returned to our table. “Have you made your selection?” the waiter asked me, clearly not catching the vibe we were throwing off. “We have.” Lucien’s throat worked as he swallowed. “Get rid of everyone. I want to enjoy my dessert.”
Hot 🔥 🔥🔥
Lucien and his brothers get together to deal with Lucien’s problem
And then Kai and Lucien exchange I love yous. Happily ever onto the next book in the series.
Read the book! I tried really hard not to spoil it 🤣
The second installment in this spin-off series was, overall, very enjoyable.
Lucien, one of the seven Kings, gets his story in this second installment. During a night at his club, The Veil, he sees an older man with a beautiful younger man, and the younger man, Kai, captivates him from the get go. And when it's apparent that the older man is treating him badly, Lucien steps in to stop him and ban the man, Rupert, from all his clubs forever.
Thus, Lucien takes in Kai, a 23 year old who has had to prostitute himself in order to survive, as he was kicked out of his house at 15 year old by his parents for being gay and he lived on the streets for awhile after that. That's how he ended up with Rupert - and the book doesn't outright say it, but let's be real, Kai was basically sex trafficked to him. Rupert "paid for" Kai and has kept him basically prisoner and only let out when he wants him in his bed.
The man is absolutely despicable, and when Lucien takes Kai out of that situation, and yes, saves him, Rupert doesnt take Lucien taking away his "plaything" lightly. When he ends up blowing up Lucien's sex club, The Veil (thankfully with no one in it, but Lucien came close to being blown up as well), it's clear the man isn't going away.
I really loved Kai and Lucien's connection. Lucien was so so wonderful with Kai, never pressuring him, letting him know he wasn't a prisoner and could come and go as he pleased, and not touching him until Kai was comfortable doing so.
These two were honestly so sweet and their chemistry was wonderful too.
My only reason for not giving this a full 5 star rating is only because this was a bit slow at times for me, and I don't know exactly why. Maybe because there wasn't a ton of action at times? I don't know. I enjoyed these two when they were together, I guess it just wasn't always as riveting as I was hoping. Not a lot happens with the Rupert plot for awhile, so maybe that's it.
After he blows up The Veil, Lucien takes Kai away to Monaco for a time for his safety while the rest of the Kings are supposed to be looking into Rupert and all, but that doesn't seem to happen? It seems like they just kind of go to Monaco for a vacation almost, and then come back to NYC with the Rupert problem not solved in the least and it doesn't seem like they've made any progress on trying to get Rupert out of the picture.
So I guess that's where my niggles come in. I wish there had been a bit more with the Rupert plot? Maybe a bit more immersed into the rest of the book? Instead we get it at the beginning and then we have a big middle and then he sneaks back in the end of the book for the climax. What we got was good, and he got was he deserved, but still. Outside of this somewhat weakly executed plot point, it was just their relationship, not a lot of the other characters showing up, etc. A lot of the other Kings felt largely uninvolved.
So the reason this gets as high as a rating as it is getting from me is because of Lucien and Kai and how great they were together. They were able to carry this, for the most part (except at the few times when I found this slow), when there wasn't much of a plot going on.
So overall, a very good installment and I can't wait for the next one. I feel like it'll have to be about Theo, as his brother's royal wedding is coming up soon, so I bet Theo will meet his LI there, I presume? I'm intrigued to know more about Theo and what he's like and who will be the love of his life.
Hurt comfort, damsel in distress, knight in shining armor, bring in the cavalry stuff. Touch him and die, literally. And sweet like honey, I'll take care of you always, moments
DNF at 65% Everything about this, from the characters to the BDSM, was very bland. The only reason I’m continuing this series is because of the male covers. Sue me.
The way Lucien falls in love with Kai immediately is swoon-worthy. It's one of those "he hasn't said it or admitted to it, but I can feel it" moments. One look and Kai becomes everything Lucien has ever wanted. But wanting Kai comes at a cost. Dangers lurk in the night, and it puts a strain on their relationship because Kai isn't confident in himself. When trouble ensues, he blames himself and worries that he's going to lose the happiness he's finally found. Lucien does a wonderful job of showing Kai that it's okay to be himself and speak his mind. He supports Kai in ways Kai never had before, and that allows Kai to find his inner strength. They're perfect for each other. Lucien is patient, kind, and protective of Kai, and that is all Kai ever really needed. Kai, in turn, gives Lucien a new strength that comes from the trust Kai puts in him. They're solid and beautiful. It's another great addition to the Kings. I can't wait to see who is unmasked next.
This was sweet and quick, I really like the brotherhood. Not a lot of substance but I did like the main characters and the things they did for each other. I wished I had a bit more background on theme, I didn't feel like I really understood Kai's thing but that's okay.
In one sitting... I finished this one in one sitting cuz I just couldn't stop. It's impossible.
Once you start reading about Lucien & Kai, you can't stop until you find out how their story ends. How their happy ending will look like. It's perfect, in case you were wondering.
I won't say anything about the way the story progressed. That's for you to find out. Why ruin the surprise and the experience? It's too good.
As for the beginning of the story, uff... that one was rough, but all it took was one look.
I don't know what I expected from Lucien tbh, but it was definitely not what I found. What we discover in this book is way, way better than any wild fantasy we might have about the man.
As Benoit said, he's a marshmallow. A scary one, but a marshmallow nonetheless.
To say Kai and Luc are perfect for each other is cliche at this point because aside from one couple, every single one of the couples in Park and Kings is perfect for each other if you ask me.
The story these two share is by far the most beautiful one in this universe. All of them are amazing, all of them, but this one takes the crown somehow.
While Park Av is more fun, carefree as a series, it is more focused on the couples. The Kings, however, bring out the big pew pew's cuz this series is heavy on both romance and plot. You can tell they're more mature, more out in the world.
Ahhhh, I loved this book. I love this couple. I love their story, and I love their love.
I can't wait to see who's next, but whoever it is that book will be fire. I'm so giddy.
Even though it can be read as a standalone, I advise you to read the Park Avenue Princes series first, then book one of Kings and then this one. The journey is worth it. When you'll get to Kai & Luc, you'll feel more connected, and you'll love them a lot more.
I hope we get to see them more in the next books because they're perfect and amazing. And that ending? SWOOON.
GUUUURL, LET ME TELL YOU, LUCIEN IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF "IF HE WANTED TO, HE WOULD'VE." OK, bye. Read these books.
10/10, highly recommend, can't wait for the audiobook.
Heyy guys, so this is my review of this. First off, I just love the idea of powerful men lurking in the shadows, and this series makes it even better. I went into this one with high expectations after book 1, but honestly… I think I preferred this more. There’s just something about Lucien Vale 😩 the man he is? Perfect. The confidence, the charm, the way he carries himself he’s pure temptation wrapped in a tailored suit. Every scene with him feels like he’s two steps ahead and you want to know what’s going on in that dangerous mind of his.
Seeing the other characters again was such a treat, and I loved the found family vibe that’s slowly building. It’s not just about romance it’s about loyalty, history, and these dangerous men who’d burn the world down for the people they love. Benoit and Alessio completely stole my heart too, and I already know I’m going to be obsessed with their stories when I get to them. I also adore the dynamic between him and his partner their Dom/sub relationship is healthy, respectful, and honestly so beautiful to read. There’s power, yes, but it’s laced with trust, safety, and that deep emotional connection that makes it real. It’s not like some poorly written, overly toxic versions I’ve come across it’s balanced, it’s hot, and it’s proof that dominance and care can exist in the same breath. I can’t wait to listen to the rest of them and fall even deeper into this dark, intoxicating world.
Beautiful. Magical. Swooney. Perfect!!! These two reminded me of Gabe and Marcus (Good Intentions duet) because they made me swoon and giggle so much. This book was fun and adorable and everything I wanted and needed. Their "meet-cute" was perfect. Luc's personality is everything I love in my leading man! And Kai... my precious baby *puts it in my pocket*. He was such a sweet boy. Their romance was goals. I love how much they complement each other and how Lucien never made Kai feel less. The ending was fantastic, fast, quick, action-packed, and I love how each "king" managed to shine for a bit, yet they still don't overshadow Lucien's moment. Overall, it was a fantastic addition to the series, and omg, I'm so excited about the next book!!!
Thank you so much to foreword pr and the authors for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The thing I loved about the Prince books was how great the found family dynamic played into the story along with the romance. I felt like that was missing here. The beginning was good but the entire middle section was just kind of boring to me. But then it picks back up and the ending was full of action and we saw more of the brothers. I still can’t wait to read the next one though. :)
I enjoyed this! Lucien and Kai were good together and I really liked their semi slow burn romance. The first half was really drew me in and I loved seeing Kai become comfortable with Lucien and his new life. The middle did drag on for me a bit but then it picked up again near the end. I had a good time reading this and seeing the other Libertine members again and I’m excited to see who the next book is going to be about!
