The devil wants me broken, but I won't be destroyed. I've never relied on my police chief father's position to help me climb the ranks of the force. But it's hardly a surprise to hear my new boss saying exactly that on my first day in his unit. Cocky, gruff and scorching hot, Sergeant Kade Hunter can scowl and bark all he likes, he doesn't know what I've survived, and he doesn't scare me. Until he's breaking down my carefully constructed walls, and demanding answers I have no business giving. I should keep my secrets. Because Kade isn't the type of man to walk away, not before the devil is in hell.
GUYS!!!!!! LISTEN TO ME!! this book was DARK. like, genuinely dark. but somehow, amidst all the trauma, pain and darkness, there was also so much vulnerability, healing and love🥹🥹 Emilia absolutely broke my heart. she has been through things no one should ever have to experience, and watching her carry all of that while still trying to be strong, independent and capable was painful. i loved that beneath the badass agent she was, there was still this incredibly vulnerable girl who just wanted to feel safe 😭🫡🫂🫶🏻 and then there's Kade 🫠 protective, possessive, jealous, completely obsessed with Emilia and honestly… down BAD for her. the way he slowly realised that there was something seriously wrong and that she wasn't telling him everything had me hooked. i especially loved how he never treated her vulnerability as weakness. he became her safe place, her shadow, and the person she could finally let her guard down around. y'all their chemistry??? hands down INSANE 🔥 the banter, the tension, the jealousy, the little moments between them… they had me screaming at my kindle more than once 😭🤭🧎🏻♀️🙏🏻 i also really enjoyed the police/agent setting and the whole mystery surrounding Emilia's past. there were so many moments where i just wanted to know WHAT HAPPENED and why she was so terrified of Tom. the reveals made so much of her behaviour make sense, and some of the flashback chapters were genuinely heartbreaking. this is definitely not a book for everyone because of the extremely dark themes and the amount of spice, SO PLEASE PLEASE AND please check the content warnings before going in. but if you enjoy dark romance with a fiercely protective hero, a strong but deeply traumatised heroine, forbidden workplace tension, possessiveness, jealousy, trauma, healing and a whole lot of spice… this one definitely delivers. and THAT ENDING??? excuse me??? 😭 i need book two immediately because i cannot be left like this???????? 😭😭🤚🏻🤚🏻🤚🏻🤚🏻 (and y'all if anyone amongst you has read it please come to me, i need someone to talk about this 😭🙏🏻)
Kade and Emilia lives cross paths because he is now her Sergeant and these two butt heads from the start. Kade thinks Emilia is using her connections(her father is the chief) to get ahead. Emilia is just trying to live her life and show she can hold her own. These two can’t stand each other. But everyone else sees something different and they may or may not have placed wagers. Miss mama is hiding something big and Kade(and myself) wants to know what is going on. Kade is hot head(and so is Emilia). Both possessive and jealous. Kade thinks Emilia’s jealousy is cute and taunts her. Run down on side characters: We love Cyrus, Cass and Cara(all the c names) and f**k Tom and her daddy. This story crazy just like Tom. Emilia has been through somethings but she is trying not to let it break her. She does have her struggles. But girlie is a bada**. We do find out what’s going on but I need the why. I know this is a lot deeper than we think it is. The banter between Emilia and Kade is cute, she loves to tease him. And the spice is delicious. One scene had me giggling. I’ll just say it included a meeting and desk, do with that as please. This book is more plot than spice but the plot was plotting. I will say the dialogue tripped me up in the beginning because I would have go back and read again to see who was saying what. By the end it seemed to smooth out or I was use to it. And that ending, be prepared for a cliffhanger. I’m can’t wait for book two. All I know is Kade is about to show us a level of unhingedness that I don’t think we’re ready for. Jade well done the writing was amazing and engaging. I truly enjoyed this book so much.
Wow wow wow.... I keep my reviews simple but if you like dark romance books that you can't put down then grab this one. I will be surprised if this book doesn't blow up once people get wind of it. I can't wait for book 2 to come out. @jadekilbey_author congratulations on a fantastic debut book.
Emilia Hale??? THE WOMAN YOU ARE😮💨🔥 A badass officer, strong, sassy and absolutely fearless. I loved her from the very beginning. And then we have Sergeant Kade Hunter… respectfully, YUMMY🫠 A man in uniform will always get me, sorry😭
The hate between these two from the start had me HOOKED. They could barely stand each other, but the spark??? CHEF’S KISS🤌🏻 The banter, teasing and tension had me laughing and giggling like an idiot half the book. And Kade being jealous and possessive already??? Sir, we see you👀
Cyrus was such a fun character too! His witty comments and constant teasing of Kade about Emilia had me DEAD😂 He gives me such Steve vibes.. iykyk🤣😭 And Cara and Cass? 🥹 I absolutely loved their friendship with Emilia and the way they always stood up for her and had her back.
