Customer Reviews

Devilish

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'd read my way through My Lady Notorious, Something Wicked, and Tempting Fortune, with increasing dissatisfaction, and hadn't intended to read Secrets of the Night or Devilish. However, a friend with whom I often share books recommended Devilish to me, so I felt obliged to give it the old college try.

I blazed my way through it in one night (by no means a record, but uncommon with books I don't feel strongly about) and when I was done I wished there were more. Sigh, drool, melt.

But I've been surprised and confused by the amount of negative reviews of the book, to the point of wondering if I read the same book everyone else had. Bey cold? Diana whining? Bey disappointing? Perish the thought.

But then again, the Marquess of Rothgar has been a presence in the entire Malloren series, from My Lady Notorious onward, leaving plenty of fertile ground for readers to build their own idea about him (indeed, part of my dissatisfaction with the other three books that I read stemmed largely from the fact that Rothgar consistently overshadowed the heroes). So it's not really surprising that the book might not have lived up to what many readers hoped for Bey.

The other complaints (dealing largely with two issues; Diana's suitability as a heroine and the lack of sex scenes) are largely a matter of taste. I don't like the heroines of the books I read to be sweet, simpering virgins with hearts of gold (another problem I had with some of the Malloren books, particularly Tempting Fortune); I like them to be strong, stubborn, and independent, which Diana was. I don't think that a gentle, delicate, naive young woman could have had the courage or the resolve to keep pushing Bey until he had to give up some of his control.

Nor do I read this sort of book for the sex scenes; I read it for the plot, and for the romance. Therefore I wasn't disappointed with the lack of sex, and I feel that much more would have been hard to justify, considering that Rothgar's determination not to have children has been well-established.

As for what I liked about the book--most everything. I appreciated that Jo Beverley didn't resort to tired old cliches (silly misunderstandings keeping hero and heroine apart, etc). I heartily approve of the fact that Bey acknowledged his love for Diana relatively early on in the book, instead of holding out until some great crisis puts her life in danger and forces him to admit how he feels. Bey and Diana had rational (if occasionally misguided) reasons for staying apart, a nice change from many romance novels. Diana made a solid, if largely unremarkable, heroine; Bey carries the book, walking the line between strength and romance. All of the parts of the book that melted my heart centered around him and were usually from his point of view.

Devilish is a book I'll keep and read over and over again, a sure sign of a good, satisfying read.

... I didn't much like Rothgar in MY LADY NOTORIOUS or TEMPTINGFORTUNE. He was dark, mysterious, and powerful, but not terriblysympathetic. My feelings began to change in SOMETHING WICKED, whenRothgar admitted that he'd been wrong in his treatment of Fort following events at the end of NOTORIOUS. By the end of SECRETS OF THE NIGHT, I'd finally begun to see a human behind all the glamour and power. In DEVILISH, Jo Beverley does a masterful job of chipping away at Rothgar's carefully constructed walls, breaking her readers' hearts a little along the way. Diana is the perfect heroine for Rothgar -- strong, intelligent, not afraid to take risks for the man she loves, and utterly determined to save him from himself for both their sakes. Rothgar and Diana's adventures on the way to London and then amidst the court of King George III were exciting, amusing, and filled with wonderful dialogue. No one knows the Georgian era better than Jo Beverley, and her portrayal of the king and queen brought them alive as no history book ever could. But in the end, this was Rothgar and Diana's story, and it was lovely to witness the kindness of the gods at last.

Like everyone else I have been waiting for Rothgar's story. He is one of the most charasmatic characters in romantic fiction! So strong, compelling, gorgeous and mysterious - throughout all the other Malloren books he was the one that did everything for his family - he made all things possible. And yet he was such a lonely sole and totally intended to never ever marry becuz he felt his mother was mad and he would never want to wed. He intended to remain alone forever! One just knew the minute he met Diana in Secrets of the Night that she was finally the one woman that would be able to reach through his armour and finally make him realize that he too needed someone to complete his life. And for love it was worth taking the risk that he was never able to even consider taking before. This is a wonderfully written love story, with just enough drama and danger as all the Malloren novels have. I will say again that it is so beneficial to read these books in order - especially to understand the depths of Rothgar's defenses against love and having a family of his own. I just do not see how one could be disappointed in Devilish!! I did not think I could enjoy a series as much as Stephanie Laurens Cynasters but the Malloren's are totally in the same first class category!!

