Devilish King

A Dark Mafia Romance (Valentino Empire, Book 1)

By: Kylie Kent

Narrated by: Ty Dorchester, Bridie Lawrence

Dark mafia romance, contains scenes that could be triggering to some. Listen with caution. This is book one of a trilogy, and 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 180. 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?

©2021 Kylie Kent (P)2023 Kylie Kent

Great start!

This is such a cute start to this couples love story! I couldn't wait to get Holly's story! We meet Holly in the merged series through her friends and twin sister and get little glimpses of her and her reserved and docile personality! When she decides to make a huge, out of character move and leave everything she knows to start over across the world she land in the hot seat, literally, of a hot mafia man! It takes Theo 1 glance and its all over in this insta-love book.
Once again I think this author has managed to write an FMC that while she feels weak and docile and timid the reader doesn't really see her that way. I loved as we get to see Holly's fire come out and even when she makes rash decisions Theo's pride for her is so evident! Holly is out of her league in Theo's world but through sheer determination on both their parts they will stay together and overcome!
Book 1 leaves us on 1 hell of a cliffhanger that made me thankful book 2 is already out and I didnt have to wait!

The editing and grammar are top tier and there is literally nothing to note that distracts from the flow of the book or the ease of absorbing into the plot that makes you want to be in New York with Theo and Holly

This book is available on audio with 2 narrators who do a fine job bringing these characters to life. One thing to note, If you like to follow along while you listen there is A LOT of rephrasing, paraphrasing, skipped sentences that differ from the written kindle version to the audio book and even some changes that didn't seem crucial but happened all the same... (The name of a river is different in the audio than in the print version for example) I don't know the reason behind the changes and it doesn't ruin the experience at all but if you are one to follow along like I am it does take a minute to adjust that the audio is not a word for word of the kindle book.

Great narration, fast-paced story

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The narrators did a great job. I appreciated the fact that there was a cliffhanger warning so I could decide ahead of time whether I wanted to consider purchasing multiple books. I like to wait for all books to be released before starting them.

I'm not always a fan of insta-love stories because it's not very believable to me. I did like both characters, especially the FMC, so there were things I overlooked. The relationship progresses at light speed.

One thing that bothered me was that the FMC had a fear of guns, so much so that she passed out from seeing one. That in itself wasn't the issue. It was that the MMC took taught her how to shoot, and suddenly, she was holding a gun and firing at someone. I don't believe someone with that level of terror would get over it that quickly.

I will be purchasing the next one in the series.

Book

I loved all of it and it made me want to read it more and the next books

Devilish King

This is my first 🎧book by Kylie Kent and I’m pleasantly pleased by the storyline. The narration would’ve been perfect if it would’ve been a duet, I hate when the MMC does the female parts while he’s reading his own🫤it ruins the listening experience for me! And the same when the MFC tries to sound like a man when she’s reading her lines!😑 Doe’s it cost extra to do a duet narration? It’s worth it trust me! The storyline has been good so far with enough twists & turns. I will admit that I’m growing a little impatient with Holly and some of her nagging/stupid moves but Theo makes up for her stupidity. Did I mention I hate cliffhangers ugh. On to book #2 let’s hope the next book in this trilogy is better. Is it worth the credit? Yes, Bella💋

Sitting on the edge of my seat

This is so amazing! I was at the edge of my seat the whole book! Great suggestion from booktok!

Started Out Great

I love the narrators, but the female is too whiny. She is constantly second guessing and crying. I will not listen to the other books.

Great story potential, but the rushed love timeline was disappointing.

The story line was great, but the immediate in love killed it. It became cringy. Writers flow is fabulous.

Lack of story

I didn’t read the reviews when I bought this on audible. What a mistake. I stopped listening at the 2 hr mark to check the reviews and I don’t know how this book got so many good reviews. It comes off as a first draft. The story is very rushed. No back story. Insta love. No descriptions. The male narrator has a nasally voice at times and he just sounds so young. I went back to continue reading. I have an hour left and I just can’t make myself finish. It’s just so juvenile. The sex scenes are CRINGY and BORING. One of the worst mafia books I have ever read. Theo comes off as a very weak character. Would not recommend and will not be reading this author again. This book could’ve used a good editor or truthful beta readers to tell the author the draft needed to be filled in. What a waste of my audible credit!