But then this book really said okay, enough fun😭 One minute I’m laughing over their banter and the next I’m hit with the trauma, the darkness and ALL the emotional damage. I was SOBBING. And Kade… the man you are🥺 The way he stood up for Emilia’s trauma, never judged her and actually helped her through it had me so emotional. And Emilia… my heart genuinely broke for her. How much can one woman go through and STILL keep going? 😭 I was literally still sobbing by the end. And now I CANNOT WAIT for book 2 😭 Because if we’re really about to see Kade go fully unhinged and unleash the devil??? Yeah… I NEED to see that👀🖤
There is something about a prologue being set in a graveyard, and the main character holding a secret that's going to become the main storyline that really pulls me into a book!
Emilia is such a sassy and Fierce FMC with a truckload of personal issues, when she meets her new boss at the police station the attraction is instant. But Kade knows there is something else going on, Emilia isnt the person she shows to be on the surface. When another officer claims Emilia as his 'property' Kade steps up into protective mode 🥵 mmm mmm and the tattoo descriptions- yes please!! The tension between these two was incredibly well written.
With a predatory and domestic violence plotline to Broken by the devil please check the trigger warnings before reading.
My only hiccup with Broken by the Devil was the time jumping with no notice- it got a bit confusing at one point as the fmc was made out to be in the unit for 8 months but a couple of paragraphs later it was made out to be only 2 months. In another situation the main characters were talking next to a car in one sentence and in the next were back at the office 😵💫
Overall a great read and with THAT cliffhanger i will 100% be signing up to book 2- cant wait!
The story follows two police officers, Kade and Emilia, who is also the chief’s daughter. The story is so gripping and well-written that it doesn’t let you take a break. It makes you want to read it all at once just to find out what happens next.
I love how strong the FMC is. She had every reason to give up, yet she didn’t. She survived and learned to live with all the horrible things happening in her life, holding on to the hope that one day she could escape it all. She is so selfless, too. She was even ready to sacrifice herself, but she never stopped fighting for her sister.
The book’s title makes so much sense after reading the story because we truly had a devil in this book… or even worse.
I also loved the friendship between the characters. It was so beautiful, and it genuinely made me wish I had this kind of friendship in my life. The way they stood by each other was everything ❤️
Overall, this book was worth every second. The only thing that disappointed me was the ending.
Like, WHY? 😭
I want to know what happens next! Now I have to wait so long to find out what happens, and I’m not okay with that 😭
If you love gripping stories, strong FMCs, and friendships that make you wish you were part of the group, you should definitely give this book a try!
Broken By The DevilJade Kilbey Okay, first of all, this definitely feels like a Book 1 because that ending left me with SO many questions. And yes, the cliffhanger makes much more sense knowing this is the first book, but I still wasn't emotionally prepared for it. The biggest highlight for me was Kade and Emilia. Their chemistry was just WOW. This is peak enemies-to-lovers, but honestly, if there is a term above lovers, I would dedicate it to Kade. The possessiveness, protectiveness, care, affection... everything he gives Emilia had me completely invested. Emilia has already been through so much, and seeing Kade slowly break through her walls and become someone she could rely on was probably my favourite part of the book. And TOM. Oh my God. I don't think I've hated a character this intensely in a while. With everything he does to Emilia, I was literally waiting for the moment Kade would find out the truth. And that whole situation also made me question Emilia's father. How does he not know about Tom's wrongdoings? Apart from that, I liked the other characters too. Cyrus, Cass and Cara all added something to the story and made the world feel more interesting. And I have to mention the bet. The whole thing about Kade asking Emilia to marry him? I NEED TO KNOW HOW THAT PLAYS OUT. The ending definitely left me wanting the next book immediately. There are still plenty of questions, but the chemistry between Kade and Emilia alone was enough to keep me hooked. Now I just need Book 2 because I am NOT okay with that ending.
Thanks so much to Jade for sending me a copy of your book to review.
Well, what a ride this was! and thanks to that cliff hanger, I need book 2 immediately 🫠
The chemistry between the characters was… perfection! 😮💨👌🏼
Kade (our new book boyfriend), is a possessive king. Super feisty and just head over heels for our FMC (even if he finds it hard to admit 🤭). I bl00dy loved him!!
Emilia is one of my new fave FMCs. She’s hot headed, strong, independent but also so incredibly vulnerable and has been THROUGH it 😩 Our poor girl 😣
Also a special mention to the side characters, I loved them all! They all played a strong role in this story so I’m hoping with book 2 we may get a bit more insight into them 🤞🏼
This book really did deliver! A great fast paced read with lots of action and amazing spice 😮💨🥵
This was such an intense read. It's genuinely dark, and there are some very heavy themes, so definitely check the trigger warnings before going in. But what I really loved was how the story balanced all that darkness with vulnerability, healing, friendship and love.
The story follows two police officers, Kade and Emilia, who is also the chief’s daughter. The story is so gripping and well-written that it doesn’t let you take a break. It makes you want to read it all at once just to find out what happens next.
Everything kept me on the edge and I was "desperate " to read more, to find out more. The ending of the book left me hanging and I need book 2 ASAP!!
