I was feared.Respected.Worshiped.But all of that changed when the impossible happened—I fell in love. Only those feelings weren’t reciprocated, because who could love a monster like me?My empire crumbled. People died. I went from being a victorious leader to lurking in the shadows, planning revenge on my half-brother who now reigns in my place.An orphanage is where I find sanctuary, but when she … where I find sanctuary, but when she walks into my world and evokes a yearning I thought long dead, my demons are awakened and want what they can’t have—her. Sooner or later, I knew I’d need to feed the darkness inside me.
Mayhem, power, and control course through my veins. I will use them to regain my crown, my throne, and then claim her, despite what solemn vows she might’ve made.
I will break them…and her.
more
For me, this was a highly anticipated book
After reading “All The Pretty Things” Series, I’ve been
looking forward to this book because Alek has a lot to
say.Love this Alpha HotHole
Very unexpected cliffy…can’t wait for TDC
You know when you start a book and you don’t want it to end!
Well, that’s the story of Aleksei!
We meet Alek again but he’s a shell of his old self. There have been so many dramatic changes in his life he seems to be just living. Until an unexpected event occurs and he doesn’t have 1 female to worry about but 2!
Which of the 2 can he trust?
This book is out of control! The suspense, the brutality of it all, leaves you on the edge of your seat.
Can’t wait for the next book!
William Shakespeare, “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.”
This book!!! Omg!! This book has left me speechless! Alek is the character you hated in the all the pretty things Trilogy. But then you fell in love with him as he fell in love with Willow. This Alek! The new humanized Alek is so painfully wonderful I felt so heart broken when he finally came up with a plan to protect those he loves and to get revenge on his ‘half brother’ and mother. Though Alek doesnt want forgiveness he has mines for the vial things he did! I’m excited for the next part to see just what the devil will do with his crown!
I just wasn’t sure about Alek getting his own book. I couldn’t imagine him giving us the ability to let us in and get to know him. Really know him. Well, that’s exactly what Monica did. This book picks up a little while after Forever My Saint ended. Alek is living his new normal. I didn’t need Alek to redeem himself in this book but I wanted something from him. I found myself searching and hoping for the moment that I felt more for him. I’ve never ever read a character like him. After finishing this book I still can’t say I’m Team Alek completely but I think I want to be. I had flickers of hope in the last quarter of the book that made me think he might really have evolved a little. That maybe he has allowed some light in to the darkness he lives in. My word, if/when he does? He’d be unstoppable! Can’t wait for Part 2!
I’m going to keep this short and sweet. The following review pretty much summarize what I felt after reading this:
Holy mother fucking shitballs!!!
There’s no amount of cold showers or even bathing in holy water to cleanse and put out the fire that this book has started in me. Up until this moment, I’m still in a daze and couldn’t believe I just read this wickedly, dark, delicious book. I mean, did it just happened? In case you’re wondering what the hell I was sputtering about, read it, read it and read it. I assure you, you’re not ready. I sure wasn’t!!! Gawd!!! Bring on book two!!!
The Devil’s Crown: Part One by Monica James
5 STARS
The Devil’s Crown is part one in All The Pretty Things Trilogy spin – off.
This book….. OMG this book was so good and delicious.
Please be aware of the warning at the beginning of the book.
I was hooked from the first page and I thought I had figured out, that I knew something, to have everything blew up on my face, and show me that I actually, don’t know nothing. I didn’t knew a thing. Totally unexpected.
This book was so full of drama, angst, secrets, twists & turns. I was excited and anxious, scared and so happy at the same time. I couldn’t stop reading, couldn’t put it down.
The Devil’s Crown is very well written, easy to read and definitely a page turner.
I highly recommend you to read first All The Pretty Things Trilogy first. You will get so much more of the story and obviously of Alek and his way.
Alek was an Angel and a Demon in the same person. An anti-hero you can’t hate, because he will stole your heart away. He was the Russian Mafia King, he had it all, power, money, he was ruthless and feard by all. Obviously, all this comes with a price. Hate and enemies.
