Rogue Devil: A Slow Burn Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy

The Rourkes #11

by Kylie Gilmore

A slow burn friends-to-lovers romance!
Chloe
Friends with benefits isn’t a real thing. Nope. Once you cross the line, that friendship is over. Ask me how I know. So I’m keeping my head down, focused on getting into medical school and ultimately working to find the cure for cancer. I want my life to mean something, to give back something significant to the world. Guys are a distraction I can’t afford.

Brendan
From the moment I met Chloe Travers, a protective streak I never knew I had took over. Despite my raging lust, I kept her at arm’s length. We have a family connection, which means casually hooking up is out. Too much potential fallout and awkward future encounters.

And then she moves in next door for the summer. Awkward? More like the ultimate test of my willpower. We’re spending every spare moment together as friends, and it’s driving me insane. I want to cross that line, but what if I make a move and lose her?


This romantic comedy stands alone with a swoonworthy happily-ever-after! No cliffhangers.

The Rourkes Series
Royal Catch (Book 1)
Royal Hottie (Book 2)
Royal Darling (Book 3)
Royal Charmer (Book 4)
Royal Player (Book 5)
Royal Shark (Book 6)
Rogue Prince (Book 7)
Rogue Gentleman (Book 8)
Rogue Rascal (Book 9)
Rogue Angel (Book 10)
Rogue Devil (Book 11)
Rogue Beast (Book 12)

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2020

About the author

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***THE SEXY PART is out now!***

Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty humorous contemporary romances. Her series include Happy Endings in Clover Park, Unleashed Romance, the Rourkes, the Happy Endings Book Club, Clover Park, and Clover Park Charmers. With more than three million downloads of her books, readers all over the world love escaping into her hilarious feel-good romances featuring strong bonds with family, friends, and community.

Kylie lives in New York with her family, a demanding cat, and a nutso dog. When she's not writing, reading hot romance, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her happily crafting what will surely be future family heirlooms.

Join the Gilmore Goddesses Readers Group to chat about Kylie's books in a non-spoilerly way. Also, man candy. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gilmo...

Find out more about Kylie and upcoming books at www.kyliegilmore.com. Sign up for Kylie’s newsletter at https://www.kyliegilmore.com/newsletter

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KYLIE’S BOOKS

HAPPY ENDINGS IN CLOVER PARK
The Kissing Part (Book 1)
The Sexy Part (Book 2)

UNLEASHED ROMANCE
Fetching (Book 1)
Dashing (Book 2)
Sporting (Book 3)
Toying (Book 4)
Blazing (Book 5)
Chasing (Book 6)
Daring (Book 7)
Leading (Book 8)
Racing (Book 9)
Loving (Book 10)

THE ROURKES
Royal Catch (Book 1)
Royal Hottie (Book 2)
Royal Darling (Book 3)
Royal Charmer (Book 4)
Royal Player (Book 5)
Royal Shark (Book 6)
Rogue Prince (Book 7)
Rogue Gentleman (Book 8)
Rogue Rascal (Book 9)
Rogue Angel (Book 10)
Rogue Devil (Book 11)
Rogue Beast (Book 12)

HAPPY ENDINGS BOOK CLUB
Hidden Hollywood (Book 1)
Inviting Trouble (Book 2)
So Revealing (Book 3)
Formal Arrangement (Book 4)
Bad Boy Done Wrong (Book 5)
Mess With Me (Book 6)
Resisting Fate (Book 7)
Chance of Romance (Book 8)
Wicked Flirt (Book 9)
An Inconvenient Plan (Book 10) 
A Happy Endings Wedding (Book 11)

CLOVER PARK SERIES
The Opposite of Wild (Book 1)
Daisy Does It All (Book 2)
Bad Taste in Men (Book 3)
Kissing Santa (Book 4)
Restless Harmony (Book 5)
Not My Romeo (Book 6)
Rev Me Up (Book 7)
An Ambitious Engagement (Book 8)
Clutch Player (Book 9)
A Tempting Friendship (Book 10)
Clover Park Bride: Nico and Lily’s Wedding
A Valentine’s Day Gift (Book 11)
Maggie Meets Her Match (Book 12)

CLOVER PARK CHARMERS
Almost Over It (Book 1)
Almost Married (Book 2)
Almost Fate (Book 3)
Almost in Love (Book 4)
Almost Romance (Book 5)
Almost Hitched (Book 6)

Reviews

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun to read with a great blend of sexiness and charm that left me with a very satisfied smile at the end.

