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Vancity Villains #1
Handsome Devil
A scorching-hot enemies-to-lovers romance, featuring a strong, feisty heroine and the billionaire boss she’d love to hate, an unforgettable kiss, a whole lot of lies, an irresistible battle of will… and a twisted deal that just might save them both from losing it all.
Dane Davenport was the most gorgeous, popular, and hatable guy I went to high school with.
And now? He’s the one thing standing in the way of my dream: to own the talent agency I’ve devoted my career to. Because he just bought it.
I don’t care how hot he looks in a suit. Or how many times he wants to remind me about that stupid kiss when we were teenagers.
(So what if I kissed him back? He started it!)
He’s the bosshole from hell, and now I’m stuck with him—unless he decides to fire me.
I loathe that he has the power here, and he knows it.
Well, I am not going down without a fight.
But instead of firing me from the job I love, he does something even more evil: he asks me to help him—to save his reputation and his fortune.
I might be willing to make a deal with the devil—if it means I get my agency.
I might even be able to pretend I can stand the man who has the power to ruin me.
It’s a diabolical plan. But my hatred of him will protect me.
My heart isn’t part of this bargain.
So why does it pick up speed every time we fight?
Why is that ice-cold look in his eyes starting to thaw… and getting hotter than hell?
And when I discover someone’s out to ruin him, why do I want to fight for him so bad?
If I put everything on the line, including my heart, will Dane finally win this war between us?
Or could the devil from my past really be my Prince Charming?
Dane Davenport was the most gorgeous, popular, and hatable guy I went to high school with.
And now? He’s the one thing standing in the way of my dream: to own the talent agency I’ve devoted my career to. Because he just bought it.
I don’t care how hot he looks in a suit. Or how many times he wants to remind me about that stupid kiss when we were teenagers.
(So what if I kissed him back? He started it!)
He’s the bosshole from hell, and now I’m stuck with him—unless he decides to fire me.
I loathe that he has the power here, and he knows it.
Well, I am not going down without a fight.
But instead of firing me from the job I love, he does something even more evil: he asks me to help him—to save his reputation and his fortune.
I might be willing to make a deal with the devil—if it means I get my agency.
I might even be able to pretend I can stand the man who has the power to ruin me.
It’s a diabolical plan. But my hatred of him will protect me.
My heart isn’t part of this bargain.
So why does it pick up speed every time we fight?
Why is that ice-cold look in his eyes starting to thaw… and getting hotter than hell?
And when I discover someone’s out to ruin him, why do I want to fight for him so bad?
If I put everything on the line, including my heart, will Dane finally win this war between us?
Or could the devil from my past really be my Prince Charming?
662 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
1865 people are currently reading
2535 people want to read
About the author
Jaine Diamond
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Jaine Diamond is a Top 50 Amazon US and a Top 5 international bestselling author. She writes contemporary romance featuring badass, swoon-worthy heroes endowed with massive hearts, strong heroines armed with sweetness and sass, and explosive, page-turning chemistry.
She lives on the beautiful west coast of Canada with her real-life romantic hero and daughter, where she reads, writes and makes extensive playlists for her books while binge drinking tea.
Her books have been translated into French, German and Hebrew.
Join Jaine Diamond’s VIPs!
Jaine Diamond is a Top 50 Amazon US and a Top 5 international bestselling author. She writes contemporary romance featuring badass, swoon-worthy heroes endowed with massive hearts, strong heroines armed with sweetness and sass, and explosive, page-turning chemistry.
She lives on the beautiful west coast of Canada with her real-life romantic hero and daughter, where she reads, writes and makes extensive playlists for her books while binge drinking tea.
Her books have been translated into French, German and Hebrew.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
October 8, 2021
I’m 61% in and can’t find it in myself to like Devi the slightest bit. So far she’s just bitchy, she’s fighting for her job but yet still decided to mouth at her boss and gets all butt hurt when he bites back. She’s awful and cruel and the way she treats this guy, it’s actually making my blood boil.
I mean I get it in a small way why she’s so hostile towards him and so far we have no reason for her hatred only that he kissed her in school, was what she thinks was mean and he’s never had to work for his money because of his family. Honestly, that’s just absolute shite. The guy can not help who his family is.
Yes ok, he’s cold hearted but he’s literally not done anything that warrants the hate she shows to him? I’m hoping the author can redeem this character within the last 39% of this book because damn, I’ve never disliked a person as much as I do this character.
But even though I have much dislike for her, the storyline is good. I love a fake relationship book and this author is hitting it on the head, would be even a 5 star read for me if the leading woman wasn’t so hostile.
Now 68% in and ok she’s got a reason, not that great of a reason but a reason none the less. I guess it’s a woman scorned kind of thing and I get that but the thing to do in this situation being a grown ass adult and all is talk right?
This guy isn’t that much better, they both lack common sense.
74% in and this woman is grating my nerves. Does she not know how to act like a damn adult and talk through her feelings instead of jumping off the deep end? Goodness me.
Let’s talk about that plot twist even after everything that happened, after everything this guy goes through she’s still an actual idiot. The way that man is treated in this book and she asks him to forgive them, I just can’t. She redeemed herself and then it went back to shit for her.
Ok so I’m done with the book at that last 10% was actually good. I actually liked Devi for the last bit, the author redeemed her character for me a tiny bit.
This has been such an up and down book for me. The way she irritated me so damn much just proves how real this authors writing gets. I enjoyed their banter when it was just banter and although I really didn’t care for Devi and her shitty attitude I slowly understood why she felt the way she did. I absolutely adored Dane, I hated how conceited he was at times but there was so much depth to his character that I just couldn’t help but like him.
I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I mean I get it in a small way why she’s so hostile towards him and so far we have no reason for her hatred only that he kissed her in school, was what she thinks was mean and he’s never had to work for his money because of his family. Honestly, that’s just absolute shite. The guy can not help who his family is.
