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Built to Break #2
The Villain
“My face will be the last thing you’ll ever see.”
“Promise?”
Devlin
After falling from my criminal kingpin throne, I know my days are numbered. So I can’t say I’m surprised when masked strangers snatch me off the street, throw a bag over my head, and toss me into a trunk.
Once I’m handcuffed in a dark room, my abductor reveals himself as a mountain of a man who says I killed his father. What I expect next is pain. What I don’t expect is to be attracted to my captor who oozes power from every pore…
Cian
I have a green-eyed devil chained in my shed, and I hate him. So why can’t I stop putting my hands on him? With every day he’s still alive, my crew grows more restless that I haven’t avenged my father, our former leader, while I keep finding new uses for Devlin’s mouth.
There are snakes in my crew, and hyenas waiting to steal my territory. When I’m betrayed, the one who saves me is Devlin. And suddenly keeping him alive and by my side seems like the most important purpose in my life. But we’re both villains, so this can’t end well for either of us… can it?
The Villain is a high-heat, enemies-to-lovers, captive/captor dark MM romance between a tattooed mob leader with a filthy mouth and a fallen crime lord who finds captivity exciting. Expect D/s elements, “No one hurts you but me” energy, violence, and a very happy ending.
“Promise?”
Devlin
After falling from my criminal kingpin throne, I know my days are numbered. So I can’t say I’m surprised when masked strangers snatch me off the street, throw a bag over my head, and toss me into a trunk.
Once I’m handcuffed in a dark room, my abductor reveals himself as a mountain of a man who says I killed his father. What I expect next is pain. What I don’t expect is to be attracted to my captor who oozes power from every pore…
Cian
I have a green-eyed devil chained in my shed, and I hate him. So why can’t I stop putting my hands on him? With every day he’s still alive, my crew grows more restless that I haven’t avenged my father, our former leader, while I keep finding new uses for Devlin’s mouth.
There are snakes in my crew, and hyenas waiting to steal my territory. When I’m betrayed, the one who saves me is Devlin. And suddenly keeping him alive and by my side seems like the most important purpose in my life. But we’re both villains, so this can’t end well for either of us… can it?
The Villain is a high-heat, enemies-to-lovers, captive/captor dark MM romance between a tattooed mob leader with a filthy mouth and a fallen crime lord who finds captivity exciting. Expect D/s elements, “No one hurts you but me” energy, violence, and a very happy ending.
Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2026
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August 20, 2026
3.5**** stars
Devlin & Cian
I couldn’t for the life of me remember any details about the first book. All I knew going in was that Devlin was the villain. So I was very grateful the author decided to write this as a standalone.
i still appreciated that over the course of this book Devlin told Cian all about it so i was in the loop again. and talk about Devlin and Cian… with their dynamic i was waiting for Devlin to call Cian Daddy any minute. but he didn’t *lol pity, tho.
this second book as good a read as the first. you don’t need much brain, it’s hot and intense and entertaining while it lasts. these days it’s everything i ask for. but i also got distracted a lot and for the overall impact it had on me it could’ve been a bit shorter.
***********
Built to Break Series
Book 1 - The Fighter - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Villain - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - The Reject - release 12/26
Devlin & Cian
I couldn’t for the life of me remember any details about the first book. All I knew going in was that Devlin was the villain. So I was very grateful the author decided to write this as a standalone.
i still appreciated that over the course of this book Devlin told Cian all about it so i was in the loop again. and talk about Devlin and Cian… with their dynamic i was waiting for Devlin to call Cian Daddy any minute. but he didn’t *lol pity, tho.
In my more lucid moments over the years, I’d entertained a few fantasies. And in them, my former crush had shifted into a faceless man. The man who’d finally force me to my knees. The man I’d been convinced I’d never meet, because he didn’t exist. But that man wasn’t faceless anymore. He had blue eyes, cruel lips, big hands, and a broad chest. And he roared like a lion.
this second book as good a read as the first. you don’t need much brain, it’s hot and intense and entertaining while it lasts. these days it’s everything i ask for. but i also got distracted a lot and for the overall impact it had on me it could’ve been a bit shorter.
“Why do you take everything I say as a compliment?”
“It’s a gift.” I shrugged.
“Always knew I was gonna die young. I just figured it would be at the hands of some loser. So excuse me for being a little giddy that it’s you instead.” He stared at me like I had three heads.
“What is wrong with you?”
“A lot.”
***********
Built to Break Series
Book 1 - The Fighter - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Villain - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - The Reject - release 12/26
July 30, 2026
A morally black MMC getting his very own romance while getting absolutely put in his place( even though he seems to be pretty into that 🤷♀️)? Count me in. This book delivered a true enemies to lovers dynamic between these two. You can feel straight hatred from Cian…. until you don’t.
I was so excited to dig into Devlin's psyche and figure out what makes him so horrible. The dynamic between these two is so much fun. Devlin is a complete menace, and I love that this big ex crime lord acts like a total brat to the lesser known mobster.
It's a captor/captive situation, but since the captive is such an awful person, I didn't feel bad for him at all, even when he started to grow a heart. The spice definitely lived up to my expectations. From the way Devlin presented in book one, I knew these two were going to be freaky.
The contrast between this couple and the previous book is huge. The first book's dom/sub dynamic came from care and concern. Here, it starts from cruelty and power. I still ate this book up just the same.
While the story does humanize Devlin, his background doesn't excuse his past behavior, but I love reading about complex characters who aren't always likable. I can’t wait to read Rhys and Jace’s story next!
I was so excited to dig into Devlin's psyche and figure out what makes him so horrible. The dynamic between these two is so much fun. Devlin is a complete menace, and I love that this big ex crime lord acts like a total brat to the lesser known mobster.
It's a captor/captive situation, but since the captive is such an awful person, I didn't feel bad for him at all, even when he started to grow a heart. The spice definitely lived up to my expectations. From the way Devlin presented in book one, I knew these two were going to be freaky.
The contrast between this couple and the previous book is huge. The first book's dom/sub dynamic came from care and concern. Here, it starts from cruelty and power. I still ate this book up just the same.
While the story does humanize Devlin, his background doesn't excuse his past behavior, but I love reading about complex characters who aren't always likable. I can’t wait to read Rhys and Jace’s story next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this romance between Cian and Devlin. Devlin being the antagonist of the first story made me very intrigued with his journey and what I would learn about his personality and understand his motivations more. His personality was not what I was expecting. He is much more empathetic than I was expecting, and his journey with Cian was surprising, riveting, and full of intense moments that really made for a great read.
Overall, I enjoyed returning to this world. These characters are complicated, have troubled pasts, and seeing Cian become so enamored with the villain in his story was a fantastic foundation for their complex dynamic. Watching him fall more and more for his villain was excellent to see, and I couldn't get enough of their possessive and primal dynamic.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, I enjoyed returning to this world. These characters are complicated, have troubled pasts, and seeing Cian become so enamored with the villain in his story was a fantastic foundation for their complex dynamic. Watching him fall more and more for his villain was excellent to see, and I couldn't get enough of their possessive and primal dynamic.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
August 16, 2026
Devlin was awful in the first book, so the challenge here was to make him likable at the very least.
I think, overall, this book succeeded in that.
