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The Deville Brothers #4
Surrender to a Devil
He does not believe himself capable of love.
Forrest Howarth did not have the capacity to love a woman. His daughter, yes, and the cousins who had welcomed him when he’d arrived from India, but a woman, no. Joining Alexius and using his knowledge to protect the Monarch was the next step he needed to take in his life. But before he does that, Forrest must find someone to educate his daughter. Miss Ruby Knight seems just that person.
The problem with having Ruby in his household is she intrigues him. She hides behind her clothes, and the need to ensure she sits well below him on society’s ladder. But she was up to something. He just hadn’t worked out what. No one has ever muddled his thoughts like his daughter’s tutor, so when he gives in to the inevitable and kisses her, he realizes there is no going back.
Too late, he realizes that his mission with Alexius and Ruby are connected, and he must use all his skills to keep her safe.
She will do what it takes to keep her brother alive. Even betraying the man she loves.
When Ruby finds work in the Deville household, it is the answer to her prayers. What she hadn’t planned on was a sweet little girl, and her cold, aloof father tugging her heart strings.
When her world is threatened by those that want her to spy on the Deville family, she knows she must do so, or her brother will be harmed.
She cannot allow her heart to beat faster when Forrest Howarth is near. She cannot allow herself to fall for his child, and yet how can she stop it from happening when she must see them each day? How is she to keep them and her brother safe?
Too late she realizes what is in heart, but she cannot act on it. Sacrificing her brother for the love of Forrest and Ella is not something she can contemplate.
He will give his life to protect his child as she will her brother. But can they together fight the danger that threatens to destroy them.
From USA Today bestselling author Wendy Vella comes a sizzling series full of passion, scandals, and intrigue. Tasked with protecting the King, the Deville brothers are part of a secret alliance forged centuries ago, but when it comes to affairs of the heart, they are yet to be tamed.
306 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2022
729 people are currently reading
1931 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
96 books829 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 9, 2023
Another good story by Wendy. Love the humour and banter. Ruby ran away with her younger brother. Who could not walk properly,.Her family were awful to him, leaving him in a room all his life, then her father tried to marry her to an old man.
Forrest Hackney ride, runs into Ruby and Adam. He gives them money to get to their destination.
Weeks later Ruby apples to be a tutor for Forrest daughter. Now the story begins. 4.5 stars ⭐️
Forrest Hackney ride, runs into Ruby and Adam. He gives them money to get to their destination.
Weeks later Ruby apples to be a tutor for Forrest daughter. Now the story begins. 4.5 stars ⭐️
March 29, 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Interesting side characters.
Some of the funny parts.
Rather interesting main characters.
OK romantic build up and chemistry.
Rather interesting plot.
➖ What I disliked:
Issues were resolved too easily and too quickly.
(Both the mystery with the missing women and who was responsible for that, but also about the heroines awful parents/family)
A little too anachronistic in some parts.
Lackluster sex scene.
Annoying and OTT side character.
(The Duchess of Yardly)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice.
(Most of the heroes in this series are brothers or relatives of the brothers.
Even if they are brothers or/and relatives all heroes in this series are rather interchangeable/similar when it comes to description/visual appearance…. The heroes have different personalities… but are rather interchangeable/similar when it comes to description/visual appearance.
And the heroines are also to some degree interchangeable/similar when it comes to description/visual appearance.
The heroines have different personalities, but also different hair color/eye color… but other than that they are very similar in size/shape and height… and so are the heroes in this series.)
Repetitive.
(Mostly with some words being used in a repetitious way, such as the word shriek….. but also how often almost everyone is described as exceptionally beautiful and handsome.)
The OTT mocking of the side character Lord Plunge and his fashion choices.
(It is done in a very 21st century way and does not factor in that the fashion/fashion trends of that time in history would have made his fashion choices relatively trendy etc.)
A little bit too focused on the mystery and Alexius, and not enough focus on the romance.
The ending was a little rushed.