Yes ok, he’s cold hearted but he’s literally not done anything that warrants the hate she shows to him? I’m hoping the author can redeem this character within the last 39% of this book because damn, I’ve never disliked a person as much as I do this character.
But even though I have much dislike for her, the storyline is good. I love a fake relationship book and this author is hitting it on the head, would be even a 5 star read for me if the leading woman wasn’t so hostile.
Now 68% in and ok she’s got a reason, not that great of a reason but a reason none the less. I guess it’s a woman scorned kind of thing and I get that but the thing to do in this situation being a grown ass adult and all is talk right?
This guy isn’t that much better, they both lack common sense.
74% in and this woman is grating my nerves. Does she not know how to act like a damn adult and talk through her feelings instead of jumping off the deep end? Goodness me.
Let’s talk about that plot twist even after everything that happened, after everything this guy goes through she’s still an actual idiot. The way that man is treated in this book and she asks him to forgive them, I just can’t. She redeemed herself and then it went back to shit for her.
Ok so I’m done with the book at that last 10% was actually good. I actually liked Devi for the last bit, the author redeemed her character for me a tiny bit.
This has been such an up and down book for me. The way she irritated me so damn much just proves how real this authors writing gets. I enjoyed their banter when it was just banter and although I really didn’t care for Devi and her shitty attitude I slowly understood why she felt the way she did. I absolutely adored Dane, I hated how conceited he was at times but there was so much depth to his character that I just couldn’t help but like him.
I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
October 4, 2021
This book was so boring it burned my eyes. Also, I couldn't stand the heroine. I am SO TIRED of heroines who get pissy at their bosses. In real life, they'd be f**king fired! I just couldn't stomach another 650 pages of his dry and annoying as dust book.
June 17, 2022
Handsome Devil was absolutely delicious. I loved Devi and Dane's connection. I especially loved how enthralled they were with one another. The enemies to lovers fiery banter was amazing!! I could not get enough! This is my very first time reading Jaine Diamond and this series may be the perfect starting point. I Ioved the cast of characters and how, despite being a spinoff from another series, I was not lost at all.
I will admit that I did find the ending to be somewhat rushed. It did not pack a punch as the previous 70% of the story. Dane wasn't assertive and confident and it felt out of place in the story. In addition, and this is just personal preference, I was somewhat disappointed that the author didn't delve into Devi's background. It was mentioned that Devi was half Indian but the story didn't highlight Devi's Indian culture at all (except by mentioning that Devi loved Indian food and her mother was Indian.) We did not see Dane's interaction with Devi's family at "Lunch" nor did we see any mention of Devi's culture.
I know this story was primarily about Dane and his role as the Davenport heir but I think the story would have benefited greatly if Devi's culture and the significant impact it played in her life was mentioned. Now I may be biased as an Indian American woman but when I see diversity in a novel I get SO excited so I think this was a missed opportunity by this author for sure. All in all, however, I enjoyed this story and can't wait for more books in the Vancity Villains series! 4 stars! ~Ratula ❤️
I will admit that I did find the ending to be somewhat rushed. It did not pack a punch as the previous 70% of the story. Dane wasn't assertive and confident and it felt out of place in the story. In addition, and this is just personal preference, I was somewhat disappointed that the author didn't delve into Devi's background. It was mentioned that Devi was half Indian but the story didn't highlight Devi's Indian culture at all (except by mentioning that Devi loved Indian food and her mother was Indian.) We did not see Dane's interaction with Devi's family at "Lunch" nor did we see any mention of Devi's culture.
I know this story was primarily about Dane and his role as the Davenport heir but I think the story would have benefited greatly if Devi's culture and the significant impact it played in her life was mentioned. Now I may be biased as an Indian American woman but when I see diversity in a novel I get SO excited so I think this was a missed opportunity by this author for sure. All in all, however, I enjoyed this story and can't wait for more books in the Vancity Villains series! 4 stars! ~Ratula ❤️
February 26, 2022
Audio 5 stars 17 hours
Story 4 stars
A long but good story.
Dean Davenport is set to take over one of the the modeling agencies his rich family bought.
He realizes his high school secret crush Debbie works for him.
Because he's single and almost 30 he thinks being married would be better for his image.
He propositions Debbie into a fake marriage for four months until he turns 30and inherits alot of money.
Very romantic read with lots of steam. Just very long
Story 4 stars
A long but good story.
Dean Davenport is set to take over one of the the modeling agencies his rich family bought.
He realizes his high school secret crush Debbie works for him.
Because he's single and almost 30 he thinks being married would be better for his image.
He propositions Debbie into a fake marriage for four months until he turns 30and inherits alot of money.
Very romantic read with lots of steam. Just very long
May 8, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: enemies to lovers, fake marriage
Angst: 😱😱.5
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Definitely a different take on an enemies to lovers and I absolutely loved it! Really love a story when an alpha male isn't afraid to take on an alpha female and enjoy everything that makes her, her. Loved the fact that the heroine saved the day. That she didn't NEED him, she needed HIM. The fantastic character development really made this shine through and work for this story. The push and pull between them was 🔥🔥🔥. The story was probably a bit longer than it needed to be, but still a great storyline with some awesome twists that kept me hooked till the very end despite how long it was. Definitely going to be reading the other books in the series!
Trope: enemies to lovers, fake marriage
Angst: 😱😱.5
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Definitely a different take on an enemies to lovers and I absolutely loved it! Really love a story when an alpha male isn't afraid to take on an alpha female and enjoy everything that makes her, her. Loved the fact that the heroine saved the day. That she didn't NEED him, she needed HIM. The fantastic character development really made this shine through and work for this story. The push and pull between them was 🔥🔥🔥. The story was probably a bit longer than it needed to be, but still a great storyline with some awesome twists that kept me hooked till the very end despite how long it was. Definitely going to be reading the other books in the series!
