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The Devil's Love
A woman's desire...
With dreams of a great romantic love, Abigail Carrington sails to England to marry the man she has loved since childhood, Michael Ingram, Marquis of Darfield. She believes her betrothed is a generous and noble man who has been longing for her. But the handsome man waiting for her at the altar is a dark, brooding stranger who rushes her into marriage, then abandons her at his country estate. Only the passion of Michael's kiss gives her hope that theirs can be more than a marriage of convenience.
A man's need...
With scandal shadowing his past, Michael, the Devil of Darfield, had no need for a wife. Remembering only the little hellion who made life miserable for him aboard her father's ship, he resents the agreement he made to marry her so he could save his ancestral home. Though determined to ignore her, he cannot stop thinking about his lovely violet-eyed bride. Her beauty tempts him. Her charm bedevils him. He tries to drive her away until he almost loses her. Then he vows to regain her love—before it is too late....
From the Paperback edition.
With dreams of a great romantic love, Abigail Carrington sails to England to marry the man she has loved since childhood, Michael Ingram, Marquis of Darfield. She believes her betrothed is a generous and noble man who has been longing for her. But the handsome man waiting for her at the altar is a dark, brooding stranger who rushes her into marriage, then abandons her at his country estate. Only the passion of Michael's kiss gives her hope that theirs can be more than a marriage of convenience.
A man's need...
With scandal shadowing his past, Michael, the Devil of Darfield, had no need for a wife. Remembering only the little hellion who made life miserable for him aboard her father's ship, he resents the agreement he made to marry her so he could save his ancestral home. Though determined to ignore her, he cannot stop thinking about his lovely violet-eyed bride. Her beauty tempts him. Her charm bedevils him. He tries to drive her away until he almost loses her. Then he vows to regain her love—before it is too late....
From the Paperback edition.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 1998
150 people are currently reading
3208 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,137 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
March 14, 2012
I am a sucker for this kind of book. I love the jerky hero, strong sassy heroine, jealousy, other women, lots of misunderstandings, angst, great grovels and this book had it all. Beautifully written with a very touching story, it grabbed me right away.
This time period for historical romance isn't always a favorite of mine because they tend to not have the strong alpha hero, but more high society rakes. Well yes, Michael was the high society rake, but I just loved his arrogance and assholeness. What was best was his willful, passionate, free spirit betrothed, Abbey, who was cast upon him against his will. Although she was the ugly duckling that turned into a beautiful swan he didn't want her. She was vulnerable and naive and completely oblivious to the upper class etiquette of Michael's world, but she was strong in confidence and wouldn't back down to his intimidations. She didn't even mind throwing a punch or giving a kick to the crotch at the ball of the year.
Abbey loved and idolized Michael as a child and Michael (10 yrs older) detested her. Twelve years later, Abbey was all about fairytale and romance as she waited for her prince to be ready for her. She fantasized about how he had loved her for 12 years, since she was child of 9 yrs old on her father's ship, and he couldn't wait to make her his wife.
Completely different story in Michael's mind, he could hardly remember her. He was clueless and angry when he found out that he had to marry the captain's daughter who annoyed and brutalized him. She was a young hellion on the ship where he worked to cover his father's gambling debts and due to some legal mumble jumble found he could not get rid of her without losing everything he had.
I can't say this book was some sweeping, unforgettable epic that is going to stick with me forever or that I couldn't put it down, but I loved the style and themes and enjoyed it from beginning to end. A fabulous historical romance read!
This time period for historical romance isn't always a favorite of mine because they tend to not have the strong alpha hero, but more high society rakes. Well yes, Michael was the high society rake, but I just loved his arrogance and assholeness. What was best was his willful, passionate, free spirit betrothed, Abbey, who was cast upon him against his will. Although she was the ugly duckling that turned into a beautiful swan he didn't want her. She was vulnerable and naive and completely oblivious to the upper class etiquette of Michael's world, but she was strong in confidence and wouldn't back down to his intimidations. She didn't even mind throwing a punch or giving a kick to the crotch at the ball of the year.
Abbey loved and idolized Michael as a child and Michael (10 yrs older) detested her. Twelve years later, Abbey was all about fairytale and romance as she waited for her prince to be ready for her. She fantasized about how he had loved her for 12 years, since she was child of 9 yrs old on her father's ship, and he couldn't wait to make her his wife.
Completely different story in Michael's mind, he could hardly remember her. He was clueless and angry when he found out that he had to marry the captain's daughter who annoyed and brutalized him. She was a young hellion on the ship where he worked to cover his father's gambling debts and due to some legal mumble jumble found he could not get rid of her without losing everything he had.
I can't say this book was some sweeping, unforgettable epic that is going to stick with me forever or that I couldn't put it down, but I loved the style and themes and enjoyed it from beginning to end. A fabulous historical romance read!
Read
April 27, 2022I read this because one of the reviews said she puts the H in his place. Not so much.
A DNF.
Hero is mean.
At 19 he rips the head of the doll that belongs to the heroine and shoves it in her face because she’s irritating. She’s 9.
He wants to put down a three legged dog and won’t name his other dogs.
The fact that he is willing to marry her for her dowry and forgiveness of all the debts that his father incurred and then ghosts her to visit his mistress is nothing at that point.
But no matter what she still loves him. Stupid.
A DNF.
Hero is mean.