November 5, 2022
I adore how this series crosses over with the rest of the author’s other regency series. Because, not only do I get Devilles but also Sinclairs and many of the other heroes and heroines of some of my favorite books. Austere, stoic Forrest has captivated my imagination since the very first moment we met him. Ruby is not at all who I was expecting to see him partnered with, but I can see exactly how she’s his perfect match. She’s as fierce and honorable as he is. Loving with her whole heart, and as protective over the people she considers “hers” as a lioness with only a single cub. The mystery they’re chasing kept me anxiously flipping pages to discover what would happen next. It was an outcome that I probably should have expected from the clues the author left, but it still caught me completely off guard. Now, knowing who the stars of the next book will be, I can’t wait until I get the opportunity to get it into my hot little hands.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
November 13, 2022
I have been reading Wendy Vella since 2016 and this is my 33rd book by her. I love how she writes. She has great stories and great characters. I have been loving this series.
Forrest and Ruby were a great read. I loved their personalities and their interactions. I loved all the others characters and how they were written. Sometimes it takes me a bit to remember them from their own stories. I read book 3 in this series in March and that was almost 150 books ago so sometimes takes me a bit to piece it all together. Still a great read. Really liked it a lot.
Definitely would recommend.
Forrest and Ruby were a great read. I loved their personalities and their interactions. I loved all the others characters and how they were written. Sometimes it takes me a bit to remember them from their own stories. I read book 3 in this series in March and that was almost 150 books ago so sometimes takes me a bit to piece it all together. Still a great read. Really liked it a lot.
Definitely would recommend.
October 25, 2022
Another excellent book. I found the story of Forrest and Ruby very enjoyable and I am constantly amazed at how Wendy comes up with such exciting stories. I don’t like to give storylines away, but once again, this books has adventure, humour, strong and very likeable characters and although I didn’t try very heard, I couldn’t put the book down, and read it in one sitting.
For 3/4 of a day I was totally immersed in Regency London and able to escape from the London of King Charles III.
For 3/4 of a day I was totally immersed in Regency London and able to escape from the London of King Charles III.
October 25, 2022
Surrender To A Devil is a spectacular historical romance by Wendy Vella. Ms. Vella has once again provided readers with a well-written book, a phenomenal story of power, intrigue, romance and exciting characters. Ruby has spirited her brother Adam from their family home and is supporting him by teaching. Forrest brought his daughter to England from India and they now live with his cousins, the Deville brothers. Ruby and Forrest's story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I loved every turn of the page and can't wait for my next book from Wendy Vella. Surrender To A Devil is book 4 of The Deville Brothers but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2022
Four and a half stars rounded up. Surrender to the Devil is the fourth book in Wendy Vella’s Deville Brothers series. It is a great addition to the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Book four follows the Deville cousin Forrest Howarth. Forrest is a widower recently arrived from India with his small daughter. Believing himself to be incapable of romantic love, he is happy to make a life for himself and his daughter with his newfound cousins, the Devilles. He is even ready to join them by becoming a member of Alexius – the secret society protecting the monarch.
Employing Miss Ruby Knight as a teacher for his daughter, Forrest finds himself intrigued by her. She obviously comes from a genteel background but is skittish and does all she can to stay beneath his notice. Forrest knows she is up to something, but no one has ever disturbed him as much as Miss Knight. When he realises that Ruby is somehow connected with his mission with Alexius, he will do all he can to keep her safe.
Ruby needs her position at the Deville household in order to survive and look after her beloved younger brother. She quickly settles in and becomes attached to her sweet little student as well as her slightly aloof employer. But when she is threatened by the villains that demand she spy on the Deville family, she must choose between loyalty and love for her brother.
This is another enjoyable addition to the series. Forrest and Ruby are likeable leads, and it is satisfying to see them reach their happy ever after. I liked that there is fairly little angst between the two and when Forrest does find out that Ruby has been spying on them, he is supportive rather than angry. Ruby is a strong heroine who is brave enough to leave home with her younger brother and fend for themselves to protect him from the harsh life he had been subject to.
As ever, we get to meet many of the characters of Wendy Vella’s world. It’s great to see the other Deville brothers and their brides and also members of the Sinclair and Raven families. The banter and humour are always a joy to witness. The only slight gripe is that I felt the romance was ever so slightly less in this addition. The story has plenty of action, humour and sense of family which is lovely.