I finished this book and my immediate thought was: I NEED BOOK TWO. 😭
This was such an intense read. It's genuinely dark, and there are some very heavy themes, so definitely check the trigger warnings before going in. But what I really loved was how the story balanced all that darkness with vulnerability, healing, friendship and love.
Emilia absolutely broke my heart. She's been through so much, yet she's still strong, independent and determined to protect the people around her. She's a complete badass, but you can also see how deeply hurt and guarded she is. I loved that the story allowed her to be both strong and vulnerable instead of making one cancel out the other.
And then Kade enters the picture. Grumpy, possessive, jealous, protective and SO gone for Emilia. 😭 These two butting heads from the beginning was honestly one of my favourite things. Their banter and chemistry were incredible, and I loved watching all that irritation slowly turn into something much deeper. What really got me was the way Kade handled Emilia's vulnerability. He never made her feel weak for the things she'd been through. Instead, he slowly became someone she could trust and finally feel safe with. Watching her let him in was honestly such a beautiful part of their relationship.
And their chemistry??? INSANE. The tension, jealousy, teasing and spice had me staring at my iPad more than once. And yes, I'm talking about that meeting and desk scene. 😭 But the romance isn't the only thing that kept me hooked. The mystery surrounding Emilia's past had me constantly asking questions. Why is she so afraid of Tom? What exactly happened? What is she still hiding? The flashbacks and reveals were heartbreaking, and every answer somehow made me want to know even more. Also, Tom? Absolutely NOT. I hated that man with my entire soul.
I really enjoyed the supporting characters too, especially Cyrus, Cass and Cara. They brought some lighter moments and made the story feel more complete. My only little complaint would be that some parts felt slightly fast-paced, and I occasionally wanted more time with certain scenes and developments. But honestly, the story still kept me completely invested.
And then came THAT ENDING. I knew there was a cliffhanger. I was warned. It still emotionally attacked me. 😭 There are so many questions I need answers to, and now I'm sitting here wondering how I'm supposed to patiently wait for book two. If you enjoy dark romance, enemies-to-lovers, workplace tension, a fiercely protective and possessive MMC, a strong but deeply wounded FMC, suspense, secrets, jealousy, banter, healing and spice, definitely give this one a try. I went in expecting a dark romance. I came out emotionally attached, slightly traumatised and desperately waiting for book two.
I received a free ARC copy of Broken by the Devil and leave this review voluntarily
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers Touch Her & ☠️ Possessive MMC Bad Ass FMC Mental Health Rep
Blurb: The devil wants me broken, but I won’t be destroyed.
I’ve never relied on my police chief father’s position to help me climb the ranks of the force. But it’s hardly a surprise to hear my new boss saying exactly that on my first day in his unit.
Cocky, gruff and scorching hot, Sergeant Kade Hunter can scowl and bark all he likes, he doesn’t know what I’ve survived, and he doesn’t scare me.
Until he’s breaking down my carefully constructed walls, and demanding answers I have no business giving.
I should keep my secrets. Because Kade isn’t the type of man to walk away, not before the devil is in hell.
When I say I DEVOURED this book!! I read this in less than 12 hours! I just did not want to stop reading!!
Emilia, the FMC has suffered a lot throughout her life. Your heart breaks for her from the start and you are instantly pulling for her. Even though she has been through so much, she is a badass who perseveres. She keeps fighting, guarded but yet still has a kind heart that is willing to help others no matter the cost, feeling as if she will always remain alone. Until Kade, the MMC enters the picture. What starts out as what they think is hate turns into something so much more. He is very grumpy to everyone but her, except when he pushes her buttons. Their banter, and chemistry! I'm still having to pick my jaw up from the floor from that ending. A cliffhanger and I absolutely cannot wait for book 2! If you are looking for your next must read dark romance that will have you hooked from the start, on the edge and wanting more, this is that book for you! As always check the trigger warnings before reading!
They hate each other as much as they love/want each other. This is all I have in my mind when I read this book. I mean, I'm in love with these two, plus their chemistry? I can't stop thinking about them. I read a dark romance after so long, and reading this during my periods did something inside me. Goshh, I'm blushing so hard. 🫣
The story was a really intense and emotional one. Plus, check the trigger warnings before reading it because it's really dark. But apart from this, you'll really enjoy the story if you're into dark romance. I love Emilia's character. She became my inspiration. Her past literally broke my heart. She has been through so much (I can relate with her to some extent), but she's still independent and always ready to protect the people she loves. She's a total baddie who has a dark past but is still strong.
And then there's my fav Kade (my new fictional husband). Grumpy, jealous, possessive, protective, and completely crazy for Emilia. He's so obsessed with her that he's ready to burn down the whole world for her and kill everyone who hurts her, touches her, or even comes near her. Pure touch-her-or-die vibes. 😭 Their journey from enemies to lovers was so hot. Their constant arguments, teasing, and banter were so much fun to read. I loved the way he called her Little Viper. They showed that they hated each other so much, but everyone around them knew they strongly loved each other and couldn't live without each other.