At 19 he rips the head of the doll that belongs to the heroine and shoves it in her face because she’s irritating. She’s 9.
He wants to put down a three legged dog and won’t name his other dogs.
The fact that he is willing to marry her for her dowry and forgiveness of all the debts that his father incurred and then ghosts her to visit his mistress is nothing at that point.
But no matter what she still loves him. Stupid.
May 3, 2016
Little Abby was funny and fierce but her grown up version is the classic spineless and weak heroine that recently annoys me to no end.
Grrrrrrrrrrrr >_<
Michael is what a rake is supposed to be like but I couldn't get passed the fact he actually has sexual intercourse with his mistress while he's already married to Abby.
Even if the marriage was yet to be consumated I just didn't feel comfortable with a "hero" that cheats then, right after "the deed", coldly dumps his mistress and runs back home ready to start falling in love with his wife.
I don't "get along" well with characters that cheat, even when it is somehow justified by the plot, so this scenario pretty much dropped to none the chances I could fall for Michael's "charms".
The long-winded writing and very slow pace of the narration didn't help my already annoyed disposition.
DNF @ ~45%
Grrrrrrrrrrrr >_<
Michael is what a rake is supposed to be like but I couldn't get passed the fact he actually has sexual intercourse with his mistress while he's already married to Abby.
Even if the marriage was yet to be consumated I just didn't feel comfortable with a "hero" that cheats then, right after "the deed", coldly dumps his mistress and runs back home ready to start falling in love with his wife.
I don't "get along" well with characters that cheat, even when it is somehow justified by the plot, so this scenario pretty much dropped to none the chances I could fall for Michael's "charms".
The long-winded writing and very slow pace of the narration didn't help my already annoyed disposition.
DNF @ ~45%
May 24, 2024
Reread: 5/22/24
It's still an enjoyable book!
Read: 6/19/20
Good! I think this is the best book I've read from this author. Abbey is very naive in the beginning. Michael has strong animosity. Luckily, the h handles the situation with maturity, and the two start to develop a romantic relationship. So, thankfully, the H and h aren't fighting for the whole book! I enjoyed watching the H learn the importance of family. I wish the h wasn't sometimes too naive, especially about her cousin.
I read "The Dangerous Gentleman," which I now learned is the 3rd book in the series. This 1st book was much better. Ready to read book #2.
It's still an enjoyable book!
Read: 6/19/20
Good! I think this is the best book I've read from this author. Abbey is very naive in the beginning. Michael has strong animosity. Luckily, the h handles the situation with maturity, and the two start to develop a romantic relationship. So, thankfully, the H and h aren't fighting for the whole book! I enjoyed watching the H learn the importance of family. I wish the h wasn't sometimes too naive, especially about her cousin.
I read "The Dangerous Gentleman," which I now learned is the 3rd book in the series. This 1st book was much better. Ready to read book #2.
August 13, 2021
What a holy mess this book!
There’s so much material but not very well displayed.
You have:
- an arranged marriage
-a heroine in love with the hero since forever
- a hero who is nasty with her since forever
- pirates
- forgery
- hero loves her because sex is great, but only for some time
-heroine is stupid and naive and stupid and stupid and stupid because believes in everyone’s lies
-criminal cousin who uses heroine stupidity to his advantage
-hero who is angry for heroine’s betrayal
- hero who cheats on heroine
- villain who wants to damage the hero through the heroine
- a pregnancy
- a duel
- heroine’s hurt
- miscarriage
- hero understands he loves the heroine
- relatives from America
-heroine is cold with the hero
-hero apologizes for being a pig and a jerk
-hea
So, too much and too much nastiness
The hero is nasty to the heroine for 75% of the book
The heroine is stupid for the 85% of the book
I’m nasty for 100 % of the book
Me and my blood pressure hate cheaters
So, definitely 2 stars (only because I’m on holiday and I’ve had a good day, so I’m not the nasty bitch I use to be)
There’s so much material but not very well displayed.
You have:
- an arranged marriage
-a heroine in love with the hero since forever
- a hero who is nasty with her since forever
- pirates
- forgery
- hero loves her because sex is great, but only for some time
-heroine is stupid and naive and stupid and stupid and stupid because believes in everyone’s lies
-criminal cousin who uses heroine stupidity to his advantage
-hero who is angry for heroine’s betrayal
- hero who cheats on heroine
- villain who wants to damage the hero through the heroine
- a pregnancy
- a duel
- heroine’s hurt
- miscarriage
- hero understands he loves the heroine
- relatives from America
-heroine is cold with the hero
-hero apologizes for being a pig and a jerk
-hea
So, too much and too much nastiness
The hero is nasty to the heroine for 75% of the book
The heroine is stupid for the 85% of the book
I’m nasty for 100 % of the book
Me and my blood pressure hate cheaters
So, definitely 2 stars (only because I’m on holiday and I’ve had a good day, so I’m not the nasty bitch I use to be)
March 13, 2021
Oh, what a nice story!
Even though she was extremely naive, he was a brute with her, a lot of things happened almost non-stop, so many misunderstandings, it was so nice.
This was my first book from this writer, and I loved her writing style and the pacing of the book... when she wanted you to suffer, you suffered, when she was funny, it was very funny to the point of laughing out loud.
I recommend this book if you like arranged marriage that one part really really didn't want it.