You do start to feel for Devlin fairly early on, and start to understand why he's been the way he is, and that he feels so little for himself and his life at the end of the day. That doesn't make anything he did okay, but you can understand him better at least.
Cian is a big, powerful man who owns any room he steps in - and he seems to be what Devlin was playing at being all these years. In charge and dominant. Cian also happens to be Patrick O'Shea's son, who worked with Devlin and who Cian believed killed his father.
Not that there is any love lost between Cian and his father as he was an abusive bastard who was awful to him, but Cian had wanted to be the want to kill him, and Devlin took that away from him.
But from their first meeting, it isn't how he expected it to go, and the connection is instant between them.
I don't know why, but this one took me a long while to go through. It wasn't doing anything too egregious, but I guess I had a hard time concentrating on the story. Devlin already wasn't my favorite going into this, so I needed time to really come to enjoy him as a character, and I guess the plot wasn't holding my interest as much as it could have been.
It had some hot blowjob scenes at first between them, but then it kind of felt like it took a step back from them.
Devlin wanted to be dominated big time and that hadn't been what Conrad was into, and it felt like Cian really was dominanting Devlin big time at first, but then that kind of fell to the wayside. It also took forever for them to have penetrative sex, like 3/4 of the way in for some reason, and when we got it it was good, but not nearly as Dom/sub like as I was expecting for how much Devlin wanted to be dominated so badly.
It felt similar to how Conrad had been with Tav, so I was little confused as to why Devlin was "too much" for what Conrad was into but then we didn't really get that in this book with Devlin and Cian later on.
I guess I was just expecting more a kinky, BDSM like dynamic between them that was there at first but then kind of disappeared - at least in an extreme way. Cian was still the dominant one between them, but like...in a more regular possessive way than anything kinky and extreme.
So yeah, that didn't make much sense for what was previously promised, and I guess this being slow for me plus it taking so damn long for them to have penetrative sex contributed to my star off of this.
It was still pretty good and enjoyable, and I liked Cian and Devlin together, and I came to like Devlin by the end of this as well. And I did like how he didn't redeem himself in the eyes of those he'd wronged and he was still a villain to them, as he did do pretty despicable things to them, but he started over and learned to live again and start a new life.
I look forward to Rhys and Jace's story next, though.
Until then 🥰
My Ratings for the Built to Break Series:
🔆 The Fighter: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Villain: 4 stars
🔆The Reject: TBR
I think, overall, this book succeeded in that.
You do start to feel for Devlin fairly early on, and start to understand why he's been the way he is, and that he feels so little for himself and his life at the end of the day. That doesn't make anything he did okay, but you can understand him better at least.
Cian is a big, powerful man who owns any room he steps in - and he seems to be what Devlin was playing at being all these years. In charge and dominant. Cian also happens to be Patrick O'Shea's son, who worked with Devlin and who Cian believed killed his father.
Not that there is any love lost between Cian and his father as he was an abusive bastard who was awful to him, but Cian had wanted to be the want to kill him, and Devlin took that away from him.
But from their first meeting, it isn't how he expected it to go, and the connection is instant between them.
I don't know why, but this one took me a long while to go through. It wasn't doing anything too egregious, but I guess I had a hard time concentrating on the story. Devlin already wasn't my favorite going into this, so I needed time to really come to enjoy him as a character, and I guess the plot wasn't holding my interest as much as it could have been.
It had some hot blowjob scenes at first between them, but then it kind of felt like it took a step back from them.
Devlin wanted to be dominated big time and that hadn't been what Conrad was into, and it felt like Cian really was dominanting Devlin big time at first, but then that kind of fell to the wayside. It also took forever for them to have penetrative sex, like 3/4 of the way in for some reason, and when we got it it was good, but not nearly as Dom/sub like as I was expecting for how much Devlin wanted to be dominated so badly.
It felt similar to how Conrad had been with Tav, so I was little confused as to why Devlin was "too much" for what Conrad was into but then we didn't really get that in this book with Devlin and Cian later on.
I guess I was just expecting more a kinky, BDSM like dynamic between them that was there at first but then kind of disappeared - at least in an extreme way. Cian was still the dominant one between them, but like...in a more regular possessive way than anything kinky and extreme.
So yeah, that didn't make much sense for what was previously promised, and I guess this being slow for me plus it taking so damn long for them to have penetrative sex contributed to my star off of this.
It was still pretty good and enjoyable, and I liked Cian and Devlin together, and I came to like Devlin by the end of this as well. And I did like how he didn't redeem himself in the eyes of those he'd wronged and he was still a villain to them, as he did do pretty despicable things to them, but he started over and learned to live again and start a new life.
I look forward to Rhys and Jace's story next, though.
Until then 🥰
My Ratings for the Built to Break Series:
🔆 The Fighter: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Villain: 4 stars
🔆The Reject: TBR
August 1, 2026
I didn’t think I could love anyone more than Conrad and Tav but here comes, Devlin and Cian, to bulldoze right through them.
I love a good “redemption” (light?) story and I think Allen did a great job of humanizing Devlin. I came into this book thinking I’d be giving Devlin the stink eye the whole way through but jokes on me, that lasted til about 30% in. Maybe I’m a sucker but 🤷♀️ I just love a good villain x villain. The possessive / obsessive side of Cian was chef’s 🧑🍳💋. Devlin turning into a whimpering/begging sub was the icing on the cake. I’m glad Devlin got what he’s been searching for his whole life. Would it have been nice if it didn’t require 10 years of terror? Yeah but then the story wouldn’t be as fun.
Once again, another one where I couldn’t stop highlighting quotes.
Allen is one of those authors where I’ve read them for the first time and I immediately check their body of work. Only to my sadness, this series is it so far.
I’ll be hanging on by a thread til Rhys and Jace make their debut which I know I’ll eat up with no crumbs lingering.
Received an arc in an exchange for my honest review.
I love a good “redemption” (light?) story and I think Allen did a great job of humanizing Devlin. I came into this book thinking I’d be giving Devlin the stink eye the whole way through but jokes on me, that lasted til about 30% in. Maybe I’m a sucker but 🤷♀️ I just love a good villain x villain. The possessive / obsessive side of Cian was chef’s 🧑🍳💋. Devlin turning into a whimpering/begging sub was the icing on the cake. I’m glad Devlin got what he’s been searching for his whole life. Would it have been nice if it didn’t require 10 years of terror? Yeah but then the story wouldn’t be as fun.
Once again, another one where I couldn’t stop highlighting quotes.
Allen is one of those authors where I’ve read them for the first time and I immediately check their body of work. Only to my sadness, this series is it so far.
I’ll be hanging on by a thread til Rhys and Jace make their debut which I know I’ll eat up with no crumbs lingering.
Received an arc in an exchange for my honest review.
August 9, 2026
I was planning to read this book yesterday, but I ended up not doing it and read "Ian’s Binding" manhwa instead. I thought this book would be somewhat similar, especially when it came to the sadistic nature of the sexual dynamic, because Conrad hinted in the first book that Dave’s submissive tendencies required a dominant, sadistic man the rough and violent kind which was something he couldn’t provide for him.
But what we got was someone who was only a degree or two more dominant than him. He wasn’t nearly as violent as I expected.