I really enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the next which is Zach and Mary’s which has been building up over the series. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Employing Miss Ruby Knight as a teacher for his daughter, Forrest finds himself intrigued by her. She obviously comes from a genteel background but is skittish and does all she can to stay beneath his notice. Forrest knows she is up to something, but no one has ever disturbed him as much as Miss Knight. When he realises that Ruby is somehow connected with his mission with Alexius, he will do all he can to keep her safe.
Ruby needs her position at the Deville household in order to survive and look after her beloved younger brother. She quickly settles in and becomes attached to her sweet little student as well as her slightly aloof employer. But when she is threatened by the villains that demand she spy on the Deville family, she must choose between loyalty and love for her brother.
This is another enjoyable addition to the series. Forrest and Ruby are likeable leads, and it is satisfying to see them reach their happy ever after. I liked that there is fairly little angst between the two and when Forrest does find out that Ruby has been spying on them, he is supportive rather than angry. Ruby is a strong heroine who is brave enough to leave home with her younger brother and fend for themselves to protect him from the harsh life he had been subject to.
As ever, we get to meet many of the characters of Wendy Vella’s world. It’s great to see the other Deville brothers and their brides and also members of the Sinclair and Raven families. The banter and humour are always a joy to witness. The only slight gripe is that I felt the romance was ever so slightly less in this addition. The story has plenty of action, humour and sense of family which is lovely.
I really enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the next which is Zach and Mary’s which has been building up over the series. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 1, 2022
Forrest Howarth, along with his young daughter Ella, joins the household of his cousins the Deville brothers after the tragic death of his wife. Seeking a tutor for his beloved daughter, Forrest hires the guarded and mysterious Ruby Knight. As a new member of Alexius, the secretive society which has sworn to protect the Monarch, Forrest becomes enmeshed in a mystery, soon realizing that the intriguing Ruby is wrapped up in the plot against her will. As bits and pieces of the crime become apparent, Ruby’s life is threatened. When forced to choose between her beloved brother Adam and Forrest, the man she has increasingly come to love, Ruby makes a heart wrenching decision. This latest addition to the Deville Brothers saga is a must read. Not only is it a lovely story as a standalone, but readers who have been fortunate enough to have read the previous books in the series will enjoy revisiting characters from the previous novels. Ms. Vella conjures beautiful stories that touch the heart. This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.
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November 6, 2022I just read my advanced copy of Wendy Vella’s Surrender to a Devil and enjoyed getting to know a Deville cousin and his story. It seems I am character driven and so truly enjoyed meeting all the diverse and endearing residents of 11 Nobby Lane. It was interesting to have secondary characters who were not rich and/or titled, but poor and eeking out their existence as best they could – and in such unusual ways. It’s also nice to catch up with many of the Raven, Sinclair, and other Deville family members although, I think a novice to these series of books might find so many characters dropping into the story a bit confusing and possibly off-putting. Hopefully instead, they will read the other series and become as acquainted as I am with these folks. Can’t wait to read about Mary and Zach – a match made in… well, I’m not sure where exactly, but it’s bound to be a winner!!
November 12, 2022
A glorious story with Mr. Forrest Howarth and Miss Ruby Knight. I loved the suspense and the great characters, and I especially love it when the Sinclair's show up! It's a wonderful story. I'm always really into reading this author - I have to finish it without putting it down.
Three cheers for Wendy Vella....hip hip hooray! 5☆
Three cheers for Wendy Vella....hip hip hooray! 5☆
November 20, 2022
Danger and love
Wonderful new member of the Seville clan. Starts hard harted and cold to the world, until he finds someone with a heart bigger and warmer than his.
Wonderful new member of the Seville clan. Starts hard harted and cold to the world, until he finds someone with a heart bigger and warmer than his.
November 11, 2022
Love this series about the Deville Brothers and their love interests. Love the adventures and the strong women who they fall in love with. Forrest and Ruby were sweet and poor Forrest did not know what hit him when he hired Ruby to be Ella's tutor. Ella's love and care for her brother was awesome too.
