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King University #2
Devilry
Attending King University was at the top of my bucket list. Falling in love with my Professor wasn’t.
Earning a full scholarship to King University was my hard earned ticket out of hell. I'm happy to be away from the small town I grew up in and all the equally small minded people who live there.
King was going to be my safe haven. A place where I could leave the old me behind and finally grow into the young man my family had desperately tried to hide away.
Diving head first into new experiences, new friends, and parties, I didn’t expect to run straight into the one thing I wasn’t ready for.
His arms are welcoming, his body is addictive and his lips are heaven. Cole Huxley is everything I could fall in love with, except for one problem ... I never wanted to fall for my Professor.
Earning a full scholarship to King University was my hard earned ticket out of hell. I'm happy to be away from the small town I grew up in and all the equally small minded people who live there.
King was going to be my safe haven. A place where I could leave the old me behind and finally grow into the young man my family had desperately tried to hide away.
Diving head first into new experiences, new friends, and parties, I didn’t expect to run straight into the one thing I wasn’t ready for.
His arms are welcoming, his body is addictive and his lips are heaven. Cole Huxley is everything I could fall in love with, except for one problem ... I never wanted to fall for my Professor.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2019
About the author
Marley Valentine
26 books2,299 followersLiving in Sydney, Australia with her family, Marley Valentine is a USA Today bestselling author and a former social worker who uses her past experiences to write real life, emotional and heartfelt contemporary romance.
She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance incorporating all forms of life, lust and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.
When she’s not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.
Marley enjoys interacting with her readers so please feel free to reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram, email and/or subscribe to her newsletter.
STALK MARLEY
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Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MVGoodreads
She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance incorporating all forms of life, lust and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.
When she’s not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.
Marley enjoys interacting with her readers so please feel free to reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram, email and/or subscribe to her newsletter.
STALK MARLEY
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MarleyVNL
Audio Newsletter: https://bit.ly/MarleyVAudio
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2VuYfg8
Instagram: http://bit.ly/MVBooksIG
Twitter: http://bit.ly/MarleyTwitter
BookBub: http://bit.ly/MVBookBub
Amazon: http://bit.ly/MarleyV
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MVGoodreads
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June 27, 2019
Devilry, by Marley Valentine, is book two in the King University series. This is my very first book by Marley and WOW! What an amazing book! This book can be read as a stand alone. The first book in the series, Depravity, is by Jacob Chance. The characters do recur in this book but are not required to enjoy this one! All of the genres involved in this book, M/M, student/professor, and age gap, are favorites of mine.
Cole Huxley has just relocated to accept the job as a professor at the esteemed Ivy League King University. Cole is thirty one years old. He’s known he was gay all of his life and has enjoyed the complete love and support of his family. He’s comfortable with his life but he has never been in a long term relationship. He has just never met anyone that made him want more than casual. Then, on the first day of classes, someone literally bowled him right over, and his life was forever changed.
Elijah (Eli) Williams grew up in a very small town, with equally small minded people, including his parents. He knew he was different, that he liked boys instead of girls. But he was led to believe that he was dirty for feeling this way. That he was worthless. Getting accepted to King University was his out. He was getting away from the town and the people that made him feel like he was less. This was a new start for him.
“He’s everything I know I shouldn’t look twice at, but I can’t turn away.”
Eli knew as soon as he touched Professor Huxley that there was something different in their connection. Something electric. But he was his teacher and he couldn’t jeopardize his scholarship. But he can’t get him off his mind. And it seems that Prof. Huxley might be feeling something too. Could it be that he was flirting with him?
“He’s not just my professor, he’s the man who’s changing my world.”
At the same time as Eli is dealing with his growing attraction to Cole, he is also dealing with his roommate and his roommate’s friend, Callie. Both of them are troubled in their own ways. Also, a friendship is developing between Cole, Miles and Harper. I love that I already knew what Miles was going through from the first book. And I can’t wait to see what Harper’s story will be.
“This gorgeous, irresistible, young man is slowly becoming everything I didn’t know I wanted, and everything I had no plans of letting go of.”
Attraction between Cole and Eli turns soon to lust and then to obsession. As their feelings deepen, they take risks. If they are caught, they could both lose everything. I loved, though, watching Elijah slowly begin to accept himself, to leave the negativity of his past behind him. To find love and acceptance with both Cole and his new friends.
I loved every single thing about this book. I completely fell in love with Elijah and Cole. Neither of them knew that their future happiness was waiting for them on that university campus. I think what I loved most was that they both recognized it, and neither of them was willing to walk away from it. No matter what.
The third book in this story is Debauchery, and is Harper’s story. I…can’t…wait!!!
“Things worth fighting for are never easy.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Cole Huxley has just relocated to accept the job as a professor at the esteemed Ivy League King University. Cole is thirty one years old. He’s known he was gay all of his life and has enjoyed the complete love and support of his family. He’s comfortable with his life but he has never been in a long term relationship. He has just never met anyone that made him want more than casual. Then, on the first day of classes, someone literally bowled him right over, and his life was forever changed.