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October 5, 2021OH MY GOD!!!!! How i loved this book Devi and Danes story was amazing i loved every bit of it. Devi was cheeky minx. She was everything I wanted her to be and more. Handsome Devil is the first of the Vancity Villains series that is a spin off of the Dirty/Players world and it is just brilliant.
The banter back and forth between Devi and Dane was what made me love them. The hate, the fire, the sparks and the drama is what made this book.
Another amazing book.
The banter back and forth between Devi and Dane was what made me love them. The hate, the fire, the sparks and the drama is what made this book.
Another amazing book.
October 14, 2021
Not her usual good book - read on KU
I love Jaine Diamond's books. I think I have given all of them but one or two 5 🌟 . This book could be 4 stars with some minor changes.
First, the book is entirely too long. The read time Amazon gave when I first downloaded it was 7.5 hours or so. That is entirely too long for a book like this. In the blurb, it is noted he asks her for help to save his reputation. That doesn't happen until 38%. Up to that point is boring. So very boring. There is so much self talk and it gets so repetitive. Both of them are still hung up on their senior year of high school - Devi especially.
For far too long after that point, Devi and Dane spend more times on power games - yet again, especially Devi. She carried on with her unreasonable hatred for way too long.
In the beginning of the book, a fair bit of time is at the agency. Dane comes in and makes changes that she should have been happy about. She should have been throwing a party for the first change he made. Dane is kind of like a bull in a China shop if you don't know his reasons. As readers, we do, but none of the employees there do. He makes an odd management change and then revokes it later and there is no follow up in the fallout from that. There would have definitely been fallout.
Essentially, the first 38% happens in her world and then the remaining story is in his. A mixture throughout the book would have been good.
The steamy scenes were decent and a tiny, tiny bit beyond vanilla. There was definitely chemistry there but I didn't feel it as much in the steamy scenes towards the end of the book. But, that might have been me. I read the whole book within 24 hours, so my mood shouldn't have changed much but I might have been distracted.
The twist and end of the book is decent. I'm not sure how I feel about Shane and Lex having their own books. Shane participates in underground fighting. Let is a member of the biker gang from the dirty series and has silver plated canines. That's so not sexy.
I almost forgot to mention the very messed up relationship he has with his mom and grandmother. They're both cold. Apparently, there is some sentimentality there but it is twisted. I found the last exchange between him and mom/grandmother to be a little confusing. Especially the grandmother's.
There were also a lot of grammatical errors in this book that I don't remember her previous books having. Maybe her editor was having a bad couple of days. There are so many places where "who" is used as an object. There are missing commas. Sometimes, other personal pronouns are used incorrectly. She uses the word "insure" when she meant "ensure." None of the errors were horrendous but there were quite a number of them.
If this was the first book by Ms. Diamond that I read, I wouldn't read anything else by her. I would have a hard time believing her books are usually engaging and the relationships a little more straight forward (relationships with secondary characters). However, the Dirty series is one of my favorite series. So, if you have just read this and you do what I do, which is read other reviews seeing if other people felt like I did about a book, please don't give up on Ms. Diamond if you aren't already familiar with her work. Even after having to push myself to read the first half of this, I really look forward to her next release.
I love Jaine Diamond's books. I think I have given all of them but one or two 5 🌟 . This book could be 4 stars with some minor changes.
First, the book is entirely too long. The read time Amazon gave when I first downloaded it was 7.5 hours or so. That is entirely too long for a book like this. In the blurb, it is noted he asks her for help to save his reputation. That doesn't happen until 38%. Up to that point is boring. So very boring. There is so much self talk and it gets so repetitive. Both of them are still hung up on their senior year of high school - Devi especially.
For far too long after that point, Devi and Dane spend more times on power games - yet again, especially Devi. She carried on with her unreasonable hatred for way too long.
In the beginning of the book, a fair bit of time is at the agency. Dane comes in and makes changes that she should have been happy about. She should have been throwing a party for the first change he made. Dane is kind of like a bull in a China shop if you don't know his reasons. As readers, we do, but none of the employees there do. He makes an odd management change and then revokes it later and there is no follow up in the fallout from that. There would have definitely been fallout.
Essentially, the first 38% happens in her world and then the remaining story is in his. A mixture throughout the book would have been good.
The steamy scenes were decent and a tiny, tiny bit beyond vanilla. There was definitely chemistry there but I didn't feel it as much in the steamy scenes towards the end of the book. But, that might have been me. I read the whole book within 24 hours, so my mood shouldn't have changed much but I might have been distracted.
The twist and end of the book is decent. I'm not sure how I feel about Shane and Lex having their own books. Shane participates in underground fighting. Let is a member of the biker gang from the dirty series and has silver plated canines. That's so not sexy.
I almost forgot to mention the very messed up relationship he has with his mom and grandmother. They're both cold. Apparently, there is some sentimentality there but it is twisted. I found the last exchange between him and mom/grandmother to be a little confusing. Especially the grandmother's.
There were also a lot of grammatical errors in this book that I don't remember her previous books having. Maybe her editor was having a bad couple of days. There are so many places where "who" is used as an object. There are missing commas. Sometimes, other personal pronouns are used incorrectly. She uses the word "insure" when she meant "ensure." None of the errors were horrendous but there were quite a number of them.
If this was the first book by Ms. Diamond that I read, I wouldn't read anything else by her. I would have a hard time believing her books are usually engaging and the relationships a little more straight forward (relationships with secondary characters). However, the Dirty series is one of my favorite series. So, if you have just read this and you do what I do, which is read other reviews seeing if other people felt like I did about a book, please don't give up on Ms. Diamond if you aren't already familiar with her work. Even after having to push myself to read the first half of this, I really look forward to her next release.
July 19, 2022
Cute book! Super long but cute!
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February 21, 2024Available now!
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Amazon: https://geni.us/HandsomeDevilBook
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Handsome-D...
Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://geni.us/HandsomeDevilBook
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Handsome-D...
