Devilish King

Valentino Empire #1

by Kylie Kent

Dark Mafia Romance, Contains scenes that could be triggering to some, read with caution. This is book 1 of a trilogy, an epic cliff-hanger can be expected!!




Theo

My whole life was mapped out, designed for me, before I was even a twinkle in my old man's eye. I am the heir to the Valentino throne. A kingdom built with blood and dirty money. But one I'll rule all the same.

My father was the youngest Don to ever be crowned king. However, with any luck, the controlling bastard will drop soon, allowing me to beat his record by a few years.

I love my father-respect the hell out of him. But some of his choices lately, the plans he's laid out for me, they're... archaic. I was happy to go along with his proposition, to embody the role I was assigned at birth. Until I met her.

She wasn't part of his carefully orchestrated game board. She's not part of the lifestyle. She'd get eaten alive if I were to bring her into the fold.

Those innocent emerald eyes of hers hold me captive from the moment our paths collide. To hell with the plans for my future. This girl, who has no place being in my world, has become its entirety.

Holly

A new job. A new city. A new country. This is the new me. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself as I step off the plane at JFK. New York, I couldn't think of a better city to force myself out of my comfort zone, to step out from under my sister's shadow.

My dream once included finding the husband, having the kids, building that white picket fence. It's funny how things change over time.

My new dream? Experience life to the fullest. Explore and discover who I am, without my other half. Surviving the New York culture shock, without getting mugged or killed, is also high on that list.

That is, until I run into him. And just like that, my life takes a one-eighty. Again. There's something dark inside him-it calls to a part of me I never knew existed. Can I really go against my moral compass, every belief I've held onto so tightly, just to answer it? To be with him?

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Smut, Crime

276 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2022

About the author

Kylie made the leap from kindergarten teacher to romance author, living out her dream to deliver sexy, always and forever romances. She loves a happily ever after story with tons of built in steam.

She currently resides in Perth, Australia and when she is not dreaming up the latest romance she can be found spending time with her three children and her husband of twenty years, her very own real life instant-love.

Come join me in my reading group on Facebook Kylie's Steam Room.

Reviews

[claudia (purged my account) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed a mafia series to break my slump and Kylie Kent has done it for me. THANK GOD. Although this book is insta love and they moved super fast the next two books will get interesting after this ending since the plot is finally plotting.

Theo is our male lead who is absolutely obsessed with Holly since the moment he saw her. He knew that he was going to get her and he wasn’t going to let his arranged marriage stop him. There are so many amazing quotes I got from him.

𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳. 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘵; 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘱.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺... 𝘐'𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵. 𝘕𝘰, 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘦.

𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴: 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴, 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴.

"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘶𝘴."

"𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳."

"𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳."

"𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘬. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦?"
"𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦," 𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘖𝘣𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺. 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴.
"𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘏𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘧𝘧. 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦?" 𝘕𝘦𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘴.
"𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺," 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴?

"𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘤𝘦𝘻𝘻𝘢, 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵."

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘦. "𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘦𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯." 𝘔𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯. "𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵."

"𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦," 𝘐 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳, 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘢𝘳.

Holly just moved to New York after a lot of family drama I wasn’t expecting her character to be the way she was. She is very head strong in what she wants and I’m so excited to see her grow. I want her to become a badass leader she has the potential and I’m PRAYING she steps up in the next book.

I loved when Holly showed her violent and protective side for Theo. I just know in the next book she is gonna have the best moments.

"𝘍𝘶𝘤𝘬, 𝘥𝘰𝘭𝘤𝘦𝘻𝘻𝘢, 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯." 𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦.
"𝘖𝘩, 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘐 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰. 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶," 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴.

𝘚𝘰 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦. 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳.

I NEED a book for Neo I absolutely love his vibe. He definitely has an honourable mention. I just know his book could be my favourite out of all the books in this series.

The ending has me hooked I can’t wait for the next book I just know it’s gonna get better now.

"𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬." 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥.

𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘷 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴𝘩. 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘱. 𝘐 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳.

