Devious Temptation

by D.L. Darby

Lawson

Lucy Bradee is a temptation I should resist.

Half my age. My son’s ex-girlfriend. My new assistant.

Every reason to stay away from her is crystal clear, but the way she looks at me? The way she challenges me with those curve-hugging outfits and flirtatious smiles? She’s breaking me down… one forbidden glance at a time.

Being with Lucy feels like I’ve finally found what I didn’t even know was missing. She makes me feel alive. Whole. Hers.

But I’m not the only one with something to lose. A storm is coming, and I’d rather walk through fire than let it destroy her.

The problem? Staying away from Lucy might just destroy me instead.

Lucy

He once called me a rainbow. That night—when his son cheated on me at our graduation party—Lawson Morgan was my silver lining.

Now, six years later, destiny brings us together again.

Only this time, he’s my new boss.

The chemistry between us is explosive, but Lawson insists we keep things professional. Too bad I’ve never been one to play by the rules, especially when it comes to him.

Our connection was undeniable then. It’s unstoppable now. And this time, I won’t let him slip away. I don’t care about the obstacles. The judgment. The risks.

Because being with Lawson doesn’t just feel like home, it feels like fate.

After all, the best things in life are always worth the risk… aren’t they?

Genres: Forbidden Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Workplace

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

D.L. Darby lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband, dog, and cat. When she’s not working at her salon, she enjoys reading, hiking (when the weather is nice), and watching silly reality t.v. shows. She loves to travel and one day hopes to be able to attend all of the bookish conventions in one year.

You can find her on TikTok @d.l.darby_author

Or join her reader group on FB at D.L. Darby’s Darlings

Reviews

[Amilia Poling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read, and I am glad that I got to read it! I liked Lucy and how she was able to take her skills and turn them into a career that she enjoys and is good at! Her dedication to keep her loved ones ok, while being able to stand up for herself and talk with them with truth, was really great to watch! I also enjoyed how she was able to keep her mind open and accept and enjoy new things that were brought to her! And Lawson felt very real in his hesitations to accept his own feelings! It was really good to watch how he did the work to find himself while he was in New York! Watching him step up and do what was necessary for Lucy and their relationship through the hard times was really endearing! These two had a really interesting journey, and I felt like they were really good for each other! I really enjoyed the side characters, and part of me wishes we got more from Lucy's siblings. Overall this was a really good book, and was filled with emotion and spice! 4 stars; 4 chili peppers

Tropes:
- Taboo Relationship
- Ex's Dad
- Secret Relationship
- Boss x Employee
- K!nk Exploration
- Forced Proximity

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Tropes:
Ex’s dad
Age gap
Boss x Employee

Loved 🥰:
- how Lucy went after she wanted fearlessly
- Lawson’s caretaking moments made me 🫠🫠
- the kink positivity was great

Liked ☺️:
- the little glimpses of Liam & Rose who I think will have a very interesting story themselves
- the “fuck it” moment

Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally)🤷🏻‍♀️:
- felt like Lawson really needed to grovel a bit more, his actions were a bit meh there at the end
- wanted less fade to black moments
- Felt like the first 85pgs could have been condensed to get into the main part of the story more

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Range & Rep:
Adult romance
Kink positivity

[Molly Bethoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author and Happily Booked for this ARC!

Things I Loved:
- A strong FMC - Lucy was a strong, sensible, motivated character who I could relate to back when I was in my 20s. I loved her personality throughout.
- I love a good age gap trope and this had just the right amount of spice for me.

Things that were meh:
- I felt like the first part of the book shouldn’t have happened. Spice with high schoolers just felt wrong to me. Yes, they were 18, but I still felt uncomfortable.

Overall, I think if the early years had been left out and this started differently, this would’ve been 4⭐️.

