Devil in the Making

Devilish Vignettes (the Devil DeVere) #1

by Victoria Vane

The Devil DeVere Series- Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012
Every Devil Has A Beginning... In this first of three prequels to the award-winning Devil DeVere series, we meet Ludovic, Ned, and Simon as youths in this riotous Georgian romp written in the tradition of Fielding's Tom Jones.
Since their first meeting at Westminster, Ned, Simon, and DeVere had forged an iron-clad bond that had maintained them through nearly six years. From the outset, Ludovic's scandalous family secrets had set him apart from the other aristocratic scions as an "untouchable." Deny it as he tried, the ugly truth remained that his mother was indeed the biggest whore in England, and his presumed father, the viscount, no less than a pox-ridden madman.
Likewise, Simon Singleton's poetic proclivities had instantly made him the bullies' mark, and even Edward Chambers' great size had served as little deterrent for the upper classmen's taunts when accompanied by adolescent awkwardness and a broad North Country drawl.
By the end of the first form, however, DeVere's finely honed shell of arrogance, Ned's increasing brawn, and Sin's rapier wit, had given birth to an unholy triumvirate that came to wreak perpetual and unchallenged havoc upon Westminster School. Now, it appeared their illustrious reign had come to an inglorious end.

Intent on serving up revenge on their tyrannical schoolmaster, a prank with the king's lion goes comically awry, leading to a startling chain of events.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Short Stories, Romance, Historical Fiction, Erotica, British Literature

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2012

About the author

ABOUT VICTORIA VANE

Victoria Vane is a bestselling award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her books have received many accolades to include the 2016 Red Carpet Award for Jewel of the East, 2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Temptations as well as Library Journal Best E-Book romance of 2012 for The Devil DeVere series. Victoria also writes romantic historical fiction as Emery Lee. Look for her new Highland saga coming summer of 2017.


Contact info:
Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com Website: www.victoriavane.com
Blog: www.embracingromance.com
Blog:https://wildandwickedcowboys.wordpres...
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/YVeXrf
Twitter: @authorvictoriav Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1vONQZh
Amazon: http://amzn.to/10QMKT5 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1sccsM4
YOU TUBE : http://bit.ly/1yNtEMP

AWARDS & ACCOLADES
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for ROUGH RIDER
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for JEWEL OF THE EAST
2015 Red Carpet Finals for SLOW HAND
2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Tempatations
2014 Rone Nomination for The Sheik Retold also LASR Best Book 2013 Nominee
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES
Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012, LR Cafe Best Series Nominee 2012
A Wild Night's Bride
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
•IRC Reader's Choice historical romance nominee
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Virgin Huntress
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil You Know
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance Nominee
• LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil's Match
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Top Pick
• LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012
• LR Café Best Author Nominee 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Favorite Author 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
A Devil's Touch
Swept Away by Romance Best Novella 2013 nominee
A Breach of Promise , December 2011 Ellora's Cave
• Night Owl Reviews “Top Pick”
• Reading Romances 5 flames and “Pen Award”
• TBR Pile 5stars/Book of the month winner September 2012
• LASR Erotic Reviews 5 STAR/Book of the Month Nominee
• The Romance Studio 5 Sweetheart Nominee
• TRS CAPA Nominee 2012

Reviews

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every devil has a beginning...

Fans of Victoria Vane's The Devil DeVere series will love this short story, and those looking to try this author for the first time, are sure to love it too. It's a glimpse into the making of a devil - Ludovic DeVere, also known as The Devil DeVere - who stole the show in A Wild Night's Bride with his brusque, irreverent comments and his scandalous actions! In Devil in the Making we meet the young DeVere and get our first candid look some of the hows and whys he became the man we all know and adore! In addition to Lud, DeVere's good friends, Ned Chambers, hero of A Wild Night's Bride, and Simon Singleton, hero of the upcoming book, Jewel of the East also star in this story.

I've had the pleasure of reading all of Ms. Vane's stories and have enjoyed every one of them. She writes historical romance in a way that makes it fun, sexy, sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes joyous, but always entertaining! To be honest, I enjoy her stories so much that I was more than a bit sad while reading The Devil's Match, thinking it was the final book in the series, so when I learned that there would be a series of vignettes focusing on Lud's early years, I was very, very happy!

The bottom line: Please note that this is not a romance, but if you love historical reads with characters who jump off the page and refuse to be ignored, then do yourself a favor and pick up the The Devil DeVere series. You will not be disappointed!

This, the first of The Devilish Vignettes leading up to the series, turned out to be so much more than I had hoped for, and I'm looking forward to reading The Trouble with Sin, the next vignette!