Beowulf Malloren is the oldest and most mysterious Malloren yet. Outwordly cold, he hides his feelings beneath a rapier sharp wit, and lives his life through the manipulation of others. I waited for this book patiently, praying that it wouldn't be a letdown, as some authors have a tendency to do with their last character in a series. I wasn't dissappointed.
Bey was every inch the type of hero I love, and Diana the strong but not annoyingly headstrong heroine that I relate to the most.
I love books set in the glittering Georgian period, and think more historical romance novelists should adopt this time as the settings for their books.
Jo Beverley is sparklingly witty, and wonderfully intelligent, and her characters seem like living breathing people that you would want to know in real life.
I thought this was a wonderful book and would reccommend it to anyone.

Beverley has created two of the more unique heroes among historical romance writers - Cynric and Beowulf Malloren. (Actually, Cyric is the more unique, Beowulf having much in common with Mary Balogh's Wulfric Bedwyn; but that is another review.) I find the controlled simmer of the relationship between Beowulf and Diana, held just below a boil, perfect and perfectly written. On this, my third or fourth reading, I notice lovely details that underscore the heat. When Bey has been massaging Diana's foot, she, with aching regret, pulls her foot away and stands. Beverley writes, "He, against etiquette, remained seated." Now why is that? Perhaps something uncomfortably noticable should he stand? Something even the oh-so-in-control Marquess of Rothgar can't quite control? A lovely moment, and this story is filled with many. While this series is enjoyable throughout, the bookend family stories of Cyn and Bey carry the most potent heat.

While I loved all the Malloren tales, Rothgar's story ran as a thread throughout the saga, for he is the backbone of this family. I opened this book with great anticipation and much trepidation. Jo's excellent track record not withstanding, there is always the potential for great disappointment when one has had to wait so long for a much desired story. Had Diana had to win Rothgar's love, or had he discovered after great peril that he couldn't live without her, I would have been sorely disappointed. Mallorens choose, they can't be won, and once having chosen they are as constant as the sun. However the two acknowledged their feelings from the start. The battle is within Rothgar himself to conquer his demons (as it should have been). I found myself saying "exactly" repeatedly. I also loved that Rothgar has finally become Bey, an approachable human man with frailties like every other human being, though it doesn't by any means diminish him as the "eminence noire". Brilliantly handled, if ever I doubted for a minute that the characters talk to Jo, I will not make that mistake twice!

Someone wants Rothgar dead. An uneasy peace hangs between the British and the French. Bey finds himself a part of a contrived duel to avenge an insult to Chastity Malloren (Cyn's wife). Bey and Bryght suspect the expert duelist is in league with the French who would benefit by putting him out of commission for the Marquess has the ear of the king in these matters. His advice does not coincide with their plans in the least. Having dispatched the offender, the family prepares to attend the wedding of Brand and Rosa in Yorkshire where Rothgar is once more brought into the sphere of the Countess Arradale, Diana.

No fool, Rothgar has acknowledged his attraction to the countess but as he has firm intentions never to marry (due to his mother's madness) he has wisely limited his stay to three days. Diana for her part is just as determined to remain free of entanglements, though she is just as intrigued by the enigmatic Marquess. A missive from the king, commanding Rothgar to escort Diana to court, thwarts their good intentions. The very thing that makes Diana Bey's equal has won her disfavor with the king. In the unique position of being a female peer of the realm she has petitioned the king for the right to hold her seat Parliament. This has alerted the king to her "unnatural" leanings and he is determined to wed her to someone who will keep her in line. Bey advises Diana to act the proper young lady for fear she will be thought mad if she expresses her true nature but promises to support her to the point of offering a marriage in name only if the situation becomes untenable. By now Diana is aware that her feelings for Bey run deep and is certain they are reciprocated. She agrees to follow his advice for though a true marriage to the man would be heaven; a marriage in which they would lead separate lives would truly be hell.

Those good intentions are thwarted as well as the plot continues to remove Rothgar from the king's sphere. They are attacked along the road. The attack is not unexpected, however the situation requires Diana to use her considerable skill with pistols to save the life of her beloved. Shaken by the encounter the drop their guard and celebrate life in the time-honored manner. The armor cracks a bit more.