December 17, 2023
Dane has everything. Money, popularity, the world handed him. Devi is someone he wants, but she wants nothing to do with him. I truly loved this book... because for once, when characters are meant to hate each other, they truly hate each other.
"I’d always been intimidated by her. Because I wanted her and I couldn’t have her. And now… because I didn’t really have her. I was afraid I’d never be able to have her. That I would lose her long before I could figure out how to make her mine." HIM
Audible purchase. It's definitely one of my favorites for a year.
Audible purchase 🎶
"I’d always been intimidated by her. Because I wanted her and I couldn’t have her. And now… because I didn’t really have her. I was afraid I’d never be able to have her. That I would lose her long before I could figure out how to make her mine." HIM
Audible purchase. It's definitely one of my favorites for a year.
Audible purchase 🎶
October 6, 2021
This was alright. First half held a lot of promise. I love the earlier parts of the story when Dane has just showed up in town wrecking havoc of Devi's job and workplace. Then it gets weird with his scheme to secure his inheritance.
Climax of the story was the worst part for me, I did not like how it went down. It was too
Devi also annoyed me a lot at the beginning. I kept thinking something happened between Dane and her in high school, something the readers weren't fully privy to. Something made her despise him so much, like he bullied her, or he broke her heart because they had a secret fling? But nope, nothing like that. But she still held onto a grudge for a decade. For someone who is her boss and held the future of her career at the agency in his hands, she verbally harrasses him at every turn. It would have be easier to watch happen if they weren't connected at the workplace.
Climax of the story was the worst part for me, I did not like how it went down. It was too
Devi also annoyed me a lot at the beginning. I kept thinking something happened between Dane and her in high school, something the readers weren't fully privy to. Something made her despise him so much, like he bullied her, or he broke her heart because they had a secret fling? But nope, nothing like that. But she still held onto a grudge for a decade. For someone who is her boss and held the future of her career at the agency in his hands, she verbally harrasses him at every turn. It would have be easier to watch happen if they weren't connected at the workplace.
October 15, 2021
DNF at 54%.
I loved Jaine’s Dirty and Players series. Loved them. Read them more than once.
And in those books, Devi was the queen of cool and put together.
Here, she’s a vicious mess. Still hung up on high school drama? That’s a stupid trope. And beneath Jaine’s skills.
Other reviewers hint that it gets better and there are reasons she’s as she is and Dane is icy. Took too long to get there.
And I just couldn’t. I’d rather go back and read Dirty Like Me for a 3rd time.
Sorry Jaine. Truly.
I loved Jaine’s Dirty and Players series. Loved them. Read them more than once.
And in those books, Devi was the queen of cool and put together.
Here, she’s a vicious mess. Still hung up on high school drama? That’s a stupid trope. And beneath Jaine’s skills.
Other reviewers hint that it gets better and there are reasons she’s as she is and Dane is icy. Took too long to get there.
And I just couldn’t. I’d rather go back and read Dirty Like Me for a 3rd time.
Sorry Jaine. Truly.
October 17, 2021
I love office romances every now and then. I decided to pick this one up but I couldn’t even finish it. For starters it’s a really long book, and more than half of what I read was just filler scenes… I get character development but this just didn’t work.
November 16, 2023
**Audiobook Review**
Handsome Devil by Jaine Diamond was a work place enemies to lovers story that went above and beyond. This romance is full of so much steam, angst, lust, and love. I love that Devi and Dane have an intricate history that creates crazy insane tension, and instantly captivates you in the story. I never knew being in hate with someone could be so HOT! This was my first Jaine Diamond book and won't be my last.
Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais narrate the audiobook, and are just absolute perfection as Devi and Dane. Samantha is amazing showcasing Devi's strong, fierce, and sassy personality. Not to mention, if you haven't heard Samantha's male voice, you are missing out; it's hot! Connor Crais brings all of Dane's swag, arrogance, and passion for his company into his performance, and I found myself (just like Devi) falling more and more this handsome devil! Both narrators are one clicks for me!
Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook. This one is a long book, but definitely worth it! If you love an alpha, arrogant male, a feisty, fierce female, hot steamy tension, a little bit of angst, a touch of suspense, family drama, and a marriage of convenience to a forever HEA, then you will love this book. I am looking forward to more from Jaine Diamond.
Handsome Devil by Jaine Diamond was a work place enemies to lovers story that went above and beyond. This romance is full of so much steam, angst, lust, and love. I love that Devi and Dane have an intricate history that creates crazy insane tension, and instantly captivates you in the story. I never knew being in hate with someone could be so HOT! This was my first Jaine Diamond book and won't be my last.
Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais narrate the audiobook, and are just absolute perfection as Devi and Dane. Samantha is amazing showcasing Devi's strong, fierce, and sassy personality. Not to mention, if you haven't heard Samantha's male voice, you are missing out; it's hot! Connor Crais brings all of Dane's swag, arrogance, and passion for his company into his performance, and I found myself (just like Devi) falling more and more this handsome devil! Both narrators are one clicks for me!
Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook. This one is a long book, but definitely worth it! If you love an alpha, arrogant male, a feisty, fierce female, hot steamy tension, a little bit of angst, a touch of suspense, family drama, and a marriage of convenience to a forever HEA, then you will love this book. I am looking forward to more from Jaine Diamond.
July 24, 2023
Way too long
This book gets really good toward the end when both Devi and Dane develop into round, feeling characters and finally admit their love for each other. But before that there is a lot of gratuitous hate sex which gets boring. Honestly, you could cut 200 pages out of this book and it would probably be a good romance. But it was just too long for what it accomplishes.
This book gets really good toward the end when both Devi and Dane develop into round, feeling characters and finally admit their love for each other. But before that there is a lot of gratuitous hate sex which gets boring. Honestly, you could cut 200 pages out of this book and it would probably be a good romance. But it was just too long for what it accomplishes.