November 11, 2022
Loved it
Awesome read loved the story Ruby and Forrest were an awesome couple they had a beautiful love story plus Drama and sadness. It was a wonderful read Recommend to everyone
Awesome read loved the story Ruby and Forrest were an awesome couple they had a beautiful love story plus Drama and sadness. It was a wonderful read Recommend to everyone
October 31, 2022
What an addition to the series by a great author. This book was a little slow moving in the beginning, but then it picked up, once it picked up, I did not want to put it down. Forest is a widow, who only loved his daughter and his cousins, the Deville’s (I loved these Deville brothers). Forest’s daughter tutor is Ruby who is taking care of her brother and will do anything to protect him. Ruby lives in an apartment house with some fun characters, I really enjoy their interactions. When Ruby and her brother are in trouble, Forest and his cousins are there for her. There is an extra Epiologue which was very nice addition to this whole book.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion.
November 9, 2022
Surrender To A Devil is a spectacular historical romance by Wendy Vella. Ms. Vella has once again provided readers with a well-written book, a phenomenal story of power, intrigue, romance and exciting characters. Ruby has spirited her brother Adam from their family home and is supporting him by teaching. Forrest brought his daughter to England from India and they now live with his cousins, the Deville brothers. Ruby and Forrest's story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I loved every turn of the page and can't wait for my next book from Wendy Vella. Surrender To A Devil is book 4 of The Deville Brothers but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 6, 2022
I really enjoyed Forest and Ruby's story, I am so glad that Forest finally got his own happy ending. Forest Howarth never expected to fall in love he just needed a tutor for his beloved daughter. What he never expected was to meet Ruby Knight a tutor who intrigues him and stirs him like no other. Ruby and her youngest brother are in hiding from their abusive father and indifferent siblings. They need the money that Forest pays her to survive.
However there are forces in play that may destroy everything and drive them apart. Only with their wits about them.can thry thwart the evil that lurks around them.
However there are forces in play that may destroy everything and drive them apart. Only with their wits about them.can thry thwart the evil that lurks around them.
November 7, 2022
Loved this story! When Ruby and her brother Adam ran from their family, they found a new family among the residents of 11 Nobby Lane. When Ruby is hired as a tutor for Forrest Howarth’s daughter (Ella), she quickly becomes a part of the Deville family too. We also are able to catch up with the Duchess of Yardley and her reading salons. She is such a character. The Sinclairs and Ravens also make a few appearances. Love how this author includes cameos from her other series. One more story to go!
November 6, 2022
Another great addition to The Deville Brothers series! I loved Ruby and Forrest and of course, Ella. In addition to the love and romance, this novel was full of great action, adventure and hilarious moments. The secondary characters in this novel were so entertaining! I am looking forward to the next book in the series and hope it arrives soon.
November 7, 2022
Healing
Forrest has secrets. Secrets that have crippled him, leaving him with the oath to never marry again. A gripping story that will hold your attention to the spectacular end. An engaging series that leaves you longing for the next book.
Forrest has secrets. Secrets that have crippled him, leaving him with the oath to never marry again. A gripping story that will hold your attention to the spectacular end. An engaging series that leaves you longing for the next book.
November 9, 2022
I was expecting this book to be excellent having read the previous books in the series and I was not disappointed. I love each series but I particularly like where the Deville brothers, Ravens and Sinclairs and the Langley sisters characters keep making an appearance. There is excitement, romance and added humour all rolled into this book. I loved it
November 11, 2022
Finding love for the first time
I absolutely love reading about the Deville brothers and Forrest. When Forrest engages a tutor for his daughter Ella, Ruby has impeccable references so they hire her.
Ruby needed this position to take care of her youngest brother and the residence of 11 Nobby Lane. She never thought that she would come to care for her charge and her father. When Ruby, her brother and the residents of Nobby land are threatened, she must think of them and do as they say. But when her brother is kidnapped all bets are off and the Deville family to the rescue.
The Deville family again is asked to fight for there King and find the people responsible to kidnapping women for nefarious reasons. When Forrest finds out Ruby has been caught up in all this he will do everything in his power to help her.
Another wonderfully written story with a beautiful ending.
I absolutely love reading about the Deville brothers and Forrest. When Forrest engages a tutor for his daughter Ella, Ruby has impeccable references so they hire her.