Elijah (Eli) Williams grew up in a very small town, with equally small minded people, including his parents. He knew he was different, that he liked boys instead of girls. But he was led to believe that he was dirty for feeling this way. That he was worthless. Getting accepted to King University was his out. He was getting away from the town and the people that made him feel like he was less. This was a new start for him.
“He’s everything I know I shouldn’t look twice at, but I can’t turn away.”
Eli knew as soon as he touched Professor Huxley that there was something different in their connection. Something electric. But he was his teacher and he couldn’t jeopardize his scholarship. But he can’t get him off his mind. And it seems that Prof. Huxley might be feeling something too. Could it be that he was flirting with him?
“He’s not just my professor, he’s the man who’s changing my world.”
At the same time as Eli is dealing with his growing attraction to Cole, he is also dealing with his roommate and his roommate’s friend, Callie. Both of them are troubled in their own ways. Also, a friendship is developing between Cole, Miles and Harper. I love that I already knew what Miles was going through from the first book. And I can’t wait to see what Harper’s story will be.
“This gorgeous, irresistible, young man is slowly becoming everything I didn’t know I wanted, and everything I had no plans of letting go of.”
Attraction between Cole and Eli turns soon to lust and then to obsession. As their feelings deepen, they take risks. If they are caught, they could both lose everything. I loved, though, watching Elijah slowly begin to accept himself, to leave the negativity of his past behind him. To find love and acceptance with both Cole and his new friends.
I loved every single thing about this book. I completely fell in love with Elijah and Cole. Neither of them knew that their future happiness was waiting for them on that university campus. I think what I loved most was that they both recognized it, and neither of them was willing to walk away from it. No matter what.
The third book in this story is Debauchery, and is Harper’s story. I…can’t…wait!!!
“Things worth fighting for are never easy.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
October 10, 2022
4 Affirmation Stars ⭐
Nothing about me is straight and narrow.
Not my needs.
Not my wants.
Not my hopes.
Not my dreams.
And definitely not my sexuality.
Son of a pastor, Elijah Williams has studied and worked hard to earn a scholarship to attend the prestigious King University. Miles away from home and intolerant parents, he finally has his ticket to freedom. However, Eli struggles to embrace who he really wants to be, preferring to remain detached from others. This way questions will not be asked nor answered.
Even though the chains of my past have been nothing but stifling and restrictive, I’m scared of who I’ll be without them.
Professor Cole Huxley is new to King University. Being openly gay and comfortable in his skin, he is unsure how to manage his latest attraction to the freshman in his class. Even from the first interaction with Eli, the connection is instantaneous. Whilst trying to keep him at arm’s length and maintaining professionalism, this young man calls to him in ways that are new. It will take a lot of understanding, persuasion and compassion for him to break down the barriers between Eli and himself as the scars run deep.
“I do. I want to know all the details,” he presses, tightening his grip, digging his fingers into my legs.
“I want to know whose arms you’ll be running into when you’re no longer in mine.”
Watching Eli take his first tentative steps towards self-discovery and love was breathtaking. Apart from the scorching passion, their journey to happiness was innocent, raw and a thing of beauty. They both needed to learn to trust and love to fill whole. Devilry was an emotional read. It highlights the struggle that lack of acceptance from those that should love you unconditionally brings. I was so happy that Cole and Eli finally got an ending they truly deserved.
Nothing about me is straight and narrow.
Not my needs.
Not my wants.
Not my hopes.
Not my dreams.
And definitely not my sexuality.
Son of a pastor, Elijah Williams has studied and worked hard to earn a scholarship to attend the prestigious King University. Miles away from home and intolerant parents, he finally has his ticket to freedom. However, Eli struggles to embrace who he really wants to be, preferring to remain detached from others. This way questions will not be asked nor answered.
Even though the chains of my past have been nothing but stifling and restrictive, I’m scared of who I’ll be without them.
Professor Cole Huxley is new to King University. Being openly gay and comfortable in his skin, he is unsure how to manage his latest attraction to the freshman in his class. Even from the first interaction with Eli, the connection is instantaneous. Whilst trying to keep him at arm’s length and maintaining professionalism, this young man calls to him in ways that are new. It will take a lot of understanding, persuasion and compassion for him to break down the barriers between Eli and himself as the scars run deep.
“I do. I want to know all the details,” he presses, tightening his grip, digging his fingers into my legs.
“I want to know whose arms you’ll be running into when you’re no longer in mine.”
Watching Eli take his first tentative steps towards self-discovery and love was breathtaking. Apart from the scorching passion, their journey to happiness was innocent, raw and a thing of beauty. They both needed to learn to trust and love to fill whole. Devilry was an emotional read. It highlights the struggle that lack of acceptance from those that should love you unconditionally brings. I was so happy that Cole and Eli finally got an ending they truly deserved.
June 19, 2019
M/M done right!
Marley Valentine has floored me with her first M/M release. She’s given me the dominance and masculinity I want from this genre but she’s paired it flawlessly with the vulnerability of a young man finding his place in the world and realising he’s perfect just the way he is. I got the sniffles more than once in this one.
Elijah is the kind of character you fall in love with. The friend or neighbour you want to protect and show that he’s loved. In fact he reminds me of a very close friend who went through similar pains during his coming out - making this story feel very REAL to me.
