Smoke and mirrors. A web of lies. He’s come for the devil’s ultimate prize.J.D. Wilder strides into my hotel bringing the dark musky scent of sin with him. Arrogant and powerful, he’s the president’s eldest son. Even after all these years, I can still taste him on my lips. But when he speaks, there’s not a glimmer of the boy I once loved.He struck a deal with my parents. That’s what he claims. … parents. That’s what he claims. Loaned my mother the money she desperately needs to stay alive. Now he’s here to collect.
What does he want?
The one thing I will never give him.
Depraved is the first book in JD and Gabrielle’s story. Their story concludes in the second book of the series, Delivered, which is available now.
Praise for Depraved
“Depraved is absolutely the best book I have read this year!! Eva Charles has given us a suspenseful and romantic story that is filled with family secrets, lies and deceptions.” ★★★★★ -Lisa, Amazon Reviewer
“I am so in love with JD, I am craving more of this alpha male! He’s dark and dangerous, oozes power and control, he’s fierce and intense and his dominating ways will have your body temperature rising!” ★★★★★-Danielle, Books Obsessive
“Readers can count on being pulled in and held captive… It’s the best kind of torture.” ★★★★★ -Corrie, Lamplight Review and Promotion.
“Intriguing, well-written, hot as hell…” ★★★★★-Lisa Hines, Amazon Reviewer
“I loved this book!! He is a delicious Alpha male, but I really enjoyed him in his more vulnerable moments.” ★★★★★ -Stacey, Romancing Reading Diva
“What a wild ride. Loved every second of book one! Five Smoldering Stars on this one!” ★★★★★-Julie, Amazon Reviewer
“I read both Depraved and Delivered this weekend—TWICE!” ★★★★★ –Amazon Customer
“The intrigue, the mysteries, the heat, and even the sweet moments are blended in perfect proportion.” ★★★★★-Laurie K., Amazon Reviewer
“The end was jaw dropping…” ★★★★★ -Rebecca A., Amazon Reviewer
“Even days after finishing this book, I’m seriously suffering from a book hangover” ★★★★★-Danielle R., Spellbound Stories
“The push and pull between J.D. and Gabrielle is intoxicating.” ★★★★★-Janine, The World Was Hers For the Reading
“Brilliant story line that captures your attention and does not let go…” ★★★★★ -Kathy, Cajun Heat Book Blog
“I trust no one!!” ★★★★★ -Melissa, Book Addicts Review
“The writing is fabulous, and I was utterly captivated from the very beginning.”★★★★★-Rachel, Behind Closed Doors Book Review
“Be prepared because JD is the broodiest, sexiest bastard I have ever met and when he turns on the charm you will melt! I’m still a muddled mess!”★★★★★-Patricia, Words We Love By
“The characters had so much chemistry it’s almost unbearable. I had to read this book a couple of times, I truly loved it that much.” ★★★★★-Vanessa, Sassy Southern Book Blog
“Sweet baby Jesus this book is something amazing and then some! I loved the main characters… The chemistry they share is amazing and something you don’t see often.” ★★★★★-Tee, Amazon Reviewer
“Eva Charles masterfully threw in twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. Even now, I’m still thinking about certain scenes, playing them over and over in my head. Wow! ★★★★★-Amy, Amazon Reviewer
“The twists, OMG the twists are insane! I’m still dropping f-bombs long after I finished. ★★★★★-Jennifer, Goodreads
“It’s hard to even get 4 stars from me, 5 stars are for rare finds….and I would be willing to give 10 stars if I could…this book is that good. I couldn’t put it down.” ★★★★★-Jennifer H. , Goodreads
more
Eva Charles has completely blown my mind with this book! She’s dipped her toes in a different genre and undeniably knocked it out of the ball park. This (possible) second-chance romance is dark, mysterious, and had me frantically hoping for a modicum relief. I haven’t read such an anxiety-filled, page-turner in a while; and Eva Charles hit me with a firm clunk over the head as a reminder of what I was missing.
Julian’s and Gabrielle’s story is quite unique, and elaborately told. Charles intricately tells a story of this couple that leaves you with so many questions, and inevitably has you playing the role of detective. Gabrielle’s life has been turned upside down, and Julian adding to the unrest provides for an invigorating read. Entwined with moments of nostalgia and coiled with tantalizing rendezvous, the book had everything I didn’t know I wanted and then some. Bravo to Eva Charles! This book is absolutely exceptional!!