[natty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

this book was so fun and deliciously spicy !! i can’t lie i do enjoy the occasional age gap romance and this really scratched that itch for me. thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy.

i really liked the two mcs and thought their relationship and the struggle of the age gap was done really well and was realistic. i did struggle with the back and forth and indecisiveness of lawson but honestly if he didn’t have any hesitations about the relationship i would’ve considered that a red flag sooo…give me my own lawson please and thank you!!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what I love about an age gap? it doesn't matter to me. if you're attracted to the person, and them you, then go for it.
and that's exactly what Lawson and Lucy did. A little attraction between Lawsons sons ex girlfriend Lucy. And Lucy feels the same way. she's hot for her exes dad.
this was a spicy, flirty, hot read. and i loved every minute of it. I'm not going to deny myself a good read that allows my mind to wander.

[D’Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delicious book heavily features taboo themes of age gaps, workplace romance and ex-boyfriend’s dad. I froth a good taboo romance and this scratched all those deep, dark and depraved places.

Perfect for those that love when the FMC is wronged by her ex, but she has the last word and falls for his dad.

[Heather Newsome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy hell. This book is 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Love the age gap it never felt wrong to me. I think the way it was written really helped it feel so natural I was hooked from the first chapter. Couldn’t put it down. Cannot wait for the next story.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ay, al fin un libro de romance que me tiene enganchada hasta el final, deseando saber qué pasa y cómo todo se resuelve. Me encantó el personaje de Lawson y Lucy es lo más!
Y me reeee intriga lo que parece ser un segundo libro del hermano de Lucy

[Brittney Cushing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little skeptical in the beginning but ohhh am I glad I stuck with it! I knew I could never be let down by this author🥵👌 can not wait for the next one!

[Arielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that I bodied this entire book in less than 24 hours...

10/10. No notes. Gimee 14 of em.

[Amiee Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

#LaurensFault 💕

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Devious Temptation by D.L. Darby is exactly what the title promises — deliciously wicked, dangerously seductive, and oh-so-addictive.
From the first chapter, Darby hooks you with a plot that's dripping in tension and heat. The chemistry between the leads? Nuclear. The angst? Top tier. And don’t even get me started on the banter — it’s sharp, sexy, and sprinkled with just enough vulnerability to make your heart ache and race.
The heroine is fierce, flawed, and unapologetically bold, while the hero… let’s just say he walked straight out of your deepest “bad boy with a soft center” daydream. He's the kind of morally gray temptation that makes you question every standard you’ve ever had — and thank goodness for it.
It’s got spice. It’s got secrets. It’s got scandal. And most of all, it’s got that signature Darby magic: a story that sets your heart on fire and your Kindle battery on red.
If you're into steamy romance with plot twists, complex characters, and enough heat to melt your screen, Devious Temptation is a must-read.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEVIOUS TEMPTATION is the first instalment in DL Darby’s contemporary, adult DEVIOUS DESIRES erotic, romance series. This is businessman Lawson Morgan, and twenty-four year old PA Lucy Bradee’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from three first person perspectives (Lawson, Lucy, Rhys), following two timelines, DEVIOUS TEMPTATION focuses on the age-gap, forbidden relationship between businessman Lawson Morgan, and twenty-four year old PA Lucy Bradee. The Morgans and Bradees are best friends, and for two years eighteen year olds Lucy Bradee and Rhys Morgan have been high school sweethearts until a betrayal ripped them apart. Comforting his son’s former girlfriend, Lawson Morgan found himself falling for a woman more than half his age but Lawson was married, and quickly pushed Lucy out of his life, deleting all forms of contact for the foreseeable future. Fast forward six years, Lawson will quickly discover his new PA is the young woman he has never forgotten, a woman who continues to haunt his dreams but a woman who struggles with her anger for, and heartbreak by the man who rejected her years before. Lucy is determined to prove she is worthy of Lawson’s love but our hero continues to battle between head and heart with the perceived taboo nature of their possible relationship.