October 6, 2021
The long awaiting and much anticipated Vancity Villains series starter, Handsome Devil, by the phenomenally talented Jaine Diamond, is finally here. Enemies to lovers! Yes. Second chance? Well, sort of!! JD fans will be dying to get their hands on this book... it's a scorching hot slow burn.
It seemed like Dane and Devi were locked into a battle from day one and I really wasn't sure how I felt about either of these characters at first. Their rocky story began in their senior year of high school when Devi, self assured and determined even then, waltzed into Dane's life and turned his 17 year old self upside down with every click of her spiky heels. Both seemed primed to win at whatever game they were to be playing and they sure were playing! I wanted to know what made her so hard and unrelenting with Dane. She was sweet and caring with valued friends and later on with her coworkers, but thinking of Dane annoyed her immensely.
On the surface, Dane appeared to be such an entitled, insanely wealthy, arrogant ass, but he also had friends that were brothers- they had his back and stuck by him. I loved getting to know them and so will you. He had alot to live up to- being a Davenport was a life sentence, ruled and overruled by his own mother and grandmother as they held the reins of the family's billion dollar businesses in their hands. His life was planned out before he left even left the womb, so, could he live up to these lofty expectations?
Even when they reconnected years later, Devi and Dane's bubbling volatility was still close to the surface, so expect fireworks of the steamy kind to go off when hate and love are flip sides to the same coin. That sexy cat and mouse game was their foreplay, each having some spectacular wins which made the urge to scream at my Kindle and toss it right out the window even stronger, so many times..argggg!!!
As the pages were turning and the cards were laid out on the table- cold, calculating Dane's story, wicked twists and all, was not at all as it seemed at first and I realised he had slipped in and stolen a huge chunk of my heart. He was swoony beneath that icy exterior and I really enjoyed getting to know the kind of man he was under the surface. Devi took a little longer for me. I love and admire a strong leading lady in my romances, which she was but she frustrated me so much at times. If you thought you knew her before, you didn't!! Yes, she was fierce, but had softer layers buried deep and this is where you'll find them. My favorite parts of this book were of them truly together and knowing their deepest thoughts and fears made their hard won ending that much sweeter and rewarding!!
From the beginning, Handsome Devil was setting the scene, winding and climbing it's way to some suspenseful, mindblowing revelations in the last half which explained so much about how and why Devi and Dane were who they were. So many surprises were waiting, characters I've loved and wanted more of are here to join in the story and delight you. This book does a great job of introducing the Vancity Villians series and Jaine Diamond fans will be frothing at the mouth to get their hands on it and what comes next. I was honored to have has the chance to read an early copy and review Handsome Devil. The wait is over and the next book can't come soon enough for me.
It seemed like Dane and Devi were locked into a battle from day one and I really wasn't sure how I felt about either of these characters at first. Their rocky story began in their senior year of high school when Devi, self assured and determined even then, waltzed into Dane's life and turned his 17 year old self upside down with every click of her spiky heels. Both seemed primed to win at whatever game they were to be playing and they sure were playing! I wanted to know what made her so hard and unrelenting with Dane. She was sweet and caring with valued friends and later on with her coworkers, but thinking of Dane annoyed her immensely.
On the surface, Dane appeared to be such an entitled, insanely wealthy, arrogant ass, but he also had friends that were brothers- they had his back and stuck by him. I loved getting to know them and so will you. He had alot to live up to- being a Davenport was a life sentence, ruled and overruled by his own mother and grandmother as they held the reins of the family's billion dollar businesses in their hands. His life was planned out before he left even left the womb, so, could he live up to these lofty expectations?
Even when they reconnected years later, Devi and Dane's bubbling volatility was still close to the surface, so expect fireworks of the steamy kind to go off when hate and love are flip sides to the same coin. That sexy cat and mouse game was their foreplay, each having some spectacular wins which made the urge to scream at my Kindle and toss it right out the window even stronger, so many times..argggg!!!
As the pages were turning and the cards were laid out on the table- cold, calculating Dane's story, wicked twists and all, was not at all as it seemed at first and I realised he had slipped in and stolen a huge chunk of my heart. He was swoony beneath that icy exterior and I really enjoyed getting to know the kind of man he was under the surface. Devi took a little longer for me. I love and admire a strong leading lady in my romances, which she was but she frustrated me so much at times. If you thought you knew her before, you didn't!! Yes, she was fierce, but had softer layers buried deep and this is where you'll find them. My favorite parts of this book were of them truly together and knowing their deepest thoughts and fears made their hard won ending that much sweeter and rewarding!!
From the beginning, Handsome Devil was setting the scene, winding and climbing it's way to some suspenseful, mindblowing revelations in the last half which explained so much about how and why Devi and Dane were who they were. So many surprises were waiting, characters I've loved and wanted more of are here to join in the story and delight you. This book does a great job of introducing the Vancity Villians series and Jaine Diamond fans will be frothing at the mouth to get their hands on it and what comes next. I was honored to have has the chance to read an early copy and review Handsome Devil. The wait is over and the next book can't come soon enough for me.
November 18, 2021
This book is skirting barely 3 stars only because of the Hero Dane Davenport. The Heroine Devi Sereda (who's first name is missing the 'L' on the end imo) sinks this book just about every time she is in a scene which is a lot. Boy does this chick have issues. You don't know where the issues stem from and why they are so tethered to her and why she can't overcome any of them that you want to knock her ass out (or at the very least dig the stiletto of my red bottom on her pinky toe). She was that level of annoying. A character that the author (as she was writing) didn't seem to pause and say 'Hmmmm I can do better!' So Devi(l) and the kitchen sink approach to much of the book is what tanks this read to the point that I don't think I can do any other visits in this series. If this is what one has to endure then thank you, but no thanks.