And their intense scenes were so hot to read. They were both so hungry for each other, ughh! 😭❤️ I also loved how he treated her when she showed her vulnerable side. He never made her feel weak because of her past. Instead, he slowly became someone she could trust and feel safe with (total dream guy vibes, right? I'm so in love with him 😭).
Apart from the romance, the mystery around Emilia's past kept me hooked, and Kade was desperate to know about her, to make her his after accepting her fully. I hated the character of Tom. He's exactly like the toxic ex everyone breaks up with, and such a dick in K&E's love story. But what exactly happened to Emilia? Why's she afraid of Tom? What's she hiding? These questions kept disturbing me while reading. I wanted some parts to be more elaborative instead of being rushed. Other than that, it was all good.
I really hated the ending. I mean, whyyy?? I was not prepared for it. 😭 I can't wait for book 2. I'll be waiting desperately for it now. I want to know what happens next. This book had me feeling everything, from blushing, giggling, and kicking my feet in the air to anger, heartbreak, and excitement. If you're into enemies to lovers, workplace tension, a possessive and protective MMC, secrets, mystery, jealousy, and spice, you should definitely read this book. I'm so attached and emotionally attached to these characters now. Dearest author, please have mercy on us and give us book two soon because I CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER. 😭❤️
I genuinely had a really good time reading this book. I went into it expecting a romance with a lot of tension, but I ended up becoming quite invested in the characters and their relationships with each other.
Kade and Emilia are definitely the heart of the story for me. They have that enemies-to-lovers energy. The attraction and compatibility between them is there almost from the beginning, and watching that develop was probably my favourite part of the book. Their banter, competitiveness, teasing and, obviously, their chemistry are all SO intense. 😂🔥
I especially loved watching Emilia slowly become softer and more vulnerable around Kade. She carries so much trauma and has built so many walls around herself, so seeing her gradually trust him enough to let those walls come down felt really beautiful.
The book also does a good job of showing that Kade isn’t perfect. He can be caring and mature in some moments and make questionable choices in others. He has his own regrets and darker sides, and I actually liked that contradiction. Characters don’t have to be completely good or completely bad to feel human.
The friendships were another huge positive for me. Cyrus and Kade have that wonderful chosen-family/brotherly relationship where you can tell they’ve known each other long enough to annoy the hell out of one another while still being completely loyal. 😂 Cyrus and Emilia’s friendship was also really sweet, and “Wildcat” is such a fitting nickname for her.
I also really enjoyed Cass and Cara’s subplot. Their relationship progresses more quietly than Kade and Emilia’s, but I liked seeing those little moments develop between them. More broadly, I loved how familial the entire group feels. Kade, Emilia, Cyrus, Cass and Cara genuinely start to feel like a little family, and that made the emotional moments hit harder.
The chemistry between Kade and Emilia is undeniably intense, and the book definitely doesn’t hold back.
I also loved the Greek mythology-inspired descriptions — the Greek god/goddess and darker goddess imagery added something beautiful to the atmosphere of the book.
And the mystery surrounding Emilia’s past genuinely kept me reading. The hints surrounding the person haunting her dreams had me trying to figure everything out for ages. I wanted answers, and the book definitely succeeded at keeping me curious. And honestly, that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give this book: it kept me hooked.
Overall, Broken by the Devil was an intense, dramatic, spicy and emotional read with characters I genuinely became attached to. I’m definitely curious about where the story goes next, especially after that ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Special thanks to Jade for having me apart of her ARC team. My favorite part of being a ARC reader is being a part of something that is more than a story.
Broken by the Devil is not only a romance, but it's a story about a victim reclaiming her life, her body, and her voice. It shows that Emilia, and everyone who has been in Emilia's shoes, they are more than what happened to them. Emilia is a prime example that you can choose to be a light in a Broken world, despite what has happened to them. Not only do we see a boss babe FMC but we also get to see the other side of someone who is trying to get by every day. We get a raw insight to the emotions and the support from those who care.
The side characters: Cara, Cass, and Cyrus were also well written. Not only did they feel real by how they were there for Emilia, but Cyrus also had me cackling from the start.
Seeing Kade be who Emilia needed was the highlight of the romantic part of the story, and how they started to open up to each other felt natural.
The only reason this book is a 4/5 and not a 5/5 for me is because of two elements: In the beginning the transition flow was not clear. We would go from her first day to suddenly months later. Or we would be at one location then suddenly back in the office without a indicator that a new scene was coming. It was confusing as a reader, but this got better throughout the book. So I was able to lock in and not put down the book the rest of the way. The second element was that as we get to know Kade, he doesn't seem like someone who would have it out for someone just because she's the chief's daughter. If there was a clear back story that establishes distrust between the chief and Kade, then that would have made his reaction towards Emilia more understanding as a reader.
I do have to say, Emilia coming back with the biker gang that was supposed to destroy her had me add her to my list of favorite FMCs immediately. That was one of my favorite scenes!
I loved the undercover, training, and tech aspect of this police romance. Everytime someone busts into Kades office reminded me of an episode of Chicago PD 🤣. I have to say, this book needs to become a TV series, ASAP
Overall, this book has an amazing mix of humor, romance, trauma, found family, and undercover drama that will keep you looped in and wanting more.