Yes, Dev was completely submissive, but the dominant partner was actually pretty gentle 🙂
But what we got was someone who was only a degree or two more dominant than him. He wasn’t nearly as violent as I expected.
Yes, Dev was completely submissive, but the dominant partner was actually pretty gentle 🙂
August 5, 2026
6⭐️
THE VILLAIN ALWAYS HAS A STORY
AND BOY DID HE HAVE A STORY TO TELL.
I came into this book scared because we watched devlin become the villain but I was so wrong, he isn’t a villain always. He has a heart and we saw so much of it throughout.
We got to see what I think is one of the best dedemption arcs with a character because of how evil devlin was in the fighter and in his book we got to see his more emotional side and I think that’s just as powerful.
CIAN AND DEVLIN these two men holy mother of hell. They had soooo much damn tension started off so thick and then we got to see their journey blossom and it was one hell of a whole kinky ass ride. But we got to see them become better as individuals but we got to see them become better together.
CIAN omggggg the muscle daddy. I love him. He was everything, the way he talked just his whole personality was hot his anger but soft side but kinky too! The more we learned about CIAN the more I fell in loved with him and his whole demeanor was everything and his broken side hurt me so bad cause ughh I just wanna hug his teddy bear self.
Devlin my hostile toddler my baby boy. He became everything to me, his whole personality in this book shifted and it was so good to see but also so sad he broke my heart in so MANT ways. The way he talked about not wanting to be alive and etc that broke my soul. He just wanted to he Okay and be loved by someone for once and he was yearning for hope that someone can make him happy and etc and I’m so happy we got that because this man was so evil but his side of his story became a way of how broken he was. We got to see a new side that showed so much light into who he was supposed to be and by the end of it I was sobbing he is everything to me. He was so broken but hurt me so much, I’m so glad he got to be happy he actually deserves the world
These 2 men have my heart my soul, my tears. They were toxic in every way but they found a way to make it work for them and love their way and become such a found family. Devlin got what he wanted he was happy now, cian had Devlin in so many ways, the way he took care of him during devlins nightmares and how devlin also had him in so many ways they just fit together like a puzzle.
I feel this is not just a story it doesn’t feel like it… it feels real like they seem so real their banter their tension their relationship it feels real, everything about this book was written in a way that it just had you on the edge of your seat so deeply fabricated that i couldn’t stop reading even if i was crying, laughing and scared. But overall this was one of those books that will be with me forever. These characters aren’t just characters to me they are apart of me if that makes sense.
This was one hell if a book, this book is phenomenally written and so much was poured in this and Viv Allen I just adore you so much and I’m so proud of you, thank you for never giving up, thank you for writing such phenomenal stories. I can’t wait to see what more you have in store for us just thank you for everything you do!!
THE VILLAIN ALWAYS HAS A STORY
AND BOY DID HE HAVE A STORY TO TELL.
I came into this book scared because we watched devlin become the villain but I was so wrong, he isn’t a villain always. He has a heart and we saw so much of it throughout.
We got to see what I think is one of the best dedemption arcs with a character because of how evil devlin was in the fighter and in his book we got to see his more emotional side and I think that’s just as powerful.
CIAN AND DEVLIN these two men holy mother of hell. They had soooo much damn tension started off so thick and then we got to see their journey blossom and it was one hell of a whole kinky ass ride. But we got to see them become better as individuals but we got to see them become better together.
CIAN omggggg the muscle daddy. I love him. He was everything, the way he talked just his whole personality was hot his anger but soft side but kinky too! The more we learned about CIAN the more I fell in loved with him and his whole demeanor was everything and his broken side hurt me so bad cause ughh I just wanna hug his teddy bear self.
Devlin my hostile toddler my baby boy. He became everything to me, his whole personality in this book shifted and it was so good to see but also so sad he broke my heart in so MANT ways. The way he talked about not wanting to be alive and etc that broke my soul. He just wanted to he Okay and be loved by someone for once and he was yearning for hope that someone can make him happy and etc and I’m so happy we got that because this man was so evil but his side of his story became a way of how broken he was. We got to see a new side that showed so much light into who he was supposed to be and by the end of it I was sobbing he is everything to me. He was so broken but hurt me so much, I’m so glad he got to be happy he actually deserves the world
These 2 men have my heart my soul, my tears. They were toxic in every way but they found a way to make it work for them and love their way and become such a found family. Devlin got what he wanted he was happy now, cian had Devlin in so many ways, the way he took care of him during devlins nightmares and how devlin also had him in so many ways they just fit together like a puzzle.
I feel this is not just a story it doesn’t feel like it… it feels real like they seem so real their banter their tension their relationship it feels real, everything about this book was written in a way that it just had you on the edge of your seat so deeply fabricated that i couldn’t stop reading even if i was crying, laughing and scared. But overall this was one of those books that will be with me forever. These characters aren’t just characters to me they are apart of me if that makes sense.
This was one hell if a book, this book is phenomenally written and so much was poured in this and Viv Allen I just adore you so much and I’m so proud of you, thank you for never giving up, thank you for writing such phenomenal stories. I can’t wait to see what more you have in store for us just thank you for everything you do!!
August 8, 2026
I have been WAITING for this book and I was NOT disappointed! I think I loved it even more than the first book! I think you can read this one just fine without reading book 1 (the Fighter), but you SHOULD! Getting the background of Devlin and how much we HATED him in book 1, really helps you appreciate his character and redemption in this book. This book has the same gritty feel as book 1, but the story and relationship feels a lot darker (at least for the first 2/3 of the book). Cian and Devlin are rough, and HOT, and perfect for each other. I liked that Cian isn’t “classically handsome” like most romance MCs. The relationship that develops between them is both intense and so damn SWEET! Love love love the intense, possessive, “my man” vibes. And I am a SUCKER for a virgin trope.
I cannot WAIT for Jace and Rhys 👀👀👀 I can sense the yearning there and I think Jace is gonna be a little brat…it’s going to be GREAT!!
I cannot WAIT for Jace and Rhys 👀👀👀 I can sense the yearning there and I think Jace is gonna be a little brat…it’s going to be GREAT!!
August 10, 2026
For everyone doubting the choice to make Devlin the MMC of Book 2: DON’T.
OMG, Viv Allen knows exactly what she’s doing.
Did the Detroit Devil become a fully functioning member of society? Not completely. 😂 But he has found the man who can hold his leash and put a collar on him.
And now that little psychopath only comes out when he’s protecting his man. 🥹🔪
This was such a great “redemption” story, especially because it doesn’t just erase or ignore all the horrible things Devlin has done.
Cian literally captures Devlin with the intention of killing him because Devlin killed his father… and somehow ends up becoming the most interesting resident of the O’Shea mansion. 😂
Cian is exactly what Devlin hoped Conrad could be for him: a steady presence who can rein him in when those inner demons start taking over.
I loved these two even more than Conrad and Tav. 😳❤️
Read this if you like:
✨ A villain finding his HEA
✨ An MMC who takes the leash and owns his devil
✨ A lot of firsts for our little psychopath
✨ Found family
✨ Willing to die for your man
✨ Redemption without pretending the past never happened
✨ NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP 🙌
✨ An action-packed plot that keeps the drama coming without manufactured relationship angst
OMG, Viv Allen knows exactly what she’s doing.