But what do you do when your worst and greatest enemies are your own blood? Your own mother and stepbrother.
What do you do when they smell your weakness?
Alek lost everything for love.
Now he is not the same man. He still is a ruthless criminal, but now, he will be worst. He is out for revenge. He is out for blood, to get back what was his. He wants to rebuild his empire.
He has a heart of gold, only his heart is buried in walls and steel.
This book is deliciously dark and depraved, very easy to read, because you will get caught in the story.
*ARC provided by the author for a honest review”
THE DEVIL’S CROWN story is like a hot day in a beautiful Summer. Sexy, hot and beautiful.
When I finished “All the pretty things” I was so curious about Aleksei character. Now I’m with a big cliffhanger. I’m dying to read part two. Why is not September?
Monica James is so talented with words. Every book I read I can’t stop wanting one more.
This is a well written book.
Alek was in my heart since I met him in the story by Saint and Willow. His dark side makes him more beautiful than any other character you will find in a normal Romance.
That’s why I’m a big fan of Dark stories right now.
You will be addicted for Alek. He can be so charming with his words that you will fall for his spell without noticing. I think Antonella fell in love for his spell and beautiful heart.
Seeing Saint and Willow again made me happy. Willow has a special feeling for Aleksei. It warms my heart seeing that every time they are together.
Readers if you have a big crush for Dark Romance books you can start reading “All pretty things” and after that read “The Devil’s Crown” you will love every book.
Monica James is amazing in every story she writes.
This is a spin-off from All The Pretty Things trilogy and it’s Aleksei Popov Story . Wow ! This author never ceases to amaze me with her writing! She definitely knows how to tell a dark love story and I’m here for it ! My heart was pounding so fast from the adrenaline of reading this story ! Definite must read and definite 5 stars and I can’t wait to see where she takes us with these characters! This was a definite page turner with twists and lots of steam and action and Aleksei is the ultimate anti hero he gives me goosebumps just thinking about him ! Don’t miss this action filled dark romance like no other ! I can’t wait for book 2 of this story !!!
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
Book: The Devil’s Crown: Part 1
Author: Monica James
Rating: 5/5 devil crown stars!
“I much prefer to be the villain. They have all the fun.”
THIS BOOK, OMG, THIS FREAKING EFFING BOOK!!!
So, here is the deal, I went into reading this book without reading All The Pretty Things Trilogy, I don’t think you HAVE to read it before starting The Devil’s Crown BUT I will recommend you guys to do it. Why? to fill in gaps and get the background story of Alek, our main character. I’ll read those books before part 2 is released later this year.
That being said, this book is magnificent! Like… it blew my mind. The story is utterly captivating, Monica James’ storytelling and writing skills are enthralling, Aleksei Popov is one of the most fascinating male characters I’ve ever read in my life, and when you put that together you get as a result a book of EPIC proportions.
I kid you not, this book will have you on your knees for Alek. He is such a complex character, for sure he is the definition of an anti-hero but he is one of the best-written ones I’ve read. He is very self-aware of his flaws, of the sick shit he has done yet somehow he is kind and cares about how the things he has done and continues to do, affect others and in return those actions affect him and his emotions. The juxtaposition of those things is so fascinating to me, he is so freaking fascinating to me. I don’t know how to even articulate myself when it comes to him, the only thing I do know, I NEED MORE!
The story is told by his POV, we will have Ella’s POV on the second book and I am down for that. I have to know what goes inside that woman’s head, especially when she is at the mercy of the man that has the power to obliviate her better judgment and do the speakable, it is not a bad thing, trust me! Their scenes together are…phew! I don’t have words for that, just read the book!
Safe to say, I loved this story, I truly did. This is one of the best dark romances I’ve read in my life and I have read plenty of books.