Devilish continues the Park Avenue Kings series, which is a spin off from the Park Avenue Princes series. While I appreciated all of the background, as I have read all of the books, reading just the first story in the Kings series, Savage, would give you enough of a start here.
The relationship between Lucien and Kai moves fairly quickly, as Lucien rescues Kai from a troubled situation and moves him into his home. Lucien and Kai are from completely different worlds and at first Lucien’s wealth and success makes Kai afraid and unsure of everything. There is just something about Kai that pings Lucien’s dominant and caretaking side and he immediately wants to give Kai everything.
Devlish is the second book in the Park Avenue Kings series and I totally loved getting to know Lucien better. He's a man who likes excess. Wealth, sex, fine dining. Basically, anything luxurious is right up Lucien's alley.
Kai wouldn't know luxurious wealth to the extent Lucien has if it hit him over the head. He's had a rough go at life so far before he ends up in Lucien's orbit. And thank goodness he did, because the way Kai was going, I don't think it would have been long before he found himself in a situation that was way worse than he predicted. The situation he was in was unsafe as it was, but after reading this book I definitely believe the man who he was living with was capable of much worse things.
The relationship between Kai and Lucien was sort of insta-lovey in my opinion. Yes, it did take a bit for Kai to trust Lucien, but I'm talking WEEKS not months. Lucien sure trusted his instinct a lot when it came to him inviting Kai into his home. I don't think many people would leave a man they barely knew unattended with so many things around worth stealing.
I did like how even though Kai was described as this tiny thing, he did have a backbone when it came down to it. He wasn't stupid, he just had to make the best of the situations he found himself in. It was that or live on the streets. Lucien changed all that. He showed Kai what it was like to be with a man who not only cherished him, but showed how much he cared in every one of his actions. I don't think I would have turned Lucien down whether I was poor or fabulously rich. The man is a caretaker and ended up being the perfect partner for a man like Kai.
The Kings of Park Avenue are back, and this time, it's Lucien Vale who takes centre stage in an exhilarating story that I couldn’t put down!
As from the moment Lucien lays eyes on the younger Kai, sparks fly. When Kai finds himself at Lucien's exclusive sex club. Where a troubling encounter leaves him shaken and alone, but Lucien is there to step in and protect him. And once he learns about the difficulties Kai faces at home, he insists on bringing him back to his place—where safety and freedom await.
But Kai’s past has left him wary of men and their intentions. However, Lucien is determined to prove himself, showing patience and kindness that slowly breaks down Kai's defences.
As they spend time together, Lucien introduces him to the thrilling world of a D/s relationship. And it's not long before Kai starts to realise he has so much to offer, and Lucien is ready to treat him like a king.
And with unforgettable characters whose connection crackles with intensity. Not to mention an enticing blend of spice and emotion. This was a devilishly delightful read that kept me hooked from start to finish, and I’m eager to discover who will be unmasked next!
I would happily recommend Devilish to all!
My thanks to Foreword PR and Ella Frank/Brooke Blaine for the opportunity to read an early copy of Devilish. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
1.5⭐️ - This was goofy as hell. The age gap, the imbalance of power and wealth gave me the ick. Kai had 8 years of homelessness and was victim of sex trafficking and neither was addressed adequately. Can we say trauma! But don’t worry. Love heals all. That’s it. That’s all it took. Barf.
It also didn’t help that Kai was described as looking only 18 and so small. This made the use of “boy” creepy. While Lucien was passionate and compassionate, it still felt predatory because Kai was basically described as more childlike and this has to stop being romanticized.
The pacing was very unbalanced. It was fun at times, like a bit Pretty Woman-esque. But unfortunately little substance given such heavy topics. Also it’s instalove. No pining, no tension - and Kai is all in immediately (well after a couple of days…)
the kings are back! so so happy to have a new brella book to gush over!!!
this was just so good! even though this is only the 2nd kings book, brooke & ella have really found their footing in the darker/secretive world. lucien & kai’s book didn’t feel as heavy as lach & cooper’s, but it still had the same vibes (which i loved!!) their story, that still had dark elements, was also filled with compassion and understanding
and what was so special about this was how much lucien cared for kai. lucien was so gently and soft with him; he fully respected him and made sure he felt safe from the moment they met <3
i’m also so excited to see who the next book is about!!