And for those who are surviving something like Emilia: One survivor to another, it does get better.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"You don't bow down to anyone."
"You never apologize for showing emotion, Viper. You never have to hide from me...ever."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to LiteraryLoftPr for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This one completely consumed me.
You know those books where you tell yourself you'll read "just one more chapter" and suddenly it's hours later? That was this book for me. I didn't even have much time to read, but every chance I got, I found myself coming back to these characters because I simply couldn't stay away from them.
What I loved most was the characterization. The FMC absolutely stole my heart. Even after everything she has endured, she still carries a kindness that feels impossible to ignore. She's the type of character who wants to help others even when she's hurting herself, and that made me admire her so much. Life hasn't been gentle with her, and watching her carry those scars while still trying to move forward was genuinely heartbreaking.
Then there's the MMC . At first, he comes across as cold, guarded, and emotionally distant. But as the story progresses, you slowly see another side of him emerge. Watching him learn that caring for someone doesn't make him weak was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Their dynamic felt intense, emotional, and layered in a way that kept me invested from beginning to end.
There were so many little moments throughout the story that made me smile, hurt, scream internally, or simply sit there thinking about the characters. Unfortunately, most of those moments would be spoilers, so I'll keep my mouth shut.
And can we talk about the villain? Because if fictional characters could catch these hands, I would volunteer immediately. Every time that person appeared on page, my blood pressure increased.
The supporting characters also deserve appreciation. The friendships felt genuine, and seeing people stand beside the heroine when she needed them added another emotional layer to the story. Honestly, after everything she goes through, all I wanted was to reach into the pages and give her the biggest hug.
As for the ending... excuse me? There were moments near the end where I genuinely started panicking because I thought things were heading somewhere I wasn't emotionally prepared for. Then I remembered this is a series. The realization did not help. If anything, it made the waiting worse because now I desperately need the next book.
Jade Kilbey delivered a dark romance that balances emotional pain, healing, tension, and character growth beautifully. More than anything, this book made me care deeply about the people at its center, and that's what makes a story memorable for me.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book.
Broken By The Devil is a dark romance that pulls you into a heavy, high-stakes world right from chapter one. It deals with raw, painful themes and trauma, but it is also a story about friendship, finding yourself again, and learning that you are always loved and that there is always someone who cares about you.
The story follows Emilia, who is tough and a capable police officer. She has survived things that would shatter most people. Even though she shows herself that she isn't afraid of anything is tougher but deep down she carries so much pain, fear, and secrets that can shatter a person. Watching her try so hard to stay strong while just needing a place to feel safe made me rooted fot her and the way she never gave up made me feel for her. My baby is really a warrior and i love her🥺🎀🦋
Then there is Kade Hunter, her boss and the man she can't resist. In the beginning he is shown as arrogant, gruff, and suspicious, thinking she had things handed to her like she is born with a silver spoon in her mouth. The tension and banter between them are so sharp and fun to read, i mean the way she flirted with each other was so so so good🌚 To be honest, i hated Kade in the begining because he was so quick to judge her, but then as he slowly realizes how deeply hurt Emilia is, his protective side completely takes over and i started liking him. He never treats her pain as a weakness, instead, he becomes a solid presence she can actually lean on.
Beyond their incredible chemistry and workplace tension, the underlying mystery around her past keeps you turning pages fast. The side characters like Cass and Cara bring great energy and loyalty that added so much depth to the story, and that ending leaves you completely desperate to get your hands on book two. If you love dark romance with protective heroes, strong heroines, and deep emotional stakes, this is definitely one to read.
I was so lucky to be given an advanced reader copy of this book and where do I even begin? I'm utterly starstruck and in awe with this book. I was nervous in the beginning to start reading this book and procrastinated reading it as I was never big on cop romance but oh boy, did this book prove me wrong.
The moment I started it I couldn't put it down or stop reading it and ended up bingeing the whole thing in 2 hours. Emilia and Kade have stolen my heart indefinitely and they are the definition of a slow burn mixed with enemies to lovers that's worth dying for. I was salivating while reading this book.
The spice was also ooh so sweet when they finally got past their hating eachother and leaned into their feelings. This book had me on my toes at every twist and turn.
Emilia is one of the most strongest and fiercest FMC I've ever met and the most stunning with her long silky white hair. It really stands out against her skin and blue eyes. Not to mention her Fierce nature when it comes to work. She's not afraid to take charge and show people who's boss.
I just wish she would stand up to her father and just tell him about what a monster Tom really is but I get it we have to stay tortured for awhile longer.
I also love Kade and that screams volumes as I never go for a MMC who's in the police force but Kade certainly stands out and makes a name for himself. His commanding and dominating energy in the best ways had me creaming and screaming for him. That's one man I'd love to have protect me and dominate me.