Also lots of love for the published alternative covers THEY ARE GORGEOUS. Cannot stress how much better they are then the original kindle copies.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well deserved 5 stars for this one by Kylie Kent, I received this as an ARC copy.
It does end on a cliff hanger but I know this isn't the end for Theo and Holly as there are two more books to follow if which I will be eagerly awaiting for those to come out also.
Kylie Kent really does have you guessing the what, where and how in each book she writes and this series is no different.
Starts of with insta love at first sight by Theo affectionately known as T but some couples do find the love at first sight so who am I to knock that.
He is a made man in the Mafia the son of the Don. Holly is a school teacher from Australia who has always been the little quiet wall flower compared to her twin sister, who has recently got married so Holly decides that it's time to spread her wings so to speak and moves all the way to America to take up a post at a prestigious school.
Watch Holly come into her own person and become a more confident kickass woman with T by her side until the end when it ends on a cliff hanger.
This book comes out on 28th February and I can't recommend this book or this author enough it truly is a great read. Roll on book two.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️
Okay read but nothing that gripped me.
It’s very fast paced. Insta love without any romance at the start really. Just very basic.
I feel with fast paced books it’s harder to connect with characters.

[Salma [inactive] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie, this book was very silly 😂. Did I eat it up? Yes, I did. It's definitely the kind of dark romance I'm looking for. If you're looking for a quick dark romance book that doesn't romanticise SA/rape/abuse, and has a RESPECTFUL MMC, then this will be for you! In my opinion, it doesn't read like a dark romance at all. I would say it's great for beginners to the genre.

[marylife · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s

BRO WHAT WAS THAT?! Best believe I picked up the second book ASAP.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 85% where do I start with this one oh my God! First of all Holly who travels from Australia doesn't know a lick about the States moves to New York to start a new job. Within the second day she's there she runs into Theo I up and coming mob boss or son of my boss it should be. She's a girl that's trying to get out of her sister's Shadow she's a wallflower weak she cries on a drop of a dime. But after a week with Theo she does a complete 180 and can put a gun to a guy's head give me a break. Oh and she knows how to shoot a gun too after just one day of training. Come on Arthur we're not that stupid. But then she doesn't want another 180 and she's back to being a simpering cry baby, doormat. Also, the way that she spoke about his mother to him after his dad was murdered. I would have punched her in the face for that. His mother slapped Theo and she told him her hand needs to be cut off for that. She's grieving idiot! Do I also need to mention she a bit too stupid to live but I don't blame her too much for that Theo needs to quit hiding s*** from her and just tell her the rules of his world. Like, you don't put a gun to another Don's head. She tries to be badass but it's really just not working.the author is trying to make her into something she's really not. Also author, please don't have your male characters blow a woman's head off. I don't mind if it's a man that dies but I really don't like it when a male character says I love you to a woman and says I care about women but then turns around and blows a woman's head off. I know he's mad I know he has to make it look like the kitchen staff murdered him to try to protect another woman Lana, not cool. I don't get into books where men kill women. If it's off the page that's one thing but to actually describe him killing this poor girl is something different. Won't be reading anymore of this author's works sorry not sorry.

[Maven_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devilish King by Kylie Kent spins a dark mafia romance set in New York City, where Holly, an Australian woman determined to start anew, crosses paths with Theo Valentino, the heir to the Valentino crime family throne. Holly arrives in the city seeking independence and adventure, only to be drawn into a world of power, danger and irresistible attraction when her eyes meet Theo’s and everything changes almost instantly. As their connection ignites with intense chemistry, Theo finds himself torn between family obligation and the fierce pull toward someone who should have no place in his life. This first book in the Valentino Empire trilogy lays the groundwork for high emotion, secrets and inevitable upheaval.

Right from the beginning, I found myself pulled into the electric tension between Holly’s bright defiance and Theo’s shadowed intensity: she strives to grow beyond her comfort zone, he struggles to balance legacy with desire, and both are shaped by swift, fervent attraction that pushes them toward choices neither expected. The storytelling moves quickly and the spark between them is undeniable, though some moments feel propelled more by insta‑love than gradual build, and the plot wraps with a cliffhanger that left me craving more. I would rate this 3 out of 5, because the raw energy and bold characters kept me engaged even where depth wavered.

[michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

All these 5 star reviews feel like a personal attack.

