I’ve been continuing to devour romance books! Below are the reviews of my top two favorites from last month:

Devilish King (Valentino Empire Book 1) by Kylie Kent

This is a dark mafia romance. Theo (also known as β€œT”) is a mafia bad boy, son of the Don, next in line to take over. He falls head over feels for Holly. She is a quiet schoolteacher, a bit of a wallflower. Although Holly isn’t looking for love, it finds her anyway. She lands a job in New York City, where she meets her soulmate, and the chemistry skyrockets off the chart.

There are dark undercurrents and themes running through this novel, which might be triggering for some readers. However, the dynamic between the two central characters is the central focus, is sizzling hot, leaving the reader hooked. Theo helps Holly become more confident, finding herself and harnessing her strength, opening herself up to the possibility of love.

The story is full of suspense, twists and turns, with plenty of emotion to boot. It kept me reading (possibly addictively!) until the very last page. Highly recommended!

Work Wife by C.L. Donley

What I enjoyed about this book was that it featured an interracial romance. The story was thoughtful and immersive, with the main characters being complex and multilayered.  

When a thirty-eight-year-old personal assistant, Anita, informs her demanding boss, Jonathan, that she’s leaving, he’s reluctant to let her go. So reluctant, in fact, that he spontaneously proposes marriage!

The staged romance between this couple is very entertaining, the author’s dry sense of humor coming through, making me laugh out loud at times. However, this isn’t a surface-level book, as both Jonathan and Anita carry their own personal traumas and baggage.

This is a slow-burn office romance, with different POVs used throughout. It kept me interested, as it’s always intriguing to be able to access the minds of both main characters. The witty exchanges and banter were sizzling, creating tension and chemistry throughout.

I found this to be a rewarding and entertaining book, with an emotionally satisfying ending.

That’s it for the reviews!

Just to let you all know, I’m away on holiday between 14th and 19th of April, so won’t be around to like posts or leave any comments for a few days. So, if you are wondering where I’ve disappeared to, now you know! I’ll start liking posts again once I’m back, though.

Have a great week, everyone!

32 responses to “Book Reviews: Devilish King by Kylie Kent and Work Wife by C.L Donley”

  1. mjeanpike Avatar

    Great reviews, Ada. Those both sound like keepers!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Jean, lovely to see you! Yes, I enjoyed these romances; they kept me occupied throughout March! I enjoyed trying something a bit different. Thanks so much for the kind comments. 😊🌸

      Liked by 1 person

  2. balladeer Avatar

    The first one made me think of 365 Days! The other one sounded intriguing, too.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      hah, yes! I never thought of that! Thanks for your kind comments and for checking out the reviews. I’ll miss your blog posts when I’m away. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. balladeer Avatar

        You’re very welcome! I’ll miss your humorous remarks, too!

        Liked by 2 people

  3. thomasstigwikman Avatar

    This might not be my genres but they sound like intriguing books and you wrote great reviews. I wish you a great holiday.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks so much! Not everybody likes romance, I know! I read thrillers, too, which I enjoy, although not the gory ones, but I do like psychological thrillers. Thanks very much; it’ll be nice to spread my wings and expand my horizons! Best wishes to you 🌸😊

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Yeah, Another Blogger Avatar

    I’m not into romance novels. But, I enjoyed your reviews!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks so much. Yes, romance is an acquired taste! I’m trying all kinds at the moment: dark romance, contemporary, etc., and am enjoying finding new takes on the genre. Thanks for checking out the reviews and your kind comments. 😊🌻

      Liked by 2 people

  5. shehannemoore Avatar

    Right, have finally caught up on the reading here and I will be checking in every week from now on, even if youa re away. Have a great holiday though.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi, Shey! How lovely to see you. Thanks for checking out the reviews. I enjoyed these romances a lot; it was good to try something a bit different! Hope all is well with you and you’re enjoying the better weather!😊🌸

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        Indeed. Still been frosty in the mornings though here. But good to see and have some sunshine. It is good to try diff things and again sorry for the long missing your blogs. I wodnered cos you last said you were busy launching an entirely diff book if you were so caught up. I sometimes do find for no reason WP sops sending notificatiosn on some blogs but not them all. Anyway BACK now and I will checking every week you may be assured.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      No problem, dear Shey! Just lovely to hear from you! πŸ˜ŽπŸ’œπŸŒΈ