Did the Detroit Devil become a fully functioning member of society? Not completely. 😂 But he has found the man who can hold his leash and put a collar on him.
And now that little psychopath only comes out when he’s protecting his man. 🥹🔪
This was such a great “redemption” story, especially because it doesn’t just erase or ignore all the horrible things Devlin has done.
Cian literally captures Devlin with the intention of killing him because Devlin killed his father… and somehow ends up becoming the most interesting resident of the O’Shea mansion. 😂
Cian is exactly what Devlin hoped Conrad could be for him: a steady presence who can rein him in when those inner demons start taking over.
I loved these two even more than Conrad and Tav. 😳❤️
Read this if you like:
✨ A villain finding his HEA
✨ An MMC who takes the leash and owns his devil
✨ A lot of firsts for our little psychopath
✨ Found family
✨ Willing to die for your man
✨ Redemption without pretending the past never happened
✨ NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP 🙌
✨ An action-packed plot that keeps the drama coming without manufactured relationship angst
August 5, 2026
HOLY SHIT😭 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I said nothing could make me feel anything for Devlin but I was SO wrong sobbed throughout the whole book😭 my heart hurt learning what he went through ughhh yep him getting his hea with Cian🥹 I loved it so much!! The frogs 🐸🥹🥹 still a little pissed at him for what he did to Tav and Con but he cracked open my heart for him and I loved watching Him get to feel safe with Cian❤️
I had lived thirty-five years with a fractured soul. Turned out, only the devil could make me whole.😭😭❤️❤️
I said nothing could make me feel anything for Devlin but I was SO wrong sobbed throughout the whole book😭 my heart hurt learning what he went through ughhh yep him getting his hea with Cian🥹 I loved it so much!! The frogs 🐸🥹🥹 still a little pissed at him for what he did to Tav and Con but he cracked open my heart for him and I loved watching Him get to feel safe with Cian❤️
I had lived thirty-five years with a fractured soul. Turned out, only the devil could make me whole.😭😭❤️❤️
August 10, 2026
4.5 stars
Just the right level of drama, sexy time, action, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort and claiming.
The redemption was complete... But... It was redemption based on a total personality change. Still, it worked well enough to enjoy yet another great story.
There were a few pretty hilarious moments as well.
Just the right level of drama, sexy time, action, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort and claiming.
The redemption was complete... But... It was redemption based on a total personality change. Still, it worked well enough to enjoy yet another great story.
There were a few pretty hilarious moments as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"His hands bracketed my face, forcing me to look into his eyes. “I’ve always had to share. My things, my people, me. All my life, I’ve loaned out parts of myself to others. But when you look at me…” His breathing stuttered. “I feel powerful. Complete. Like all the pieces of me I’ve given away have been returned and put back in place.” His thumbs brushed my cheeks. “From the moment I met you in that shed, you saw who I was, not what I could do for you. I saw it in your eyes. No one has ever looked at me the way you do. I tried to deny it. But I can’t anymore.”
The Villain: An MM Dark Romance was my first read from Viv Allen and it won't be my last. This is Cian and Devlin's story. I absolutely loved these broken boys, but in retrospect I definitely wish I'd read The Fighter: Built to Break, Book 1 first.
Whilst you can still read The Villain: An MM Dark Romance as a standalone, so much of Devlin's backstory comes from book 1 in the series, and this is his redemption arc story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM dark romance
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Criminal underworld
🖤Dark themes
🖤Captor/captive
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Mine
🖤Found family
🖤High spice
🖤HEA
Loved it, but definitely read The Fighter: Built to Break, Book 1 first!
4 stars
The Villain: An MM Dark Romance was my first read from Viv Allen and it won't be my last. This is Cian and Devlin's story. I absolutely loved these broken boys, but in retrospect I definitely wish I'd read The Fighter: Built to Break, Book 1 first.
Whilst you can still read The Villain: An MM Dark Romance as a standalone, so much of Devlin's backstory comes from book 1 in the series, and this is his redemption arc story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM dark romance
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Criminal underworld
🖤Dark themes
🖤Captor/captive
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Mine
🖤Found family
🖤High spice
🖤HEA
Loved it, but definitely read The Fighter: Built to Break, Book 1 first!
4 stars
August 8, 2026
These guys were a lil crazy but I loved it so much!! They were toxic but hot in the beginning, and then their relationship turned into something just so fierce & sweet at the same time.
We start off with Cian capturing Devlin & planning to get revenge on him for killing his father. Almost instantly we see how Cian is so weak for him, he never stood a chance against him honestly. I enjoyed how sassy Devlin was & how he just had to provoke Cian 24/7 & push all his buttons. He really loved being put in his place by him 🤣
I loved all the tender moments we got between them too-Cian convincing Devlin to see the good in himself and giving him hope for a future, and also both of them comforting the other. It was so cute when Cian would get shy & blush 🥹 On the other hand, I loved how obsessive and possessive he was of Devlin & how they were willing to literally die for each other.
Some things to expect:
🖤 enemies to lovers
🔪 captive/captor
🖤 no one hurts you but me
🔪two villains
🖤 dark romance
My fav parts:
Devlin had proved he could handle me at my roughest. The most primal part of me. And not only did he handle it—he enjoyed it. It brought out a part of me that should never be freed, but that didn’t stop the beast inside me from rattling its cage.
“How many times would you hunt me down and bring me back?” He exhaled slowly, and the coiled tension bled from his face. He swayed into me until our foreheads touched. “Every time,” he said. “Over and over again. Until our last breaths.”
We start off with Cian capturing Devlin & planning to get revenge on him for killing his father. Almost instantly we see how Cian is so weak for him, he never stood a chance against him honestly. I enjoyed how sassy Devlin was & how he just had to provoke Cian 24/7 & push all his buttons. He really loved being put in his place by him 🤣
I loved all the tender moments we got between them too-Cian convincing Devlin to see the good in himself and giving him hope for a future, and also both of them comforting the other. It was so cute when Cian would get shy & blush 🥹 On the other hand, I loved how obsessive and possessive he was of Devlin & how they were willing to literally die for each other.
Some things to expect:
🖤 enemies to lovers
🔪 captive/captor
🖤 no one hurts you but me
🔪two villains
🖤 dark romance
My fav parts:
Devlin had proved he could handle me at my roughest. The most primal part of me. And not only did he handle it—he enjoyed it. It brought out a part of me that should never be freed, but that didn’t stop the beast inside me from rattling its cage.
“How many times would you hunt me down and bring me back?” He exhaled slowly, and the coiled tension bled from his face. He swayed into me until our foreheads touched. “Every time,” he said. “Over and over again. Until our last breaths.”
August 23, 2026
“The devil likes a hand around his throat?”
The sheer talent to make a seemingly unredeemable villain redeemable is incredible. I didn’t think I would like this more than Conrad and Tav… but I fear I do 🙂↕️🫶🏻
“My face will be the last thing you ever see.”
“Promise?”
I love how Delvin’s redemption arc is not a one size fits all solution, he has to come to terms with the fact that he was a villain and still is one in people’s stories. he also can’t have everyone’s forgiveness.