This intense read very quickly pulled me in and under. Wow, this book, its storyline and characters are powerful and engaging. This second chance romance offers a compelling blend of drama, steam and emotional tension. Gabrielle is sassy, strong, smart, a wonderful person and incredible likable. J.D. is hot, protective, dominate, shrewd and manipulative. He’s definitely a book boyfriend that you do not always like but you love him anyway. Together they made a complex, complicated couple that captures your hear and steams up your kindle. Really looking forward to book two of this duet.
Wow! I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book, but as soon as I got started I was pulled in and had a hard time putting it down. JD didn’t get my love at first but the further you get into the book the more you realize he’s not a bad guy at all. Gabrielle was kinda crazy at first but then you get to know her and like her. There are so many secrets in this book I can not wait until book 2 so they are answered.
JD has lent her parents money for a treatment for her mother, and in return he wants her, but she knows he wants her for his plaything. JD gives her no choice, she has to come willingly, or her mother’s treatments stop. She won’t be his whore but seeing him can’t deny she still wants him.
JD knows Gabrielle needed his protection, he wasn’t going to allow her to be used again. He has a plan and knows he has to be careful about it. Meeting with his father he knows he has to keep up appearance, and nearly doesn’t when his father mentions Gabrielle, but he remembers his end game and he has to protect her.
Gabrielle knows that she still loves JD, but she remembers the past, with strange things happening she can’t help but believe him when he says he wants to protect her but doesn’t understand why he won’t tell her why.
JD has always wanted Gabrielle, and has always done everything to protect her, but with the strange things happening will he be able to protect her while he works on his end game, and will Gabrielle hate him in the end.
Ends in a cliff hanger can’t wait for book two.
Depraved was a fantastic introduction to a new author and I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this duet. From the start I began trying to piece together what truly was going on. I always enjoy when hints are dropped here and there and the author keeps me on my toes throughout the book like I was with Depraved.
As much as I wanted to not like JD there’s so much more to his character and actions that have me intrigued and desperate for more. JD was a a lovable jerk and I loved that Gabrielle wasn’t afraid to call him out on it. The chemistry between them was fiery and intense and neither could deny the connection they still shared.
The suspense, mystery and intrigue woven throughout Depraved kept me on the edge of my seat teetering constantly. I can’t wait to see what’s to come in book two of this riveting duet.
Wow. Depraved is such an awesome book! It was definitely a page turner for me and one I couldn’t get enough of. JD is your perfect Alpha. Not too jerkish but not too sweet. I feel completely in love with him, jerk and all. I love how protective he is of Gabrielle. Even though we don’t know the whole story yet between the two, I feel as if he done everything for all the right reasons. I took my chances on a new to me author and I am glad I did. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out!!!
J.D. Wilder grew up privileged and now with his father about to become President of the US, he knows he has to to protect what is most sacred to him. Now his father must step away from the family company, Sayle Pharmaceuticals and let JD run the company which was started by his mother’s father.
Gabrielle Duval was once in love with JD but all she ended up with was a broken heart and shipped off to school in another country so JD would not have to face her. Now she owns a hotel and is beginning to achieve her own dreams.
But now JD is back and has lent her parents money for treatment for her mom’s illness and JD wants Gabrielle to repay it on his terms. But will Gabrielle let JD back in after what happened in the past?
As JD begins to protect what is most important to him he soon discovers there may be more secrets than he ever thought possible.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly will not be my last after this!!
I was so mad at JD for his actions that broke Gabrielle’s heart and the things that happened afterwards but soon you realize that he may have had a valid reason for everything although I really didn’t like how he pulled it all off. Soon we see another side of JD that truly cares about Gabrielle and once we see and understand more of his family dynamics you see that anything is possible.
I thought Gabrielle was an excellent character who worked hard to turn her life into one where she was able to achieve her dreams. She was very trusting of those closest to her, like her parents and best friend Georgina, but she had her guard up with many others due to the past.
There was so much chemistry between JD and Gabrielle even with Gabrielle truly hating JD at the beginning of the book. I was shocked at the events of the past and almost figured that JD had to hurt her bad in order to protect her the most. As the book went on I wanted them together as the love between them was real and they both truly cared so much for the other.
There was so much hidden and spots of darkness through the book that was definitely eluding to danger and secrets. I loved the bond between JD and his brothers but I liked that Chase was able to really help JD with what he was trying to discover.