The world building follows several paths including the workplace romances and gossip; friendships and dysfunctional family dynamics; betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, and the rejection of a young woman in the face of desire and obsession. Trying to keep their relationship a secret, the fallout will affect everyone involved.

The relationship between Lawson and Lucy is highly sexual as Lawson is more mature and more experienced than our story line heroine. As Lawson continues to struggle with his attraction to our story line heroine, Lucy knows Lawson is the only man she will ever love. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative including situations of spanking, daddy kink, and MFM exploration, as well as age-gap, son’s ex girlfriend, and employer/employee romance.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters including both Lawson and Lucy’s immediate families, most of who will struggle with the reality of Lawson and Lucy’s relationship. We are introduced to several co-workers, as well as Lawson’s best friend Cameron, a man who is willing to help Lucy explore her sexual desires and needs.

DEVIOUS TEMPTATION is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, acceptance and forgiveness, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, edgy and raw; the romance is spicy; the characters are spirited and determined.

copy supplied for review

[Yasmin Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read some pretty great age-gap romances but this is my first time reading an age-gap romance with the trope that it’s her ex’s father she is longing for, and boy was I not disappointed at all!! This book had me at the edge of my seat and literally yelling at Lawson to have his moment and finally realize that it’s time to confess his feelings to Lucy. And when he finally does, the world is set on fire and everything is right in the world lol (blushing face). I truly loved reading this book and I was beyond captivated by DL Darby’s writing style. It was my first time reading their book and I truly loved every page. And the fact that the author included a custom playlist to hear while reading this book is chef’s kiss ! I love when a playlist is created just for the book bc it sets the tone and mood that the book should be read in ❤️

This is the story of Lucy, who at the age of 18, was dating Rhys, son of Lawson. Although Lawson may have started to feel something for her, he knew that he couldn’t act on it bc of the age-gap and the fact that she was his son’s girlfriend. Despite Lucy dating Rhys, she had already started to feel like her relationship with him had started to dwindle down. Especially when he would say some off-handed comments towards Lucy, or when he would get upset that she chose California instead of following him and his dreams. However, at their last high school party being held at Lawson’s place, Lucy arrives late to the party and finds out that Rhys was currently cheating on her with a girl she has disliked.

Six years later, Lucy is running late to her job and not wanting to make a bad impression on her new boss, just talks away to Mary before realizing who is in front of her. After being blocked by him, she hasn’t spoken or seen Lawson in over six years. And, damn, it’s as if all the feelings they had for each other just came rushing back. You can cut the tension with a knife and the intense attraction they have for each other is blatantly obvious (for everyone else lol). We get to take on this journey with Lucy and Lawson and see their defenses come down and truly embrace what they have been missing this whole time, each other!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am grateful that I was selected to read this novel as an advanced copy. DL Darby truly knocked it out of the park and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series! I have a feeling I know who the next book is going to be about 🤭

Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Kaylee’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star read. This book literally hooked me from the very beginning.

It is fun, taboo, and oh so deliciously spicy. As soon as I started reading, I couldn't stop. There were a few moments in this book that had my face on fire particularly when Lawson makes her one fantasy come to life...with his best friend.

I loved how Lucy is unapologetically herself especially when it comes to her choice in clothing. She works hard, fights for what she wants and as the story progresses, we get to watch her really grow into one kickass woman. Although at the start of this book she is dating Lawson's son I can say with 100 percent certainty that she did upgrade when she finally pursued his hot dad because Lawson treats her like a literal queen. When these two do start working together 6 years after everything that happened on graduation night, I was so excited to see where this story was going to end up. She has sass, she is a tad bit possessive, and she just loves to get under his skin in the best possible ways.

Lawson has wanted to call Lucy his for so long it is ridiculous. He knows he shouldn't want her especially when he's 18 years her senior and spoiler she did date his son. This man goes to every extreme in an attempt not to cross that line...again. I will say that I do love how protective he is over Lucy especially now that she is an adult woman. He constantly does these little things for her that honestly show how much of a golden retriever MMC he is whilst also having that dominant side to him.

This book also explores sexual kinks which I loved, there is of course a bit of drama when their newfound relationship comes to light, there is a plot twist that genuinely had my jaw dropping and heart stopping. The sexual tension between these two, the chemistry, the sweet moments and of course our little bratty behaviour had me absolutely obsessed with this story.

Thank you so much to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an early copy, I cannot wait to read more of your work!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

Alright, book friend, I am not okay. I just finished "Devious Temptation" by D.L. Darby, and let me tell you, this book is deliciously messy in all the best ways. It's a scorching, emotionally rich story that balances taboo with heart, and I couldn’t put it down. Seriously, I stayed up way past my bedtime, and I don’t regret a single thing.

This story follows Lucy, a sassy, smart redhead who has been dating Rhys since they were teenagers. The book starts right where it gets messy: graduation night, when she catches him cheating. Six years later, Lucy is an ambitious assistant whose company is acquired by none other than Rhys’s gorgeous, emotionally unavailable father, Lawson. Our boy Lawson has a complicated past of his own, but the tension and chemistry between him and Lucy? It's been there since the beginning, and you will be on the edge of your seat waiting for their "F-it" moment. Lawson is the exact definition of a "Daddy," and a jealous one at that, which is my favorite kind of chaos.

While the forbidden tension is absolutely off the charts, this book is so much more than just spice. The author handles the age gap and ex's dad tropes with incredible nuance, making their relationship feel real and grounded. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, and you get to see both characters do the work—they reflect on themselves and grow, ensuring their love story isn't a poorly written miscommunication trope (a line I absolutely cheered for in the book!). The side characters are fantastic, and the hints of other stories woven throughout the series just make you want to dive deeper into this amazing world.

In short, this is an addictive, high-stakes, heart-pounding romance that you won't be able to put down. If you're into age gap, ex's dad, forbidden love, and yes, plenty of spice, then this book is for you. Go pick it up!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book. Full of fun, fiery, and deliciously spicy, it hooked me from the very first chapter and never let go. The age gap romance was written so naturally that it never once felt wrong it just worked.
The story follows Lucy, a smart and sassy redhead, who has been dating Rhys since high school… until graduation night, when she catches him cheating. Fast forward six years, Lucy is now an ambitious assistant whose company is acquired by none other than Rhys’s father, Lawson. Cue the tension, forbidden attraction, and off-the-charts chemistry that’s been simmering between them from the start.
Lawson is everything broody, protective, morally conflicted, and very much the definition of “Daddy.” His possessiveness, jealousy, and vulnerability make him irresistible. And when Lucy pushes his buttons enough to break down his walls.. the tension explodes. The spice was perfection, magnificent, steamy, and written so well that I was blushing and grinning the whole way through.
I also loved the side characters they added depth, drama, and plenty of chaos. Some were easy to root for, while others you’ll love to hate (Charlotte and her pool boy antics) And don’t even get me started on Lawson baking cookies… caretaker Lawson is my favorite Lawson.

Tropes you’ll love
❤️ Taboo age gap romance
🖤 Ex’s Dad
❤️ Secret romance
🖤 K!nk Exploration
❤️ Boss x Employee
🖤 Praise kink + Daddy kink

D.L. Darby nailed the perfect mix of angst, drama, heat, and heart. The back and forth between Lawson and Lucy felt authentic given the stakes, and I loved watching them navigate the messy, high risk relationship.
And that ending.. Book two is going to be absolute fire, and I cannot wait.

If you love your romance messy, forbidden, and off-the-charts spicy, Devious Temptation needs to be on your TBR.

[Mae Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Book one of the Devious Desires book series. A taboo age gap romance.

Tropes:
· Ex's dad
· Age gap
· Workplace
· Secret relationship

Trigger Warnings:
· Food shaming, mentions of ED
· Revenge 🌽 (not shared by MCs)
· Cheating (not between MCs)
· Physical altercation (not between MCs)

Thank you D.L Darby for allowing me to ARC read this book! I loved it!