Thank you for this masterpiece, Ms. James. I need part 2, pronto…
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Aleksei Popov est de retour dans ce spin off qui lui est consacré et je vous rappelle qu’il est indispensable de lire les 3 tomes de la saga All the Pretty Thing avant de dévorer The Devil’s Crown car ces deux sagas sont liées et vous passeriez à côté de nombreux éléments. Je me suis régalée d’un bout à l’autre de ce premier tome et je ne peux être qu’impatiente de lire prochainement le second tome.
Aleksei Popov est un homme proche de la quarantaine qui a tout perdu. Son royaume est réduit en cendres et celui qui vivait dans le luxe et la luxure doit désormais se contenter de peu. Il a trouvé refuge dans cet orphelinat qui a été le théâtre de certains rebondissements mais qui est de manière ironique un vrai havre de paix. Il entretient une relation quasi maternelle avec la Mère supérieure qui lit en lui comme dans un livre ouvert. Elle sait qui il est , qu’il doit expier ses fautes mais elle lui offre une rédemption incroyable. Là bas , il va aussi se prendre d’amitié pour une petite fille , Irina, qui a vécu l’horreur et qui voit en Alek un héros. Là bas, il sera aussi de nouveau soumis à la tentation et ce être machiavélique pourrait parvenir à ses fins. Si je l’avais détesté dans les premiers tomes de la saga où il apparaissait, j’avais peu à peu apprécié ce personnage et ce nouveau tome m’a permis de renforcer ce sentiment à son égard. Je ne dirai pas qu’il va changer du tout au tout car il vit dans ce monde depuis tant d’années qu’il lui est impossible de devenir un autre homme mais il va réfléchir à ses actes. Il est trop tard pour le pardon car ce qu’il a fait est inacceptable mais on se met à espérer qu’il ait une seconde chance. Dans The Devil’s Crown, nous voyons aussi un peu plus son humanité car oui aussi étrange que cela puisse paraître, il va ressentir des choses. Il a eu le coeur brisé une fois mais il semblerait qu’il ne soit pas insensible à Soeur Arabella.
Son passé va pourtant lui revenir en pleine face car il a juré de se venger et d’anéantir son demi frère Serg Ivanov et sa mère Zoya. Il est évident que ce dernier tente de prendre sa place en créant des similitudes qui en deviennent risibles. Alek a de nombreux ennemis mais il saura aussi compter sur des soutiens inattendus. J’ai d’ailleurs à ce sujet adoré revoir certains personnages. Je ne vous en dis pas plus mais pour ceux qui connaissent la précédente saga , vous saurez qui j’évoque. Avec l’aide incroyable et indéfectible de Pavel, il va tenter de reconstruire son royaume tout en assouvissant sa soif de revanche. Il va de nouveau faire des alliances assez sordides mais pour vaincre le mal , il devra faire un pacte avec le diable. Santino Macrillo est un nouveau personnage qu’on va aussi adorer . Il apportera son lot de rebondissements à l’intrigue qui sera très palpitante. Monica James va jouer avec nos nerfs pour notre plus grand plaisir et on va adorer cela. La tension narrative sera donc à son comble et on va tourner les pages avec une certaine fébrilité. On voit une certaine finalité arriver et pourtant on sera tout de même surpris. La justice divine sera t-elle rendue? Quels rebondissements nous attendent dans le prochain tome? Alek est vraiment un héros que j’ai adoré retrouver , que j’ai trouvé attachant et émouvant dans ce nouveau tome. Il fera des choix qui auront des conséquences épiques mais qu’on va adorer .