Even though she was extremely naive, he was a brute with her, a lot of things happened almost non-stop, so many misunderstandings, it was so nice.
This was my first book from this writer, and I loved her writing style and the pacing of the book... when she wanted you to suffer, you suffered, when she was funny, it was very funny to the point of laughing out loud.
I recommend this book if you like arranged marriage that one part really really didn't want it.
August 28, 2025
4.5 rollercoasting, romantic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Have you ever read something that made you so invested, that you felt you knew the main characters personally? Where you were over joyed when they succeeded and devastated when they failed? This was that for me. Were they perfect? Absolutely not, both super flawed, and I loved them❤️
Abby grew up more or less on her wealthy dad’s ships . He was a merchant. When she wasn’t getting thrown out of etiquette school in Switzerland or riding dromedars in Egypt, that’s were she was growing up.
She first meets Michael on board on of those journeys at the age of 9. He is 19. She is dressed as a pirate and is drawn to him, not romantically but likes to harass him and tease him.
Her father gives her presents that he pretends is from Michael her whole life, he tells her they will marry when she grows up. The next 12 years her father gaslights her, about how much Michael loves her, she is so protected and isolated and her naivety know no bounds. But alas that’s what she believes as truth. They do not meet again.
Fast forward 12 years, her father is dead and in his will he forces Michael to marry Abby. She is elated and thinks her love for Michael, that is curated by her father, is reciprocated.
It is not! And this is where this heartbreaking story starts and all you should know.
This story is everything an old school historical romance should be. The angst was angsting. My feelings were on high alert.
So big asshole meets innocent virgin girl, what can go wrong? I ate this up from the beginning.
The characters were real people to me, exaggerated of course but they were funny, they were sweet, they were cruel, the were stubborn etc. listen it’s from the 90’s so the male privilege is strong, like in most books from back then, you have to stomach that, to enjoy this.
So why not a full 5 ⭐️, I felt it took a while, for them to mature and they solved their problems through anger. The presumed so much about each other, and I get why. But presuming is always bad and I wanted to yell at both of them at times. This however was a fantastic read 🙌
Should you read it? Absolutely! 💯 It’s definitely top shelf material if you like big feelings.
Have you ever read something that made you so invested, that you felt you knew the main characters personally? Where you were over joyed when they succeeded and devastated when they failed? This was that for me. Were they perfect? Absolutely not, both super flawed, and I loved them❤️
Abby grew up more or less on her wealthy dad’s ships . He was a merchant. When she wasn’t getting thrown out of etiquette school in Switzerland or riding dromedars in Egypt, that’s were she was growing up.
She first meets Michael on board on of those journeys at the age of 9. He is 19. She is dressed as a pirate and is drawn to him, not romantically but likes to harass him and tease him.
Her father gives her presents that he pretends is from Michael her whole life, he tells her they will marry when she grows up. The next 12 years her father gaslights her, about how much Michael loves her, she is so protected and isolated and her naivety know no bounds. But alas that’s what she believes as truth. They do not meet again.
Fast forward 12 years, her father is dead and in his will he forces Michael to marry Abby. She is elated and thinks her love for Michael, that is curated by her father, is reciprocated.
It is not! And this is where this heartbreaking story starts and all you should know.
This story is everything an old school historical romance should be. The angst was angsting. My feelings were on high alert.
So big asshole meets innocent virgin girl, what can go wrong? I ate this up from the beginning.
The characters were real people to me, exaggerated of course but they were funny, they were sweet, they were cruel, the were stubborn etc. listen it’s from the 90’s so the male privilege is strong, like in most books from back then, you have to stomach that, to enjoy this.
So why not a full 5 ⭐️, I felt it took a while, for them to mature and they solved their problems through anger. The presumed so much about each other, and I get why. But presuming is always bad and I wanted to yell at both of them at times. This however was a fantastic read 🙌
Should you read it? Absolutely! 💯 It’s definitely top shelf material if you like big feelings.
March 8, 2021
This one has been on my kindle for years, so I decided to pull the trigger on it. The Devil’s Love is a historical/arranged marriage romance between Michael Ingram, the Marquis of Darfield, and Abigail Carrington. Before I get started, I just wanted to point out a couple things. 1- This has cheating; it happens with his mistress before the marriage has been consummated and is all off page, but it’s still there around 30%. (if it helps he was coerced into marriage & is bitter) 2- I am an impatient reader. I say this all the time, but it’s true… so keep that in mind. I also don’t have a huge amount of patience for naïve, tstl h’s. I just want to put that out there, because there are lots of feels if you're patient enough. If I had to write this using only emojis it’d be like this… 😃🙁😧😢😠🥺😒🙄🙄😞😞🥱 LOTS of feels….
I started out loving this. Yes, Abbey is outrageously naïve, but she’s also kinda cute… like a dumb puppy, and I love puppies. Then we move into the shattering of dreams and angsty gooey center, and I was gobbling it down like chocolate cake … and it was DELICIOUS. But, even puppies have to grow up, or they’re just chewing your shit and peeing everywhere. And, Abbey’s cutie dum-dum thing started to grow old as she REPEATEDLY made stupid decisions and was blind to blatant machinations. Like I said above, I’m not the most patient when it comes to stupid, and Abbey eventually pushed me to my breaking point. Then, when IMO the story should have ended, we get another 15% of frustration.