Ruby needed this position to take care of her youngest brother and the residence of 11 Nobby Lane. She never thought that she would come to care for her charge and her father. When Ruby, her brother and the residents of Nobby land are threatened, she must think of them and do as they say. But when her brother is kidnapped all bets are off and the Deville family to the rescue.
The Deville family again is asked to fight for there King and find the people responsible to kidnapping women for nefarious reasons. When Forrest finds out Ruby has been caught up in all this he will do everything in his power to help her.
Another wonderfully written story with a beautiful ending.
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November 6, 2022As always Wendy presentes us another amazing love story . Surrender to the Devil is another excellent story in the Deville Brothers seires. The story brings excitement, intrigue, danger, romance and as with all her books wonderful characters. Loved reading this book and can´t wait for the next one.
November 22, 2022
another great read!
I love all of Wendy Vella’s books. They are great first , second, third, fourth, etc reads ! I love the character arcs and the mystery woven in. The comedy is awesome but the romance is my favorite!
I love all of Wendy Vella’s books. They are great first , second, third, fourth, etc reads ! I love the character arcs and the mystery woven in. The comedy is awesome but the romance is my favorite!
November 6, 2022
Loved it!
I couldn’t put it down! I stayed up very late to finish this amazing book. Fantastic characters and a fast paced plot that kept me thoroughly engaged. Highly recommended.
I couldn’t put it down! I stayed up very late to finish this amazing book. Fantastic characters and a fast paced plot that kept me thoroughly engaged. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2022
A wonderful story I really enjoyed reading this had a great story line to it and I would recommend this
November 14, 2022
Another great addition to this series!
Wendy Vella continues the Deverill series with Forrest and Ruby's story. I enjoyed these strong willed characters who will do anything to protect their loved ones. Forrest and Ruby overcome their wounded hearts and discover what true love is worth the risk.
Wendy Vella continues the Deverill series with Forrest and Ruby's story. I enjoyed these strong willed characters who will do anything to protect their loved ones. Forrest and Ruby overcome their wounded hearts and discover what true love is worth the risk.
November 25, 2022
What a wonderful book, finished it quickly. Would read fri this author again.
November 6, 2022
Forrest and Ruby’s story is a excellent story. It has everything I love in a story excitement, intrigue, danger, romance and wonderful characters. Loved reading this book.
November 27, 2022
This is the fourth book in the Deville Brother Series. This is Forrest Howarth story, a cousin to the Deville Brothers who was introduced in the last book. He comes to live with them with his daughter Ella. As in earlier stories, the Deville Brothers are part of a secret alliance forged to protect the King and country. Forrest has been asked to join the secret alliance and after careful consideration joins them.
The most important thing to Forrest is his daughter. The love and devotion he has to her is wonderful. He hires Ruby Knight to tutor his daughter. Forrest is a quiet and guarded man but is drawn to Ruby and she begins to fall in love with him. Just as things are getting comfortable between them, Ruby is threatened that harm will come to her and her brother Adam if she fails to spy on the Devilles.
Forrest starts to figure out something is going on with Ruby and believes it is connected to the work they are doing for the secret society.
Wendy Vella has once again written another surprising drama filled with secrets, danger, mystery, and visits from the Raven and Sinclair characters we love, along with a host of other characters from the boarding house where Ruby lives.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am providing my honest review.
The most important thing to Forrest is his daughter. The love and devotion he has to her is wonderful. He hires Ruby Knight to tutor his daughter. Forrest is a quiet and guarded man but is drawn to Ruby and she begins to fall in love with him. Just as things are getting comfortable between them, Ruby is threatened that harm will come to her and her brother Adam if she fails to spy on the Devilles.
Forrest starts to figure out something is going on with Ruby and believes it is connected to the work they are doing for the secret society.
Wendy Vella has once again written another surprising drama filled with secrets, danger, mystery, and visits from the Raven and Sinclair characters we love, along with a host of other characters from the boarding house where Ruby lives.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am providing my honest review.
December 21, 2022
Love love this series
I was unable to put this book down. It was well written and a page turner. I couldn't turn the page fast enough and was sad to see the end. I wish I read slower.
I was unable to put this book down. It was well written and a page turner. I couldn't turn the page fast enough and was sad to see the end. I wish I read slower.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews