Beth Hunter isn't happy. To save her brother from getting killed, she has no choice but to spend a month with Rome Hayes. Sounds easy enough, only this man is one of the most dangerous men in all of the city. He pushed out the Bratva, the MCs, the mafia, and every single up and coming crime lord, to get to where he is right now.
From the moment he saw Beth, Rome had to have her. There's more to her than he thought possible. She's a virgin, so very real, and she’s not afraid of him. She was only supposed to be a plaything. Which is why he never expected to fall in love.
His only problem is her brother. He’s selfish, self-centered, and is determined to do as little as possible to get the most reward. While Beth tries to save her brother's ass, he seems determined to get her killed.
There is only so much Rome can do, and when her brother intends to kill him, and to put another group in power, it is up to Rome to take the next step. Will Beth forgive him for letting her brother pay the price? Or has Beth come to realize that her brother used her, and now it is time for her to be happy?
Excerpt:
She was a model citizen. Her parents were not. They were drunks, drug addicts with an addiction to not working for what they got. They wanted the easy life. It appeared that away from his parents, Ben was the same. He wondered if Beth even knew the reason he had his shit together back home for them, was the fact he worked for one of the biggest crooks in town.
Ben failed to make his life work here, with his sister. He’d never been a nine-to-five kind of guy. He worked harder than his parents, but he also wanted bigger payoffs for less demanding jobs.
Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, he reached out for Beth’s bag. She gave it to him, but he saw how nervous she was. Her hands shook as she handed him the bag. He rested it on his shoulder and took the stairs, knowing she would follow him.
Her feet clicked on the hard wood of the stairs, as she followed him up. He’d gotten one of his staff to make up a spare bedroom for Beth to stay in. He had every intention of keeping this strictly about fucking; however, now that she was here, he didn’t want to keep her at arm’s length.
Going to his bedroom, he opened the door and stepped inside.
Tossing her bag into the closet, he spun around toward her. “You can put your shit up later.” He moved toward the bed. “Now, I want to see what I paid for.”
“Paid for?” she asked.
“Strip.”
Beth’s eyes went wide.
He wasn’t a patient man, and seeing as he’d spent most of the day with a raging arousal, he was going to see what now belonged to him.
Women were forever at his disposal. All he ever needed to do was click his fingers and one would be there, on her knees, ready to suck his cock. Beth was different. She looked so nervous, and he couldn’t deny it, that nervousness was super cute.
He wanted to take her right then and there. To bend her over something and fuck her raw. In that moment, he wondered how many men had gotten the pleasure of fucking her sweet cunt. There was no information about her love life; the cop had said there was nothing available. No ex-boyfriends or ex-fiancés lurking. He found that very hard to believe.
Beth was a beauty, with long blonde hair that clearly held a natural curl, and it wasn’t fake either. Full, lush tits she tried to hide in clothes that were too large for her. A small waist, but full hips and thighs. She was all woman.
Some men might consider her on the large side, but to him she was perfect. She was all curves and softness, and he couldn’t wait to get his hands on her. His cock was rock-hard.
“Ugh, do you want me to clean anything?” she asked.
“Take your clothes off, and I don’t like giving an instruction twice, Beth,” he said.
She took a deep breath, and he watched as she fidgeted with her shirt. Again, it was two sizes larger than what she needed.
He waited, anticipating, and then she lifted the shirt right over her head and showed off the fact her large tits were confined in a bra that was at least one size too small, which he didn’t like. She needed those beauties to flourish.
The jeans were next, and as he watched her start to wriggle out of them, he realized her clothes didn’t fit her. He had a feeling she’d shopped for the nearest size she could find in secondhand stores. The jeans joined the shirt, and then she stood in a set of lingerie that should have seen the trash rather than her beautiful body.
Beth stood, one leg seeming to curl over the other as if she was attempting to hide her pussy.
“All of it,” he said.
Her face was bright red. It was like she hadn’t been naked in front of a guy before.
Watching her, Rome couldn’t help but feel aroused. There was something quite sexy about her movements, as she worked her bra off, followed by her panties.
She also attempted to hide her beautiful body, but Rome wasn’t having any of that. Getting to his feet, he walked around her and then moved her toward one of the many mirrors he had in his bedroom. Beth’s gaze was averted, and he placed a hand beneath her chin and forced her to look at her reflection.