Bottom Line- For me, this was like a Sour Patch Kids, it started out sweet, but then it turned sour…and I wanted to spit it out. It’s disappointing because I started out thinking this was a 5⭐ and ended up skimming to the finish line. It got really bad that last 30%, and I wish it would have just ended after the accident. There’s an epilogue 12 years later.
I started out loving this. Yes, Abbey is outrageously naïve, but she’s also kinda cute… like a dumb puppy, and I love puppies. Then we move into the shattering of dreams and angsty gooey center, and I was gobbling it down like chocolate cake … and it was DELICIOUS. But, even puppies have to grow up, or they’re just chewing your shit and peeing everywhere. And, Abbey’s cutie dum-dum thing started to grow old as she REPEATEDLY made stupid decisions and was blind to blatant machinations. Like I said above, I’m not the most patient when it comes to stupid, and Abbey eventually pushed me to my breaking point. Then, when IMO the story should have ended, we get another 15% of frustration.
Bottom Line- For me, this was like a Sour Patch Kids, it started out sweet, but then it turned sour…and I wanted to spit it out. It’s disappointing because I started out thinking this was a 5⭐ and ended up skimming to the finish line. It got really bad that last 30%, and I wish it would have just ended after the accident. There’s an epilogue 12 years later.
July 22, 2016
Pirate girl routs the Devil of Darfield!
This book started out so very delightfully and I was intrigued from the word go.
It has a heart-achy angst caused by a forced moc between a really sweet and besotted h who travels across oceans (and years) holding a torch for a childhood crush, and a resentful cruel H who only remembers a bratty hellion and wants nothing to do with her. By some highly convoluted machinations engendered by her father, the H is bound by a contract to marry the h, and she was led to believe since childhood (past 12 years) that the H was smitten with her and wants to marry her when she grows up. So for most of her life, everything she does, learns or plans has been towards becoming his wife one day. After her father’s death, she travels as per his will to meet her ‘betrothed’, who she believes would be eagerly awaiting her! But, of course what she encounters is vastly different from her dreams and expectations.
Their story and relationship unfolds in a volatile, exciting and delightful way. Against his will, he is drawn to her and her open adoration, and she is the sweetest h I've read about in a while. He has a mistress who doesn't really interest him anymore, but almost unforgivably he does indulge one last time just to shake off his wife's enchantment. I wanted more guilt and regret from him on this count.
But, of course he cannot ignore his lovely wife for long and they go on to share an endearing chemistry and marital bliss.
Like any self respecting historical, villains and misunderstandings are not so far away in their new found paradise and strike at an opportune time, helped along by some incredible stupidity on the h's part. I just could not ascertain too much blame that could be laid at the H's feet.
Leave it to be said, the story nose dived for me thereon. The h's sanctimonious and unforgiving attitude grated and then dragged on some more. I still had hopes that the author would resolve things on a high/climactic peak, but no such consolation. The story limped and crawled, as if uncertain when and where to give up.
Also one of those books, where you begin rooting for one mc and disliking the other, and then end up changing corners!
So for all intents, this book went from 5 plus stars (and a place on my all times fav books) to about 3.75!
July 13, 2018
Seguramente me gustó más la primera vez que lo leí.
Ahora me ha parecido un ejemplo de novela escrita de forma correcta que sigue el esquema clásico de novela romántica con personajes que pueden resultar atrayentes pero con los que la autora no ha conseguido crear un romance que me haya gustado.
Pese a que Michael puede resultar odioso, creo que su postura ante un hecho totalmente impuesto (y manipulado y engañoso) es muy coherente tanto con la situación como con la época en la que transcurre.
Ella es pura inocencia y bondad. En algunos momentos, en exceso. No tengo crítica, pero admito que me gustan más otro tipo de protagonistas. Y, al final, creo que le falta un poco de amor propio.
en general, la novela está bien y es muy entretenida de leer. Pero el romance me ha parecido algo forzado. Creo que a ella le falta perder ese amor platónico y motivos suficientes para que pase a ser real y él, desaprovecha en una sola frase, todo lo que había conseguido en últimos capítulos.
me ha faltado más climax al final y, sobre todo, una actitud menos prepotente de él y más orgullosa por parte de ella.
Algo muy personal, pero eso ha hecho que pese a ser una novela muy correcta, no le de más puntuación
Seguro que la primera vez que la leí me gustó mucho más !!!
Ahora me ha parecido un ejemplo de novela escrita de forma correcta que sigue el esquema clásico de novela romántica con personajes que pueden resultar atrayentes pero con los que la autora no ha conseguido crear un romance que me haya gustado.
Pese a que Michael puede resultar odioso, creo que su postura ante un hecho totalmente impuesto (y manipulado y engañoso) es muy coherente tanto con la situación como con la época en la que transcurre.
Ella es pura inocencia y bondad. En algunos momentos, en exceso. No tengo crítica, pero admito que me gustan más otro tipo de protagonistas. Y, al final, creo que le falta un poco de amor propio.
en general, la novela está bien y es muy entretenida de leer. Pero el romance me ha parecido algo forzado. Creo que a ella le falta perder ese amor platónico y motivos suficientes para que pase a ser real y él, desaprovecha en una sola frase, todo lo que había conseguido en últimos capítulos.
me ha faltado más climax al final y, sobre todo, una actitud menos prepotente de él y más orgullosa por parte de ella.