Renatta est la première femme qui fera sa réapparition dans la vie de notre cher héros. Pour ma part, j’étais assez réticente à son égard mais j’avais envie de découvrir ce qu’elle nous cachait. Elle va partager avec notre héros un dessein commun et peut être pourront ils allier leur force. Puis au fil des pages, on va s’apercevoir qu’elle sera un rappel constant des erreurs passés de notre héros. Il verra en elle un écho d’autres femmes qui ont jalonné sa vie et cela le mettra face à ses responsabilités. Alek était un homme qui prenait ce qu’il voulait peu importe les conséquences et sa ressemblance avec Willow sera des plus troublantes. Quant à Soeur Arabella, j’ai plus ou moins compris rapidement qui elle était et quel serait son rôle. J’ai aimé ce qu’elle dégageait car sous cette apparente fragilité se cache une femme forte qui ne reculera devant rien. La thématique qu’elle va évoquer et la tentation qu’elle va susciter chez notre héros seront très intéressantes et j’ai adoré la complexité qu’elle va dégager. Elle sera clairement une force importante dans le développement de l’intrigue et j’ai hâte d’en savoir plus à son sujet. Alek va jouer, perdre , mais saura t-il sauver la mise? Cette jeune femme pourrait elle lui apporter ce qui lui manque le plus dans sa vie?
Bref, si vous lisez en VO, foncez découvrir cette dark romance géniale qui m’a fait passer un excellent moment de lecture. Monica James nous offre donc une romance très sombre où la vengeance, la rédemption, les péchés et les secondes chances seront au rendez vous. Il n’y a pas une minute de répit et le suspense sera à son comble.
Another excellent book by an author who knows how to deliver captivating stories.
The Devil’s Crown is action packed from the beginning until the end. It holds your attention to the last word on the last page.
It’s the story of a man who has lost everything through his actions and sins. The story about a man who is ready for anything to regain his kingdom. Aleksei Popov.
I’ve loved Alek since I read All The Pretty Things trilogy. He’s the most depraved and twisted anti-hero. I couldn’t wait to read his story, and now that I’ve finally read the first part my love for him is even stronger. Monica showed us that under this facade of a merciless man hides a man with feelings. A man who can still love and protect those he cares about.
The Devil’s Crown is a dark, satisfying read that I am happy to recommend
Monica James has crafted the most devious, the most depraved, the most dangerously addictive dark romance that I have read this year! I was spell-bound from the moment I opened this book and read the first word until the last moment of this story. This is without a doubt my favorite book from Monica to date and I loved every sinister minute of it!!!
Aleksei Popov is a dangerous man he is what many would consider a monster, there’s no two ways about it, that is who he is. He was once the King of the Russian Mafia but due to a fate beyond his control he was unceremoniously decrowned and left with nothing. Left to survive this world with less than zero he has remained in the shadows living on the outside just trying to survive. This man may not be King anymore, but he still has his intellect, determination, and his unending desire and thirst for revenge, with a charisma unlike any other that has saved him on more than one occasion.
Ella is a woman who’s made many wrong choices in life. She’s tried to make a better existence for herself but has trusted too many of the wrong men and was left to try and survive amongst the devil’s in disguise. She awakens a need and hunger in Alek that he thought had long since been extinguished. The pull between them is instant and intense leaving them both struggling with these emotions that they were not prepared for. Ella brings out the dominant need in Alek to own, control and make Ella submit to him and only him. But Ella has a mind of her own and strong sense of self not allowing her to just succumb to the whims of Alek. Their banter and chemistry are off the charts hot with a connection the burns from the pages.
I love dark romance it’s one of my absolute favorite troupes, it allows you to embrace the darkness and deviance that comes with these types of stories, and Monica James Slayed it!!! She pulls you into a world that will have you utterly lost to the pages, drowning in the gritty and raw emotions that only Monica can elicit. Slowly shredding your soul to pieces one tiny sliver at a time leaving you to gradually bleed out your emotions and then drop the mother of all cliffhangers on you that will have your heart beating out of your chest from the adrenaline rush. This book is a MUST READ for all dark romance lovers. You will live and die for Aleksei Popov…
Holy gracious!! I thought I pretty much knew what I was going into with this book. I had some lingering feelings about Alekski from the All the Pretty Things Trilogy, but nothing and I do mean NOTHING could have prepared my heart for The Devil’s Crown, Alek.