Cole - well he is EVERYTHING you want in a BBF. He’s delicious, smart and loyal. Add in the fact he’s HAF and just the right amount of bossy and I was in love.
Together Elijah and Cole are what love stories are made of. Their chemistry was off the charts and definitely gave me what hubs calls my squirmy face. She absolutely nailed the heat you want in your M/M stories 🔥🍆🍆💦
And as for first kisses - well she’s done it again. Marley is my First Kiss Queen and the first kiss in this one had me clapping my hands together and squealing like a preteen. It’s that PERFECT 💋
The character growth, rich secondary characters and well paced story flow in this book is a beautiful thing to spend an afternoon with and I cannot recommend it enough.
Definitely a 2019 Favourite for me & with it’s wit, emotions and absolutely delicious sexy times it’s going into my Forever Favourites ❤️❤️
Beta read
Marley Valentine has floored me with her first M/M release. She’s given me the dominance and masculinity I want from this genre but she’s paired it flawlessly with the vulnerability of a young man finding his place in the world and realising he’s perfect just the way he is. I got the sniffles more than once in this one.
Elijah is the kind of character you fall in love with. The friend or neighbour you want to protect and show that he’s loved. In fact he reminds me of a very close friend who went through similar pains during his coming out - making this story feel very REAL to me.
Cole - well he is EVERYTHING you want in a BBF. He’s delicious, smart and loyal. Add in the fact he’s HAF and just the right amount of bossy and I was in love.
Together Elijah and Cole are what love stories are made of. Their chemistry was off the charts and definitely gave me what hubs calls my squirmy face. She absolutely nailed the heat you want in your M/M stories 🔥🍆🍆💦
And as for first kisses - well she’s done it again. Marley is my First Kiss Queen and the first kiss in this one had me clapping my hands together and squealing like a preteen. It’s that PERFECT 💋
The character growth, rich secondary characters and well paced story flow in this book is a beautiful thing to spend an afternoon with and I cannot recommend it enough.
Definitely a 2019 Favourite for me & with it’s wit, emotions and absolutely delicious sexy times it’s going into my Forever Favourites ❤️❤️
Beta read
August 25, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
This isn’t what I was expecting whatsoever and that’s a good thing.
I expected Elijah to be a dumb, cocky kid with attitude and what I got was a man that is gentle and thoughtful just searching for a place where he can belong.
I expected Cole to be a gruff, resistant prick and what I got was this dominant, charming and highly seductive man that melts my heart and my libido.
I have no idea why I had these preconceived notions, especially after I’ve read a few books by Ms. Valentine. So, I should’ve expected to be hit in the face with all the feels.
I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I like the mix of religion and how it effects the lgbtq community. In this instance it was something that created empathy and a higher level of emotions and understanding between Elijah and Cole.
What I did expect and what I actually got was some of the steamiest interactions that I’ve come to adore.
For a playboy, Professor Huxley is awfully domestic. But when you know, you know and they couldn’t be any cuter.
Holy smokes! I’m pretty sure nobody writes better MM steam than Marley Valentine.
I want to kick myself for not reading this sooner but at the same time now I’m sad that it’s all said and done. MV never fails to give me everything I want in an MM romance, from great steam, to adorable characters both MC and sides to an emotional all encompassing passion.
This isn’t what I was expecting whatsoever and that’s a good thing.
I expected Elijah to be a dumb, cocky kid with attitude and what I got was a man that is gentle and thoughtful just searching for a place where he can belong.
I expected Cole to be a gruff, resistant prick and what I got was this dominant, charming and highly seductive man that melts my heart and my libido.
I have no idea why I had these preconceived notions, especially after I’ve read a few books by Ms. Valentine. So, I should’ve expected to be hit in the face with all the feels.
I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I like the mix of religion and how it effects the lgbtq community. In this instance it was something that created empathy and a higher level of emotions and understanding between Elijah and Cole.
What I did expect and what I actually got was some of the steamiest interactions that I’ve come to adore.
For a playboy, Professor Huxley is awfully domestic. But when you know, you know and they couldn’t be any cuter.
Holy smokes! I’m pretty sure nobody writes better MM steam than Marley Valentine.
I want to kick myself for not reading this sooner but at the same time now I’m sad that it’s all said and done. MV never fails to give me everything I want in an MM romance, from great steam, to adorable characters both MC and sides to an emotional all encompassing passion.
