THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES BOOK 4
Once burned twice shy… but when old flames come together…passion reignites…
When burned once… Arriving in London as her goddaughter’s chaperone, Baroness Diana Palmerston-Wriothesley wants to avoid her erstwhile lover at all costs. Once nearly consumed by passion, four years has reduced the former inferno to bitterness and ashes.
By an old flame… A world-weary master of seduction, Ludovic “The Devil” DeVere is bored with his chosen life of debauchery. When Diana’s charge disappears, she is forced to seek help from the devil’s lair, and their mutual desire reignites with undeniable ferocity.
Fire is best fought with fire… While DeVere is hell-bent to have her back for keeps, Diana is equally determined to bring him to his knees…by acquiring some sensual secrets of her own.
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The Devil’s Match deserves all these accolades because Ms Vane has definitely struck gold with the final part of DeVere and Diana’s story. It’s innovative, compelling, heart-breaking, passionate, romantic, and funny. An unforgettable experience.
The things I LOVED about this novella:
Setting
Once again I was swept back to the Georgian era; an age of elegance, decadence, self-indulgence and extravagance which Ms Vane captures so brilliantly.
Story
SPOILER FREE
Nothing more than a few teasers:-
The sting of a viper, a pair of lovebirds, a pitcher of water, a malevolent stare, a minuet, locked French doors, pieces of a puzzle, family secrets, a wager, almond oil, a veiled figure, a romantic idyll, a heart-rending decision, a tear-stained letter, a desperate man…
Writing
I never fail to be impressed by Ms Vane’s writing. It is highly evocative,deeply sensual and delightfully wicked, creating a real sense of mood and atmosphere.
DeVere
I love watching DeVere emerge into the man I knew he could be. There were glimpses of that man in The Devil You Know; as a loyal friend and a protective brother as well as a man willing to make a personal sacrifice in order to protect Diana from scandal. Now Ms Vane gradually peels away those final layers to a reveal a sensitive, kind, generous and loving man. But I love how he still manages to retain that devilish charm and sharp wit. A truly heart-stopping romantic hero!
Diana
It is a stronger, more confident Diana who emerges in this book. I love how she challenges DeVere at every opportunity and refuses to play by his rules. This time she’ll be the one to set the rules and she has a few surprises in store for DeVere! She is certainly the perfect woman to tame this ‘Devil’ forcing him to open up his heart to her and prove that he is indeed worthy of her love.
Those ‘X’ Rated Moments
I LOVE, LOVE the sizzling sexual tension Ms Vane manages to create between DeVere and Diana with:
That sexy dialogue –
Diana spun toward the door. “You will call, my lord, or you will much regret my methods of rousing you.”
“I doubt that, my dear,” he replied. “You may rouse me any way you like.”
Those heated looks –
… and the flickering blue fire in his eyes heated her insides.
Those simple touches –
She felt his hard thighs against her backside and his hands on her waist, slowly ascending, the heat of his touch infusing her skin through the light silk of her gown. His thumbs brushed the outsides of her breasts, making her body rack with tiny but undeniable quivers of sensation.
Those wicked thoughts –
Her lush, full breasts moved freely. He could make out the hint of dusky nipple that teased his flesh as she reached across his body. He restrained the urge to grasp one of those magnificent mounds by clenching his fists by his sides.
Ms Vane’s combination of raw sensuality and emotional intensity in the love scenes really made me believe they truly love each other.
Secondary Characters
I enjoyed meeting up with Hew, Vesta, Ned and Phoebe again and they certainly added their own particular charm to the mixture. I particularly like Vesta’s devious attempts at matchmaking, Ned’s outraged father act and it is nice to see Diana and Phoebe becoming friends.
Humour
Ms Vane’s wonderful humour is very much in evidence again in this book and here are just a few of my favourite quotes.
“I confess I am impressed, Hew. I never knew that beneath that hardened soldier’s veneer lay the heart of a poet. Such a touching display. I was almost moved to retrieve my handkerchief.”
“Sod off, Vic.” Hew glowered.
“Not my usual preference,” Ludovic shot back. “Now if you lovebirds are quite finished, I have a pledge to keep. Let us depart for Upper Grosvenor.”
“Good God, Ned! Can’t a man even gather his wits before you begin the harangue? At least let me cover my arse.”
“I’ll grant you a moratorium of ten minutes, DeVere.” Ned fixed him with a menacing glare. “No more, or I’ll be dragging you through the streets bare arsed by your bollocks. I’ll be waitingin that so-called library of yours.”
“I take exception to that, Ned.” DeVere looked affronted. “Some of those books are priceless. I happen to have the finest collection of erotology in London.”
“Just look at them, Hew,” Vesta gushed as Diana and DeVere departed the dance floor. “Have you ever seen a more handsome couple? Who would ever have thought?”
“Couple? I see no couple,” said Hew, remarking Diana’s flight. “She has left my brother standing there gaping. To all appearances, she could not leave him fast enough.”
Epilogue
I have to mention this because it is just the perfect ending and so funny as well.
I was so delighted to learn that Ms Vane has announced there will be four more titles in the Devil DeVere series:
Devil in the Making , Devil by Another Name, A Devil in Diamonds and Jewel of the East.
It seems she’s not ready to say goodbye yet and neither am I!
VERDICT: AMAZING! FABULOUS! FANTASTIC!
RATING: STELLAR ★★★★★
The Assembled Cast
DeVere
Diana
Ned
Phoebe
Hew
Vesta
My sincere thanks to Ms Vane for kindly providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.
Warning: This novella contains elements of an erotic nature and may not be to everyone’s taste.
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