➵ Heroine: Chloe Travers wants her life to be meaningful and to do so she’s focusing on medical school in order to do cancer research. Men are trouble, especially the hot absorbing kind like her neighbor Brendan Rourke, who she can’t help but want to hang out with.

➵ Hero: Brendan found Chloe extremely attractive from the moment he saw her at the palace, but knew that because of their family link a fling would be a terrible idea. But even though they agree on being friends, their mutual attraction is hard for them to ignore.

➵ Sexiness: Both Chloe and Brendan were attracted to each other from the moment they met, but they were also charmingly clueless about it.

➵ Plot: As the two spend so much time together their relationship deepens and inevitable ignites.

➵ Feels: . The story was fun to read and I loved going back to Villroy.

➵ Facts: Rogue Devilis standalone rom-com by Kylie Gilmore. It is book #11 of The Rourkes series. It's a friends to lovers slow burn, told from both points of view with a happy ending.

➵ Overall rating: 4.5

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/32F6f4s

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogue Devil is an endearing mix of laugh out loud funny and heartachingly, sweet. Chloe and Brendan are in my opinion the most adorably, clueless Rourke duo. A perfect blend of cheeky and heartwarming, Gilmore continues to wrap herself around the heart to prove a little unpredictability goes a long way when it comes to romance.

[SusanL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and enjoyable read!
Chloe and Brendan aren't exactly related but definitely attracted to each other. Chloe's sister is married to Brendan's cousin, a Rourke prince.

Chloe is studying to become a cancer researcher. Her plan? To cure cancer. Brendan works with his brothers in their family-owned business. Brendan's favorite part of his job is finding old buildings for sale the brothers can renovate and turn into something that will benefit and beautify the community.

When these two meet there's an instant attraction but Chloe is wary and Brendan doesn't want to cause any family problems. The connection between he and his brothers (the riff-raff) and his cousins (the princes and king of Villroy) is still too new to rock the boat. Fast forward to months later with Chloe moving into Brendan's building while working an internship the following summer...as his next-door neighbor. Neither one of them can believe it not have they forgotten the other and the attraction hasn't dimmed one bit.

Brendan, who suggested they just be friends back on Villroy island, tells Chloe there's no reason to not continue being friends. This makes Chloe happy yet is a struggle because all she wants is to jump Brendan. Brendan realizes he's torturing himself being so close to Chloe yet not being able to touch her the way he wants. He can't distract her from her plans. She's going to cure cancer one day. He knows she'll achieve her goal. She's not just beautiful and sexy, she’s a genius.

Eventually, nature takes its course and they succumb to their feelings, but not before actually becoming good friends.

As Chloe's time as Brendan's neighbor is ending, she realizes she needs to decide her future. Is she going to continue on with her lifelong plan and end things with Brendan so he's free to have a life now not waiting for her to finish med school and her residency? Or does she give up her dream to grab hold of a life she didn't even know she wanted until she met and fell in love with Brendan? A love so deep she never knew she had the capacity for it.

Loved this book and the characters!

[Lena Dublin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Burn Swoony Goodness

I’ve got heart eyes for this slow-burn romance. I am not usually one for this trope but Kylie made me a fan. I was invested in Brendan and Chloe’s story from the word go. Brendan is from the Brooklyn Rourke’s and is on Villroy for his cousin’s wedding and meets Chloe when she uses his room as an escape from palace security. (Loved that meet cute.) In the beginning, their relationship was not an easy one. They denied themselves a lot when it came to their relationship. It was almost heart breaking.

Chloe is related to the Rourke’s by marriage. Her sister Sara is married to Adrian Rourke, a prince from Villroy. Their parents died in a car accident when she was young. This lost left her emotionally stunted, incapable of feelings of love. Now as a young woman, her focus is succeeding in college and her career so she would no longer feel like a burden to her older sister. She pretty much put herself in a stuck in the no fun zone. When she meets Brendan, she is instantly intrigued. She saw someone who knows how to have fun. Living life with a fun devil may care attitude. Hanging out one night, she lets her hair down and makes a pass at Brendan. Because of family obligations, Brendan holds back his feelings for Chloe sending mixed signals and playing on her insecurities. This would be something he would regret. Fast forward five years and she finds herself as Brendan’s neighbor in Brooklyn. This time he won’t let her get away.