[caffe.and.books (Aimee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author can write an alpha male like nobody can, you immediately become obsessed and Theo is no exception. Holly is amazing female lead who is determined to be independent and she grows leaps and bounds in this book.

This is an insta-love story, I know it’s not for everyone but this author does it so well. It feels natural and unforced. When you find your soulmate there is no stopping it. Theo and Holly are a force, their attraction is immediate and so strong it feels as though it’s spilling off the pages. Their feelings are inter and they are oh so hot together. This book has an amazing plot and the story flows flawlessly. Be warned it does end on a crazy cliffy that has me chomping at the bit for book 2.

If you like mafia romance, insta-love, amazing characters and crazy hot scenes grab this book today!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too instalove, it was a little bit boring.

[eve (semi hiatus)]

DNF 67%

I can’t anymore… I’m tired of pressuring myself to like this and thinking “probs I’m not in the right mood” when in reality, the MCs actions are illogical and everything is too OTT.

Hand down, if I would read this few years ago, I definitely would devoured this, without a doubt, but my frontal lobe now is too developed for this 🤧

"I get my first taste of her. And instantly, I know this woman could very well be my downfall. All it took was: three heartbeats, two seconds, and one taste. And I was hers."

When Holly (FMC) decided to move to the New York, she doesn’t expect that on her second day there she’ll open the door to a gorgeous Italian man asking her out to dinner.
Theo (MMC) saw Holly at the family restaurant and he’s immediately completely captivated by her.

"One word came to mind when she opened the door. Mine. That girl is mine. She doesn’t know it yet; the world doesn’t know it yet. But mark my words, heads will roll before I give her up."

Their relationship is pretty insta and I’m all for insta-love and insta-lust, if it’s done right, but here it definitely wasn’t 😕

OTT situations made me question whenever I’m reading some rom-com or whenever should I take what’s happening seriously or not.
Trying to comprehend how unreasonable some actions of MCs are and the way the story flowed overall - got in a way of me feeling the depth of MCs connection.

I liked that Theo decided to end his arranged marriage immediately after meeting Holly (that’s a first for me)

However, the fact that he didn’t plan to tell her about it, or about his involvement in the mafia, so Holly finds out about the marriage from someone else and concludes on her own that he’s in the mafia - didn’t sit well with me.

The last straw was when Theo killed an innocent woman, the cook, during his rampage after his father was murdered, even though he knew his female childhood friend was behind it…
I couldn’t understand the reasoning behind this at all, as it only showed me how irrational MMC can be 😒

SAFETY (so far)
Both of MCs experienced, no big mentions.
No OM drama, sharing, cheating
OW drama - H’s father forces arranged marriage upon the H and the supposed fiancé is his female childhood friend, both doesn’t want to go through it.

────────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────────

"I want a love so deep that I feel it in every tiny cell in my body. I want a love that conquers all. A love that withstands the test of time."

"I hate to see your tears. You are far too beautiful to be so sad."

"I should really question my own sanity… I’m ready to spill blood in order to have a woman I know absolutely nothing about. No, in order to have a chance with her."

“Why? Tell me why I should waste any more of my time with you?”
“Because I know I’m not the only one who feels this thing between us. I know you feel it too, Holly. This, us, we’re different. Please don’t give up on us before we’ve even had a chance to begin… I’m begging you. And I don’t fucking beg anyone.”

"I take hold of her hand to keep her where she should be—right fucking next to me."

“What are you doing here?” I sniffle.
“I couldn’t stand to sit outside your door and listen to you cry any longer. I’m sorry, Holly. So fucking sorry.”

“You know this means you’re mine, right? I’m never gonna be able to let you go.” His voice is strained. Like he’s trying to hold back.
“Then don’t ever let me go.” I pull his mouth down to mine.

"I’m officially fucked. Both literally and metaphorically. Because as his thrusts become rigid and he stills on top of me—my name on his lips like a prayer—I know I’m never going to be able to give this man up. Come hell or high water, Theo Valentino is mine."

“You have way more confidence in my abilities than I do,” she says, looking down.
“I have confidence in us. There is nothing this world will ever throw at us that we can’t beat together.”

“Dolcezza, if they don’t like you, then they’re fucking idiots and I can put a hit out.”
I screw my face up at him. I’m sure he’s joking. He has to be, right? “You are joking, right?” I repeat the question out loud this time. “You wouldn’t actually put a hit out on someone, just because they didn’t like me.”
“Ah, sure, let’s go with that.” He laughs.

“And you’re drunk. What are you doing here?”
“I’m here, because you’re here,” I tell her. Obviously. Because I want to be wherever she is.
“Sorry, Holly. He insisted on me dropping him off. Want me to drag him home?” Neo asks.
“My home is Holly,” I remind them. What aren’t they understanding about this?

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I love her writing style. Insta love, dark, protective alpha and a strong independent FMC. Give me more!

Theo is that dark, bad boy alpha and heir tot he Valentino throne. All bets are off when he sees her. Holly is determined to step out of her comfort zone and let nothing stop her. She is an Australian teacher who landed a job in NYC. When these two meet their attraction, chemistry and pull towards each other is undeniable. Though she’s not looking for love, Theo never gives up. I love how their relationship progresses.

Filled with dark themes, emotions leaving you wanting more, suspenserr, heartache, twists and love you will fall in love with these two as much as I have. Oh, and that cliffhanger?! I can’t wait for book 2.

[Justadele · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a terrible attempt at a mafia book
Just FYI it ends of a cliffhanger too but I won’t be picking up book 2

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable

[abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Nour Hane · Rating 5 out of 5]

كيف اشرحلكم شعوري
رواية كانت كيوت حرفيا لما تفكر فيها تحس بشعور انك تسبح في سحاب 🦋بطل كيوت بطلة كيوت قصة كيوت حرفيا كل شي لطيف و ناعم رواية قصيرة و مسلية ماكانت شي واو و قوي لكن شي خفيف و سويت.
شخصيا ما اصنفها دارك رغم كانت عن مافيا وكذا لكن احداث جدا صوفت بالنسبة لي و بطل جدااا اليف وقع في حب من اول نظرة افعاله كلامه كل شي فيه ناعم وماكان سيكوباثي وبطلة كيكة حرفيا لثنين قابليين للأكل 🥺

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I just read...I mean Damn!! I'm hooked and I need more yesterday.

I've waited for Holly's story and this book did not disappoint...in fact it just makes me want more. Holly is such a loveable, beautiful, strong (even though she doesn't recognise that), independent and determined character....I for one am so so pleased that there's going to be more than one book for her....

Theo, wow what can I say about Theo, he may just be my favourite of all of Kent's Heros yet... he's hot strong, capable and protective...did I mention that the possessive alpha male never gets old...but once again there's a twist...he's a key player in the Mafia.

Kent has a way of making sure you are invested from page 1 no matter if this is the first book you've read by her or the latest. I don't think I even blinked as I read this book, I needed an escape from adulthood and Kent delivered with this delicious, gripping, amazing installment. I laughed, I was emotional, I swore and I may have wanted to cause bodily harm to some of the characters at times...

An exciting, invigorating, compelling, all consuming escape

Now if we could just maybe get a book 2 pretty please... I cannot take the awesome cliff hanger ... Okay, I will If I have to but I don't wanna!

[meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And instantly, I know this woman could very well be my downfall. All it took was: three heartbeats, two seconds, and one taste. And I was hers."

If you love mafia romances, Kylie Kent is your girl!! This book was amazingly hot and steamy! Theo is giving the alpha overprotective vibes that I know we all crave. I absolutely LOVED Holly's character, I already met her in An Entangled Christmas so I was so excited to see more of her story.

"Don't. I want to look at every inch of you. I want to burn this image in my memory. You are
f-cking gorgeous, Holly. So f-cking gorgeous I don't know where to start.

Ugh, this book left on a cliffhanger which had me SWEATTINGGG but Kylie is coming out with the next book in a month so we luckily don't have to wait too long! If you are a mafia lover, I cannot recommend this book enough!

[MARI · Rating 3 out of 5]

was this cringey and way too fast paced? Yes. But was it exactly what I needed and I finished it in less the 3 hours. Also yes.