That cliffhanger has me terrified for book 2 tho after how it ended. I seriously hope both Emilia and Cass will be okay and that her dad finds out the truth and wises up to protect his daughter from the monster he basically wants to throw at her and I can't wait to see Kade in his Vengeance arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had never read a police x police dynamic romance so when I saw it in tropes, I instantly got interested but i didn't realise I was really in for a big rollercoaster 🤧
The story follows Emilia and kade, two individuals starting as enemies due to Emilia being police chief' daughter and joining the force where sergeant kade hunter instantly thinks it's nepotism. As these two clash with each other, attraction blooms into sizzling desire, but Emilia is hiding a very dark secret that threatens her new found love....
The enemies to lovers trope was done so good here. Seeing Emilia and kade's banter had a blushing effect on me. I absolutely loved Cyrus here along with cara and cass. They were Emilia's found family indeed and they grew on me as well. What I really appreciated here about kade was how he respected Emilia's boundaries and decisions, it was beautiful to see a possessive mmc letting fmc breathe and make her choices. The irony of her being an officer yet not being able to save herself was not lost on me. Her circumstances broke my heart for her. I did NOT expect such ending even after expecting cliffhanger! I can't even express my hurt for Cass. 🙂 why? I am praying for a miracle in book two though. And I need the book two ASAP!
Aside from the cliffhanger, the book started really well and I was instantly hooked. I ended up finishing half way through in one sitting due to it's easy vocabulary. Though the formatting could have been better, it was difficult for me to follow long pragraphs with little space.
Overall, it's a good debut for an enemies to lovers dark romance, the chemistry was amazing and twist was devastating. If you enjoy dark romances with mental health rep. And an fmc holding on despite everything, then this book is perfect for you.
Thank you to author Jade Kilbey for an advance copy. This review is my honest and voluntary review.
Emilia Hale - FMC - chiefs daughter - officer herself - nicknamed “Viper” Kade MMC - Sargent on the force Tom - Sargent on force - Emilia’s nightmare
If you have any triggers please read the warnings FIRST!
From page 1 til the last page I was wrapped up into this story and loved all of it. This is a dark romance filled with trauma & healing.
Emilia has gone through a lot since her teenage years and the person that’s been the reason of it has a tight hold on her into her adult years & career as an officer. On top of having to deal with her abuser she’s also having to heal from the loss of her sister Thea and her mother. Which had passed within 6 months of one another.
Emilia is transferred to a different unit ran by Kade. Kade isn’t sure he likes that fact that the chiefs daughter is now at his station. He feels it’s a setup.
Emilia’s friends who also work at Kades station know all about her past and what she’s been going through. They keep it to themselves as it’s not their story to tell.
There’s so much more to unpack with this story that if I were to keep going I’d end up giving it all away! This is truly a great read. The characters, plot, spice, depth it’s all great! It’s not too fast and not too slow. The only thing that had me going “WHAT?!” was the fact that it ends on a CLIFFHANGER! Here I am now impatiently waiting for book 2 😩.
Again this is an amazing story and Jade did an AMAZING job and can’t wait for book 2 and what it has in store for us!
I AM NOT OKAY. I AM EMOTIONALLY UNWELL. I NEED TO LIE DOWN AND STARE AT THE CEILING BECAUSE THIS BOOK HAS RUINED ME IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY!!!
Broken by the Devil had me in a chokehold from the beginning, and I genuinely could not put it down. Every time I thought I had recovered from one scene, another one came along and emotionally DESTROYED ME AGAIN. The tension? THE ANGST? THE CHEMISTRY?! I was screaming at my Kindle like these people could actually hear me.
Jade Kilbey really said, "You want to feel something?" AND THEN PROCEEDED TO PUT ME THROUGH EVERY EMOTION KNOWN TO HUMANITY.
I was kicking my feet. I was holding my breath. I was staring at the pages with my mouth OPEN. I was whispering "OH MY GOD" to absolutely nobody. The number of times I had to stop reading just to process what was happening??? UNCOUNTABLE.
And the characters??? HELLO??? I was so invested in them that I forgot I was a functioning adult with responsibilities. I needed to know what they were going to do next, how everything would unfold, and whether my poor little heart was going to survive the next chapter.
THE EMOTIONAL DAMAGE. THE OBSESSION. THE TENSION. THE FEELS.
I came here for a book and left with emotional trauma, a new fictional obsession, and absolutely no ability to move on.
Jade Kilbey, WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!
This book had me screaming, crying, clutching my chest, and questioning why I voluntarily put myself through this kind of emotional torture when I KNOW I LOVE IT.
Thank you for the ARC! I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and indeed I totally NEED book 2 as well after finished reading 🥲🖤🖤
Kade & Emilia is the IT pair, and not to mention the found family around them - Cass, Cara, and are such great blends into the characters & plot. Kade characters absolutely nailed my kind of book boyfriend / mmc material, from physically to personalities 💯😮💨, while Emilia nailed the badass fmc, despite the trauma she carries ❤️🩹💪🏻. Love them both. The hate to lovers between the two been done nicely too throughout the plot growth that it felt natural, as well as I can get their chemistry growth till both can no more be in denial. Even the typical side bitchy & dickhead loser characters (Bree & Tom 🙄😂) blended in nicely with the plot growth too, so yeah I am entertained indeed with the characters and plot.