October 3, 2021
this is my first time listening to an audiobook narrated by Aiden Snow and holy moly is his voice deeper than the ocean!!!
consider my ears officially impregnated
😳🤣
storywise, i was hoping for more of that angsty taboo/forbidden flavor that a prof/student relationship could bring to the table, but for the most part, the "devilish" factor was almost glossed over? at least i didn't feel like the stakes were very high considering the ease with which they transitioned into their secret affair and their cavity-inducing sweetness, even though i knew in my head that Cole's job and Elijah's scholarship were in jeopardy. most likely a case of misplaced expectations on my part 🙈
what really rubbed me the wrong way though was the incessant appearances of Aiden and Callie, supposedly "the two best friends anybody could ask for," or so says Eli. poor guy clearly hasn't had any real friends in his life before because these two were constantly forcing him to do things he wasn’t comfortable with: pressing him to go out (not like he has to worry about maintaining grades for a scholarship or anything 😒), gifting him with a fake id, and the first time Eli drinks alcohol, egging him on to take shot after shot and then are this 🤏 close to roping him into a threesome with them. innocent boy on the premises, WE MUST PROTECT HIM!!!
i get the mini side moral of the story to "live a little" (as someone who basically had her head in textbooks throughout uni, i greatly appreciated the friends who would invite me out to destress and just have fun), but is the only way to live life through illegal means and/or intoxicated?? 😑 maybe i'm just a goody-two-shoes but damn do i hate it when people try to peer pressure me into things. the irony is, those people don't even realize that telling me what to do actually propels me to do the exact opposite purely out of spite lmao. if i were Eli, i would've put in a request to change roommates so fast (or at least found a more decent friend group to hang out with)—that's just me doe 🗿
storywise, i was hoping for more of that angsty taboo/forbidden flavor that a prof/student relationship could bring to the table, but for the most part, the "devilish" factor was almost glossed over? at least i didn't feel like the stakes were very high considering the ease with which they transitioned into their secret affair and their cavity-inducing sweetness, even though i knew in my head that Cole's job and Elijah's scholarship were in jeopardy. most likely a case of misplaced expectations on my part 🙈
what really rubbed me the wrong way though was the incessant appearances of Aiden and Callie, supposedly "the two best friends anybody could ask for," or so says Eli. poor guy clearly hasn't had any real friends in his life before because these two were constantly forcing him to do things he wasn’t comfortable with: pressing him to go out (not like he has to worry about maintaining grades for a scholarship or anything 😒), gifting him with a fake id, and the first time Eli drinks alcohol, egging him on to take shot after shot and then are this 🤏 close to roping him into a threesome with them. innocent boy on the premises, WE MUST PROTECT HIM!!!
i get the mini side moral of the story to "live a little" (as someone who basically had her head in textbooks throughout uni, i greatly appreciated the friends who would invite me out to destress and just have fun), but is the only way to live life through illegal means and/or intoxicated?? 😑 maybe i'm just a goody-two-shoes but damn do i hate it when people try to peer pressure me into things. the irony is, those people don't even realize that telling me what to do actually propels me to do the exact opposite purely out of spite lmao. if i were Eli, i would've put in a request to change roommates so fast (or at least found a more decent friend group to hang out with)—that's just me doe 🗿
October 16, 2021
2 stars ⭐️ It's me, not the book!! I think I'm in a book hangover after binge-reading every Hazard and Somerset book, and I can't find any book that satisfies my poor heart. I'm trying!!
Devilry is a prof/student romance story, and the age gap between MCs made me jump into the book immediately.
But the thing is I had a hard time connecting with Cole and Elijah from the start. I didn't feel the chemistry. The banter is just meh. If the author had spiced up the age gap and forbidden tropes considerably amount to the story, I’d have liked it better.
But the cover is hot AF 🔥
Devilry is a prof/student romance story, and the age gap between MCs made me jump into the book immediately.
But the thing is I had a hard time connecting with Cole and Elijah from the start. I didn't feel the chemistry. The banter is just meh. If the author had spiced up the age gap and forbidden tropes considerably amount to the story, I’d have liked it better.
But the cover is hot AF 🔥
June 21, 2021
Audiobook - Aiden Snow -5 stars
Cooper North - 4 stars
Story - 2.5 stars
-It's me not the book.
- This was just meh, I tried to feel the chemistry between the MCs but nope, it wasn't there.
-The side characters were meh! too.
Cooper North - 4 stars
Story - 2.5 stars
-It's me not the book.
- This was just meh, I tried to feel the chemistry between the MCs but nope, it wasn't there.
-The side characters were meh! too.
April 19, 2023
The voice actors, Cooper North, and Aiden Snow did a great job. The overall story of a professor and his student was just a little lackluster and kinda boring. (32/18 yr age gap)
This was more sweet and fuzzy, rather than taboo and angsty. Was the “devil” part of the story the supposed bff and roommate? What a bizarre plot point to toss into this story.
The ending of this book was the equivalent of trying to fold a bottom sheet, getting frustrated, and throwing the whole thing into your closet and closing the door. Done!
This was more sweet and fuzzy, rather than taboo and angsty. Was the “devil” part of the story the supposed bff and roommate? What a bizarre plot point to toss into this story.
The ending of this book was the equivalent of trying to fold a bottom sheet, getting frustrated, and throwing the whole thing into your closet and closing the door. Done!
May 6, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars!! Two yummy narrators! My ears were very pleased!
Story - 4.25 Stars
Some of the drama did seem manufactured, but I didn't care. The MCs couldn't stay away from each other even though they knew they should. They were totally swoon worthy in their need to be together. Their chemistry was hawt AF! I loved it!
Story - 4.25 Stars
Some of the drama did seem manufactured, but I didn't care. The MCs couldn't stay away from each other even though they knew they should. They were totally swoon worthy in their need to be together. Their chemistry was hawt AF! I loved it!