Lawson Morgan unhappy in his marriage finds himself thinking about his eldest son's girlfriend, Lucy Bradee and after she catches her boyfriend cheating, she can no longer deny her attraction to his dad. Years go by and she is now his assistant. Resisting will not be easy. Do they even want to?

When I started reading I was immediately hooked! Darby's writing was delicious and deliberately heart pounding! The beginning had me quickly knowing which characters I was go love and hate. The pacing of the story, the inner monologue and character development as I was reading was perfect!

The chemistry, the built up sexual tension was just so frustratingly incredible. While I understood the conflicting moods Lawson was battling wit himself but it also frustrated me the hot and cold, push and pull he had with Lucy. The plot twist shook me and had me angry crying.

Despite their age difference, their attraction is undeniable. Lucy Bradee is so mature, the way she carried herself and her fashion style too was so cool. Lawson Morgan is a literal Daddy! In the office and in the bedroom. A man who cooks?! Yes please! His nickname for Lucy had me melting.

There was scenes that had me blushing and squealing in shock because of how spicy it all was. So risky!

What a perfect book to start the series and I cannot wait to read more!

[Mikayla Tague · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie I want to rate this book so much higher than I did, but the mom part of me just couldn’t and it honestly breaks my heart. I absolutely loved Devious Temptations. Lucy and Lawson are everything I love in an age gap romance.

You got:
- Taboo Relationship
- Ex's Dad
- Secret Relationship
- Boss x Employee
- K!nk Exploration
- Forced Proximity

Now for the part that kills me. The first 25% of the book Lucy is in high school. She is 18 and her boyfriend Rhys is 18…they are legal adults, but still actively in their senior year of high school. We go through prom and graduation with them in the first 25% of the book…I personally don’t care that they are 18 at this point any spice between 2 high schoolers needs to be closed door. I know DL Darby writes spicy books and I love them, but writing open door spice between 2 high schoolers was uncomfortable to read…I know they are 18 and legal adults but the spice was not needed during this part of the book. It also made every interaction between Lucy and Lawson during this point feel uncomfortable and like he was grooming her.

After the time jump of 6 years later and Lucy is 24 and out college and ends up working for Lawson after not seeing him at all after she graduated and went away for college I loved their interactions together. It felt how an age gap romance is suppose to feel. If the first 25% would have gone differently this would have easily been a 4+⭐️ rating for me.

[Cassi B · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Your mother is still gone, and out of the two of us, she’d fare better in jail than I would.”

I laugh as I shove my feet into my house slippers. “You’re probably right. Mom would make everyone her bitch. You’d just be someone’s bitch.”

🖤💻🖤💻🖤💻

💻Ex’s Dad
🖤Workplace
💻Daddy Kink
🖤Good Girl
💻Praise Kink
🖤Food Play

🖤💻🖤💻🖤💻

Excuse me, ma'am, but where do you get off on writing this hot of a daddy?! 🥵🥵 This is my first book of DL Darby's and phew. The earlier sequences where Lucy was only 18 were a little icky, but she was consenting & of legal age. I just feel old since I'm the same as Lawson at the end. That's just on me though and I loved the age gap otherwise. I will also say it's refreshing to see where the ex wasn't a bore or selfish in bed. So many books, especially ex's dad, are that way.

Even after having not seen each other for 6 years, Lawson & Lucy are still drawn to each other like they had been previously. While he still feels off b/c of her history with his son, he finally learns to let go after she brats just a little too hard. IYKYK But, once he does he's willing to live out her fantasies alongside his - even if there's another person involved. He doesn't want her to miss out b/c of her age like he had when he was younger.

I was definitely a little more than skeptical at first, but damn was this good. I cannot wait for book 2 of this series!

Thank you to Happily Booked PR for this ARC!

[KayBeReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey Daddy Lawson! Devious Temptation is an about Lucy and Lawson journey to be together. Sounds simple right? Nope. You’re probably asking why, well let me tell you. Lawson is Lucy’s ex-boyfriend’s father. Talk about messy( but we love a little mess). We start the book off with the backstory of how Lawson and Lucy met and started fluttering around each other. They couldn’t keep their eyes off each other( and maybe hands too). Then we time jump some years later and the two are suddenly thrown back together. When I tell you the tension was thick between these two, it could be sliced with a knife. But the banter and teasing was beautiful. And when the f it moment came it gave. Let’s talk about the spice real quick, it was magnificent. There is a particular spicy scene in this book that had me shook in the best way. Out of all the books I have read I have only read in one other book this particular “act”. The majority of the book we are just coasting along, getting all the feels, being a bit dirty, but the last part of the book D. L. put that foot on the gas and floored it baby. And I was along for the ride. This book had all the elements I love; a little taboo, age-gap, sneaking around and spicy what more can I ask for. I truly enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is deliciously messy in all the best ways. Think: **romance, age gap, ex’s dad, good girl meets forbidden temptation, secret relationship, and yes—**plenty of spice. If you’re into praise kink and daddy kink tropes, buckle up. This one’s for you.

The story follows Lucy and Lawson. Lucy is dating Rhys, Lawsons son, and on their high school graduation night everything changes due to the actions of Rhys. Drama!! We have Charlotte, Lawsons wife who shacks up with the pool boy in Florida, she happens to notice how Lawson watches Lucy from afar.

The author balances the taboo elements with emotional depth, exploring not only the forbidden connection between Lucy and Lawson but also how the past, age difference, and family dynamics can complicate everything. Lessons are learned.

The side characters are fantastic and add real weight to the story—some you'll love, some you'll love to hate. And while there’s a bit of back-and-forth between the main couple, it feels authentic given the stakes and the age gap.

I blushed, gasped, and was fully invested from start to finish. D.L. Darby knows how to write heat, heart, and high-stakes romance that sticks with you.

If you’re looking for a bold, emotional, and seriously steamy read—Devious Temptation is it. 🔥

I am an official ARC reader for Devious Temptation by @authordldarby.

[Alex Sedrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy and Lawson are high heat and spice after giving into their attraction to each other. Too bad he’s the father of her high school boyfriend who cheated on her and there’s always been something between them even though she’s only 18. He’s twice her age and after the guilt of being there to comfort her when she caught his son cheating on her the night of the high school graduation he runs to NYC and blocks her from his phone and all social media. His marriage has been in shambles since his wife cheated with the pool boy but he doesn’t want to give her half of everything so they stay married on paper while living very separate lives. Lucy goes off to college and he makes his way up in the firm. Six years later when his company buys one back in Chicago and he gets promoted to executive director and inherits a new assistant he finds out it’s none other than the star of his every fantasy since that fateful night six years ago-Lucy. The tension is there from jump and they finally give in to what they both have wanted for years. But how will he tell his son and how will she tell her parents she’s with someone twice her age? I really loved all the family dynamics and cannot wait to get more of Lucy’s brother Liam’s story. So much angst with their whiplash will they won’t they vibes. Loved it & can’t wait for book 2!

[Aura C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ebook is pure temptation on a screen. Devious Temptation takes the forbidden age-gap romance trope and pushes it to its limits, and the result is as scandalous as it is addictive. Reading Lucy’s journey from being Rhys’s girlfriend to catching the attention—and eventually the heart—of his father, Lawson, is wild, messy, and completely consuming.

The chemistry between Lucy and Lawson crackles from the moment he watches her when he shouldn’t, and once that line is crossed, there’s no going back. Every scene between them is dripping with tension, heat, and the constant risk of getting caught. The ebook format made it so easy to binge; I tore through chapters in the middle of the night, telling myself I’d stop but never being able to.