[Alana]

Insta love in a mafia romance is not my favorite but I still enjoyed this and the cliffhanger will have me back for more.

[Readiculous 📚🖤👱🏼‍♀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd read February 2026: I love me a man who knows what he wants! Deliciously OTT and instalove, just what I was craving!

Re-read October 2024: I was in the mood for a possessive mob boss and I’m always down for a good case of instalove! ♥️ on to book 2!

Original review:
Book 1 of 3

Yasss! This is right up my alley and that cliffhanger…my gawd!

This story is about Theo, mafia boss from New York. and Holly an Australian woman that just moved to NY. One night Theo spots Holly and knows he has to have her (total instalove, I LURVE it). I love a man obsessed and that is what Theo becomes. He will not take no for an answer. He bulldozers his way into Holly’s life and it was hawwtt! This book kept me turning the pages and ignoring real life. Theo is super devoted and isn’t afraid to show the world that Holly is his queen. He will kill anybody that tries to hurt her (or touch her…or even look at her funny). He is mega alpha, but such a love muffin (as Holly calls him 😅) for her. I also really loved Holly’s relationship with her twin sister. Always there for each other, no judgement, just love. Neo, Theo’s right hand man is also a wonderful character. I’ve actually already read his book (book 4 in this series) and liked it so much that I decided to start at book 1. And I was definitely not disappointed!
We get some great action, quite some blood and gore, sweet romance and filthy spice 😏

I’m off to read book 2!

Safety:
OW: H is engaged to a mafia princess. They’ve been friends since they were toddlers and both don’t want to get married. His fiancée is actually really nice and becomes friends with the h. No real drama there and both do everything to get out of the marriage…and I mean every-thinggg. Normally I don’t like this type of deal, but this didn’t bother me at all and felt ‘safe’. There isn’t OW drama.
No OM
No cheating
No separation
Lots of blood and gore, violence
Mentions human trafficking

I both listened to and read this book (combo)

[Medollga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and with great lovey-dovey scenes, but a bit... juvenile? 🤷🏼‍♀️😅

This book was a fun time, don't get me wrong. But I got a feeling that the author wanted this book to be one thing and it was something completely different.

The heroine just moved from Australia to New York, she's shy and stuck in her comfort zone, so she decided it was time for a change. This made her relatable in my eyes. What was less relatable was her settling in process. Apparently she has tons of money (this is NOT SPECIFIED) being a teacher, because she can afford to move continents, to rent a decent apartment in NYC, can take two weeks without work for buying endless supply of furniture and waste 50$ on coffee🤷🏼‍♀️🤣😱 like...I have no idea how she can afford it?

The hero is the son of a Don, presented as this scary motherfucker, but in reality he was putty in the heroine's hands. He was obsessed, but not in a dark and broody kind of way. More like sweet and tender, which is not bad in any way, just unexpected for this type of book and the descriptions of his character the author repeated constantly 😂

They get together WAY TOO FAST!!! 🆘🤣 but at the same time I liked that the heroine didn't get your typical boring ass morality filled reservations the heroines usually do when they encounter hot, handsome, rich mobsters who would burn the world for them. She didn't care what the hero was up to in his working hours, as long as he made her come. AND I'M OKAY WITH THAT! ☠️🫶😅

[Jenna Polito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe……
Freakin breathe……
Did that ending just actually happen?!

This story is amazing and as the beginning book for a trilogy it definitely grabbed my attention and kept it all the way to the end. Kylie has absolutely done perfectly when it came to these two’s story.

I absolutely adore Holly. Even after she went through a massive life changing event back home in Australia, she knows what she ultimately has to do. Deciding to move to New York was supposed to be a fresh start to finding Holly 2.0. But what she ended up finding was a beginning to a life she NEVER expected to find herself in. The connection that her and Theo instantly hold is so hot and steamy. The level of protectiveness that Theo holds for Holly knowing what his life may hold is enough to make any female weak in the knees.

I know that this series is a trilogy but bloody hell I need book 2. And I need book 2 right now.
Bravo Kylie, Bravo!