“This entire field trip had gone awry. I’d only wanted to erase the evidence that I’d fucked his face, and instead he was covered with dirt, cuts, and… more of my cum.
I was in actual hell with the devil.”
the tension was the most delicious thing ever.
“I chuckled to myself. I was a grown-ass man, a former criminal kingpin, eating Lunchables and gulping down juice like a kid, all while chained to a cot after being thigh-fucked into the dirt. Absolute cinema.”
UGH had to unclench the death grip my toes had in the sheets, their chemistry is so good.
The sheer talent to make a seemingly unredeemable villain redeemable is incredible. I didn’t think I would like this more than Conrad and Tav… but I fear I do 🙂↕️🫶🏻
“My face will be the last thing you ever see.”
“Promise?”
I love how Delvin’s redemption arc is not a one size fits all solution, he has to come to terms with the fact that he was a villain and still is one in people’s stories. he also can’t have everyone’s forgiveness.
“This entire field trip had gone awry. I’d only wanted to erase the evidence that I’d fucked his face, and instead he was covered with dirt, cuts, and… more of my cum.
I was in actual hell with the devil.”
the tension was the most delicious thing ever.
“I chuckled to myself. I was a grown-ass man, a former criminal kingpin, eating Lunchables and gulping down juice like a kid, all while chained to a cot after being thigh-fucked into the dirt. Absolute cinema.”
UGH had to unclench the death grip my toes had in the sheets, their chemistry is so good.
August 21, 2026
SIX STAR BANGER 6 ⭐️!!!!!
Seriously I absolutely adored Con & Tav in the fighter & like most people were like Devlins a dick. Then I heard redemption arc?! And WHEN I TELL YOU VIV WROTE A MTHR FUKIN REDEMPTION ARC… the way I LOVE Devlin after his book. Idfk what viv did but this book was fucking everything. Immediately in love with Cian and Devlin as a couple and their chemistry was off the charts. Viv knew what the hell she was doing with this one making me FERAL ASF for the next book 🥹🤤🫶🏼
I dont give much in my reviews that spoil the book just know Viv will have you absolutely in love with both the Villains in this book by the end.
Seriously I absolutely adored Con & Tav in the fighter & like most people were like Devlins a dick. Then I heard redemption arc?! And WHEN I TELL YOU VIV WROTE A MTHR FUKIN REDEMPTION ARC… the way I LOVE Devlin after his book. Idfk what viv did but this book was fucking everything. Immediately in love with Cian and Devlin as a couple and their chemistry was off the charts. Viv knew what the hell she was doing with this one making me FERAL ASF for the next book 🥹🤤🫶🏼
I dont give much in my reviews that spoil the book just know Viv will have you absolutely in love with both the Villains in this book by the end.
July 31, 2026
When I started this I was apprehensive because at the end of book 1 I did not like Dev at all so going into this I was like I’m gonna read but I’m not sure I’ll like it! Bam by chapter 3 I was in LOL my opinion changed so fast LOL I blame Cian his like for Dev made me like him too! Their relationship was unconventional to say the least Dev was not redeemable according to himself and Cian wanted him dead because he killed his father apparently but the darkness in both of them spoke to each other so it was no wonder they connected
It was the little moments that made Cian realize he wanted more from Dev he didn’t keep him in the dark he washed him in the river he brought him lunchables like are you kidding me?! They bonded over their horrible fathers which sucks but they both survived them
Dev tried to provoke his lion king as much as he could because when he did he was punished which quieted his mind but Cian knew better but their chemistry was off the charts Dev wanted someone to own him and make choices for him and Cian liked how much dev obeyed!
Their relationship changed a lot at first because someone tried to burn the shed where he was keeping dev so he was in his apartment with him now but the warehouse is where everything changed for the better
Cian was shot and dev saved his life he dragged him under the floorboard but the things he whispered to him saved him
Cian didn’t like the dark his dad used to keep him there so Dev held him and told him he wasn’t alone
Dev told him he couldn’t die he promised that Cian was the last face that he would see!
So when Cian came too two days later he wanted to know where Dev was and when he saw him curled up in a ball beaten he lost it at Rhys and Jace! He was so scared that Dev was dead and Dev was so relieved that Cian was alive!
Right then and there Cian decided Dev was his and he told Jace why and explained that Dev didn’t kill his dad
It would take some getting used too but they both agreed to trust Cian
Cian was all in and he wanted Dev he wasn’t going to kill him but it took SO much convincing for Dev to see and believe in the happiness I mean that man took him to the beach for the first time and they watched nature docs together and Cian even noticed the little shoulder shimmy he did when he was content
The moment that lead to Dev believing letting go and being Cians was when Cian was attacked again dev tried to jump in front of a suv and Cian was angry and so was Dev; dev was angry because Cian had his brother his crew and family to think about and they couldn’t replace him and Cian looked at Dev and told him you’re irreplaceable to me don’t you get it you’re irrefuckingplaceable!
He resisted but Cian broke down the walls at the beach dev finally realized he wanted all these things with Cian and to see him submit to his feelings was so good because despite what dev thought about himself he deserved the good things!
I have so many favourite moments in this book
When Mads brought his nephew that was missing to frank and Dev realized he was the little boy staying at the motel that he used to get food for and he still had his little frog keychain that he named moon because the moon was out when dev gave it to him! Thank you for getting me moon my heart!
When Cian brought him a stuffed orca at the beach!!
When dev had the plan to get back at the guy who out a hit out on Cian it was such a good plan! And it led to their I love yous!
I love Dev and Jaces relationship once Jace stopped wanting to kill him LOL
“I decided what you get to deserve so what do I deserve? Me”
The uh cake on the 🍆 was something else!
I liked that Cian gave him a choice before there were fully together for the first time at the hotel door basically you go in and you’re mine but it’s up to you and he’s like you’ll let me go no I’ll find you no matter what and he decided on his own he was fully in!
The last thing which was so special was the frogs he told Cian about it early in the book and his connection to them so when Cian got him a fish tank with a frog in it that got me and he named him DeCi a combo of their names!
I like that we got to see Nik and a little update from book 1
This was just so good! Cian slowly broke down Devs walls and Dev finally got the comfort he needed he wanted someone to match that devil side in him but also take care of him and Cian was perfect for that!
Also next booooook I knew it was gonna be them I absolutely cannot wait!!
It was the little moments that made Cian realize he wanted more from Dev he didn’t keep him in the dark he washed him in the river he brought him lunchables like are you kidding me?! They bonded over their horrible fathers which sucks but they both survived them
Dev tried to provoke his lion king as much as he could because when he did he was punished which quieted his mind but Cian knew better but their chemistry was off the charts Dev wanted someone to own him and make choices for him and Cian liked how much dev obeyed!
Their relationship changed a lot at first because someone tried to burn the shed where he was keeping dev so he was in his apartment with him now but the warehouse is where everything changed for the better
Cian was shot and dev saved his life he dragged him under the floorboard but the things he whispered to him saved him
Cian didn’t like the dark his dad used to keep him there so Dev held him and told him he wasn’t alone
Dev told him he couldn’t die he promised that Cian was the last face that he would see!
So when Cian came too two days later he wanted to know where Dev was and when he saw him curled up in a ball beaten he lost it at Rhys and Jace! He was so scared that Dev was dead and Dev was so relieved that Cian was alive!