June 1, 2023
3.25*** stars
re-listen January 2023
Went in again for Aiden Snow only.
Story is okay. The premise was good (it always is) but Marley Valentine’s writing simply doesn’t do it for me, I guess.
re-listen January 2023
Went in again for Aiden Snow only.
Story is okay. The premise was good (it always is) but Marley Valentine’s writing simply doesn’t do it for me, I guess.
June 19, 2019
I don't think my mere words, or weak attempts can give this book the justice it deserves. It amazed me, kept me intrigued and had me in love with the characters, before they themselves shared their feelings. I couldn’t get the characters out of my head, this book definitely gives you a roller coaster of feelings throughout. An absolutely superb piece of writing, eliciting strong emotions throughout -joy, heartbreak, love and hope.
Elijah and Coles’s relationship is described so beautifully. The relationship between them was full of chemistry and sizzled from the first moment they saw each other and continued throughout the book. I liked that everything was gradual and they took their time with each other and it slowly progressed into more. Their emotions for each other are very much real. Despite the age difference, despite the power imbalance, despite the background differences, Elijah and Cole are drawn to each other in ways that defy logic and reason. The sparks fly within seconds, and they deny the heat… But like moths to a flame, they can’t stop the passion. So even when they know all the reasons they shouldn’t, they do, and the build up and ensuing sex scenes are some of the most well written MM I’ve read. And my god these scenes sizzled! They were hella hot!
From intense jealous reactions, to heartfelt confessions, to all-consuming intimacy… this book’s got it all. Marley Valentine writes effortless, flowing text that the pages simply fly through one's fingers without notice. Her characters are well researched, deeply contemplated and created with obviously much passion. A marvelous and extremely well written book...that captures the reader and doesn't let them go. To me, Devilry is simply...extraordinary.
Elijah and Coles’s relationship is described so beautifully. The relationship between them was full of chemistry and sizzled from the first moment they saw each other and continued throughout the book. I liked that everything was gradual and they took their time with each other and it slowly progressed into more. Their emotions for each other are very much real. Despite the age difference, despite the power imbalance, despite the background differences, Elijah and Cole are drawn to each other in ways that defy logic and reason. The sparks fly within seconds, and they deny the heat… But like moths to a flame, they can’t stop the passion. So even when they know all the reasons they shouldn’t, they do, and the build up and ensuing sex scenes are some of the most well written MM I’ve read. And my god these scenes sizzled! They were hella hot!
From intense jealous reactions, to heartfelt confessions, to all-consuming intimacy… this book’s got it all. Marley Valentine writes effortless, flowing text that the pages simply fly through one's fingers without notice. Her characters are well researched, deeply contemplated and created with obviously much passion. A marvelous and extremely well written book...that captures the reader and doesn't let them go. To me, Devilry is simply...extraordinary.
April 17, 2020
I love a good age gap romance and this one was perfect. Also, I’m a professor, and really into the whole professor-student trope, which I don’t see often enough. It’s hot and off limits, what can I say?
I adored Elijah, such a beautiful, mature yet pure and innocent young man. I fell hard for Cole, who was the perfect sexy older man, although not that old here. The sex was sweet and steamy. The side characters were interesting and well developed. I hated Aiden for most of it but now I can’t wait to see his book.
I didn’t read the first book in the series but I might read the the last. This is the only MM in the King University series (which is multi authored) but there will be a book off series about Aiden and Alex by Marley Valentine, who are also mentioned at the end of Without You, featuring completely different characters. So not a series but appearances here and there through this author’s work.
I adored Elijah, such a beautiful, mature yet pure and innocent young man. I fell hard for Cole, who was the perfect sexy older man, although not that old here. The sex was sweet and steamy. The side characters were interesting and well developed. I hated Aiden for most of it but now I can’t wait to see his book.
I didn’t read the first book in the series but I might read the the last. This is the only MM in the King University series (which is multi authored) but there will be a book off series about Aiden and Alex by Marley Valentine, who are also mentioned at the end of Without You, featuring completely different characters. So not a series but appearances here and there through this author’s work.
November 8, 2023
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Professor and student forbidden romance.
This was my first read by Marley Valentine and I’m really kicking myself for not reading her work sooner. Amazing writing really does make the difference, because while I’ve definitely read similar versions of this same plot, it felt totally new and unique and absolutely lovely.
Loved the slow build up before the spice, and the forbidden factor added flavor without being the only plot point.
It did get a little sappy towards the end and the climax was a little anti-climactic, but if I’m not nitpicking this was a beautiful, steamy yet sweet, heartfelt story.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Age gap
- Neglectful parents
- Homophobia
- Virgin MC
- Frotting
- Strict top/bottom
“What’s another secret?”
Professor and student forbidden romance.
This was my first read by Marley Valentine and I’m really kicking myself for not reading her work sooner. Amazing writing really does make the difference, because while I’ve definitely read similar versions of this same plot, it felt totally new and unique and absolutely lovely.
Loved the slow build up before the spice, and the forbidden factor added flavor without being the only plot point.
“Did you see the constellation?” “No, baby,” I say trying out the endearment out for the first time. “I saw heaven.”