The Devil DeVere Reading Order:

1. A Wild Night's Bride
2. The Virgin Huntress
3. The Devil You Know
4. The Devil's Match

The Devilish Vignettes Reading Order:

1. Devil in the Making - out now
2. The Trouble with Sin - (Dec/Jan)
3. Ned's Folly
4. A Devil's Touch

My thanks to Ms. Vane for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review. As always was a pleasure!

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars! Boys will be boys and DeVere...well he's just bad, but oh soooo good!

What a treat seeing Ludovic, Ned and Simon as young lads! Of course DeVere is the wily leader of this mischievous "band of brothers"! It's a fun and telling tale of two men we've grown to love in the The Devil DeVere series, Ludovic and Ned, and we also get a glimpse of Simon, the hero of the next book in the series.

"Lovely Lavinia, a comely lass, With ripe pink teats and plump white arse, Ha’penny paid will fill your cup He thoughtfully chewed the nub of his quill. But for a shilling, she’d liefer tup…"

Oh, Simon's quite the poet and romantic alright! Ned's charming and the voice of reason, even back in the day, and of course DeVere manages to get himself into loads of trouble, but you can't help but love him. He has a heart of gold, and is the most honorable of men, which is saying something since his father is a vile despicable creature, who has no conscience what so ever!

Victoria Vane knows how to use words to weave a short tale into a satisfying story, that's rich in detail and dialogue, witty and heartwarming, and never fails to leave the reader smiling! A win win...every time!

You should read the The Devil DeVere series first, starting with A Wild Night's Bride. You need to know where The Devil ends up before you can truly appreciate how it all began!

**A copy of this book was kindly provided by Victoria Vane in exchange for fair and honest review**

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I enjoyed this little glimpse of what makes Ludovic DeVere into the man he becomes. It's a snippet of Ludovic at 19 yrs of age and getting up to all sorts of mischief along with his friends Ned and the newly introduced Simon.

It's a witty, hilarious read. Victoria depicts the wonderful Georgian period setting in detail, and mixed in with her wonderful writing style, makes this a little gem.

[KatLynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be short, but it's packed with goodness. Victoria's talent shines once again in this little vignette. It's not a romance, but the prequel to The Devere series.

Getting a little more insight into Ludovic is always a delight. Ned and Simon, longtime friends are included. These boys are full of themselves and always getting into trouble. Knowing how Ned and Ludovic end up made this such a fun read. And I enjoyed the shocking surprises.

I would recommend reading The Devil Devere series first, beginning with A Wild Night's Bride. When you've finished, you'll be rushing back to this one for more of Ludovic;-)!

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick read. Not a romance, but a prequel to the man that DeVere is to become. His protectiveness and honor are apparent, as he helps his friends and young strangers alike. We also get to see him start the process of gaining his title. Gosh, to bad the King can't take a little joke. :-)

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEVIL IN THE MAKING
Devilish Vignettes #1


Take Heart! An announcement for all those readers suffering from a severe case of DeVere deprivation....he's back!

This time, as the title suggests, the story centres on the nineteen year old Devere and his close friends, Ned Chambers (A Wild Night's Bride) and Simon Singleton (hero of the forthcoming Jewel of the East).

DeVere definitely shows all the promise of the arrogant, irreverent, scandalous and devious rogue so adored by all the devotees of the Devil Devere series. Mischief and mayhem follow in their wake as he involves his friends in some hilarious shenanigans involving:

Not only...



But also...



Not to mention a...



And a...




I'm not sure how Ms Vane does it, but there's real depth to DeVere's character despite the constraints of this short story. Meeting his father and mother, we get an insight into the family dynamics that must have had a profound influence in shaping the man he became. There are also glimpses of those admirable qualities he has always sought to conceal; his generosity, his deep loyalty to his friends and his personal code of honour.

Although not a romance, Devil in the Making is a MUST-READ for all fans of The Devil DeVere series. It's uproariously entertaining, wickedly bawdy and comes with a heavenly dose of the mouth-watering Devere!!


RATING: ★★★★★



My sincere thanks to Victoria Vane for providing me with a copy of Devil in the Making in return for an honest review.


Also posted on my blog: http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story Rating, 5 Stars
Character Rating, 5 Stars
Romance Rating, well it was not a romance
Heat Level, ?
Overall Rating 5 Stars

I truly enjoyed this very short read that gave us a look into Ludovic DeVere's life as a young man. The story line was very good for such a short story and had really nothing to do with romance. Considering that I still gave it a 5 star rating with no romance, no heat and being as short as it was really is quite an amazing thing for me to do. It's just the way Victoria writes that does it for me. She has such a way of putting words to paper that really captivates me and keeps me wanting more.