Right then and there Cian decided Dev was his and he told Jace why and explained that Dev didn’t kill his dad
It would take some getting used too but they both agreed to trust Cian
Cian was all in and he wanted Dev he wasn’t going to kill him but it took SO much convincing for Dev to see and believe in the happiness I mean that man took him to the beach for the first time and they watched nature docs together and Cian even noticed the little shoulder shimmy he did when he was content
The moment that lead to Dev believing letting go and being Cians was when Cian was attacked again dev tried to jump in front of a suv and Cian was angry and so was Dev; dev was angry because Cian had his brother his crew and family to think about and they couldn’t replace him and Cian looked at Dev and told him you’re irreplaceable to me don’t you get it you’re irrefuckingplaceable!
He resisted but Cian broke down the walls at the beach dev finally realized he wanted all these things with Cian and to see him submit to his feelings was so good because despite what dev thought about himself he deserved the good things!
I have so many favourite moments in this book
When Mads brought his nephew that was missing to frank and Dev realized he was the little boy staying at the motel that he used to get food for and he still had his little frog keychain that he named moon because the moon was out when dev gave it to him! Thank you for getting me moon my heart!
When Cian brought him a stuffed orca at the beach!!
When dev had the plan to get back at the guy who out a hit out on Cian it was such a good plan! And it led to their I love yous!
I love Dev and Jaces relationship once Jace stopped wanting to kill him LOL
“I decided what you get to deserve so what do I deserve? Me”
The uh cake on the 🍆 was something else!
I liked that Cian gave him a choice before there were fully together for the first time at the hotel door basically you go in and you’re mine but it’s up to you and he’s like you’ll let me go no I’ll find you no matter what and he decided on his own he was fully in!
The last thing which was so special was the frogs he told Cian about it early in the book and his connection to them so when Cian got him a fish tank with a frog in it that got me and he named him DeCi a combo of their names!
I like that we got to see Nik and a little update from book 1
This was just so good! Cian slowly broke down Devs walls and Dev finally got the comfort he needed he wanted someone to match that devil side in him but also take care of him and Cian was perfect for that!
Also next booooook I knew it was gonna be them I absolutely cannot wait!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2026
I know it feels silly to say when the book title is The Villain, but I did not expect to end up liking Devlin as much as I did. My feelings on him are complicated, but Viv Allen made such an amazing decision not to make the book about redeeming Devlin, but about understanding him, and telling a story about how, ultimately, people have to decide to move forward.
The Villain picks up about a year after the events of the first novel, with Devlin camped out at a shady motel, taking any job that will pay him. Only he can't truly escape his past.
Cian organizes Devlin's capture, intent on killing the devil who murdered his father. In an instant, things become complicated between the two of them, and Cian must decide if his desire for Devlin is worth risking the ire of his crew.
The Villain is dark, both in terms of the world and in the early encounters between the men. Their pasts shape both Devlin and Cian, who are trying to figure out how to navigate their current circumstances. Their lives have a lot of parallels, and it is interesting to see how their different choices have shaped both their lives.
I appreciate that with the dual POV we see both of their emotions and complicated thoughts. For example, the first encounter between them is something that Devlin is very into. Still, afterward, Cian's feelings are complicated by the fact that he is aware of the Captor x Captive dynamics, and he questions the iffy nature of Devlin's consent.
The chemistry between Devlin and Cian is off the charts, and I love watching as the fiery hate turned to a deep love.
While this absolutely can be read as a standalone, I do think it's worth reading The Fighter first to better understand Devlin's situation, as well as why he acts the way he does in this novel.
--
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
The Villain picks up about a year after the events of the first novel, with Devlin camped out at a shady motel, taking any job that will pay him. Only he can't truly escape his past.
Cian organizes Devlin's capture, intent on killing the devil who murdered his father. In an instant, things become complicated between the two of them, and Cian must decide if his desire for Devlin is worth risking the ire of his crew.
The Villain is dark, both in terms of the world and in the early encounters between the men. Their pasts shape both Devlin and Cian, who are trying to figure out how to navigate their current circumstances. Their lives have a lot of parallels, and it is interesting to see how their different choices have shaped both their lives.
I appreciate that with the dual POV we see both of their emotions and complicated thoughts. For example, the first encounter between them is something that Devlin is very into. Still, afterward, Cian's feelings are complicated by the fact that he is aware of the Captor x Captive dynamics, and he questions the iffy nature of Devlin's consent.
The chemistry between Devlin and Cian is off the charts, and I love watching as the fiery hate turned to a deep love.
While this absolutely can be read as a standalone, I do think it's worth reading The Fighter first to better understand Devlin's situation, as well as why he acts the way he does in this novel.
--
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
August 11, 2026
This was tragically underdeveloped. The connection between Cian and Devlin made zero sense. This was a very weak enemies to lovers. Devlin was about as dangerous as a kitten. His personality vacillated between child and a woman throughout the book. He was a virgin who couldn’t swim, had never been on a plane, had a weird frog fascination. The author needs to be reminded that Detroit is in MICHIGAN not Illinois!! Seriously just Google Maps. He wasn’t even a shadow of his character from book one.
This part alone warrants taking away 3 stars:
“You did such a good job saving this hungry hole for me.” His voice was pure power. “And now I need to make sure I feed it.” He emphasized each word with a savage thrust and grind. “Three. Square. Meals. A. Day.”
Then Devlin’s dick is described as wide as a Coke can? Why are we still describing cocks like this?? Grow up. Using the term “hand necklace” is such a hack thing to do. You can say choke in a book without getting censored. Also, grow up.
The terms of endearment in this book are gag inducing - lion king and devil. No. Just no. Stop it.
This part alone warrants taking away 3 stars:
“You did such a good job saving this hungry hole for me.” His voice was pure power. “And now I need to make sure I feed it.” He emphasized each word with a savage thrust and grind. “Three. Square. Meals. A. Day.”
Then Devlin’s dick is described as wide as a Coke can? Why are we still describing cocks like this?? Grow up. Using the term “hand necklace” is such a hack thing to do. You can say choke in a book without getting censored. Also, grow up.
The terms of endearment in this book are gag inducing - lion king and devil. No. Just no. Stop it.
August 11, 2026
“I don’t want to change you. To the rest of the world, you can be the devil.”
3.75⭐
My pronouns have now changed to who/re ✨
You will never get on your knees for anyone but me. And if you do, if you ever eat from another man’s hands or kneel at his feet, I’ll kill them before I break your fingers and kneecaps.”
Cian x Devlin= toxic but made for each other
3.75⭐
My pronouns have now changed to who/re ✨
You will never get on your knees for anyone but me. And if you do, if you ever eat from another man’s hands or kneel at his feet, I’ll kill them before I break your fingers and kneecaps.”
Cian x Devlin= toxic but made for each other
August 12, 2026
After finishing The Fighter, which I absolutely loved, I did not see any chance of a redemption for Devlin, I actually hated him ! But holy shit I am completely in love with him! I highly recommend reading this one, and even though it can be read as a stand alone, I would 100% read The Fighter first.