I loved their story. How Brendan did all he could to get Chloe to let down her guard. It was so swoon worthy. Seeing Chloe go from conservative and serious to playful and fun while still focusing on her goals was great to see. I really wanted to see her get the guy.

A great couple. A great story. One-click now.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brendan and Chloe’s friends-to-lovers story in Rogue Devil by Kylie Gilmore, book eleven in The Rourkes series, was a feel good, enjoyable romance. From the moment Brendan first saw Chloe, he felt a connection, a protective urge he never realized he had. She is the sister-in-law of one of my cousins, a family connection; so hooking up will not happen as it could make things awkward. Chloe has learned the hard way that friends with benefits doesn’t always work; for some, crossing the line means the end to the friendship. Instead, she will put all of her energy into getting into medical school and eventually working to find the cure for cancer. Chloe needs for her life to mean something and give back something significant to the world. All is fine when they leave Villroy after the Christmas holiday, at least until Chloe sublets the apartment next door to Brendan for the summer. Can we say, uncomfortable and awkward; maybe even a test of willpower. As they spend all of their spare time together as friends Brendan finds himself growing more and more attracted to Chloe. He knows about her past and her goals for her future. These two have off the chart chemistry, magnetism, and an understanding of each other that makes crossing the friend line so much easier.

Ms. Gilmore wrote a wonderful and moving story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, challenging situations, and charming characters giving Brendan and Chloe a chance to have it all. I recommend Rogue Devil to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the premise of this story! Chloe is determined that no one is going to get in the way of her dream. Medical school & then a cure for cancer - that’s her future. Brendan isn’t looking for anything serious. He’d love a casual fling but that just doesn’t work when there’s a family connection. They are attracted to each other but don’t want it to go any deeper so they stuck themselves in the friend zone. When does that ever work?

Me. Gilmore has given her readers the perfect storyline. The Rourke’s are disgraced royalty that have established themselves in America. Part of the story is in the castle on Villroy Island & part is in New York. A fantasy come true. Chloe’s determination to accomplish her dream comes through with everything she does. I appreciated the way Brendan is trying to support her dream rather than divert her from that goal. They both realize that have good lives apart but they would be better if they could figure out a way to be together. The chemistry is intense! I love the sense of family that comes through in every book in the series. Like all of them, this could easily be read as a stand alone but you can follow the family lines & the characters better if you read them in order.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 royal stars for Kylie! I don't want this series to end! If you haven't read it yet, get started so you're ready for Rogue Devils release!!
Here we have Chloe, she has her life set, she's going to med school, she wants to find a cure for cancer, that's all she's going to do and she can't let a relationship get in her way. After the mess of Michael proposing, she will not let this happen again. That is until she meet's Brendan, he's all that and then some, but he's older and likely not looking for a friends with benefits kind of thing.
Brendan never thought he'd be a relationship kind of guy, but watching his brothers find their happy ever afters has him thinking otherwise. When he meets Chloe, he's so taken by her beauty and brains, he agrees to be her best friend, but can he keep it that way?
Read along and find out! Grab this one asap!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe is a dedicated, intelligent, focused medical student, intent on finding a cure for cancer. She has no time for a relationship. She was all about the "friends with benefits" scene, which ultimately backfired.
Brenden works with his brothers in their construction/land developer company.

Chloe moves next door to Brendan for the summer while she studies for her MCATs and works a Summer Internship in medical research.

They begin to hang out and start spending more and more time together...both fighting their instant attraction. Chloe fighting it because she can not allow herself to get derailed from what she has been working so hard to achieve and Brendan because he knows they have a family connection and he does not want to cause waves, or even lose Chloe as a friend.

Can the two just be "friends"?

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Kylie described Brendan and Chloe book as a slow burn, it was not a boring one. Technically it wasn’t a slow burn at all it was two hot blooded humans fight an attraction for their own valid reasons.

The two were a match made in friendship and their relationship blossom like we all wish ours would in real life. Friends before anything, getting to each other on a level outside of the bedroom. Having that support system when you personally feel what you do may bore the other. However, you find that person that cheers you on and encourage that next move and even add their own input that brings a bright smile to your face. That was Bren and Chloe, that TFFL (true friend for life). That family you needed to fill a void you assumed was caused by you being broken.