Spice-wise, this book is off the charts. The intimate scenes are detailed, unapologetic, and raw, with the kind of intensity that makes you blush and reread lines just to savor them again. It’s not just spice for the sake of it, though—the emotional pull between Lucy and Lawson makes the heat hit even harder.

Out of 5 chillis, I’d give it a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. This is not a fade-to-black story—it’s fiery, explicit, and absolutely addictive. If you’re looking for a forbidden romance that will have your pulse racing and your Kindle (iPad in my case) overheating, this is it.

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

A Steamy, Tense, and Emotionally Charged Taboo Romance

Devious Temptation hits the sweet spot between taboo, romance, and spice. The story begins slowly, introducing Lucy as an eighteen-year-old and Lawson as her boyfriend’s dad. The tension simmers perfectly—while the premise could have been uncomfortable, the author handles it with care, never rushing the relationship too soon.

Six years later, the characters reunite, and Lucy is fully grown and ready to pursue what she wants. The back-and-forth of “should we or shouldn’t we” builds just the right amount of tension, making the eventual payoff sizzling and satisfying. The erotic scenes are inventive and spicy, exploring multiple kinks and even sprinkling in a little MFM, which adds variety to an already steamy MF romance.

Lawson’s hesitation feels believable, grounded in the situation’s complexity, even if a decisiveness-loving reader might wish he’d act sooner. The taboo aspect isn’t just a gimmick—it drives the story’s emotional stakes and keeps the tension alive throughout.

Overall, this is a compelling, well-paced read with just the right balance of emotional depth and provocative spice. Fans of forbidden romance and slow-burn tension will likely find themselves hooked from beginning to end.

[Kristen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an example of the age gap trope done WELL! KUDOS to D.L. Darby for doing this right! The only thing that makes me cringe is the "daddy" name - I am not about that - but I know it does it for some people!

Tropes: age gap, ex's dad, forbidden love, office romance, second chance

FMC - Lucy - Initially she is dating Rhys, Lawson's son. She has some voyeurism tendencies and finds herself being accidentally "caught" having sex with Rhys as Lawson watches from his office window - yet she finds herself putting on a show and picturing him! Lucy is confident, beautiful, and outgoing.

MMC - Lawson - Protective, loyal, thoughtful, and loving. He protects Lucy when she's dating Rhys and being put down by him as well as Charlotte, Lawson's wife at the time. Fast Forward years later, Lucy finds herself working for Lawson when he moves from New York to the building she's in.

Age gap tropes can either be super cringy or insanely hot - this one was the latter. I absolutely loved the tension that built between Lucy and Lawson.

I knocked off a star only because personally as I mentioned - I don't love the "daddy" talk as well as degrading talk. It's just not my thing - but for those who like it - you will love those parts of this book. I gave it four stars because yes this is an open door book - but the plot was amazingly well written and you could totally buy the situation the characters were in. My jaw literally dropped at certain points as I was reading it! This was an easy read that I would definitely read again!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖: ᴅᴇᴠɪᴏᴜs ᴛᴇᴍᴘᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ

Darby really brings emotional depth to all the characters and has you invested in not only Lawson and Lucy but also the secondary characters as well. You really feel the chemistry between Law and Lucy. It takes him a minute to figure it all out he had a lot of moral indecision that she had dated his son and he was her boss. He is still pulled to her and with her pushing his buttons and calling his dominant jealous side we still get the combustible heat between the two of them before it explodes with all the spice.

𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮.

Caretaker Lawson was my favorite followed closely behind with possessive and wildly jealous. But a man that can bake some magical cookies is a keeper 🤣. I really enjoyed the relationship these two had and all the drama and angsty that came with it. Just to be clear from the warnings in the book. Lawson is married, him and his wife live separate lives. Lucy and him have a secret relationship for awhile since there is OMD with his son being her ex.

Another great story and I am so looking forward to Liam and Rose!