[Amy Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous as always. Devilish King is the most recent instalment in Kylie's Merge universe; this time we follow Holly (Reilly's sister) as she moves to New York to start a new life. Starting in a new country with no family or friends nearby, a daunting choice soon turns out to be an exhilarating adventure. Holly is only in New York for a few hours before she stumbles across the path of Theo, the heir to the Valentino Mafia throne. The first in a series of three, this is bound to get your blood heating up.

As always with Kylie Kent, the writing style is extremely easy to read. The chapters switch POV between Holly and Theo, and while the story is easy to pick up and put down, you won't want to. the suspense builds steadily amid scenes of everyday life, peppered with a murder here and there. The steam that we have come to love Kylie for is very much front and centre and, this time, there's a little (or huge) cliff-hanger to look forward to.

Would recommend.

[Kayla Oaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so worth every bit of the read. I was hooked the entire time! I highlighted quite a few times of things that made me laughed or loved in the book. The cliff hanger at the end is killing me that I don't have the next book to read. Theo and Holly's love story is EVERYTHING!!! But the ending will make you cry.

"The phrase Italian stallion comes to mind as I stare at the creatures just outside my apartment."

[Sarah♡books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️



🤍 Celibate & shy heroine
🤍 Insta-Love
🤍 Mafia
🤍 Possessive and obsessed hero
🚩 No OW/OM Drama; no cheating or sharing


Really liked it 🫶

It was pretty fast and I didn't get their connection all the time because it is an instalove romance but all in all it is really cute 🙊🙌😍

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devilish King by Kylie Kent.
This is book 1 of Valentino Empire.

Theo

My whole life was mapped out, designed for me, before I was even a twinkle in my old man’s eye. I am the heir to the Valentino throne. A kingdom built with blood and dirty money. But one I’ll rule all the same.

My father was the youngest Don to ever be crowned king. However, with any luck, the controlling bastard will drop soon, allowing me to beat his record by a few years.

I love my father—respect the hell out of him. But some of his choices lately, the plans he’s laid out for me, they’re… archaic. I was happy to go along with his proposition, to embody the role I was assigned at birth. Until I met her.

She wasn’t part of his carefully orchestrated game board. She’s not part of the lifestyle. She’d get eaten alive if I were to bring her into the fold.

Those innocent emerald eyes of hers hold me captive from the moment our paths collide. To hell with the plans for my future. This girl, who has no place being in my world, has become its entirety.

Holly

A new job. A new city. A new country. This is the new me. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself as I step off the plane at JFK. New York, I couldn’t think of a better city to force myself out of my comfort zone, to step out from under my sister’s shadow.

My dream once included finding the husband, having the kids, building that white picket fence. It’s funny how things change over time.

My new dream? Experience life to the fullest. Explore and discover who I am, without my other half. Surviving the New York culture shock, without getting mugged or killed, is also high on that list.

That is, until I run into him. And just like that, my life takes a one-eighty. Again. There’s something dark inside him—it calls to a part of me I never knew existed. Can I really go against my moral compass, every belief I’ve held onto so tightly, just to answer it? To be with him?
Omg what a read. Absolutely brilliant. Could not put it down. I loved Holly and Theo. Even Bray and Reilly and Neo. Omg waiting patiently for book 2. 5*****.

[Hailey Siedel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick, easy insta love read. The thing about Insta love books for me is that they’re really good filler books. I knew this was the beginning of a trilogy, but I still wanted to give it a chance. I’m not entirely sure if I’m gonna read the other two books just because when it was getting towards the end, I was ready for it to be over. I was ready to read something that with a little bit more tension and depth.

That being said, I did enjoy T and Holly. I read their oldest son’s book first so it was fun to see their story. I might read the other books when I’m in the mood for it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

[Senna ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི₊ ⊹ · Rating 2 out of 5]

જ⁀➴ ♡ 2.5 Stars
The overused word “Bloody” was the thing that annoyed me the most, like why did she have to say it in every sentence?

I don’t like insta-love but this was on a whole other level, i mean they got married after a week and i dont care if ur in the mafia or not. I also just found out its a trilogy when i got to this shit ending. 💩 There is not a chance i will be reading the other ones ✌️