Yes, this book was laughs, wishes, and that forever type of romance.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous friends to lovers book!! Kylie Gilmore writes a beautiful love story that will have you laughing, crying and swooning over this couple!! Brendon and Chloe meet and the sparks are flying everywhere!! Everyone can see their connection but these two try to remain friends...until they can't!!
Grab this book and enjoy revisiting with all the Rourke's and enjoy this next Rourke fall in love!! This book will keep you glued from start to finish!! Very sad that Garrett will be the last Rourke book but hopefully Kylie will find more of this royal line to follow!!

[Dawn Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another great book from the very talented Kylie Gilmore. This is another Rourkes book and this was a feel good kind of story with some laughs and definitely some heart. The characters were well written and so darn easy to love. Chloe is determined to keep her focus on medical school and that means not guys. When Brendan meet Chloe he feels a instant connection but know this is a friends only relationship, so keeping his hands to himself is starting to be a bit of a challenge. This was a fun and enjoyable read and I absolutely loved it and I highly recommend it.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a light, fun rom-com with a bit of steam...perfect for the beach, pool or backyard! I just love Brendan and Chloe who are well developed characters, and seem to be opposites who would never work but somehow do perfectly! They fight their chemistry which makes for all of the fun and makes you like them even more. There is a connection to the earlier books in the series so you will want to go back and read them all, but this can be read as a stand-alone with an HEA...and a sneak peek to "Beast's" story....finally! Can't wait!!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan Kylie Gilmore. The series Rogue Royals is beautifully written and Rogue Devil is everything you want to believe about a royal. Brendan and Chloe are strong independent characters with honor, and family important in their lives. I enjoyed reading about Brendan and Chloe love story and Brendan determination to love Chloe. I highly recommend reading this book and all of the Rogue Royals books. I received this book as an arc for an honest review of it.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet, slow burn romance. Chloe has her life planned and falling in love with Brendan was not in her plan. They start as friends but the heart wants what the heart wants and they can not deny their feelings. There is fun and romance and lots of family in this story. Another great book in this series.

[Maria Cecília · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, drama free story. Brendan is the typical work hard, play harder. Cloe knows only the work hard and plann harder. Being the sister of his cousin´s wife, Brendan sees her as a prohibited attraction. Cloe is very pragmatic and, in her way, a very different type of heroine. For her, attraction and sex is not related to an emotional feeling. Until Brendan and her can´t keep their friendship platonic and they realize that what they have for each other is much more than purely physical. Brendan finally shows Cloe that unplanned steps are the best ones!

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow

Wow, just wow! Brendan and Chloe are opposites in most respects. Yet, they find themselves fitting together and having fun together. She’s so concentrated on her school, and being the best so that she can be a doctor. He loves his job, but realizes he loves her more. She loves the big happy family that he comes from. Can’t wait to see what happens next

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brendan and Chloe think that friendship and love are mutually exclusive. They have to go through several crazy things before they realize that isn't true. They have a cute and funny friendship. The epilogue is so funny, too!

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brendan wants Chloe but traits because he's terrible at relationships and does not want to cause issues with his family. Chloe is studious and has her mind set on her medical goals. Having a relationship, meeting Brendan, is not in her plan. I loved the time they spend together.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bren and Chloe are a friends to lovers romance, that starts out sweet, and ends with heat. They challenge each other, as their feelings start to change, and find out that they are better together. One of my favourites of the Rourkes series. Don't miss it.

[Candace Mantyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Devil, book 11 in The Rourkes series, is a feel good romance that can be read as a stand alone. Chloe and Brendan are new neighbors that desperately try to keep each other in the friend zone. Rogue Devil is a perfect addition to the series. I love catching up with The Rourkes!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe and Brendan were the perfect mix - clueless and smart, fun and serious. This was definitely a slow burn romance, but the end result was explosive. They didn’t make a big deal of the age gap which was refreshing. Cannot wait for the next one!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left a huge smile on my face from ear to ear after reading this sexy, fun and sweetly thrilling journey filled with engaging charters, witty banter, emotionally thrilling twists and exciting passion. Loved this friends to so much more roller-coaster adventure! Excellent reading!

[Kim Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully delivish!!! The latest addition to the Rouke family does not disappoint! A great summertime read, you won’t be sorry!

[Sharon Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Love this series of books. So hope that we will see more of all the Royals & Rourkes in future books!

[April Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all takes time

Not my favorite in the series, but still a good read. Just didn't have the wow factor like the others. More of a slow burn romance, with small challenges.