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    Two good reviews. You should write more of those!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Jacqui, you’re too kind! Thanks so much! I hope you are well and enjoying the emergence of spring at long last. 😊🌸

      Liked by 1 person

  7. ourcrossings Avatar

    These are such wonderful book reviews. I don’t really read romance novels, but given that they offer a comforting and escapist reading experience, often providing emotional connection, relatable stories, and the promise of a happy ending, I can see why people love them. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day πŸ™‚ Enjoy your holiday πŸ™‚ Aiva xx

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi, Aiva! Thanks for checking out the reviews and for your kind comments. Yes, romance books aren’t for everyone, but I enjoyed these a lot! They were definitely escapist, which is probably why I enjoy the genre! Thanks for wishing me well on my holiday: you actually inspired me with your fabulous blog to travel to Ghent! I haven’t been on a plane in 19 years, so am a bit nervous! Ada xx🌸😊

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Resa Avatar

    Thanks for the reviews, Ada!

    Both of these romances sound like terrific reads.

    Hope you don’t miss reading too much while away on holidays. I suppose if you are flying, you can grab some time on the plane.

    You must be excited. You have a whole week to revel in anticipation. Yahoo! πŸ’œπŸŒΈ

    Liked by 4 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi, Resa! So kind of you to check out the reviews. I will indeed miss reading, but am taking my kindle, so hopefully can get some time to read on the plane/train. I’m going to Belgium, and it’s my first holiday abroad in 19 years, so I’m a bit nervous! There’s supposed to be some good street art there, which I now love thanks to your fab blog, so I’ll keep an eye out! 😊🌸🌟

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa Avatar

        OMG!!!
        Take pics of the art! Please!!!!
        If you don’t want to post them, send them to me! I’ll post them OMG!!!
        Okay, you might not have time. I understand. xo
        Have Fun! 😊🌸🌟

        Liked by 2 people

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks so much! Lol! I’ll definitely try! πŸ˜ŽπŸ’œπŸ§‘β€πŸŽ¨

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Mary K. Doyle Avatar

    Enjoy your vacation, Ada. We all need those breaks. Hugs!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi, Mary! How lovely of you to check out the reviews and wish me well on my holiday! Yes, I’m looking forward to a change of scenery and maybe a waffle or two. Hope you are well xxπŸ’œπŸ˜Š

      Liked by 2 people

  10. thomasstigwikman Avatar

    Hello Ada, I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award. You don’t have to participate if you don’t want to. I have no expectations, but just in case you have the time and think it is fun.

    https://superfactful.com/2025/04/15/the-sunshine-blogger-award-is-rising-again/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello Thomas! Thanks so much; that’s really thoughtful. I literally just returned from a week off on holiday, so have loads to catch up on, but will see where I am once all is under control again! Love your blog and have missed checking in, but will hopefully have all my ducks in a row again soon! Hope you have a great easter weekend πŸ˜ŠπŸ°πŸ’œ

      Liked by 2 people

  11. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

    Great reviews, Ada. These sound like wonderful romances. The cover of Devilish King is gorgeous, but the humor “dry sense of humor” of Work Wife is something that always appeals to me. ❀

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hello Diana! Thanks so much for the kind comments and for checking out the reviews. Sorry for the late response, I’ve been away on holiday and just got back. Yes, I agree with the dry sense of humor in books; it appeals to me as well! I hope you have a lovely easter weekend! xx😊🌸🐰

      Liked by 2 people

      1. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

        Thanks, Ada. I hope your Easter was lovely too.

        Liked by 2 people

  12. pk 🌎 Avatar

    Great review πŸ’―

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks so much for your kind words and for checking out the review! Hope you had a great easter 🌷😊🐰

      Liked by 2 people

  13. da-AL Avatar

    wonderful reviews — I love the book covers, too!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi da-AL, thanks so much for checking out the reviews and your kind comments! Yes, they are very striking covers. They definitely draw the reader in, which is so important! Hope you had a lovely Easter break. xxπŸ°πŸŒ·πŸ’œ

      Liked by 2 people

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