It did get a little sappy towards the end and the climax was a little anti-climactic, but if I’m not nitpicking this was a beautiful, steamy yet sweet, heartfelt story.
Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Age gap
- Neglectful parents
- Homophobia
- Virgin MC
- Frotting
- Strict top/bottom
April 15, 2023
"Open your mouth," he commands, while his big hands stroke and squeeze his cock.
Locking my eyes with his, I open my mouth, ready and waiting. With me kneeling in front of him, it takes less than a second for ropes of his come to land on my tongue.
devilry was ok. not a huge miss but kinda there. i was entertained through and through so i'm trying not to be hateful. i mean the story was heartwarming, yes, but if you're going to market a book for being a forbidden/taboo romance between a professor and his barely legal student, i want to have that. i want to experience the wrongness in the romance. and for me i didn't get that in here. cole and elijah's romance felt too right when i needed it to feel forbidden/taboo most of the time. elijah's a freshman - a young man of 18 years in king university while cole is this hot 32 year old religion professor. the first half got me. you know, the looks they're giving while in the classroom and when they make out in cole's office during their breaks etc etc. i wish the story went full steam ahead with that energy and to my dismay it didn't.
February 26, 2020
Holy wow! I scooped this book up by Marley Valentine because I realized it was MM. I expected steam and taboo goodness (which I totally got), but what I did not expect was all the emotions too! This book tugged at my heartstrings and had me tense as could be, praying their love story would work out. It hooked me from the very first chapter and spit me back out at the end. SO GOOD! What topped off this fantastic read for me was the eloquent and poetic prose in Marley's writing. I highlighted so many lines because they were incredibly written. I wanted to read them over a few times and really appreciate them. This book was more than a good read for me. It was an intense, emotional, and thought-provoking experience. I'll certainly gobble up the next book she writes and look forward to diving into more of her stories! Five ALL THE EMOTIONS Stars!
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July 8, 2019
Teaming up as solo authors and under their Remy Blake pen name, Jacob Chance and Marley Valentine are excited to bring to you The King University Series.
6 Complete Strangers
3 Forbidden Romances
1 Ivy League University
Devilry (King University #2) By Marley Valentine is LIVE
#MMRomance #TeacherStudent #AgeGap
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2X1zuvS
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2WBYxGu
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2XE7yeu
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/31rvALW
Available NOW and FREE with #KindleUnlimited
∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙
6 Complete Strangers
3 Forbidden Romances
1 Ivy League University
Devilry (King University #2) By Marley Valentine is LIVE
#MMRomance #TeacherStudent #AgeGap
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2X1zuvS
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2WBYxGu
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2XE7yeu
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/31rvALW
Available NOW and FREE with #KindleUnlimited
∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙
April 5, 2022
Eh, this was just okay. This is a student/professor romacne and I was enjoying the beginning. Both Eli and Cole are new to the school, Eli as a freshman and Cole as the new religious studies professor. They meet while Eli is out for a jog and he trips over Cole. They can't stop thinking about each other and are surprised when they see each other in class the next week. I just didn't really feel any sort of connection to Eli and Cole and I didn't feel the connection between them. Sure they were attracted to each other, but I didn't feel anything more than that. I wasn't the biggest fan of how Eli's plot played out with his roommate and roommate's friend either. It was just an odd dynamic and I'm not sure I liked it. Then I felt like Cole's friends were very surface level and weren't really fleshed out as his friends. They were just there to hang out when her needed to be social and that was really it. Then the ending happened and it felt too wrapped up in a pretty bow. This was just missing a lot for me and I couldn't love it.
June 24, 2022
DNF 🙄🙄 2.5 stars! Time of death 57%
I don’t know, it’s just not working for me, I cannot feel thr chemistry between the 2 MCs.. and both of them are so dull. There is no thrill or excitement for me to wait to get back to this book.. or something I don’t want to put down. I gave it a try for the entire week.. finally had to give it up today.
I don’t know, it’s just not working for me, I cannot feel thr chemistry between the 2 MCs.. and both of them are so dull. There is no thrill or excitement for me to wait to get back to this book.. or something I don’t want to put down. I gave it a try for the entire week.. finally had to give it up today.
January 11, 2021
I judge this book by its cover, but it wasn't this one; it was the alternative. (Ya, it was Tik Tok) Saw it was an MM Student/professor and jumped up and down in excitement. I just love this book
My sweet Elijah, Son of a pastor, has worked hard to earn a scholarship to An Ivy League university away from his parents ignorant, intolerance parents and never to look back. He has stayed repressed and secluded for the last two years. This is his ticket to freedom. However, he still struggles to be who he wants to be and rather be secluded from people.
Professor Cole Huxley, who is new to King University, is open about his sexuality with supportive family and friends. Cole has never had a long term relationship. He struggles with his attraction to Elijah in his class. While still trying to remain professional.
“I don’t know, but from the first time I saw you, I was sucked in. At first, I thought it was just a physical attraction. You’re sexy as fuck, and everyone can see it.”
My sweet Elijah, Son of a pastor, has worked hard to earn a scholarship to An Ivy League university away from his parents ignorant, intolerance parents and never to look back. He has stayed repressed and secluded for the last two years. This is his ticket to freedom. However, he still struggles to be who he wants to be and rather be secluded from people.