August 23, 2026
I loved the first half of the book, and I adored both Cian and Devlin, as well as the secondary characters and the setting. The second half was less interesting to me (also because it took them a while to kiss), but it's still a good book. Devlin finally got his lion king and his happy ending 🐸
I'm really looking forward to Rhys and Jace's book 🫢
I'm really looking forward to Rhys and Jace's book 🫢
August 6, 2026
‼️SPOILERS‼️
I will say that this is my first book by this author and I devoured it in one sitting. I now need to go back to read the first book because I really loved this one.
Devlin had my heart from the moment he fed Jeremy. I’m such a sucker for cute moments when he’s hungry himself but then gives food to someone else that needs it.
I love me a good captor and captive storyline and man, what plot this one was!
From the moment that these two lay their eyes on one another, it’s instant attraction.
My heart stung so much the moment that Devlin was pulled away from Cian. That whole moment had me in my emotions and when Cian found him in the dark, the dam completely broke because he would save him regardless of his injuries.
Also, I loved the found family in this book and how they will take care of their own. Even though there was a bit of them hurting Devlin, which was a misunderstanding, I really loved this dynamic. I loved Jace and Rhys.
I laughed at the swim shorts scene haha.
What made me love this book was Cian’s power of how obsessed he became over Devlin and his brattiness. The moments between them were everything and I absolutely loved the epilogue because I just loved how it was wrapped up.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I will say that this is my first book by this author and I devoured it in one sitting. I now need to go back to read the first book because I really loved this one.
Devlin had my heart from the moment he fed Jeremy. I’m such a sucker for cute moments when he’s hungry himself but then gives food to someone else that needs it.
I love me a good captor and captive storyline and man, what plot this one was!
From the moment that these two lay their eyes on one another, it’s instant attraction.
My heart stung so much the moment that Devlin was pulled away from Cian. That whole moment had me in my emotions and when Cian found him in the dark, the dam completely broke because he would save him regardless of his injuries.
Also, I loved the found family in this book and how they will take care of their own. Even though there was a bit of them hurting Devlin, which was a misunderstanding, I really loved this dynamic. I loved Jace and Rhys.
I laughed at the swim shorts scene haha.
What made me love this book was Cian’s power of how obsessed he became over Devlin and his brattiness. The moments between them were everything and I absolutely loved the epilogue because I just loved how it was wrapped up.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 10, 2026
Oh I loved this so much! Even more than the first book. Viv wanted to humanise Devlin and she so succeeded, honestly didn't like him in the last book but he's now my precious baby thank you very much. And Cian, what a man he is. The progression from hate to love was really well done, and boy was it hot too. But what I enjoyed the most were the little moments like Dev listening to Cian's heartbeat, Dev and Cian watching nature documentaries, Cian taking Dev to the beach, Cian buying orca and shark plushies (and the frog shorts!), and of course Cian getting Dev a Pacman frog... I'm so glad Cian brought Dev's walls down and made him believe. Can't wait for book 3 with Jace and Rhys!
August 17, 2026
Going into this I didn’t think I would be rooting for Devlin but oh boy was I wrong! I love my sweet boy so much 😭 and I’m actually so glad he got his happy ending. Loved everything about this book!
August 30, 2026
More like 3.5
I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t earth shattering.
I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t earth shattering.
August 7, 2026
I came into this book blind. I had not read book one in the series. But it was totally fine, could be read as a standalone!
This book had me in tears, my heart hurt, cracked, completely demolished and then...put it ALL back together again!
The obsessive and possessive vibes were definitely VIBING!!!
ABSOLUTELY loved this one and I think you all will too!!!
This book had me in tears, my heart hurt, cracked, completely demolished and then...put it ALL back together again!
The obsessive and possessive vibes were definitely VIBING!!!
ABSOLUTELY loved this one and I think you all will too!!!
August 9, 2026
Two things: one, I probably should have read book one and two, I shouldn’t have loved Devlin as much as I did😅
I’m such a sucker for redemption arcs and misunderstood characters. From what was said about Devlin in book one, he was a real piece of work. And in hindsight, he shouldn’t have had a happy ending yet I can’t help but feel happy that he did.
Devlin gave his heart away to the wrong person and it basically broke him and made him into the man he became. Someone who didn’t care about his own crew yet drew the line when it came to children. He wasn’t called the Devil for fun. He really lived up to his name.
After what happened to him, he realized the damage he had done and wanted to atone for his mistakes but didn’t feel like he deserved to be forgiven. So instead, he lied about being responsible of what he was accused of doing and hoped he could finally be put out of his misery.
But Cian had other plans. He wanted Devlin to suffer for what Cain thought was Devlin’s fault. He wanted to break Devlin first and then unalive him but the pull he felt for him was too strong.
It was never part of the plan for Cian to get involved with the man that supposedly hated. He wasn’t supposed to get attached and want to keep him.
Cian had more in common with Devlin than he thought. Their messed up childhoods and their relationship with their fathers made them feel like kindred spirits. But despite how hard Devlin tried to be seen as the devil, Cian could see there’s more to him than he wanted the world to see.
Cian could see that underneath the so called devil, was a man who cared and that became perfectly clear when Devlin saved Cian. It was at that moment that Cian realized that Devlin was his end game. That he’d burn the world down for him and take out anyone who got in his way.
𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚-𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍. 𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒕, 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆.
I cannot wait for Rhys and Jace’s story. It’s gonna be interesting to see how Cian reacts to their relationship 🤭🤭🤭
I’m such a sucker for redemption arcs and misunderstood characters. From what was said about Devlin in book one, he was a real piece of work. And in hindsight, he shouldn’t have had a happy ending yet I can’t help but feel happy that he did.
Devlin gave his heart away to the wrong person and it basically broke him and made him into the man he became. Someone who didn’t care about his own crew yet drew the line when it came to children. He wasn’t called the Devil for fun. He really lived up to his name.
After what happened to him, he realized the damage he had done and wanted to atone for his mistakes but didn’t feel like he deserved to be forgiven. So instead, he lied about being responsible of what he was accused of doing and hoped he could finally be put out of his misery.
But Cian had other plans. He wanted Devlin to suffer for what Cain thought was Devlin’s fault. He wanted to break Devlin first and then unalive him but the pull he felt for him was too strong.
It was never part of the plan for Cian to get involved with the man that supposedly hated. He wasn’t supposed to get attached and want to keep him.
Cian had more in common with Devlin than he thought. Their messed up childhoods and their relationship with their fathers made them feel like kindred spirits. But despite how hard Devlin tried to be seen as the devil, Cian could see there’s more to him than he wanted the world to see.
Cian could see that underneath the so called devil, was a man who cared and that became perfectly clear when Devlin saved Cian. It was at that moment that Cian realized that Devlin was his end game. That he’d burn the world down for him and take out anyone who got in his way.
𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚-𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍. 𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒕, 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆.
I cannot wait for Rhys and Jace’s story. It’s gonna be interesting to see how Cian reacts to their relationship 🤭🤭🤭
October 3, 2026
5⭐
Literally went into this blind and loved it so much. I haven’t even read the first book yet, but this was honestly such a good pick-me-up from the book slump I’ve been in for a while now. It was genuinely such a fun read, and I was entertained from start to finish.