“Look how beautiful you are,” he said.
This is an entertaining dark romance short story book that holds your attention captive from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing, suspenseful and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are interesting with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.
Rome Hayes is a Crime Lord and Beth Hunter's brother screwed up big time. In order to save him from being killed, she agrees to live with him for month. Beth forgot to mention that she is a virgin when the deal was made. Rome tries to his best to help Beth make the right choice when it comes to her brother. As the weeks go one Beth makes revelations about her brother and they are not good ones. When Rome finds out that her brother is plotting to kill him, he steps up. This book showed how when you think you know someone, you really don't.
Beth is definitely not happy, her family was determined to ruin her life. Then Rome arrives, I don't always agree with his methods, but he is the only one who sees the true value of our heroine...
What would you do to save your brother? This is Beth and Rome's story. Rome has wanted Beth, but what will he do to get her? Her life is hard would it matter who she is with? Her family or Rome? Will more come of their agreement to save her brother?
I love Sam Crescent's book beacuse they always make you feel as if you are part of the story and so rooted in reality that you can see the change as it happens. There is never too much information or a moment that is slow or uninteresting. Rome from introduction was a softee to me...well the moment he set eyes on Beth. Beth was so wrapped up in being safe and living free of her parent's mess that she was being to her brother's, Ben, manipulation and leachness. But Rome does and uses it to get Beth to be his for a month. But there is clincher, more time together cause emotions and vulnerabilities that neither really wants to show but does cause it is inevitable. So worth the read!!!!
Sam has written another gripping and emotionally charged story that effortlessly blends romance, suspense, and the complexities of family loyalty with an added darker theme undertone. Beth is a relatable and endearing protagonist, caught in a middle of a situation that tests her resolve and values. Her journey from self-sacrifice to self-realization is the highlight of the book for me.... the moment when you realize that you are tired and fed up of holding everyone up.... when will someone come along and do the same for you. Rome is a compelling anti-hero. With his aura danger and power surrounding shows unexpected vulnerability at times. As his love for Beth grows you can see it in the chemistry between Beth and Rome is palpable, and their evolving relationship serves as the emotional core of the story. Overall, Devils Den is a captivating read for fans of dark romance with strong emotional undercurrents. Its well-drawn characters, high stakes, and compelling romance make it difficult to put down. If you're looking for a story that combines love, danger, and personal growth, this book is a must-read.
I’m not the super fan of the ‘limited time’ trope, but have always enjoyed Sam Crescent’s enough to download and read based on my fondness for their writing. I very much enjoyed this book - I like their mob (Bravata, whatever) and free standing stories the best, and this one checked my boxes -once again, this author hasn’t disappointed and I continue to look forward to more of their books.
I couldnt get enough of this book! I loved both main characters and obviously I love the situation that brings them together... and I love how he treats her better than anyone else and how he treats her differently to how he treats anyone else. Who doesn't love a good bad man who treats their woman like a queen! I really liked how it ended with her finally seeing her brother for what he is and making the choice to choose the man and stand by him. I cannot wait to see what this story smasher gives us next!
I couldn't put the book down. I loved the whole book. Rome is a great guy and I'm glad that Beth finds out how wonderful he is. Her brother got what he deserved. Short and sweet love story.
Devil's Den by Sam Crescent is an intense romance set in a gritty underworld where loyalty, love, and survival are constantly tested. Beth is a strong-willed woman who sacrifices her freedom to protect her reckless brother, only to end up in the dangerous orbit of Rome Hayes, the city’s most powerful and feared crime boss. Their chemistry is undeniable, and as Beth uncovers Rome’s unexpected depth, a passionate bond forms that neither anticipated. Crescent masterfully blends tension, romance, and drama, making this a captivating story for fans of dark romance. Beth and Rome's journey is as thrilling as it is emotional, filled with tough choices, loyalty, and ultimately, the pursuit of happiness on their own terms.
Wow a wonderful page turner. Filled with steamy chemistry. I loved how he fell and wanted her from the beginning. A page turner. I highly recommend.