This author seems to have several tropes at work. MC club, bad-ass rockers, stooopid uber wealthy pricks and goodness knows what else but in this book she didn't need to toss them all in like a Cesar Salad. In this case, letting the reader know about them and having them be peripheral would have been fine, but nooooo. They are the secondary hoverers who do nothing to necessarily elevate the heroine or the hero for that matter. They are more there for the set up of their own future angsty stories
I also think it would have helped a ton if the author spent way more time at the beginning in the high school portion of the story, showing how their dynamic came to be so toxic. Instead we are hearing of long held slights and hurts after a decade+, and life experience has not been kind to Devi(l). She is just a bitter crank who cannot let shit go. As for the injury, I swear it would have made more sense if Dane or one of his friends had given it to her a lá Carrie (the horror movie, not SATC) style because then she'd have some legit reason to hang on to and nurse her grudge(s).
As we know in life screwed up parents most often produce screwed up kids and there was not a good parent in this bunch. In the end there was so much baggage being lugged around by every single character I wondered how they could enjoy any part of their lives.
The upsides to this book were Dane (Yum).
That Devi(l) was Indian was wonderful and not another skinny, blonde blue eyed goddess matching his glacial green gaze and dirty blonde hair. I also wish the author had dug a bit deeper there because as a brown girl when I hear someone has cinnamon hued skin. I am NOT thinking Kate Middleton, I am thinking Halle Berry.
The sex was very good and plentiful with a small amount of anal kink. Nothing too overbearing but the 'I hate you let's fuck our way through this' did tire me out after awhile and I will admit to skipping about a dozen chapters because it was a re-hash. “I don't trust you. I hate you. You're evil! Bend me over and bang my brains out. Where is this going and how did we end up here?”
The book could have been a hair shorter as well. Much better and (I would say) more productive to the series long game is she should have left out much of the literary kitchen sink. Made Devi(l) more interesting and less of a ratchet bitch and rolled back the entourage crap as well as focused a bit more on high school. Also if Devi(l) was ALL THAT, why not go to college and get a business degree so you are more authentically empowered? That would have been some enemies to lovers stuff right there to have been passed over. I love how her take was 'I've been here 11 years so I must wear the crown'. Whaaaa? In what world?
So yes he is a Handsome Devil but I won't be diving any deeper into the Jaine Diamond's future offerings. Which is a shame because she may have something here but I think she has the exact same something in every one of her books.
This author seems to have several tropes at work. MC club, bad-ass rockers, stooopid uber wealthy pricks and goodness knows what else but in this book she didn't need to toss them all in like a Cesar Salad. In this case, letting the reader know about them and having them be peripheral would have been fine, but nooooo. They are the secondary hoverers who do nothing to necessarily elevate the heroine or the hero for that matter. They are more there for the set up of their own future angsty stories
I also think it would have helped a ton if the author spent way more time at the beginning in the high school portion of the story, showing how their dynamic came to be so toxic. Instead we are hearing of long held slights and hurts after a decade+, and life experience has not been kind to Devi(l). She is just a bitter crank who cannot let shit go. As for the injury, I swear it would have made more sense if Dane or one of his friends had given it to her a lá Carrie (the horror movie, not SATC) style because then she'd have some legit reason to hang on to and nurse her grudge(s).
As we know in life screwed up parents most often produce screwed up kids and there was not a good parent in this bunch. In the end there was so much baggage being lugged around by every single character I wondered how they could enjoy any part of their lives.
The upsides to this book were Dane (Yum).
That Devi(l) was Indian was wonderful and not another skinny, blonde blue eyed goddess matching his glacial green gaze and dirty blonde hair. I also wish the author had dug a bit deeper there because as a brown girl when I hear someone has cinnamon hued skin. I am NOT thinking Kate Middleton, I am thinking Halle Berry.
The sex was very good and plentiful with a small amount of anal kink. Nothing too overbearing but the 'I hate you let's fuck our way through this' did tire me out after awhile and I will admit to skipping about a dozen chapters because it was a re-hash. “I don't trust you. I hate you. You're evil! Bend me over and bang my brains out. Where is this going and how did we end up here?”
The book could have been a hair shorter as well. Much better and (I would say) more productive to the series long game is she should have left out much of the literary kitchen sink. Made Devi(l) more interesting and less of a ratchet bitch and rolled back the entourage crap as well as focused a bit more on high school. Also if Devi(l) was ALL THAT, why not go to college and get a business degree so you are more authentically empowered? That would have been some enemies to lovers stuff right there to have been passed over. I love how her take was 'I've been here 11 years so I must wear the crown'. Whaaaa? In what world?
So yes he is a Handsome Devil but I won't be diving any deeper into the Jaine Diamond's future offerings. Which is a shame because she may have something here but I think she has the exact same something in every one of her books.
October 3, 2021
Handsome Devil is an entertaining, steamy, billionaire romance by one of my all time favorite authors. If you love a good enemies to lovers romance, then this book is a must read as this author perfectly captures that love-hate relationship between Dane and Devi.
In the very beginning of the novel, I wasn’t sure what to think about Dane. He appeared arrogant and entitled. However, after those first few chapters, I found myself falling for him. In fact, I positively adored him and he is perhaps one of my favorite heroes! Devi is an intriguing leading lady. Her confidence and dedication to her career was admirable and I love that she wasn’t looking for a man to take care of her. She is a little spitfire with a sharp tongue when it comes to her interactions with Dane. The chemistry between Dane and Devi was off the charts hot and the kindle melting scenes left me frantically fanning myself and in search of a fire extinguisher.
The snarky banter in their emails was especially humorous and delightful. There is a lot of back and forth between these two which was entertaining for the most part, but I also felt that it was a bit redundant. It made the book seem a little long and I would have liked to have seen more progression earlier in the novel. The last third of the book is where it really picked up and found myself fully immersed within the story. I really enjoyed this novel and I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for use next.