You can tell with what was revealed about Sayle that so much more is coming!!
The end was jaw dropping and I am wondering about a certain person’s alliance but OMG I need the next book asap!!!
Depraved is the first book by Eva Charles that I have read, and I am definitely looking forward reading the next book. JD Wilder is a character you love to hate. A arrogant man who’s life isn’t an easy one, manipulates Gabrielle to get what he wants. I loved reading the beginning of their story.
New to me author.
This was hard for me to review. I liked it don’t get me wrong however there were a few things I found far fetched.
JD and Gabrielle were together when they were younger, circumstances (his jackhole father) tore them apart and now they’re older he wants her back, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure why. He blackmail or misleads her whatever words you want to use.
Second chance love and kinky sex. I thought this was a good start and I am curious about the next book.
Eva Charles, where have you been all my life? You couldn’t make him evil enough if you tried. I loved him from the preface (“Of all the characters I’ve written, JD is my hands-down favorite,”) to the very last line, even though I had to stop myself from throwing my tablet against the wall when I realized I had to wait for the conclusion. I knew it was a duet but it still caused me pain. First time I’ve read your work, but definitely not the last.
When reading the synopsis of this book. I instantly wanted it. Since my tastes tend to go towards the darker side of things I wanted it even more. But the synopsis does not do this book justice at all. From page 1 the author paints such a picture you can’t help but to be enthralled. You keep turning those pages anxious to find out what happens next. The characters had so much chemistry it’s almost unbearable. I had to read this book a couple of times, I truly loved it that much.
Gabrielle (Elle) and JD (Julian) have some complex history so when JD walks back into Gabreille’s life it’s as if she was hit by a truck. It’s almost as time hasn’t passed at all. But when he comes to her with a proposition she doesn’t know whether to run or to go along with the plan. All she knows is JD is hiding something, something that could explain everything. Can she put her trust back in him? Can he keep the promises he made to her?
To say this is one of my favorite books is an understatement. I believe that is the understatement of the year. I cannot wait to see what else this author has to offer. – By Vanessa
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I can’t wait to read more! Omg I absolutely love this book. I was pulled into this story from the beginning until the end. I love JD and Gabrielle. Great characters and the storyline was so amazing! Total book hangover. I was on the edge of my seat so many times. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
It’s amazing to be a part of the indie world romance scene. Of late, I have considered myself particularly lucky because I have close friends that have recommended books for me that I’ve desperately loved. And most recently, that book was Depraved, the first book in Eva Charles new Devils Duet. Depraved was my first book by Eva, and I must say, I am truly impressed! From my stellar social media stalking skills I deduced that this is an entirely new foray for her into darker romance. And even days after finishing this book, I’m seriously suffering from a book hangover—also, not to be dramatic or anything, but waiting for the second book in this duet just might kill me!
Since I was totally new to Eva Charles as an author, I went into Depraved with a completely open mind. And I expected to thoroughly enjoy the story—a benefit of having blogger friends for sure. Without question, I did… I totally loved the story. I couldn’t put it down. The story flowed well, and the battle between the main characters—JD and Gabrielle—keep me on my toes. As the dual POV storyline progressed and secrets were exposed, I remembered all over again why I love second chance romances. (Ironically, the trope of romances that I read the least of.) Yet, it’s completely undeniable that there is a special push and pull when characters have a history, and JD and Gabrielle had a colorful one. Eva wrote the emotional turmoil of young love, and reconnecting adults, spectacularly. My stomach was in knots at one point and even knowing that the end would surely be a cliffhanger, I kept barreling through the story. I was so wrapped up in it I didn’t even realize it was after 5 am when I finished this one… but hey, that’s why we have coffee right?!?!
Marketing wise, Depraved is considered a billionaire, dark romance. While it’s definitely not your run of the mill contemporary romance, I am not sure I would categorize it as a dark romance either. Yes, there are elements of the plot that lend itself into that subgenre, however I’m still on the fence about calling it ‘dark’. That said, Depraved isn’t a vanilla romance either. The sexy times in this book are seXXXy!!! Leaning towards BDSM and five-alarm fire hot, Depraved had my attention from the get-go Be prepared—batteries charged, spouses on standby and/or changes of panties are in your immediate future when reading this delicious and unpredictable story. If Eva Charles is a new-to-you author, I would HIGHLY recommend grabbing the first book in this new duet so you can discover just how much I loved Depraved. If you are in the mood for a book were past mistakes are righted, second chances at love are possible and the chemistry between the hero and heroine is scorching hot, Depraved is the book for you!