Alek is everything…Monica James took his character from the trilogy and made this gorgeous unredeemable man redeemable. GAH! These are my favorite character transformations. He’s still violent and dark, deviant and Alpha AF. But it’s delicious in every way possible. You would forgive this man for anything, because you can sense that to his core he’s good. He just doesn’t think he is worthy of anything.
I am so ready for the next book. I need it like I need air! I can’t wait to see if Alek can redeem himself enough for all his past wrongs to finally earn his own HEA!! This book is very much about Alek trying to reconcile himself with the things he’s done and things he still needs to do. I won’t give anything about who or what might aid in his transformation or even speculate on his new and old allies that come along to help him in his new quest. I will just leave it at YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
This book is sexy and tragic and gritty. It’s the edge of your seat kinda book and a big trip through frustration city. It’s got angst and wicked banter between the characters. I love the way Monica incorporated our heroine into this story. I freakin love their story. My heart broke so many time. But there is a forbidden aspect to the love story and I am HERE FOR IT. This entire story and the characters within are complex and gritty and absolute works or literary art!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– Alek’s story is everything I hoped it would be and then some. It is full of obstacles,twists and turns. My mind was constantly in a delicious tailspin. This was SO.MUCH.MORE. Awesomely crazy, and the amazing chaos that comes from a book you are hooked on from page one. It gets ALL THE STARS from me!
– GAH!This book was so unbelievably hot, I was literally dying all the death. I was simultaneously sweating and a little bit swoony. I love the push and pull of a good romp with a mega Alpha! So.Freakin.Yummy!
Cliffhanger Warning-Cliffy Y’all! But on a positive note, the second book won’t be super far behind. So not too long to wait. Yay!
Trigger Warning-This book is a Dark romance and does have fight scenes and content that could be considered triggers for some. If you have concerns you can PM for more
Information.
OMG, let me just start by saying that The Devil’s Crown is not for the faint of heart!
The story is very compelling, dark, intense, consuming, twisted, depraved, sizzling hot, and much more. So prepared yourself for wildest ride of your life, and grab your copy today!!
I won’t go into details because this is part one of a duet, and ends with a cliffhanger, but the wait will be worth it. Just know that Aleksei’s story is action packed, emotional, raw, captivating, suspenseful, unpredictable, and utterly sinful! He has lost his empire, and with that he has lot absolutely everything, including his humanity. All he wants is revenge, or so he thought!
Alek’s journey is devastatingly beautiful. Toward the end, I found myself screaming as I kept turning the pages of this addictive psychological dark mafia romance with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger!
Remember, if you’re not into dark romance with lots of blood, gore, and violence, this is not the book for you! You have been warned, so don’t come back crying!!
I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE CONCLUSION OF THIS PHENOMENAL STORY!
So to be honest here I had complete mixed feelings about this book. Saint was just everything and though I had felt a little bad for Alek I was not sure I would really care for his story. But I have to say Monica James you really did win me over. I really did like this a lot more than I ever imagined and as always she loves to torture us!! I am Team Alek now and I need part two very very soon!!! This is an absolute must read!!!
The Devil’s Crown is a spin-off from the All The Pretty Things trilogy. If you haven’t read the trilogy yet, then I strongly recommend that you do before you read this book, as many of the characters in the trilogy are continued in this storyline.
I knew this book was going to be good but damn… I didn’t expect it to be this good!!! Aleksei Popov, the once renowned Kingpin of the Russian Mafia has lost everything… his throne, his power and entire clandestine kingdom… all because he fell in love. Now he is in hiding, all alone and lurking in the shadows. Watching and waiting for the right moment to strike back and reclaim his throne!
Alek is everything you come expect from a villainous Hero. He is a cruel, heartless monster who exploits and murders people for his own gain. He solves most his problems with violence and has no qualms eliminating those who double cross and betray him. He demands complete and utter loyalty from everyone who works for him. God I love everything about this man… his darkness is so alluring, one cannot help but want submit to him! Would I fall to my knees and call hIm Master? Omfg yesss… definitely… and most willingly too, for you know the reward is going to be sooooo effing gooood!!!