In this case, it's our heroine's brother that is the lazy one! He gets into trouble and expects Beth to bail him out. Using her as payment for his debt to Rome Hayes is the last straw for her. Rome isn't by any means a good man; as it turns out, he just might be the right man for her! The interactions, steam and suspense in the story will keep you turning the pages for an engaging read!
This was such a great book. The characters and their development. Watching how the mmc took care of the mfc was awesome. Helping her to see what her brother’s true character is.
Beth is taken by Rome for one month as payment for her Brother's debt, but Beth is not what Rome is expecting. She is innocent (taking Rome by surprise), sweet and caring while Rome is a dangerous and brutal crime lord.... What will happen when the month is up, and what will happen with Beth's Brother? You will have to read Devil's Den to find out. A short and steamy read with some danger and uncertainty and yet still sweet too, not as dark like some of Sam's reads, which suited this story.
Another winner. This book is such fun to read. Beth was trying to save her worthless brother when she came to Rome for a month. He liked what he saw and wanted her. Little did they know that they would fall in love. The characters and plot of this book are awesome. This book draws you right in from the start and doesn't let go until the end. I highly recommend this book to all dark romance readers.
Devil’s Den was an exciting and page-turning. I am obsessed with Sam Crescents books and this one was another 5 star read. This book is a dark mafia/family romance and touches on dark themes and topics. I loved the storyline it was original and checked all the boxes I like to read in books. There is drama, action, spice and more drama!!! I loved the characters they were complex and had an instant chemistry. This book had me hooked from chapter one and I couldn’t put it down until I reached the end. I can’t wait to see what Sam Crescent brings us next!!!
This book starts by showing how much a sister loves her brother by embracing the enemy, and doing what is necessary to save his life. As the book progresses we get a different view of all characters involved, and somewhere along the way it becomes a HEA enemies to lovers story.
Exchanging a month of your life for the life of a family member? Maybe not the way Beth felt her life would go, but its what she does. Rome is caught between a rock and a hard place, which way forward will he go to protect his new obssession?
All Beth wants is a better life. With parents headed towards a tragic end, Beth and her brother escape. While Beth is responsible and hardworking, her brother is the opposite and runs afoul of Rome, her city's underground boss . Beth steps in and saves her brother by spending a month with Rome. Despite their less than auspicious beginning, they find love. I enjoyed Beth and Rome's journey and especially how Rome became Beth's protector and provider. He makes helps her see the truth about her brother but doesn't rush the process. Sam Crescent is a 1-click author for me and this is a wonderfully-written example of why.
Beth made a deal with Rome to save her brother but neither of them were prepared for what that deal would turn into! I loved this story so much.
Beth is the best sister anyone could have!! Rome is ruthless but can’t help but be a big softie for her! The road to the end is a bumpy one!
This is an entertaining dark romance short story book that holds your attention captive from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing, suspenseful and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are interesting with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.
Beth works hard, she was saved from their parents by her brother. One day a man, Rome Hayes, comes calling, her brother dies or she becomes his for the month. For Beth, it is really a no brainer, she need to protect her brother. Beth is an innocent, a virgin, now she will need to submit to Rome. What starts off as a debit repayment becomes so much more, when he brother does not protect her again. Rome is ready to keep her but is Beth ready for that?
I love this author's novels. I have read other novels by this author and loved them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into this novel. From the first chapter I was pulled into the novel and did not want to put it down. I loved Beth. She has had a hard life and she loves her brother and tries to get him out of trouble. I loved Beth and Rome together. Both had hard childhoods and together they seemed to fit. I loved their chemistry. I loved watching them both lower their defenses and fall in love. So good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.
Beth Hunter and Rome Hayes'age gap short story kept me turning pages, I had to know what was going to happen to Ben her nasty brother. A steamy story with a happy ending.
When your brother is in debt to the local kingpin, you agree to help him out but Beth isn't ready to accept how much trouble her brother is in. Rome demands that Beth spends the next month clearing her brothers debts and he doesn't mean by cleaning his house! As Beth and Rome spend more time together, they begin to start having feelings for each other and Beth has a big decision when her brother asks her for help again but this time it would mean betraying Rome. A great read with plenty of heat and sizzle between the characters.