Quotes:
The signs are all pointing to the fact that no matter how much I lash out at him, no matter how much I want to hate him, my body—and my heart—remember. They miss him.
He always wins. I bury my face in my hands, and feel the small fissures lengthening inside me, crisscrossing over one another, until the tiny cracks have spread everywhere. One more assault, no matter how small, and I’ll shatter into millions of jagged pieces.
“Trust me. You’ve got to. So much depends on it.” He swallows hard. So hard it seems almost painful. “Then I’ll tell you everything. I promise.” JD’s voice is heavy with emotion. The words emerge thick and uneasy. A strangled plea. A desperate prayer into the wind.
Fast and rough, with no pretense of kindness, he rips the twisting orgasm from my trembling body, leaving nothing behind. It’s brutal. I’m drowning. Gasping for air. Filling my lungs with short, uneven pants, simply to breathe. The waves swell and surge, pulling me under, finally dragging me to where there is only bliss. Where there is only us.
Depraved popped my Eva Charles cherry.
I can see alot of you are either going to love or hate this book. It’s about 2nd chance romance and contains cheating. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book.
3.5 stars
Depraved was a fun read. It started out really good and kept my attention through most of the book. It was a bit slow in parts but the steamy hot sex was anything but slow.
I was prepared to enjoy this way less than I did. I’m honestly really anxious for the second half of the duet. The story is engaging, the sexual tension and scenes very intense, and the characters well-drawn. It’s no secret I have a hard time with darker romance, and this fits into that category, but it’s very well done. I don’t like blackmail or revenge tropes, and this toes that line but there’s enough consent on the part of the heroine that I relent most of my struggle with this theme.
JD is a jerk, admitted and fully understood by everyone who knows him. Gabrielle is no weak player in this story, and together they are a force – their past and his secrets keep them from fulfilling their full potential though. There’s mystery and intrigue still uncovered about what really happened when they were young, what nefarious deeds are afoot in regard to Gabrielle and so many secrets it’s maddening.
If you like your romance with an edge of darkness and a second chance with the flavor of blackmail, this is a good one for you.
All I can say is … wow! I’m usually ok with cliffies but I am really fighting emotions after turning the page and seeing the acknowledgments — I NEED to know what happens!! JD and Gabrielle’s story brings you sultry, sexy scenes with so much heat you’ll combust, all while having a suspenseful undertone that begs you to turn the page.
Absolutely a read….and now I’m going to be useless until I can get my hands on book 2 of the duet.
Depraved (The Devil’s Duet book1) by Eva Charles tells the story of JD and Gabrielle. They were each other’s first, however JD is old money and Gabby is the daughter of the help. They really were into each other until the day she walked in to find him with another girl. Now all these years later Gabby is opening a hotel and dealing with a cheating boyfriend and a sick mother. JD shows up with an indecent proposal that has Gabby’s blood boiling. She has never gotten over what he did to her. JD has never stop loving Gabby but when you have a devil for a father you sometimes have to do things to keep the ones you love safe. That is all he wants for Gabby is to keep her safe now more than ever. I like the way this story is told. There is something going on and trying to discover the secret keep me into this story. I also enjoyed the interaction between JD and Gabby. The story kept climbing to an an end that has this girl instantly wanting the next book. A 4 star read for me
This is my first book by Eva but it will not be my last. These characters intrigue me and the plot kept me hooked. I want my own JD! Huge cliffhanger but that was expected in this first book of the Duet.I love a good suspense and Eva has done a great job in creating it. I hate that I need to wait for Book 2 but I’m sure it will be worth the wait.
This is my first read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. It was not as Depraved as I would have liked, so I would not categorize it as dark, but there is certainly some questionable elements. I certainly can’t call it a slow burn story because some pretty hot action happens early on, and while I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as erotica, you can definitely see and feel the steam flowing up off the pages in the sex scenes. Combine these components and you have the medley of a marvelous story.
Gabrielle and JD meant everything to each other since they were young, until something happened that changed the course of their love. JD, a dominating, arrogant asshat barges and blackmails his way back into Gabrielle’s life. She is fiery and spirited and is determined not to let him break her heart for the second time.
Be prepared as the author slaps you with a colossal cliff at the end of the story, luckily there is not long to wait for the conclusion to be Delivered to your kindles.
3.75* Stars