Professor Cole Huxley, who is new to King University, is open about his sexuality with supportive family and friends. Cole has never had a long term relationship. He struggles with his attraction to Elijah in his class. While still trying to remain professional.
“I don’t know, but from the first time I saw you, I was sucked in. At first, I thought it was just a physical attraction. You’re sexy as fuck, and everyone can see it.”
Reading Elijah's journey of self-discovery is beautiful and raw. He has a way with his words. At times I was shocked and clapped at how bold he was with Cole. Eli is innocent but very passionate.
“But, if I’m going to get my heartbroken, I want you to leave one hell of a fucking scar behind.”
My favorite quote in the book. Devilry is a passionate, emotional story of learning to trust, love, and acceptance. I was hooked from beginning to end. And that ending was everything.
December 10, 2022
1.5 Stars
DNF
Boring. No connection between any of the characters. Childish and forced banter. The older hero acts way too immature for his age and to be a professor. The side characters were annoying too.
DNF
Boring. No connection between any of the characters. Childish and forced banter. The older hero acts way too immature for his age and to be a professor. The side characters were annoying too.
October 6, 2019
One star feels too harsh and I did finish it so I guess I’ll give it two. This was really bad though. I’m confused about all the high ratings.
May 31, 2020
4.75 stars
Marley could you please write more MM books?
Marley could you please write more MM books?
May 7, 2021
5 ++++++++++ stars audio
4 stars story. So happy I pushed through the first 10%.
4 stars story. So happy I pushed through the first 10%.
June 21, 2019
SIMPLY AMAZING! I don’t know how to find the perfect words to convey how emotionally breathtaking this story really was. This was M/M at it’s most beautiful and best. Reading you would think Marley Valentine has been writing this genre for years, but she has wowed with her first in this trope. Marley brings stories that take your emotions for crazy rides, but always leaves your heart smiling and Devilry is her best to date.
Elijah. I love him. That’s all that needs to be said for my feels of him. He has this amazing presence, heart, soul.... everything. He captures you automatically. All you want to do is hug this boy and take away any hurt that comes his way.
Cole. He is the hot professor you always dream you have. He is smart, protective and caring. Pretty much perfection.
The way Marley Valentine brings their love story to life is so touching and emotional, it reaches all the way to your core. The way Eli and Cole love each other made my heart smile.
You are right there, laughing, crying and living with them.
You also get the amazing characters you met in Depravity, the first book in the series.
This book was a perfect story to the King University series. It has left me in complete awe of Marley’s words and I wish I could get more from Cole and Eli. I highly recommend this 5 star read!
Elijah. I love him. That’s all that needs to be said for my feels of him. He has this amazing presence, heart, soul.... everything. He captures you automatically. All you want to do is hug this boy and take away any hurt that comes his way.
Cole. He is the hot professor you always dream you have. He is smart, protective and caring. Pretty much perfection.
The way Marley Valentine brings their love story to life is so touching and emotional, it reaches all the way to your core. The way Eli and Cole love each other made my heart smile.
You are right there, laughing, crying and living with them.
You also get the amazing characters you met in Depravity, the first book in the series.
This book was a perfect story to the King University series. It has left me in complete awe of Marley’s words and I wish I could get more from Cole and Eli. I highly recommend this 5 star read!
June 20, 2019
✨ DREAMY’S REVIEW ✨
My first ever book by Marley Valentine and she blows me away with the emotional depth, push and pull all while giving the dominance and masculinity the right way with this MM romance!
“Nothing about me is straight and narrow. Not my needs. Not my wants. Not my hopes. Not my dreams. And definitely not my sexuality.”
GAAAAAH, I cannot say enough good things about this book. First off, Elijah is the type of person you want to wrap around in love so much love and make him feel so important and most of all, wanted and needed. His struggles and the way he presented himself gave me all the feels and so much more.
“Every waking moment I’m pretending to love myself on the outside, while I quietly, but painfully berate myself on the inside.”
I felt it in my soul, every emotion that Elijah was going though. Trying to make amends with himself, to feel comfortable, and not so isolate. I seriously wanted to wrap him in all of my love and hugs!
Cole is EVERYTHING! I loved how he helped Elijah come out of his shell and be more open and honest and not afraid of his wants and needs. To voice those things and let any fear or shadow of a doubt hinder that. He had patience, open arms without judgement, a listening ear, and even though he possessive and jealousy was shining through a lot... he showed compassion and care!
“He’s everything I know I shouldn’t look twice at, but I can’t turn away. There no in-between for me here...”
I craved every forbidden moment that they shared together. I wanted more and more and more of them and Valentine delivered with steam, emotion, and a build of a genuine connection between Cole and Elijah. It was every little bit of perfection!
Their growth, the secondary characters, the innocent and forbidden touches and meetings, and then the full on acceptance of these two. It’s such a beautiful story that you get sucked into, you don’t want it to ever be done!!
“I feel everything I’ve been told I shouldn’t, and for the first, in a really long time, I feel liberated. I feel free. I feel like me.”
Marley Valentine truly knocked it out of the park and I cannot wait to read more from this author!!