Algo muy personal, pero eso ha hecho que pese a ser una novela muy correcta, no le de más puntuación
Seguro que la primera vez que la leí me gustó mucho más !!!
April 11, 2017
After reading all the books from Judith McNaught , I thought I wouldn't find another author that could write like her. I absolutely loved this book...
March 1, 2020
"Did you know," she said hoarsely, unshed tears brimming in her eyes, "that with every doubt, you broke my heart in two?" She angrily hit her chest with her first. "There is nothing left but pieces"
Because of the holly angst, 3,5 stars.
Because of the holly angst, 3,5 stars.
May 15, 2021
#retorita5 #ritajulita #eldiabloenamorado
Primer libro que leo de Julia London y
Me ha gustado bastante.
Seguramente leeré más libros de la autora.
Escribe muy bien y la historia ha estado bastante entretenida.
Al comienzo de la historia los protagonistas, Michael y Abbey, chocan desde que se ven y creo que es una de las cosas que me ha gustado. Ese tira y afloja que hace que se vayan uniendo cada vez más.
Es verdad que él al comienzo es bastante borde y se quiere librar de ella como sea y no se lo pone nada fácil.
Ella es bastante ingenua al principio por culpa de su padre que le hace creer una historia que no tiene nada que ver con la realidad y es una de las tramas principales del libros, a medida que vas leyendo la cosa se va complicando más y la verdad que engancha bastante.
Sobre todo a mitad y final del libro.
Espero poder retomar pronto otra historia de esta autora y que md guste igual o más que esta.
Primer libro que leo de Julia London y
Me ha gustado bastante.
Seguramente leeré más libros de la autora.
Escribe muy bien y la historia ha estado bastante entretenida.
Al comienzo de la historia los protagonistas, Michael y Abbey, chocan desde que se ven y creo que es una de las cosas que me ha gustado. Ese tira y afloja que hace que se vayan uniendo cada vez más.
Es verdad que él al comienzo es bastante borde y se quiere librar de ella como sea y no se lo pone nada fácil.
Ella es bastante ingenua al principio por culpa de su padre que le hace creer una historia que no tiene nada que ver con la realidad y es una de las tramas principales del libros, a medida que vas leyendo la cosa se va complicando más y la verdad que engancha bastante.
Sobre todo a mitad y final del libro.
Espero poder retomar pronto otra historia de esta autora y que md guste igual o más que esta.
January 6, 2024
I loved this something fierce ♥️
This had everything I look for in a romance. Everything wonderful and exhilarating. This is why I read romance. Ms. London really dragged me through the gamut of emotions. That HEA had me in tears, happy, stupid tears. My cup runneth over. God, how I miss Abbey and Michael already. It was a bittersweet ending because I didn't want it to end. How do you close a book you want to live in?
💕 My Favorite Parts 💕
✔️ Abbey, she was sweet and innocent but incredibly passionate. Or to quote Michael: "She was so wildly unconventional, so wordly and innocent at the same time."
✔️ Michael, he started out flawed—okay, I wanted to punch him in the face—but gradually became my perfect. My new book husband.
✔️ All the swoon-worthy moments *sighs dreamily*
✔️ How both Abbey and Michael redeemed themselves in my eyes.
✔️ How these characters grew on me to the point of obsession.
✔️ Michael's epic grovel. One of the best!
✔️ His absolute and utter adoration of Abbey.
✔️ The endless quotes that were positively breathtaking.
✔️ The endearing secondary characters.
✔️ The anticipation; the angst!
✔️ Even the rage-filled moments.
✔️ Speaking of rage, I especially loved Abbey's "nasty right uppercut." Abbey, a "little hellion" after my own heart 🥰 I knew she had it in her. She didn't disappoint.
✔️ Harry, the maimed dog Abbey saved. He became her companion.
✔️ The sad and heartfelt parts.
✔️ The funny parts, including all of Abbey's secret nicknames for Michael. "The Marquis of Bitterfield" (instead of Darfield). I love her.
✔️ And last but not least, the HEA, including the epilogue (12 yrs later). Did I mention how much I want to live in this book?
This had everything I look for in a romance. Everything wonderful and exhilarating. This is why I read romance. Ms. London really dragged me through the gamut of emotions. That HEA had me in tears, happy, stupid tears. My cup runneth over. God, how I miss Abbey and Michael already. It was a bittersweet ending because I didn't want it to end. How do you close a book you want to live in?
💕 My Favorite Parts 💕
✔️ Abbey, she was sweet and innocent but incredibly passionate. Or to quote Michael: "She was so wildly unconventional, so wordly and innocent at the same time."
✔️ Michael, he started out flawed—okay, I wanted to punch him in the face—but gradually became my perfect. My new book husband.
✔️ All the swoon-worthy moments *sighs dreamily*
✔️ How both Abbey and Michael redeemed themselves in my eyes.
✔️ How these characters grew on me to the point of obsession.
✔️ Michael's epic grovel. One of the best!
✔️ His absolute and utter adoration of Abbey.
✔️ The endless quotes that were positively breathtaking.
✔️ The endearing secondary characters.
✔️ The anticipation; the angst!
✔️ Even the rage-filled moments.