The only mini bumps (that sometimes made me smh / sigh / goes like ‘girl, come on’) I had was how helpless Emilia been with her problems (and sometimes her insecurities too) - which she refused some way first that most likely could help her better..but I kinda get her in that place, hence moving forward with the story and good thing as she finally did good around her circumstances. The ending is good, even though it’s a cliffhanger, as it resulted in gripping me more and looking forward to read the next one. Like really, I need the next one 🥲
Overall, for me this is such a light and enjoyable reading, absolutely love the characters and can’t wait to read the next! 🖤
Ohkay, guys, first of all, pls someone slap me because I have been screaming since the ending! I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP! 😭 This book has hit all the right spots with its plotline and characters, and I am absolutely obsessed!
Emiliya Hale is a badass, no nonsense woman who has been carrying things she never deserved to go through. She portrays a very independent and highly capable exterior (which she actually is), but internally, she's still a little girl who had to face things that can be deeply disturbing.
On the other hand, we have Sergeant Kade, the hot, possessive, obsessive man who is the literal epitome of a war god and has been obsessed with Emiliya and her secrets.
The story starts with Kade thinking Emiliya is a daddy's princess, given her connections in the workplace, but soon he (as well as me) senses that something is deeply wrong, and the plot gets CRAZY! Their banter, that elite chemistry, uff!! And the spice? God, it's phenomenal!! Though I couldn't stand Tom for one bit because that man genuinely deserves hell, which Kade made sure of, of course. 😭
I liked the police workplace setting a lot, along with the mysteries surrounding Emiliya, her relationship with Tom, as well as her dad. I really liked the dynamics of the side characters, too.
If you like a book where the heroine is deeply traumatised yet sooo fierce and protective, and the hero becomes a safe place for her through fire, this one's it!!
OMGGGG. Like literally OMG IN CAPS. What the helly ride was this book?! 😭🔥 I was hooked from literally the first page and could not put it down. The setting, characters, plot, tension, yearning, smut, and even the side characters were SO on point. Everything just worked so beautifully!!!
Tom was getting on my nerves the second he entered the story, and somehow it only got worse from there. 😭 Kade, though? MEN, TAKE NOTES. What I loved about him was that even with all the hatred he carried for Tom, he understood that hurting Tom would ultimately lead to Emelia getting hurt. That restraint, that understanding of her, and the way he understood and cared for her, ughhhh😭🫶🏻 And dear author, I immediately need Part 2 because I NEED to see that madness unleashed, how he would go to absolutely any length for his Viper.
Emelia was such a strong character while still feeling vulnerable and human, and the damn writing made every emotion hit. I genuinely felt what she was feeling. And PLEASE, I am still holding onto the tiniest hope that somehow her sister is out there, escaping Tom, and that Emelia gets to meet her someday. 😭 She deserves to have her family back. PLEASE PLEASEEEE
I usually end my reviews with tropes and say “if you like X, Y and Z, pick this up,” but honestly, not for this one. If you're into reading books and are comfortable with dark elements, give this one a try. IT IS WORTH ITTTT. 🔥
Broken by the Devil by Jade Klibey is a dark and emotionally intense read that explores complicated relationships, inner struggles, and the darker sides of human emotions. The title itself sets the tone for a story filled with intense feelings, difficult choices, and characters who may leave readers questioning the difference between love, obsession, pain, and redemption.
One of the things that makes a book like this intriguing is the emotional complexity of its characters and the tension that keeps readers curious about what will happen next. The story offers a darker reading experience for those who enjoy intense dynamics, emotional conflict, and romance that ventures beyond the conventional happily-ever-after narrative.
Jade Klibey's book may appeal to readers who enjoy dark romance and stories that explore complicated emotions and imperfect characters. It is the kind of read that invites readers to reflect on the characters' decisions and the consequences of their relationships.
Overall, Broken by the Devil is worth exploring for readers who enjoy dark, intense, and emotionally charged stories. If dark romance with complicated dynamics is your preferred genre, this book might be an interesting addition to your reading list.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy dark romance, intense emotions, morally complicated characters, and dramatic relationship dynamics.
Kade, Kade, Kade... 🥵 This man is hot, tattooed, possessive, jealous, protective and doesn't take anyone's s*!t! Oh and he is completely gone for Emilia, I don't blame him. Girl is an absolute badass!
LOVED Emilia as the FMC in this. She's strong, cares for everyone around her, she's fiesty, a fighter, carries a mountain of trauma, losses and abuse but keeps pushing through.
The yearning and pull between these 2 MCs was INTENSE and you could feel it! You're just routing for them to get together and take out the trash 👀
I will say that I would have loved a bit more of Kades backstory, didn't quite understand why they couldn't just kill the villain then go find the evidence after (unless I missed something with that) and I wish the ending hit a little harder, I didn't feel as emotionally invested as I would have liked too.