I voluntarily read an early version of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
In the very beginning of the novel, I wasn’t sure what to think about Dane. He appeared arrogant and entitled. However, after those first few chapters, I found myself falling for him. In fact, I positively adored him and he is perhaps one of my favorite heroes! Devi is an intriguing leading lady. Her confidence and dedication to her career was admirable and I love that she wasn’t looking for a man to take care of her. She is a little spitfire with a sharp tongue when it comes to her interactions with Dane. The chemistry between Dane and Devi was off the charts hot and the kindle melting scenes left me frantically fanning myself and in search of a fire extinguisher.
The snarky banter in their emails was especially humorous and delightful. There is a lot of back and forth between these two which was entertaining for the most part, but I also felt that it was a bit redundant. It made the book seem a little long and I would have liked to have seen more progression earlier in the novel. The last third of the book is where it really picked up and found myself fully immersed within the story. I really enjoyed this novel and I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for use next.
I voluntarily read an early version of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
October 5, 2021
Whether you have read the Dirty and the Players series (and therefore met the FL before this book) or not, this is a fantastic start to Jaine Diamond’s new series. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC and my excitement about it was justified.
So much fabulous back and forth between the main characters, a subtle suspense plot and you get to witness the male and female lead grow and develop in a way that made you cheer for both of them.
I also think this might be the steamiest book yet…the first time Devi and Dane get to it I felt like I needed a cold shower after. Excellent stuff! 😂
There are a couple of cameos by familiar characters to satisfy my fangirl heart, but this can totally be read as a stand-alone or as a starting point if you’ve not read any of Jaine’s books before (you really should!).
The support cast are fantastic, too. I love that you learn little bits about them. Just enough to flesh them out and to whet your appetite for the next book. I know who I’d like to read about next but I also suspect it’s going to be someone else.
So much fabulous back and forth between the main characters, a subtle suspense plot and you get to witness the male and female lead grow and develop in a way that made you cheer for both of them.
I also think this might be the steamiest book yet…the first time Devi and Dane get to it I felt like I needed a cold shower after. Excellent stuff! 😂
There are a couple of cameos by familiar characters to satisfy my fangirl heart, but this can totally be read as a stand-alone or as a starting point if you’ve not read any of Jaine’s books before (you really should!).
The support cast are fantastic, too. I love that you learn little bits about them. Just enough to flesh them out and to whet your appetite for the next book. I know who I’d like to read about next but I also suspect it’s going to be someone else.
October 2, 2021
Overall, I thought this book was pretty good, but I do think it could’ve been a lot shorter. There were parts of the story where nothing was happening and I just felt like they could’ve been shortened or eliminated altogether in order to make the book shorter. I did like Dane and Devi’s chemistry and the sex scenes were HOT!
I received an ARC of this book directly from the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book directly from the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.
September 11, 2023
At first I was going to give this romance 4 stars, but that ending….knocked it up to 5! So did not see that twist coming!!! This couple??? I loved both of them!!! Devi! The strong confident female…not taking any crap from anyone! She knew what she wanted, and Dane Davenport was not taking it from her! And, Dane?? So misunderstood but, with that swagger and brilliance, just was intoxicating and handsome as hell! He owns her business, and when he shows up to make some changes, Devi is appalled at the nerve of this man! You see, they have a past, a high school past, and it’s not pretty! So these two spar back and forth through probably three-quarters of the book, but in the end, they love the competition but also come to realize that that was the catalyst for igniting their love! Some devastating things eventually are discovered, but it only cements their relationship more! Loved this couple and their story! Looking forward to reading Lex’s book next!
And, that cover?? So gorgeously hot!!
And, that cover?? So gorgeously hot!!
October 5, 2021
If you’re ready for angst, tension, page-turning suspense, witty banter, SERIOUS steam, and an absolutely fantastic story, then you want to read about Devi and Dane. Anyone who is a “member” of the Dirty/Players Universe if familiar with Devi, and I think we’ve all wanted her story to come ‘round. Katie’s sassy and strong bestie finally meets her match.
Dane Davenport, billionaire, sexy as all sin, and cold-hearted devil comes in to Devi’s life by way of their jobs. She’s still an agent with her modeling agency…. He’s the new boss- whose mother and grandmother own the company that bought her agency. And with Devi, any challenge is worth facing head-on.
Devi and Dane went to high school together, but always avoided each other, keeping the tension and hate palpable. In their story, they go head-to-head, bantering and spewing some interesting lines back and forth, after all, everything is a competition, right?
Without giving vital info together, you’ll want to tune in to this one. There are a whole lot of twists and turns and an amazing HEA that we all hoped for our Devi. Highly recommend!
Dane Davenport, billionaire, sexy as all sin, and cold-hearted devil comes in to Devi’s life by way of their jobs. She’s still an agent with her modeling agency…. He’s the new boss- whose mother and grandmother own the company that bought her agency. And with Devi, any challenge is worth facing head-on.
Devi and Dane went to high school together, but always avoided each other, keeping the tension and hate palpable. In their story, they go head-to-head, bantering and spewing some interesting lines back and forth, after all, everything is a competition, right?
Without giving vital info together, you’ll want to tune in to this one. There are a whole lot of twists and turns and an amazing HEA that we all hoped for our Devi. Highly recommend!
October 6, 2021
Another great story by Ms. Diamond. She effortlessly crosses over from the rock stage into a boardroom and delivers riveting enemies to lovers tale.
Dane Davenport seems to have it all, but money can’t buy happiness after all! I loved the portrayal of this titan of industry, feared by most, effective fixer, negotiator and heir to enormous fortune; as someone still trying to find his rightful place. Powerful, yet vulnerable, Dane seeks to improve his public image and the approval of the matriarchs of the Davenport family by (fake) marrying Devi.
Devi has had difficult feelings about Dane since high school and when his family’s conglomerate buys the Modeling Agency that should have been hers, she’ll play the most dangerous and exhilarating game of her life to win it back.
We get to visit with many of our favorite Dirty Universe characters in this thrilling romance! There’s love, lust, swoon, intrigue, luxury cars, exotic destinations, suspense and intricately woven web of family secrets and betrayals, that both Dane and Devi will have to conquer on their journey to HEA. I could not put this book down and definitely recommend it to all contemporary romance enthusiasts!