✔️ Speaking of rage, I especially loved Abbey's "nasty right uppercut." Abbey, a "little hellion" after my own heart 🥰 I knew she had it in her. She didn't disappoint.
✔️ Harry, the maimed dog Abbey saved. He became her companion.
✔️ The sad and heartfelt parts.
✔️ The funny parts, including all of Abbey's secret nicknames for Michael. "The Marquis of Bitterfield" (instead of Darfield). I love her.
✔️ And last but not least, the HEA, including the epilogue (12 yrs later). Did I mention how much I want to live in this book?
December 7, 2025
Good, but I liked the villain better? lol
I was looking for an angsty and/or sad read to make me cry (need a good cry at the moment). The angst delivered well, though no tears were shed.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I was looking for an angsty and/or sad read to make me cry (need a good cry at the moment). The angst delivered well, though no tears were shed.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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July 15, 2021
4 stars Loved it when I read it 20 yrs ago. Two stars re-read. Now I can’t stand this airhead. A tstl doormat Mary Sue h.
- cheating H ( but the doormat gave him permission to see the ow so she can stay with him). He slept with the mistress after making out with the h but before they consummated the marriage.
He told her he would kill her if she cheated on him. Then he rides to see his mistress, and after cheating on the h with the mistress, he broke it off with her in the morning. What a fucking asshole.
Then the same day, when he rides home, the doormat, clingy h is sobbing and confessing her love for him, I just wanted to throw my kindle across the room at this point…what a cringy moment.
I have no idea why I thought this was an amazing book years ago. This book is so degrading. 🙄
why the heck did I re read it….never again…
- cheating H ( but the doormat gave him permission to see the ow so she can stay with him). He slept with the mistress after making out with the h but before they consummated the marriage.
He told her he would kill her if she cheated on him. Then he rides to see his mistress, and after cheating on the h with the mistress, he broke it off with her in the morning. What a fucking asshole.
Then the same day, when he rides home, the doormat, clingy h is sobbing and confessing her love for him, I just wanted to throw my kindle across the room at this point…what a cringy moment.
I have no idea why I thought this was an amazing book years ago. This book is so degrading. 🙄
why the heck did I re read it….never again…
August 19, 2012
3 1/2 to 4 stars
I'm not a big fan of the "big misunderstanding" plotline or a cheating hero because of the big misunderstanding plotline. However, The Devil's Love is well written story with a likable heroine and a wonderfully groveling hero, and because of that, this book worked for me.
I'm not a big fan of the "big misunderstanding" plotline or a cheating hero because of the big misunderstanding plotline. However, The Devil's Love is well written story with a likable heroine and a wonderfully groveling hero, and because of that, this book worked for me.
February 12, 2012
Another romance novel that's not worth reading past the first love scene. I just can't keep going with a book that refers to the guy's penis as "his passion."
October 31, 2021
this was so dragged on and so unnecessarily long. only some parts were sweet.
July 29, 2021
Abigail Carrington ha estado esperando el momento en el que conocer a su prometido desde hace años, Michael Ingram, marqués de Darfield. Después de la muerte de su padre se dirige a Inglaterra para casarse con Michael, el hombre que ella tenía en un pedestal es el que la abandona nada más contraer matrimonio.
Michael nunca creyó que tendría que cumplir el trato que firmó en el pasado y tener que casarse con aquella niña malcriada que conoció hace años pero… Abbie ya no es esa niña y tiene algo que le atrae pero quizás ya sea demasiado tarde…
“El diablo enamorado” es una novela autoconclusiva de las que tienen todo para que me guste. El principio no podía ser más atrayente, Abbie es muy pequeña y vive en un barco junto a su padre, es una pillina en toda regla y se las hace pasar canutas a un Michael mucho más joven y con poco tacto y paciencia.
Pasan diez años y tanto Michael como Abbie son personas bastante cambiadas. Michael es un hombre más maduro que Abbie como es normal y sabe cuáles son sus metas y quizás al principio nos resulte un poco cretino pero cuando conocemos las razones entendemos sus acciones; por otro lado tenemos a Abbie, mucho más joven que él y bastante ingenua pese tener una vida tan distinta a otras jóvenes de su edad. Es normal que empaticemos mucho más con ella que con Michael pero sin duda este “enfrentamiento” entre los dos me parece de lo más interesante unido a esa diferencia de edad.
Michael es el típico aristócrata con mucho bagaje que no quiere compromisos pero las circunstancias lo han puesto contra la espada y la pared y pese a sus intentos por hacer desistir a Abbie no logra su objetivo. Me encantó ver cómo poco a poco va cayendo en los encantos de Abbie y conocemos otro aspecto más cariñoso de Michael. Tuvo momentos en los que no me gustó, sí, pero son más los buenos que los malos.
Abbie me ha gustado mucho como personaje a pesar de ser ingenua en lo que respecta a lo que hace su padre, es una persona que brilla y que atrae a todos hacia su aura de positividad y se hace hasta con el más esquivo y gruñón. Su etapa infantil aunque sean unas pocas páginas me hizo mucha gracia y en la actualidad del relato creo que es una joven muy sensata, simpática e inteligente, no es de las que se rinden y se autocompadece... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Michael nunca creyó que tendría que cumplir el trato que firmó en el pasado y tener que casarse con aquella niña malcriada que conoció hace años pero… Abbie ya no es esa niña y tiene algo que le atrae pero quizás ya sea demasiado tarde…
“El diablo enamorado” es una novela autoconclusiva de las que tienen todo para que me guste. El principio no podía ser más atrayente, Abbie es muy pequeña y vive en un barco junto a su padre, es una pillina en toda regla y se las hace pasar canutas a un Michael mucho más joven y con poco tacto y paciencia.