▪️ Ex’s Dad ▪️ Workplace ▪️ Daddy Kink ▪️ Good Girl ▪️ Praise Kink ▪️ Age Gap (18 yrs) ▪️ Secret Relationship

[Chunks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. This was my first taboo age gap romance and I gotta say, I really freaking enjoyed it. It was hot, kinky and absolutely delicious. Once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down.

The relationship between Lucy and Lawson is messy, and thick with emotional tension, and I was just waiting for them to finally give in to their desires. When they finally do give in, oh lawd! Things get HOT!

Spice aside, this book does have a surprising amount of emotional depth. Lucy and Lawson have to navigate the pitfalls of not only their age gap, but also having a forbidden workplace relationship. Then you have their separate family dynamics, Lawson being a married (but very separated) man and the father of Lucy’s high school boyfriend, and Lucy being from a huge, loving, but protective family. The turmoil from them trying to reconcile their pasts, their families, and their careers creates some great tension that keeps you hooked.

If you’re looking for a spicy age gap, ex’s dad, forbidden romance with a praise kink and daddy kink, this book is definitely for you!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by DL Darby and Happily Booked PR. This review is honest, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive this as an ARC. I am very thankful to have been selected because I LOVED this so much!

The book had so many layers. We see both our MFC and our MMC in relationships and we see the dynamic between them. We see the tension between them right from the jump and we get to see more emotions from them which I found very refreshing.

As the story went on, there was no lack of entertainment. Something was always going on and we see these characters go through every emotion in the book and how they both developed overall not just as people, but for each other.

Everything was very well written and I loved the addition of the line. "No. No, we are not a poorly written miscommunication trope." because that is something that tends to happen in Age Gap books. Both characters reflected on themselves. They both took a step back to see where they were in the moment so they could be what the other person needed.

I enjoyed this very much and will be doing a TikTok video review soon! Only reason I haven't yet is because I was on a mini vacation while reading this and have hardly been home.

[Lezli Muse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devious Temptation pulled me in from the first page—and refused to let go.
D.L. Darby delivers a scorching, emotionally rich story that balances taboo-and-tension with heart, all while keeping the relationship grounded and real.

The characters are unforgettable.
The age gap trope is handled with nuance.
Instead of falling into clichés, Darby skillfully explores the imbalance, making it feel integral to their attraction—not exploitative. The emotional journey takes precedence, and the romance never feels forced or one-dimensional.

Conflict and stakes keep the pages turning.
From moral dilemmas to external judgments, every obstacle feels organic. The emotional payoff is earned with raw honesty, making key moments hit even harder.

The writing hits hard and smooth.
Darby’s prose strides confidently—clean, sharp, and evocative. She doesn’t waste words; she cuts to the heart of every scene, heightening tension, intimacy, and emotional impact.

In short: this is an addictive, high-stakes, heart-pounding romance that you can’t put down.
If you're anything like me, expect to stay up late, heart racing, entranced by every twist.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden, Filthy, and Oh So Addictive

Okay besties, "Devious Temptation" by D.L. Darby just wrecked me in such a good way. This isn’t your average “taboo romance”—it’s messy, it’s forbidden, it’s dripping with tension, and I ate up every single page.

Lucy thought heartbreak was catching her high school sweetheart, Rhys, cheating on graduation night—turns out the real heartbreak was falling for his father. Enter Lawson Morgan: her ex’s dad, her boss, and the man who can’t decide if he wants to push her away or set her world on fire.
Whiplash? Ya need a neck brace!
The age gap? Delicious.
The forbidden angst? Off the charts.
And when Lawson finally stops fighting it… whew, prepare to combust.

D.L. Darby nails that perfect blend of dark, addictive, and oh-so-spicy while keeping the emotions raw and real. This book gave me scandal, power plays, messy family drama, and enough steam to fog up my Kindle. If you’re craving chaos with heart, this is the one.

My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