It had seemed that the king had accepted the Marquess's determination never to marry, but once Diana arrives at court she is plied with unacceptable suitors and it becomes obvious that the king wishes a match between Diana and Bey. The king has put a deadline on her choice of mate. She must choose immediately following a masquerade thrown by the Marquess. Should she fail to choose he would choose for her. Diana does her best to ensure that Bey is not ensnared in the trap, but she relishes his visits and he cannot seem to stay away. To deflect attention she inadvertently over encourages one of her suitors who unwittingly becomes caught up in the plot to eliminate Rothgar. She is kidnapped. Bey barely rescues her in time. Another chink in the armor.

It has become apparent to Bey that he can not let Diana go to another but an incident at the Queen's house reinforces his fears about his suitability to father the next heir to the Malloren line.

The plot shifts to his internal struggle. He retreats into himself and as the masquerade begins his family is greatly worried for him. Will this man of power and courage find the strength to let his heart rule his head? As the event begins Diana searches the room for him, but he finds her. It appears as if all that is well will end well, but it is too much to ask that the French will not make a move this night. Will love make the Marquess vulnerable or strong? Will Bey's strong protective streak cost the pair their hard fought happiness or will Diana risk all to defend her beloved?

This was a marvelous ending to Rothgar's story but hopefully not the last we see of the Mallorens. Young Victor Ware (brother of Fort, Verity, and Chastity) is due to arrive home from his Grand Tour. Dare we hope he will be hero material? It was a true delight to find at last that Rothgar has found the love he so richly deserved and with a woman who deserved him. "The gods were indeed exceedingly kind!" --Leslie Tramposch Copyright © 2000 ~ Paranormal Romance Reviews (Not Paranormal, but Too Good to Miss)

I loved everything about Devilish. No wonder Jo Beverley won a RITA award for this. The romance, the intrigue, the characters, the historical setting...everything was perfect. It deserves far more than 5 stars. This is by far the best book I've read in many, many months (and I read a book every 1-3 days).

Although previous Malloren books are mentioned, it is not necessary to have read them to get full enjoyment from this book. I haven't read them all yet, but I couldn't resist Rothgar's story. Be still my heart! He is so wonderful! And, in my opinion, Diana is worthy of the title "heroine." She's strong, witty, intelligent, capable, and a perfect--and I do mean, perfect--match for Rothgar.

This is Jo Beverley at her best. I am tempted to reread it immediately, and I have felt that way with only 1 or 2 other books. Motivations, doubts & fears, secondary characters, plot points, dialogue, description....everything is picture perfect, not a hair out of place. Go. Read. NOW!

Like everyone, I was eager to read the last installment in the Malloren series, and realized the author had a very challenging task ahead of her, trying to find the perfect mate for Rothgar. Though some of the other reviewers didn't think she was his equal, I felt Diana was the perfect fit -- she was strong, gutsy, intelligent, witty, independent, confident, brave, and loving ... had she been anything but, surely Rothgar would not have respected and admired her enough to end up falling in love her. I loved how her innocence and impulsiveness were balanced by his maturitiy, which even he seemed to, at times, find burdensome -- she was a breath of fresh air to him. I adored the witty, subtle, intelligent dialogue between them. And I LOVED seeing the all-controlling Rothgar fall victim to love, and the gradual bending, and finally, breaking, of his will ... the scene where he falls asleep in Diana's arms -- total capitulation -- was, IMHO, the sexiest scene in the book. My only complaint is that the author didn't seem to know where to end the book; there were two climaxes, and I think the book would have made a better final and lasting impact had the last duelling scene been excluded, or if it had come earlier. Otherwise, I would have given it a perfect 5 stars. Definitely a keeper!

.... I was looking forward to Rothgar's story too, and Beverley definitely did not disappoint: in fact, she saved the best until last. Neither Something Wicked nor Secrets of the Night, the other Malloren books I've read, came anywhere close to this. Bey's story still haunts me; it's incredibly memorable, and far exceeded my expectations.

First, the story does *not* `start on page 166', as one reviewer claims; does she believe a romance novel only begins at the first love scene? Second, the early part isn't merely `synopses of the previous novels' - we get about three separate short paragraphs summarising Elf and Brand's romances. This is in no way distracting, and it's a useful reminder of important elements of previous plot. If the complaint refers to Rothgar's memories of his mother strangling his baby sister, I would point out that this is Rothgar's story. His refusal to contemplate marriage and reproduction lies entirely in his conviction that his mother was insane; he will not perpetuate insanity in his family. Of *course* we need his own thoughts on that! And Bey's friend and occasional lover, Sappho, introduced in previous books, plays a very minor role, so I have no idea what this complaint relates to. And Diana whiney? Now I *know* I read a different book from the reviewer who said that!