Pasan diez años y tanto Michael como Abbie son personas bastante cambiadas. Michael es un hombre más maduro que Abbie como es normal y sabe cuáles son sus metas y quizás al principio nos resulte un poco cretino pero cuando conocemos las razones entendemos sus acciones; por otro lado tenemos a Abbie, mucho más joven que él y bastante ingenua pese tener una vida tan distinta a otras jóvenes de su edad. Es normal que empaticemos mucho más con ella que con Michael pero sin duda este “enfrentamiento” entre los dos me parece de lo más interesante unido a esa diferencia de edad.
Michael es el típico aristócrata con mucho bagaje que no quiere compromisos pero las circunstancias lo han puesto contra la espada y la pared y pese a sus intentos por hacer desistir a Abbie no logra su objetivo. Me encantó ver cómo poco a poco va cayendo en los encantos de Abbie y conocemos otro aspecto más cariñoso de Michael. Tuvo momentos en los que no me gustó, sí, pero son más los buenos que los malos.
Abbie me ha gustado mucho como personaje a pesar de ser ingenua en lo que respecta a lo que hace su padre, es una persona que brilla y que atrae a todos hacia su aura de positividad y se hace hasta con el más esquivo y gruñón. Su etapa infantil aunque sean unas pocas páginas me hizo mucha gracia y en la actualidad del relato creo que es una joven muy sensata, simpática e inteligente, no es de las que se rinden y se autocompadece... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
October 11, 2012
This is the author's first book, as well as the first book of hers that I have read. I certainly plan to read her later books, as this book showed tremendous promise. I thought that the first ⅔ of the book was a solid four stars - pretty good for a debut - but the book fell apart for me after that, and I would give the final ⅓ one star.
I like arranged marriage plots, especially where at least one party is hostile. Michael, the hero, understandably resented Abby, the heroine, for her father's actions forcing him into the marriage. She, on the other hand adored him, and was a charming, engaging character. It took him a little too long to accept that she had nothing to do with her father's machinations, and see her for the loving, delightful person she was. While Michael's anger simmered a little too long, his softening towards Abby was believably and well done, and you could see him falling in love with her.
Then, the charming heroine became obnoxious.
I like arranged marriage plots, especially where at least one party is hostile. Michael, the hero, understandably resented Abby, the heroine, for her father's actions forcing him into the marriage. She, on the other hand adored him, and was a charming, engaging character. It took him a little too long to accept that she had nothing to do with her father's machinations, and see her for the loving, delightful person she was. While Michael's anger simmered a little too long, his softening towards Abby was believably and well done, and you could see him falling in love with her.
Then, the charming heroine became obnoxious.
April 8, 2022
This is probably one of my favorite historical romances. The angst, the banter... That chemistry. Also, the older HR had something that I miss in the newer books of the genre. That element of longing and passion. Adored it!
July 1, 2013
This book left me with a huge headache. Too much freaking drama and nowhere near as much emotion as it should have.
The heroine is tricked by her own father, travels thousands of miles to marry a guy she thinks is stupidly in love with her and whom she's stupidly in love with, is humiliated and treated like crap by the hero, ends up softening his heart, just to be humiliated and treated like crap once again.
After all this, I don't understand why she would be willing to forgive the hero. I certainly wouldn't, especially not after losing my own unborn child.
Furthermore, I wasn't able to feel the love between them, as I was supposed to feel.
What I could feel was an unhealthy dose of shame, humiliation, resentment and loathing.
What a train-wreck romance!
November 18, 2019
4.5 stars Abbey and Michael's love story. Loved how the author played with "waiting". Abbey thought Michael was waiting for her and then as the story progresses Michael does wait for Abbey. Also, loved how her violin music soothed Michael.
For me, the only thing that keeps this from being 5 stars. Is when Michael cheats on his wife, Abbey, with Rebecca and does so in a mean way. He has sex with Rebecca then tells her it is over because he has married. (Also, he calls Rebeca-- Darling and love-- as he is breaking up with her. NO! I want the love words to mean something especially when later Michael will call Abbey --Darling and love --too. Makes the love words seem ordinary not as special). I especially enjoyed the prologue and epilogue.
For me, the only thing that keeps this from being 5 stars. Is when Michael cheats on his wife, Abbey, with Rebecca and does so in a mean way. He has sex with Rebecca then tells her it is over because he has married. (Also, he calls Rebeca-- Darling and love-- as he is breaking up with her. NO! I want the love words to mean something especially when later Michael will call Abbey --Darling and love --too. Makes the love words seem ordinary not as special). I especially enjoyed the prologue and epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2009
This book began with the hero and heroine as children with varying opinions of each other. The heroine, Abbey grows up loving Michael and thinking that he too loves her. Other the other hand, Micheal holds a very negative opinion of Abbey and had forgotten all about her, until he is forced to marry Abbey to cancel his family's debts. Their reunion happens to be a shocking revelation to both and here starts the snowball of angst. I actually really enjoyed the beginning. Abbey's response to Micheal's antagonism seems really naive, but to me, it seems like the natural reaction.