Thank You Victoria for gifting me this book for an honest review. You write them and I can assure you I'll be reading.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every devil has a beginning...and having read the previous DeVere titles by Victoria Vane there is no more charming of a devil than Ludovic, Viscount DeVere and in this short little tale we get a wonderful glimpse of what shaped Ludovic into the man he became. He is at school with his two friends, Ned and the newly introduced Simon, when his behavior gets them into trouble yet again. Thinking they will teach their teacher a lesson, Ludovic creates an idea that involves a lion...and is sure to make you laugh with the ridiculousness of it! Loved it. You get a nice sense of the bond these three friends have formed and I am very eager for Simon's own story now (Jewel of the East, Spring 2013). The story even delves into the scandalous history of Ludovic and his parents. His awful relationship with his father and his lack of a relationship with his mother who left him when he was a child. It really makes you appreciate and see how Ludovic came to his vices and way of life and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this glimpse of the past.

You should note, as Ms Vane states, this is not a romance but there is some minor heated moments with the lion trainer. And even in this short tale, approximately 60 pages, you can see the attention to detail of the Georgian period that Ms Vane pours into her lovely writing. If you have never read anything by Victoria Vane, this is a great place to start as I guarantee you will be eager to see how Ludovic ends up with his happily ever after. And if you have read the previous stories, you will appreciate this glance into the mind of how the devil came to be...and even at this reckless age, you can see his compassion for others underneath the devil-may-care attitude. 4 stars

Review copy provided by author, thank you!

[Daisy Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will appear at Romantic Historical Lovers Blog on December 14.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.


It seems that no matter what, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Young men in university will pull pranks, do things that make you say “doh” and forge life-long friendships so matter the time period. The Devil DeVere and his merry band of friends are wickedly wild and have adventures most will only dream of.

The Devil in the Making is not a romantic story but it is outrageously funny! I found myself snickering at some of their antics while laughing out loud at others. While I tend to gravitate to romance novels, the steamier the better, I absolutely LOVED this vignette! It’s intriguing to see how Devil, Ned, Sin and Charles all met and got to know each other. Seeing how their lives as friends began and all the trouble they got into while at university only leads more credibility to the story A Wild Night’s Bride. I now have a deeper appreciation for that story.

Victoria Vane has painted a beautiful picture, introducing each of the main characters of her later stories. All of this is done with Georgian England as the backdrop for the story. Breaking into the King’s menagerie, facing the wrath of the headmaster at school, facing the unholy wrath of his father and ultimately the wrath of the King, all part of the life of Devil DeVere. He does all these things with a passion for life and take no prisoners attitude. While he draws his friends in to all these outlandish pranks, he still has a heart and refuses to let them take the fall for his misadventures.

One of the lovely things about this book is the illustrations. These wonderful, full-color illustrations add to the overall enjoyment of the book. While each of us imagines something slightly different for the characters we read, it was pure joy to view Ms. Vane’s depictions of the characters. I truly wish there had been a few more illustrations in the book as I was getting such a kick out of them!

For any of you enjoy the Devil DeVere series, you MUST read this vignette. You’ll love it and it’ll give you a deeper appreciation for the Devil himself!

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this cast of characters in the DeVere series. Of course, the "Devil DeVere" plays the most prominent role in this vignette, but his cronies Ned and Simon (an upcoming hero of the series) also play dominant roles. The boys are all in their late teens, and we get to see their more juvenile antics when they seek revenge on one of their switch happy teachers at school. Although there is no romance, it IS DeVere, so you can bet there are some lovely ladies!

Not only do we get some more laughs out of DeVere in his late formative years in which we see that he was already well-formed indeed, but we also get to learn more of his family's past. Part of the childhood that helped shape the man I rooted for in Vane's previously released books is revealed in this short but packed novella.

If you're already a lover of Victoria Vane's DeVere series, this is a must read. If you haven't read the series yet, I highly recommend you do! Vane writes with a sophistication that is refreshing, especially in the Historical Romance genre. It lends an authenticity to the Georgian series that is sometimes lacking. The lady does her research, for sure...in fact, historical accuracies and inaccuracies are both mentioned at the end of this little ditty. I love when an author does that!

My thanks to Victoria Vane for the chance to read this book in return for an honest review...I honestly loved it!

[CaroleDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good thing that DeVere and his friends only exists on paper. I have a feeling that if they were real the women of the world would be in trouble!

Victoria Vane takes us farther back than ever before in this prequel to the Devil DeVere series. As if the hilarious hijinks of these young, entitled, men of aristocracy weren't enough Vane has treated us to an illustrated version! I've come across a few illustrated novels before and found them to be a bit over the top, BUT not here. The artist Polina Ipatova did a fantastic job of capturing the essence of each character and bringing to life important scenes.