Dane Davenport seems to have it all, but money can’t buy happiness after all! I loved the portrayal of this titan of industry, feared by most, effective fixer, negotiator and heir to enormous fortune; as someone still trying to find his rightful place. Powerful, yet vulnerable, Dane seeks to improve his public image and the approval of the matriarchs of the Davenport family by (fake) marrying Devi.
Devi has had difficult feelings about Dane since high school and when his family’s conglomerate buys the Modeling Agency that should have been hers, she’ll play the most dangerous and exhilarating game of her life to win it back.
We get to visit with many of our favorite Dirty Universe characters in this thrilling romance! There’s love, lust, swoon, intrigue, luxury cars, exotic destinations, suspense and intricately woven web of family secrets and betrayals, that both Dane and Devi will have to conquer on their journey to HEA. I could not put this book down and definitely recommend it to all contemporary romance enthusiasts!
October 10, 2021
I have been a huge fan of Jaine Diamond from my very first trip into the Dirty World!! I have to say that I think this book might be the best yet. The LOVE|HATE struggle between these two characters is off the charts. Dane might look like just a "Handsome Devil", but he has so much hidden behind the exterior facade. Devi is the one person that put Dane in his place and either has forgot their many first encounters.
Fast forward to a time where what people or better yet Dane's family things of him and again Devi is the one person that sees him for what he truly is. Their chemistry is off the charts from the moment they run into each other. Watching them try to work together and keep up their walls is a priceless experience. The real question is are the walls to protect themselves from the outside world or from each other? What will happen when they make an arrangement that could share their core beliefs and open them up for something neither thought was possible?
Can 't wait to see how is next in this series.......Shane or Johnny O??
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Fast forward to a time where what people or better yet Dane's family things of him and again Devi is the one person that sees him for what he truly is. Their chemistry is off the charts from the moment they run into each other. Watching them try to work together and keep up their walls is a priceless experience. The real question is are the walls to protect themselves from the outside world or from each other? What will happen when they make an arrangement that could share their core beliefs and open them up for something neither thought was possible?
Can 't wait to see how is next in this series.......Shane or Johnny O??
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 16, 2023
This book has one of my all time favorite heroines. Devi is amazing and bad ass! She was sassy and smart and her interactions with the MMC were so hot.
This was my 1st book by Jaine Diamond…& what an addictive read it was. I love an enemies to lovers book and this one had so many of the favorite things you love about that trope even though it has a slightly different take that I loved so much. The story was probably a bit longer than it needed to be, but still a great storyline with some awesome twists that kept me hooked till the very end despite how long it was. Definitely going to be reading the other books in the series!
This was my 1st book by Jaine Diamond…& what an addictive read it was. I love an enemies to lovers book and this one had so many of the favorite things you love about that trope even though it has a slightly different take that I loved so much. The story was probably a bit longer than it needed to be, but still a great storyline with some awesome twists that kept me hooked till the very end despite how long it was. Definitely going to be reading the other books in the series!
February 27, 2022
i was scared at how often the word alpha was used. made me think i’d picked up an omegaverse book unaware.
i really liked devi so i’m glad she got her own book. i wasn’t really a fan of whatever took place from like 70% onwards like i didn’t care it just felt like a thing to make the book last longer
it was nice to see jesse like caring about devi because the main dirty series kind of had the vibe no one respected her as her own person she was just katie’s friend
i really liked devi so i’m glad she got her own book. i wasn’t really a fan of whatever took place from like 70% onwards like i didn’t care it just felt like a thing to make the book last longer
it was nice to see jesse like caring about devi because the main dirty series kind of had the vibe no one respected her as her own person she was just katie’s friend
October 3, 2021
The problem with Jaine’s books is they are so good, you read them in the first day and have to wait impatiently for the next one. The vicious cycle starts all over again.
This is a great book with all the things I’ve come to expect from this author. I love how she gives such depth to not only the main characters but also the supporting ones. And make you want to know more about them – it is an excellent technique to make you crave her next book. That said it can stand alone but I do think reading her entire collection adds dimensions to the book that you might not get as a stand-alone book.
The fire between the main character is well-stoked throughout. The email thread section is complete fire and maybe hotter than the romance scenes. I love a good back and forth and this book has it in spades.
I definitely recommend it. I am anxiously anticipating the next release in the series and this is just day one.
This is a great book with all the things I’ve come to expect from this author. I love how she gives such depth to not only the main characters but also the supporting ones. And make you want to know more about them – it is an excellent technique to make you crave her next book. That said it can stand alone but I do think reading her entire collection adds dimensions to the book that you might not get as a stand-alone book.
The fire between the main character is well-stoked throughout. The email thread section is complete fire and maybe hotter than the romance scenes. I love a good back and forth and this book has it in spades.
I definitely recommend it. I am anxiously anticipating the next release in the series and this is just day one.
March 16, 2023
3.75!
This was a little frustrating for me especially with the h! Like the reason why she hated the H was very irrelevant, and made it hard for me to sympathize with her when it came to hating him.
But when she gave us that association, everything else is really really good. It’s very very long, I think she could’ve chopped in a little bit, but I didn’t enjoy it.
This was a little frustrating for me especially with the h! Like the reason why she hated the H was very irrelevant, and made it hard for me to sympathize with her when it came to hating him.
But when she gave us that association, everything else is really really good. It’s very very long, I think she could’ve chopped in a little bit, but I didn’t enjoy it.
June 7, 2025
So much internal talk - like, 1/2 of the book is nothing but the characters thinking/talking to themselves. And it’s extremely repetitive 😬 I don’t know how many times the whole friggin power play thing was mentioned but it was annoying. The twists in the end were good however. But yeah, it could have been half of the length it currently is without losing anything pertinent.
November 17, 2021
3.5 stars
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