I absolutely love a good mafia "type" story. Sam wrote a great story with this. I love the way Rome and Beth started out and of course a great finish!! I am so glad Beth did not go along with all the lies of her brother. Rome was a far better man than her brother ever was to her. Great story!!!
This is a great book! Beth's brother has put her in a dangerous place. Rome makes a deal with Beth that will keep her brother safe for the next month. Beth didn't count on falling for Rome, and he for her. I enjoyed this book! It has spicy and excellent chemistry.
I was completely caught up in Rome and Beth’s story their connection was undeniably passionate and sizzling with a attraction that drew me into the pages of their lives from start to finish anticipating what was coming next for them and they didn’t disappoint definitely enjoyed this book
Beth and Rome both suffered a poor home life. He has risen to be the one man in town who is known, feared, ruthless, rich, successful, controlling and controlled. She has worked as a cleaner, loyal to everyone, livescwith her waster of a brother Ben, now paying for his debts to Rome with her body. Their relationship changes everything. She changes him. She entralls and delights him. He changes her by pulling out her feisty and frosty side. An odd couple but they provide the best for and in each other.
Every book I have read by this author I have really enjoyed. And this book isn't any different. Rome and Beth are wonderful characters. Once I started reading their story I didn't want to put it down.
This is a fairly short and quick read that is addictive! I could not put it down until the very end. Beth thought that she and her brother Ben had escaped the life of drugs, theft and easy money. That is until Rome showed up with Ben. Now to save her brother she had to spend a month with Rome. She was not happy to spend time with the Devil himself. I really how their story unfolds and you get the full story about her brother and why Rome made the demand. This is a good story with some good twists, danger, suspense, passion, love and more.
Beth and Rome story was a really sweet read. This two started it all wrong in their relationship but with spending time together they started falling in love with each other. It was a good short read.
Beth's brother has gambled her away for a month. After all that she's worked for to try and have a better life, she now has to live with Rome (one of the most dangerous men in the city) so that her brother doesn't get killed. I really enjoy the way that Sam Crescent writes both a strong FMC and the villain that comes around, no matter how hard they try not to. This was such a fun read!
An enjoyable Mafia romance must read. Rome Hayes enters Beth Hunter life when her brother Ben gets in a situation that puts her life as part of a deal. Her innocence entrails Rome and when he discovers she is innocent in every way he will protect her at all cost. This was a steamy age gap romance story that did not disappoint. I enjoyed the sizzling moments and the HEA.
This book was AMAZING!! I absolutely loved it. Beth and Rome were incredible characters. I absolutely recommend this book.
In this story, Ben Hunter finds himself deeply indebted to Rome Hayes, and as a desperate solution, he offers his sister, Beth, as payment. Beth is expected to spend a month with Rome, essentially becoming his possession, to settle her brother's debt. Driven by loyalty and gratitude to Ben—who helped her escape a turbulent upbringing with their neglectful, substance-abusing parents—Beth reluctantly agrees. Rome, initially unaware of the complexities within Beth’s family, is taken aback by her innocence and is ill-prepared to handle the situation with the sensitivity it requires. As the days go by, what starts as a tense arrangement gradually shifts, with Beth and Rome developing a friendship that goes beyond the initial transactional setup. Meanwhile, Beth begins to see her brother in a new light, realizing that the image she had of him is far from reality as he continues down a troubling path. This was a good story about loyalty and complex family relationships along with discovering unexpected love.
This is a quick read with good characters, steamy scenes, betrayal and a HEA. Beth ends up agreeing to spend a month with Rome to save her brother after stole from him. An enjoyable read by Sam Crescent.
I absolutely love everything that Sam Crescent writes and this is wonderful cause no matter what it is always so good. This one gives me so many of my likes in one lovely book--I got her signature curvy heroine with a little age gap and HUGELY ALPHA protector--yep A+++ all the way!
Beth has brother with problems. To save him...and his debth..she has to stay one month with Rome - Bratva mafia boss. He saw her..and wants her..but can he save her from her destructive brother? i soo soo love this book.
I love Beth and Rome's story. Beth's brother is a selfish jerk. Beth tries to help her brother out. Beth ends up with Rome which is not easy for her at first. As always I love how this story plays out. I highly recommend.