BUT
I am very much looking forward to seeing how Kade and Emilia take on the Villain and end him for good... I hope it's drawn out and painful 😇
Broken by the devil gives us a strong villain (or 2), a new book boyfriend, a badass FMC, great side characters, great spice, bundles of trauma and a craving for book 2! Jade left us hanging with that ending!!
Thank you to Jade for the ARC and what an incredible dark romance debut! 👏🏼
This was such an intense read! I really enjoyed Kade and Emilia’s dynamic, especially the tension and push-and-pull between them. Their relationship was one of my favourite parts of the story, and I loved how their interactions kept me invested.
Emilia was a character I really enjoyed reading. She’s strong, determined, and doesn’t back down easily. I liked that she was willing to stand her ground and prove herself. Kade, on the other hand, brings that intense, protective and possessive energy that fits the dark romance vibe so well.
I also enjoyed the mix of romance, danger, secrets, and the police/undercover elements. It added another layer to the story beyond the romance and kept things interesting. The tension between Kade and Emilia made their moments together even more engaging, and I found myself wanting to know what would happen next.
Overall, I had a really good time reading this book. The characters, their chemistry, and the mix of romance and danger made it an enjoyable read for me. The ending left me wanting more of their story, and I’m definitely interested in seeing what comes next.
If you enjoy dark romance with a possessive MMC, a strong FMC, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a mix of romance and danger, this one is worth checking out.
Thank you to Jade Kilbey and Literary Loft PR for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is my first time reading policexploice romance and honestly this book exceeds my expectations. My first thought after finishing this book is I want the second book . This book is dark , too dark . So read it on your own risk .
So the story follows two officers Kade Hunter and Emilia. They hate each other from the beginning because kade thought she got there because she is the chief's daughter . But the chemistry between them is Chef's kiss ? The banter , teasing had me giggling. Emilia ? The woman you are 🔥🔥. She is sassy, fiery, strong and fearless . I loved her I want to hug her to comfort her . And then we have Kade Hunter , what can I say about you sir ? You are too Perfectttt
I also loved the side characters in the book Cyrus his teasing of kade about Emilia left me laughing . I love the friendship of Cara , Cass and Emilia how they support her and always had her back . But while I was giggling in the one chapters and then I met with the trauma in the next . I was crying for Emilia . I loved how kade support her and protect her without judging her ..
The title of the book make sense after reading the book .
I loved every part of the book . Now I want the second book to know what happens next ..
Broken By The Devil by Jade Kilbey, the first book in The Revival Duet, is a dark contemporary romance blending police investigations, trauma, and emotional conflict. The story follows Emilia Hale, a skilled police officer with a painful past, as she joins a specialist unit led by the demanding Sergeant Kade Hunter. Their professional clashes and growing attraction unfold alongside dangerous investigations and unresolved personal struggles.
Emilia’s strength and difficulty trusting others make her a compelling protagonist, while Kade gradually reveals a more protective side beneath his arrogant exterior. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic, sharp exchanges, and moments of vulnerability drive much of the story. The alternating perspectives help reveal their motivations, although the supporting characters sometimes receive less attention.
Kilbey’s emotionally intense writing and fast-paced plot create an engaging mix of romance and suspense. However, repetitive internal monologues and heightened drama occasionally affect the storytelling’s subtlety. Overall, this novel suits readers who enjoy dark romance, strong-willed characters, and emotionally heavy themes.
Broken By The Devil is a wonderful love story of two police officers Kade and Emilia. The story is emotional, painful to read and have touches of humour and romance in equal measure. Besides the emotional turmoils of Emilia and the scorching chemistry of the lead characters which have been narrated in its full raw intensity, the stories of the police force where they worked also have been brought alive very finely.
Emilia, who had a traumatic childhood which never left her even after she became a high ranking police officer, is so inspirational. Her most admirable trait is she doesn't let her trauma affect her relationship with loved ones and gives everything to excel in her profession. Her superb fighting skills and being there as a saviour for people in danger is super impressive.
Sergeant Kade initially comes across as an egoistic police officer. But in the later part of the story, his emotional support to Emilia and his fierce protective nature is really amazing to know. His role as a leader is simply wow.
Cyrus, Cass and Cara are the other wonderful characters in this story. Their kind hearted and cheerful personalities are really nice.
What was this book!!!! I'm shocked that how fast I finished reading it. It took me just a day to finish it and I don't even regret rushing through the book. It was so damn good, so well written that I I didn't even trake any break in between reading this book.
I loved the main characters, the supportive characters and even villains were so well written that I started hating them so badly. I loved how beautifully the friendship between all characters were portrayed and that was my favourite part because they were ready to d!e for Emilia and Kade. Emilia and Kade has the best chemistry ever, like literally they are just made for each other. My girl, Emilia is so strong, brave and courageous I just want to hold her , she is suffering so much and it breaks my heart. Kade is now my favourite fictional boyfriend, without a doubt the man is smitten with her and so on love with her.
The revelation, the storyline, plot, characters, chemistry, tension, banter, action scenes, everything was so well done. I loved it so much.