The only reason i did not rate this 5 stars is the draggy ending. It was so tedious as both love each other and admit it to each other, yet find new ways to not be together. By then, it was just too much angst.
Both characters have their charms, but I mostly liked them when their histories were in display, rather than the current dangerous plot by Micheal's enemy. The crazy roulette of betrayal towards Abbey was just too much and I am surprised she even managed to recover.
Worth a read, but not particularly memorable. The story is new and the novelty makes it enjoyable.
The only reason i did not rate this 5 stars is the draggy ending. It was so tedious as both love each other and admit it to each other, yet find new ways to not be together. By then, it was just too much angst.
Both characters have their charms, but I mostly liked them when their histories were in display, rather than the current dangerous plot by Micheal's enemy. The crazy roulette of betrayal towards Abbey was just too much and I am surprised she even managed to recover.
Worth a read, but not particularly memorable. The story is new and the novelty makes it enjoyable.
April 12, 2021
I listened to the audio version and thought the reader made Abby sound too young. I really enjoyed the beginning. Abby so naïve and trusting with a certainty of her betrothed love and devotion formed by her fathers years long preparation of her for marriage. Then there is the reality. The beginnings of the romance was great. The trip to London and the angst that followed I didn't enjoy as much. Readers always want to make the Hero pay for his wrongheadedness. Well in this book he does....and guess what? Its boring. Then the HEA. The book could have been edited down a bit. I give it a 3.5 * Plan to read the next in the series.
September 13, 2016
My first try of this author, and probably my last.
I don't mind recycled/formula romance plots, provided that the author can breathe new life into them. But that didn't happen here. I kept checking the percentages on my Kindle to see how much closer I was to being done with it.
I don't mind recycled/formula romance plots, provided that the author can breathe new life into them. But that didn't happen here. I kept checking the percentages on my Kindle to see how much closer I was to being done with it.
January 7, 2023
4.5 stars
August 18, 2020
I had a feeling when I first came across this book that I'd love it. And I did!
Abbey has been lead by her father, Captain Carrington, to believe Micheal, the Marquis of Darfield, has loved her for over ten years and wants to marry her. She has fallen in love with the image of her father created, treasures the gifts he sent her via her father, and dreams of marrying him. It’s only after her father’s death and she arrives in England that she learns she’s been deceived. They’ve both been deceived. Michael only remembers her as hellion playing pirate aboard her father’s ship, whom he despised but tolerated. He never send those gifts. And he’s only very reluctantly marrying her to settle his own father’s gambling debts and to keep the Captain creditors off his back as per the will. He then plans to abandon her at his country house and live separately from her. She’s heartbroken. Should she free Michael from their sham of marriage and return to America? Or can they somehow make their marriage work?
I loved Abbey. Yes, she was a little naive at times, but I loved how caring and selfless she was. She did everything she could to help those around her, to make their lives easier, even if they treated her badly or took advantage of her kindness. She saw how their marriage upset Michael and sought to release him from his obligations to her, even if it broke her heart to do so. She has such a cheery outlook on life, it’s impossible not to fall for her.
Michael I had a more difficult time loving. He could be really caring and sweet one moment, and then a cold arrogant asshole the next. The whiplash drove me nuts, though I did understand where he was coming and going through. He did improve once he became more sure of his feelings and I did come to really like him by the end.
Their romance was really heartfelt. I loved how they came to love each other for who they truly were. Yes, there was the old misunderstandings trope, but I find I’m more forgiving when it’s in a historical context. Or at least here. It did provide some really good angst. And then some really good grovel. I did not want this book to end and am sad to leave these characters. But boy did they deserve their happy ending!
Abbey has been lead by her father, Captain Carrington, to believe Micheal, the Marquis of Darfield, has loved her for over ten years and wants to marry her. She has fallen in love with the image of her father created, treasures the gifts he sent her via her father, and dreams of marrying him. It’s only after her father’s death and she arrives in England that she learns she’s been deceived. They’ve both been deceived. Michael only remembers her as hellion playing pirate aboard her father’s ship, whom he despised but tolerated. He never send those gifts. And he’s only very reluctantly marrying her to settle his own father’s gambling debts and to keep the Captain creditors off his back as per the will. He then plans to abandon her at his country house and live separately from her. She’s heartbroken. Should she free Michael from their sham of marriage and return to America? Or can they somehow make their marriage work?
I loved Abbey. Yes, she was a little naive at times, but I loved how caring and selfless she was. She did everything she could to help those around her, to make their lives easier, even if they treated her badly or took advantage of her kindness. She saw how their marriage upset Michael and sought to release him from his obligations to her, even if it broke her heart to do so. She has such a cheery outlook on life, it’s impossible not to fall for her.
Michael I had a more difficult time loving. He could be really caring and sweet one moment, and then a cold arrogant asshole the next. The whiplash drove me nuts, though I did understand where he was coming and going through. He did improve once he became more sure of his feelings and I did come to really like him by the end.
Their romance was really heartfelt. I loved how they came to love each other for who they truly were. Yes, there was the old misunderstandings trope, but I find I’m more forgiving when it’s in a historical context. Or at least here. It did provide some really good angst. And then some really good grovel. I did not want this book to end and am sad to leave these characters. But boy did they deserve their happy ending!
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