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friends2lovers's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
The title makes Devilry sound much more illicit or wicked than it actually is. Looking at the tropes you'd think this would be full of tension/angst, but it's really not. The risks of being in a forbidden relationship aren't dwelled on at all. The 13-year age gap between them is almost irrelevant to the story and characterization. The power imbalance usually inherent in a professor/student relationship is nonexistent. Cole and Elijah both think and behave as if they are equals.
Most of the conflict comes from Elijah's friend/roommate Aiden, who has an unrequited crush on Elijah. While Aiden does stir up trouble for Elijah, he isn't nearly as sinister as he first seems.His change of heart at the end—when he takes a bullet for Elijah even though it means he'll get kicked out of school—is unexpected. But even more odd is what he says to Cole about leaving King: "Good…This place turned me into a fucking prick anyway." Huh? How is the school to blame for his surliness? Did I miss where it's revealed that he's been badly treated or something?
Overall, Devilry is pretty mediocre. However, the audiobook narration makes for a very pleasant, albeit sometimes boring, listening experience. This was my first time listening to Cooper North and Aiden Snow, but I will definitely be seeking them out in the future. And from reading reviews, it sounds like Devilry is not of the same caliber of Valentine's other work, so I'm willing to give her another shot, especially since all her audiobooks are on Audible Plus and/or Hoopla.
MM contemporary romance, professor/student, age gap (18/31), forbidden romance, secret relationship, college setting, 1st person dual POV (present tense) • Heat notes:7 full, on-page, explicit sex scenes. The first scene is at 30%. Includes BJs, frotting, anal sex. No BDSM or kink.
Most of the conflict comes from Elijah's friend/roommate Aiden, who has an unrequited crush on Elijah. While Aiden does stir up trouble for Elijah, he isn't nearly as sinister as he first seems.
Overall, Devilry is pretty mediocre. However, the audiobook narration makes for a very pleasant, albeit sometimes boring, listening experience. This was my first time listening to Cooper North and Aiden Snow, but I will definitely be seeking them out in the future. And from reading reviews, it sounds like Devilry is not of the same caliber of Valentine's other work, so I'm willing to give her another shot, especially since all her audiobooks are on Audible Plus and/or Hoopla.
MM contemporary romance, professor/student, age gap (18/31), forbidden romance, secret relationship, college setting, 1st person dual POV (present tense) • Heat notes:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Cursing, and Religious bigotry
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