It is absolut amazing! It easily became one of my favorites. Their love story rests on communication, mutual understanding and real intimacy. I absolutely love Beth, she is pure, warm hearted and kind. What she had to go through in her childhood and later with her brother, who is a work of art, is heavy, but it did nothing to taint her or darken her, in contrast to her brother. It was super emotional and hot as ever. The ending was satisfying and leaves you feeling warm and happy.
This book was a quick read but I enjoyed it very much. I love Rome and Beth’s characters. They were so good together. This book included betrayal by Beth’s brother. But it all works out in the end. I love Sam Crescent’s books and highly recommend.
Beth exchanges a month of her time with Rome to save her brother Ben, who just so happens to only use her to benefit himself. Rome, as it turns out, is the most dangerous crime lord in the city. What Rome doesn’t know while making the deal, is that Beth Hunter is a virgin. What starts as a deal to get what he wants, turns into him falling for Beth. Only a good man for her. Spicy and fast-paced read, that did not disappoint. I’ve had a few Sam Crescent books tucked in my TBR, but after this, I will definitely be opening up those for other adventures with this author. Devil's Den
I love how Sam can manage to get a violent and raw story to be so sweet. Love the chemistry between them and how he help her have a new perspective on her life.
Rome Hayes and Beth Hunter are incredibly written characters. Beth's brother, Ben is useless and has gotten Beth into trouble, so now she belongs to Rome Hayes. Rome Hayes is a strong male and he always gets what he wants and he wants Beth. Rome is very protective of Beth, even from her brother's bad decisions. This story was intense and I could not get enough.
This was a wonderful romance that brings together Rome and Beth. She's become the price to keep her brother alive and I really like how upbeat she was. She was willing to help her brother and, thankfully, Rome was smitten with her from first sight. These two had an incident that made things hard for her, initially, and filled with angst, for him, but they took each day at a time and gradually learned to trust each other. Of course, love bloomed, but not without more family drama hitting them. I do love that they talked and found similarities in their pasts to help further bind them together. They also burned up my pages in my reader, so be ready for it ;P I really liked this romance that implied lots of darkness but really was heartwarming with darkness swirling around them. Highly recommend
When Beth is given the ultimatum to spend a month with Rome or her brother’s death she chooses to save him. Rome is unsure what to expect from Beth but he knows he is drawn to her and has a month to figure it out while enjoying her. What he doesn’t expect is for her to become something he wants to keep and protect. He’s a cruel monster to the world but to her he’s her everything. Sweet, spicy and a beautiful HEA!!
This was a wonderful story. I agree with the MMC; he is indeed a good bad man. The FMC brought out the good side in him. She had every reason to hate the MMC, but she did not. She was honest and kind, a woman of her word, and she saw him for who he truly was.
I enjoy this author a lot I really enjoyed this Great characters and enjoyed their story Will be looking out for more.
Rome may have been the evil boogeyman to all, but for Beth, he became the person she needed the most.
Loved this one. I loved how Beth grew so much from the beginning. And I loved how he changed too. They really met eachothter where they were at and when it worked it really worked. Loved them together.
Romance starts off really rocky. They both have to overcome Misperceptions and learn to believe in each other. Mmc treated her so well she begins to realize the truth about her relationship with her brother. Sex is very spicy, well described with many scenes. I really enjoyed the FMC's upbeat positive attitude even if it was a little quirky at times. A very enjoyable story.
Beth has to spend a month with Rome, a local crime boss, to pay off her brother's debt. Things will come to a head when Beth's brother wants Beth to steal for him. She refuses as she has come to care for Rome. And he for her. Steamy crime boss romance.
Loved reading Devil’s Den. This book was a very fast read for me once I started reading it. Beth and Rome’s story was beautifully done!!
How could Rome not end up falling for sweet hard working Beth? They were perfect for each other; saving one another in their own ways. Brother drama led them together. Love how Rome gave Beth choices when it counted most, and protected her from herself as well. Enjoyed watching them evolve as a solid couple.
I really enjoyed Beth and Rome's story. Beths brother finds himself in trouble to the King of the city. He could sort it himself, or trade his sister to crime lord Rome for a month. Beth goes to Romes house to save her brother and finds in time that maybe the Devil's Den isn't as bad as where she's come from.