Four and half dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
My first ever book by Marley Valentine and she blows me away with the emotional depth, push and pull all while giving the dominance and masculinity the right way with this MM romance!
“Nothing about me is straight and narrow. Not my needs. Not my wants. Not my hopes. Not my dreams. And definitely not my sexuality.”
GAAAAAH, I cannot say enough good things about this book. First off, Elijah is the type of person you want to wrap around in love so much love and make him feel so important and most of all, wanted and needed. His struggles and the way he presented himself gave me all the feels and so much more.
“Every waking moment I’m pretending to love myself on the outside, while I quietly, but painfully berate myself on the inside.”
I felt it in my soul, every emotion that Elijah was going though. Trying to make amends with himself, to feel comfortable, and not so isolate. I seriously wanted to wrap him in all of my love and hugs!
Cole is EVERYTHING! I loved how he helped Elijah come out of his shell and be more open and honest and not afraid of his wants and needs. To voice those things and let any fear or shadow of a doubt hinder that. He had patience, open arms without judgement, a listening ear, and even though he possessive and jealousy was shining through a lot... he showed compassion and care!
“He’s everything I know I shouldn’t look twice at, but I can’t turn away. There no in-between for me here...”
I craved every forbidden moment that they shared together. I wanted more and more and more of them and Valentine delivered with steam, emotion, and a build of a genuine connection between Cole and Elijah. It was every little bit of perfection!
Their growth, the secondary characters, the innocent and forbidden touches and meetings, and then the full on acceptance of these two. It’s such a beautiful story that you get sucked into, you don’t want it to ever be done!!
“I feel everything I’ve been told I shouldn’t, and for the first, in a really long time, I feel liberated. I feel free. I feel like me.”
Marley Valentine truly knocked it out of the park and I cannot wait to read more from this author!!
Four and half dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
June 21, 2019
5 glorious stars!
We’re given a sweet, sexy and heartfelt throughout story from beginning until the very end. There were moments that brought me to tears hearing both Cole and Elijah’s backgrounds growing up, to see two completely different spectrums is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. The depth of these characters brings them to life, the details and descriptions lift the words right off the page. I love a good taboo read and this M/M, professor/student romance did not disappoint for a second. I’m hooked on this King University series and what makes it even better is that you can read each book individually and in any order you choose. You’ll get to share in each of the characters within each book but to learn their full story is what brings everyone to a complete circle. Highly recommended to bump to the top of your TBR list now and one click your copy while your at it.
We’re given a sweet, sexy and heartfelt throughout story from beginning until the very end. There were moments that brought me to tears hearing both Cole and Elijah’s backgrounds growing up, to see two completely different spectrums is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. The depth of these characters brings them to life, the details and descriptions lift the words right off the page. I love a good taboo read and this M/M, professor/student romance did not disappoint for a second. I’m hooked on this King University series and what makes it even better is that you can read each book individually and in any order you choose. You’ll get to share in each of the characters within each book but to learn their full story is what brings everyone to a complete circle. Highly recommended to bump to the top of your TBR list now and one click your copy while your at it.
June 21, 2019
What a fantastic story! Marley Valentine stole my heart and I’m in love with Cole and Elijah!!! Devilry was not only hot, it was an emotional ride. I love student/teacher age gap romance novels, and Devilry delivered. But it wasn’t just a taboo story—it was so much more. The love between these two poured from the pages and filled my heart.
I loved Cole for his heart, maturity, and the way he loved so completely. Elijah was worthy of love—he just needed to find the right person to guide him. I loved him even more!! Together they overcome many obstacles and I was cheering for them throughout the novel.
“...you’ve asked me to show you the stars...I’m going to show you the whole constellation.”
Don’t miss it. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with Cole and Elijah too!!
I loved Cole for his heart, maturity, and the way he loved so completely. Elijah was worthy of love—he just needed to find the right person to guide him. I loved him even more!! Together they overcome many obstacles and I was cheering for them throughout the novel.
“...you’ve asked me to show you the stars...I’m going to show you the whole constellation.”
Don’t miss it. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with Cole and Elijah too!!
June 14, 2022
I have a huge book hangover (probably because I read “Ache” by the same author just before & that wrecked me). 5 stars all the way. I didn’t want this to end. I had to pace myself because I just wanted it to go on. Teacher & student/age gap is one of my fave tropes, and this is up there as one of my all-time favourites (“The Aftermath” & “The Boy Who Loved Wicked” are top of the list). The visceral connection between Cole & Eli is everything, and the dirty talk & heat is…. Yeah, PHEW!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I loved everything about this.
June 21, 2019
5 shining stars
Every now and then a book comes along and completely consumes your soul, Devilry is one of those books.
There were moments of passion, pain and intense heat.
Elijah and Cole's story is incredibly romantic and will forever be a favourite of mine. Their connection and feelings for one another proves that love truly does concur all.
Every now and then a book comes along and completely consumes your soul, Devilry is one of those books.
There were moments of passion, pain and intense heat.
Elijah and Cole's story is incredibly romantic and will forever be a favourite of mine. Their connection and feelings for one another proves that love truly does concur all.
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