Heart of a Devil by Sadie Kincaid book review

Lauren, a lawyer escaping a traumatic past, relocates to London seeking a fresh start away from her family's shadow. Working alongside her best friend, she attends a party where she encounters Sebastian Donovan, her best friend's father, a charming, commanding man who notices her right away. Despite knowing the relationship is forbidden, Lauren and Sebastian share one night together, which evolves into a friends-with-benefits arrangement as undeniable feelings develop between them. Both are determined to ignore their growing connection, but Sebastian falls first, unable to resist what Lauren awakens in him. As their relationship deepens, Lauren's dangerous past catches up with her, forcing the couple into unexpected danger. Sebastian, a morally gray anti-hero with his own scars, becomes her protector and safe place. Lauren, fiercely independent and guarded, refuses to be anyone's damsel in distress. Together, they navigate suspense, dark secrets, sexual kinks and emotional healing

💕 Sadie Kincaid delivered everything I crave in dark romance: spice, suspense, and emotional depth. 🔥 The chemistry between Sebastian and Lauren is absolutely explosive from their first encounter, and I loved watching their dynamic shift from a one-night stand to a friends-with-benefits arrangement to something neither of them expected...real love. The "he falls first" trope always wins me over, and Sebastian's transformation from serial playboy to a man completely undone by Lauren was the best. 😍 Both characters carry deep wounds from their pasts, and watching them become each other's safe place felt earned and meaningful. Sebastian doesn't try to fix Lauren and Lauren reminds him that he's worthy of something real. Their emotional vulnerability balanced beautifully with the intense, steamy scenes. 🖤 The suspense kept me completely hooked. Just when I thought the danger was resolved, another twist appeared, keeping me turning pages late into the night. The mafia backdrop adds genuine stakes without overshadowing the relationship, which remains the heart of the story. The supporting cast and character overlap added wonderful layers to the narrative. This is dark, addictive, and absolutely captivating. If you love morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, age gap romance, forbidden attraction, and the "touch her and die" possessive energy, this is a definite must-read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Tropes: Best friend's dad | Age gap | Forbidden romance | Trauma & healing | Suspense | Dark secrets | Possessive MMC | Primal play

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.  The special edition will be released on December 29, 2026.