I knew, from Secrets of the Night, that Diana would be Bey's love; that book set up some intriguing sexual tension between them, and this was magnified in the early stages of Devilish. Both Bey and Diana dread their meeting, knowing how they react to one another. But the king's desire that Bey bring Diana to court means they will be thrown into one another's company far more frequently, and he warns her (bringing the subject of their mutual attraction into the open) that they must avoid each other. Even his offer of a marriage in name only, should she need help, is clearly only to be considered as a last resort.

And this leads me to the complaints that there were insufficient love scenes. Are these reviewers forgetting that this is Georgian England? Unmarried ladies *did not* conduct sexual relationships outside marriage, and a reputation could be ruined by gossip, so when exactly were Diana and Bey to conduct this mad, passionate affair? Secondly, Bey refused to risk procreation because of his family history, so it would be totally out of character for him to jump into bed at every opportunity. He slept with Sappho in the past, true; but she was infertile.

The plot is excellently summarised by L.N.Tramposch's review of 19 May. I was delighted with the development of Bey's character in this book. It's not possible for him to have remained the distant, although caring, Dark Marquess for ever; he fell in love, and we see him softened by that. One reviewer comments that Bey seemed out of character, but I find that absurd. It's one of Bey's strengths that he can be strong and in control while yielding control to others: genuine love means allowing people freedom to make mistakes, while being around to pick up the pieces. It also means not wanting to control the loved ones; as Diana says during one of Bey's very protective phases, she doesn't want to be weakened by his protectiveness (in fact, she goes out of her way to ensure that he *won't* have to rescue her, which is why she decided that, if she did become pregnant, she wouldn't burden him with the knowledge, knowing his history). And this is why he gives her some leeway where he is concerned: he loves her. He still sets the limitations, which the reviewer who complained that Diana made all the decisions failed to understand. Bey allowed Diana to kiss him at the Queen's House; Diana even notes that if he hadn't wanted to be kissed, he wouldn't have permitted it. She initiated the kiss, but he controlled it. Likewise, in the scene at the cottage, Bey *wanted* to exact revenge himself, but he knew that Diana needed to do it for her own self-respect. In the same way, in Something Wicked, Bey allowed Elf to insist that Fort *not* be killed for taking her virtue and boasting about it.

The first love scene in this story is one of the very best I have read in romantic fiction. It haunted me so much that I couldn't stop thinking about it the following day, and had to go and re-read it before finishing the book. For very convincing reasons, Bey let down his guard and showed Diana just what lovemaking between them could be like, in response to her plea, and it was all the more poignant given they both knew it couldn't be repeated. (When they did make love for a second time, it was beautiful and poignant in a different way, and showed that Bey's trust in Diana was winning against his own battle with his conscience).

The love between Diana and Bey was obvious right from the start. It was there even when they barely spoke, and it was clear in the scenes where they were together in public but had to watch every word they said, for fear of damage to her reputation. Sexual tension crackled between them in every scene; and it was very much mutual. Diana is absolutely a worthy match for Bey; she's strong, independent and intelligent, and he would never be satisfied with less. He would be bored rigid by an undemanding or naïve heroine: a woman like that could never have persuaded him to marry. The historical setting and the political plot added to the story; given Rothgar's intriguing, the absence of a dramatic plot would have been a mistake.

This is a keeper, and I can see myself re-reading it very soon. *Now* I understand where Beverley's high reputation comes from!

Maybe it's not conventional, but both characters are equally strong in character while good, sensitive, and loving people. The plot is vaguely connected to the four previous Malloren series books that came before (My Lady Notorious, Tempting Fortune, Something Wicked, Secrets of the Night) and probably to the two that follow it (Winter Fire & A Most Unsuitable Man). But if you, like me, haven't read any of the others, the book stands alone quite well.
Both characters are intelligent, wealthy, and powerful in their own right. Each has decided that it would be impossible for them to marry and are resolved to remain single. She (Diana) because she inherited her father's title and property and, if she marries, all control passes to her husband. He (Rothgar) because of his mother's insanity and fear of passing it on to his children.
Problem is that they realize that they are perfect for each other and a sensual,sensitive (and believeable) romance evolves. The subplots are interesting and well woven in. The process by which they decide to take a chance on love, life, and each other makes for a fascinating read.
I'm sorry to have the book end. I may go back and try to locate some of the other books in the series. But, this one, is a keeper.