Cian and Devlin’s chemistry was so intense, and I loved them so much. The tension between them was there right from the beginning, and I loved seeing their relationship develop throughout the book. Their dynamic was so entertaining, and seeing them slowly understand each other and navigate their growing feelings made it even better. The spice was definitely a bonus too 😭
I’m such a sucker for a good villain redemption arc, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. Since I haven’t read the first book, I don’t know the full extent of Cian’s past, but I loved getting to see the different sides of his character. I feel like it really showed how multifaceted even villains can be and how complex their emotions and motivations are.
The plot itself was pretty interesting, and I loved the little details that added to the story. It had such a good balance of intensity, emotion, and humour, and I genuinely enjoyed the author’s writing.
I’m also already so excited for Rhys and Jace’s book. The stoic best friend and Cian’s little brother dynamic has me so curious, and I can’t wait to see how their story plays out.
Overall, this was such a fun read, and I genuinely loved the author’s writing. I’m already looking forward to the next book, and I definitely need to go back and read the first one now!
****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts.
Literally went into this blind and loved it so much. I haven’t even read the first book yet, but this was honestly such a good pick-me-up from the book slump I’ve been in for a while now. It was genuinely such a fun read, and I was entertained from start to finish.
Cian and Devlin’s chemistry was so intense, and I loved them so much. The tension between them was there right from the beginning, and I loved seeing their relationship develop throughout the book. Their dynamic was so entertaining, and seeing them slowly understand each other and navigate their growing feelings made it even better. The spice was definitely a bonus too 😭
I’m such a sucker for a good villain redemption arc, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. Since I haven’t read the first book, I don’t know the full extent of Cian’s past, but I loved getting to see the different sides of his character. I feel like it really showed how multifaceted even villains can be and how complex their emotions and motivations are.
The plot itself was pretty interesting, and I loved the little details that added to the story. It had such a good balance of intensity, emotion, and humour, and I genuinely enjoyed the author’s writing.
I’m also already so excited for Rhys and Jace’s book. The stoic best friend and Cian’s little brother dynamic has me so curious, and I can’t wait to see how their story plays out.
Overall, this was such a fun read, and I genuinely loved the author’s writing. I’m already looking forward to the next book, and I definitely need to go back and read the first one now!
****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts.
September 1, 2026
I have been extremely busy moving back into university, so I haven’t had much time to read. And I won’t for a while yet, so while I can — I’d like to talk about how much I liked this book.
I’ll be honest … I haven’t read the prequel to this, and I probably should, but the premise had so much promise and paired with description of a “villain having a redemption arc” I knew I couldn’t wait. Devlin is exactly that. He’s cocky and conniving and very, very, bratty. A true villain. What’s more than that, is that he doesn’t change and yet shows genuine remorse for his actions that occurred in the prequel (which were explained but as I haven’t read it, made little sense). The remorse he showed did not make it go away of course, but it was definitely a start, and added to why I loved Devlin so much.
Cian was pretty much the only person who could tame Devlin and I devoured it: the lust, the possessiveness, the obsession and thirst. He was interesting to read. And, lord, was I captivated by him. He was a protector, the leader with a crown almost too heavy for his head. Caused by Devlin and his threat. I do believe that through Devlin he learns to trust and be trusted, as his relationships with others improve (albeit difficultly) because of Devlin. They truly do help each other, and I loved their relationship. And, unsurprisingly, the smut was great. Like, exceptionally so.
I did say that I wanted to give mafia books a try, and “The Villain” has been a diamond in the rough… but has made me more inclined to try more.
I’ll be honest … I haven’t read the prequel to this, and I probably should, but the premise had so much promise and paired with description of a “villain having a redemption arc” I knew I couldn’t wait. Devlin is exactly that. He’s cocky and conniving and very, very, bratty. A true villain. What’s more than that, is that he doesn’t change and yet shows genuine remorse for his actions that occurred in the prequel (which were explained but as I haven’t read it, made little sense). The remorse he showed did not make it go away of course, but it was definitely a start, and added to why I loved Devlin so much.
Cian was pretty much the only person who could tame Devlin and I devoured it: the lust, the possessiveness, the obsession and thirst. He was interesting to read. And, lord, was I captivated by him. He was a protector, the leader with a crown almost too heavy for his head. Caused by Devlin and his threat. I do believe that through Devlin he learns to trust and be trusted, as his relationships with others improve (albeit difficultly) because of Devlin. They truly do help each other, and I loved their relationship. And, unsurprisingly, the smut was great. Like, exceptionally so.
I did say that I wanted to give mafia books a try, and “The Villain” has been a diamond in the rough… but has made me more inclined to try more.
August 22, 2026
3.7 stars
I did enjoy this, but less so than The Fighter.
I think I would've enjoyed this more had I not known about Devlin's past. However, I was so hung up over the version of Devlin we were shown in the previous book and couldn't reconcile him with the version we got here. It just felt like he was being humanized a tab bit too much?
Also, although I really enjoyed the chemistry between Devlin and Cian, I couldn't 100% buy how quickly they went from enemies to being super protective of eo. Again, loved their chemistry though, the sex scenes were high steam & hot as fuck-felt a bit primal and shit, loved that. They had that all consuming-you're mine-highkey possessive-we'll never be apart dynamic, but it didn't really mesh with the vision Devlin had proclaimed as wanting for himself in Book 1. Like I could've sworn he'd wanted to basically be a slave, or controlled and completely owned by his lover but I didn't get any of that extremity from his dynamic with Cian. I do think they somewhat showcased the ownership, but less physically and more... mental persuasion(?)...if that makes any fucking sense lmao.
Anyway, all to say, Book 1 made Devlin out to be this absolute wild demon who needed someone with a rough hand to tame his wild tendencies, come to find out he's just a (classic) broken boy who loves frogs and is actually seeking soft comfort and reassurance from someone who'll be patient and as crazy enough to love him as he is.
So yeah, it's a good book, but I would've definitely preferred this more as a standalone.
I did enjoy this, but less so than The Fighter.
I think I would've enjoyed this more had I not known about Devlin's past. However, I was so hung up over the version of Devlin we were shown in the previous book and couldn't reconcile him with the version we got here. It just felt like he was being humanized a tab bit too much?
Also, although I really enjoyed the chemistry between Devlin and Cian, I couldn't 100% buy how quickly they went from enemies to being super protective of eo. Again, loved their chemistry though, the sex scenes were high steam & hot as fuck-felt a bit primal and shit, loved that. They had that all consuming-you're mine-highkey possessive-we'll never be apart dynamic, but it didn't really mesh with the vision Devlin had proclaimed as wanting for himself in Book 1. Like I could've sworn he'd wanted to basically be a slave, or controlled and completely owned by his lover but I didn't get any of that extremity from his dynamic with Cian. I do think they somewhat showcased the ownership, but less physically and more... mental persuasion(?)...if that makes any fucking sense lmao.
Anyway, all to say, Book 1 made Devlin out to be this absolute wild demon who needed someone with a rough hand to tame his wild tendencies, come to find out he's just a (classic) broken boy who loves frogs and is actually seeking soft comfort and reassurance from someone who'll be patient and as crazy enough to love him as he is.
So yeah, it's a good book, but I would've definitely preferred this more as a standalone.
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