Our heroine is someone so unexpected that she will take you by surprise; and is absolutely perfect for Alek . She is a true survivor and has had to endure a lot in her lifetime, but she refuses to let herself become a victim of her own circumstance. She will do anything and everything to survive, even if it means sacrificing herself for the ones she loves. From the minute you meet her, you know there’s something special about her; and Alek felt it the moment he laid eyes on her. The chemistry between them is sizzling and he stirs up a darkness within her that she never knew existed. Her monsters calls to his monsters and together they are ferocious and insatiable.
The storyline in this book is intense and action packed. The characters are ALL amazing. Monica has thrown in some really great new ones to spice up the storyline. All in all, this book is an excellent start to the new series! A job well done Monica! I look forward to reading Part 2 in September.
THE DEVIL’S CROWN: PART ONE by Monica James. This begins the story of Aleksei Popov. To refresh your memory of who he is, please read first, All The Pretty Things Trilogy. THE DEVIL’S CROWN: PART ONE is a spin-off from ATPTT.
What I can tell you is Alek is a man of many complex, intense layers. This book shows us what happened to him since ATPTT and how far he’s fallen and his rise back up. He’s not the same, he’s darker, and will do anything to get what he whats at whatever costs.
Alek’s heroine is quite surprising. He’s found his perfect one- his QUEEN. She, at first ,made me go oh no..but then I was like YAS QUEEN!! She’s just perfect for him…without giving much away, like calls to like. Light to Dark. Emotional rollercoaster ride all the way! And that cliffhanger has me needing September to come like yesterday! Ms. James has written quite the raw, gritty, dark, depraved, twisted, gripping, emotional, powerful, sizzling, and angsty romance read that keeps the readers enthralled. You don’t want to miss out on this!!
My Rating: 4.8 stars **********
I slowly fell for this anti-hero in the All the Pretty Things series! Alek started out as the worst kind of bad guy! Then he slowly became to guy you wanted to love! I definitely recommend reading that series before starting this spin off!
In Devils Crown we get his story! I Loved getting to see more of his character! He had basically lost everything he was used to. Then throw in Ella! All the angst! I need book two Now!
Monica never disappoints! I absolutely can’t wait for the conclusion to this story!
A Must Read!
-received an arc for an honest review.
We finally got Alek’s story in this new spin-off series, and it ruined me, this book got me on a powerful ride. So much angst and darkness, I can’t wait to get the next one I need answers! Simply brilliant and a must-read. Bravo Monica!
The Devil’s Crown is part one of two and also, a spin-off from All the Pretty Things written by the talented Monica James. This story is a unique, thrilling and completely captivating read. It kept me on my toes and had me constantly questioning everything. It’s full of twists and turns, angst, suspense and heaps of heat. It gave me everything in a book that my little heart desires. I absolutely loved every single second of it.
Alex was once untouchable. He was the king of the Russian mafia. But then he became blinded by love, and his world came crashing down around him. Now he spends his time lurking in the shadows slowly plotting his revenge. Nothing will stop him in his quest for vengeance on his half-brother and mother. He will see them punished and reclaim his rightful place on the throne.
I loved Alex. He is the perfect anti-hero. He has done some dark and despicable things, but he also has a softer side to him. He is loyal and protective to a fault when it comes to those he loves. One of those being the little girl Irina from the orphanage. The relationship between those two was so cute and sweet. It was completely swoon worthy in my book.
His relationship with Ella (the new love interest) was pure fire. She was for sure his perfect match. He pushed her and she pushed back. She challenged him every step of the way with her defiance. Their chemistry was electric. All of the dirty talk and explosive scenes between them absolutely burned up the pages. I loved this perfect pairing.
All in all, I highly recommend The Devil’s Crown. I love a book that keeps you guessing, and this one definitely did just that. If you love twisted stories full of angst, badass alphas, suspense and some steamy hot scenes, this book is the one for you. I’m so glad that I decided to read this book and can’t wait to see what happens next! 5 stars and more!