[JLS]

I love the Rourkes!! But Brendan..... He's in a league all his own! I'm a little jealous of Chloe (lol).
Chloe is the sister in law of Prince Adrian. She's got her life all mapped out. She's going to be a cancer researcher. There's a lot a years of school ahead of her and she doesn't need the distraction of a relationship.
Brendan isn't looking for a relationship. He likes his carefree lifestyle. He always lets the women know it won't be serious. Then he meets Chloe and for the sake of his family, he knows she's off limits. No matter how much chemistry is between them. Everything is fine until she moves in next door.
This
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Believe me, it's an easy read with characters that are sassy, funny, serious and sizzling hot!

[LadyAileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rogue Devil è l’undicesimo libro della serie The Rourkes, la famiglia reale che governa il piccolo regno di Villroy. Se nei primi sei volumi viene raccontata la storia della famiglia regnante (un romanzo per ogni membro), in questo conosceremo l’altro ramo della famiglia (quello che vive negli USA). I protagonisti di questo volume sono: Brendan, socio nell’impresa di costruzioni di famiglia dove si occupa di cercare proprietà “abbandonate” per acquistarle e dargli nuova vita e Chloe, una studentessa geniale che ha il sogno di laurearsi in medicina e diventare una ricercatrice per trovare una cura per il cancro.
Anche in questo caso le vicende sono raccontate dai punti di vista dei due protagonisti (cosa che apprezzo molto) in prima persona. Stavolta il rapporto tra i due protagonisti evolve in maniera molto lenta. Brendan è subito attratto da Chloe ma considerando che non è in cerca di una storia seria ed essendo la donna, sorella della moglie di uno dei principi di Villroy teme di guastare di nuovo i rapporti tra i due rami dei Rourke. Chloe, invece, è una ragazza giovane ma con un obiettivo ambizioso e in quel momento della sua vita non ha tempo da dedicare a una relazione ma resta affascinata da Brendan. I due dopo aver trascorso del tempo a Villroy e deciso che tra loro non sarebbe potuto esserci niente, si lasciano convinti di non rivedersi più invece qualche mese dopo, per uno strano scherzo del destino, finiscono per diventare vicini di casa per tutta l’estate…
Rispetto ai precedenti, i due protagonisti si comportano da amici per quasi tutto il romanzo anche se si percepisce chiaramente la loro attrazione.
A essere sincera tra tutte le coppie dei Rourke è quella che mi è piaciuta di meno. Probabilmente perché Chloe è decisamente troppo seriosa per i miei gusti, anche dopo averne scoperto il motivo, non ho mai provato una vera empatia per lei. Altra cosa che forse mi ha poco convinto è la mancanza dei pensieri che hanno spinto alla fine Brendan a rincorrere Chloe dopo la rottura.
Però mi è piaciuto che l’autrice si sia presa un po’ più di tempo per raccontare cosa accade ai due protagonisti dopo la dichiarazione d’amore.
Lo stile dell’autrice è sempre semplice, scorrevole, ironico e con un livello di sensualità abbastanza alto che ha relegato nell’ultima parte.
Per chi cerca qualcosa di estremamente frivolo e veloce.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single book in this series is so unique and cleverly written! Every one a definite must read.

Chloe has had her career planned out for many years even though she's only twenty. She's determined to become a medical researcher and cure cancer. But losing both her parents at a young age has caused her to be shy about relationships. She doesn't trust them to last because no one in her life has.

Brendan Rourke missed his chance to get to know Chloe once so when she moves into the apartment next door he doesn't intend to let his second chance get away. He still doesn't want anything permanent, plus their family connection could make things complicated. So why does he feel such a protective streak toward her?

Amazing writing, fun and interesting characters, and every book makes you want more. I'm going to be so sad when this series is over.

I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.

[Sue-Ellen Quin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had my reservations about this book, how would Kylie Gilmore give these characters the romance and happily ever after that the previous Rourke’s have? We were introduced to the main characters in previous books and their personalities seem intense and quite the opposite of each other.
Once they met it was Gilmore magic.
I have loved this series but I have a soft spot for the Rogue Rourke’s and their partners, each story has been refreshing and fun to read. Brendan and Chloe’s story didn’t disappoint. It had a slow burn that kept me hooked. I’m excited to read Rogue Beast and instead of wondering how will Kylie Gilmore write a story that is as good as the last 11, I’m going to relax and enjoy knowing nobody writes heart capturing stories like she does.
Thank you for sharing your stories with the world.