This was a winner. I truly enjoyed reading this book. This book kept me glued to the pages. This is an author who knows how to entertain the readers.
This book started out making me shake my head, but I had to sit back and remind myself that it’s fantasy/fiction. But, I like the rest of the book. It’s a fun short story!
Devil's Den is Beth and Rome's dark, intense, gritty story. A deal is a deal when Beth agrees to spend one month with Rome in exchange for saving her brother Ben. Both of them coming from a less than ideal past, these two find they have more in common than they thought. Their story is fantastic! It's a very well written, steamy, fast-paced read that captures its readers completely from the start.
the relationship between Beth and Rome was so perfect. She brought out his human side and he brought out her tough side and they made each other realize who they could be and they brought out the best in each other. He was so sweet but only to her. The book focused on their relationship more than the darker mafia elements and i loved it.
Rome wanted Beth she was like no other and not afraid of him, the devil, the man to take out mafias and MCs alike, but when her brother steal from him he strikes a deal to get Beth to be his for a month, he never planned on falling for her, he didn't do love but will she be able to give into him with what he has to do when her brother turns on him? Well written engaging fast paced steamy, captive desires and more
I really didn’t like Beth’s brother at all. He was a real piece of work but I did love Beth and Rome. I thought they made a great couple, I just wish Beth had a bit more of a backbone when it came to her brother….but she does find it eventually. Definitely recommend reading it.
This is a mafia-type, age gap novella. While it is relatively short it is a great story of a woman who is too kind, a brother who is a trash person and a man who is powerful and cruel on the outside but soft for the right person on the inside. I loved Rome’s character and how he accepted love and kindness even though he had been shown very little in life. He was able to open up to Beth and they both get a nice HEA!
I LOVE anything Sam’s writes because I know it will always hit the spot! If your looking for an age gap, curvy girl .. he will do anything for her kinda read then this is your new one! H is traded to h for debt that her brother got into. H quickly realized that she is so much more than what he thought and he was all in. …all he has to do is keep her brother from causing her more pain
Another Sam Crescent story that I enjoyed. Beth agrees to stay with Rome for one month to help her brother but Rome has wanted her from the first time he saw her. So what will happen when that month is up? Well written and easy to follow, this story was a quick read and one that I recommend!!
A complex but yet simple read. A kingpin takes what he wants and what he wants is Beth. Great characters- he is so sweet with her, and a wonderful storyline.
Beth Hunter had to stick a deal with Rome Hayes. She would be keeping him company for one month to save her brother. Her brother Ben is a piece of work. She took them away from all the problems their parents were doling out. Now it seems he has followed the same path. You have a woman that wants to give her brother a better life and he spits in her face. Beth worked hard. She scraped by and tried to give him a better life. Now she is trapped in this deal to save him. Rome certainly isn’t a man that you cross. He figured this was nothing. She would warm his bed. SURPRISE! She is a virgin. That changes everything. They both talk about their pasts and even become closer. Rome isn’t as bad a man as you think. He too had a troubled childhood. Difference is, he fought his way out and made a success. Beth is still scraping by. But with the help from each other, they both have their lives changing and becoming better. Her brother is a piece of work. I honestly couldn’t not believe what her brother said. He deserved what he got in the end.
I really enjoyed Beth and Rome's story. Beth makes a deal with Rome to become his for a month im exchange for her brothers safety. Rome knew from the moment he met Beth he had to have her no matter what. I love how we get to see the softer side of Rome and all he dies for Beth. These two damaged souls find a home in each other. This is such a well written novella with lots of heat and a little angst. A must read for sure.
Is he really the Devil? Rome didn’t do love or commitment but the moment he met Beth, he gave her an ultimatum. One that changed his life forever! Beth still had stars in her eyes, even though she’d had a rough childhood. She escaped it with her brother only to be thrown into another situation she never wanted. Taking each day as it came, Beth slowly learned to trust the man who treated her with respect and became her lover and when her eyes were opened to the truth, would she choose Rome or her brother? Ms Crescent always gives you a good emotional entertaining read which touches different parts of your soul and leaves you feeling warm inside as a HEA is claimed!