Check it out. You will not be disappointed!

*Romance readers know this: While Devil in the Making isn't a romance there are still sexual situations present. Of course DeVere would be able to take time to give us at least one sexual romp!

[♡Karlyn P♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great romp story staring the Devil DeVere as a tenacious teenager. This is a prequel, but I would recommend reading the full series first. The vignette's are a fun look back at the main characters youthful digressions.

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Delightful little story feature a young De Vere, Ned and Simon the upcoming hero of the fifth book in the series and their little adventure near the end of their schooling years.

Punished for a little mischief making in class, De Vere decides he wants to visit the Royal Menagerie to borrow a bear to teach their teacher a little lesson but there is none instead they steal a lion . Dragging his friends along on the journey, they get into trouble and end up with them having the last laugh.

It not a romance but a enchanting story that shows a De Vere in a making who already has many of the mannerisms of the De Vere we know.This is a background story to fill in the gaps of the De Vere and highlights the ability of Vane who once again has written a story that is fully developed. I can't wait until the next short is out as we get more of the characters we love .

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many times did I wonder what Devil DeVere was like as a younger man to start him along the lusty larger than life journey that became the intriguing man I met in Wild Night's Bride? There are hints and flashback memories through the series that made me more than curious. So when I was given the chance to read this prequel story of just that very thing, there was no way I was going to say no when I was offered the book for honest review. But then to discover that each chapter came with a lovely jewel-toned illustrated page that could only serve to enhance what was written? Hey, that's just icing on an already decadent cake.

This was the first time I have read an illustrated adult novella so I have to say that the artwork was phenomenal. Not only were the characters portrayed just as I would imagine them to look; the facial expressions and the ability of each illustration to communicate the scene were fantastic. As I stated before, the rich jewel tones were a feast for the eyes and I adored the attention to historical authentic detail. Polina Ipatova and Victoria Vane who worked together to bring us the illustrated story are definitely a powerful one-two punch.

As to the story line itself, it opens with DeVere attending prep school with his close chums Ned Chambers and Simon Singleton who make up with DeVere the Unholy Triumverate. They came together and forged a strong friendship that helped spare them the typical prep school bullying. But that being said, it doesn't prevent a professor from settling on DeVere as his target only to have Ludovic insolently best him at his own game. This led Ludovic to the incident mentioned in Wild Night's Bride involving the lion and the result being to fall in disfavor from King and in further disfavor from the crazed and diseased man that was his father. His father sends him into exile which leads him to make another good friend and have a reunion that leaves him with a new perspective on his past and his future.

I truly enjoyed the mayhem that ensues wherever DeVere is present and there were several laugh out loud moments in the story. But there were also several places in the plot when the seeds of what grew into the Devil DeVere we encounter in the later books are revealed.

It was a splendid Georgian romp that I can recommend not only to the fans of the DeVere series, but to anyone who enjoys authentic historical with a dash of spice.

[Suzan Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how Victoria Vane does it, I’m just glad that she does! She has a way of blending so much rich historical detail into her books that one would almost think she lived during the Regency Era and she is sharing her secrets of that beautiful time period with the rest of us! Devil In The Making is another fine example of Ms. Vane’s work.

Think of Devil In The Making as the prequel to Ms. Vane’s Devil DeVere series. For those of you who may not have read the other books in this series, do not worry. Devil In The Making stands alone quite nicely. However, I would suggest reading the other books in this series for the simple fact that they’re all so darned good!

Devil In The Making begins at Westminster School, 1764 with Ludovic DeVere, Simon, and Ned, three young men who are central characters throughout the Devil Devere series. In this vignette, we see how their friendship began as well as why Ludovic is the way he is. It does have a few sad moments, but over all, this is a funny and fresh story, made even better by the delightful illustrations that come with the book!
In this story, we find that DeVere has already begun to develop his reputation as a rake and a scoundrel. However, he does something to show us that he does possess a noble and loyal side. Ludovic takes the blame for a very bawdy poem that Simon wrote that is discovered by a very unlikeable teacher. This leads to Ludovic taking a thrashing, which in turn leads us to a hilarious story involving a lion and the lion’s caregiver. Revenge can be fun!

It is chock full (as always with Victoria’s stories!) of humor and a bit of seduction. Devil In The Making is a delightful read and I find myself wanting to read more about this central cast of characters that Victoria has developed.

One of the things I love the most about the entire Devil DeVere series is that each story can, and does, stand on its own merits. Devil In The Making is no exception.
The men are strong, but with softer sides, inner battles and secrets that unfold in true Victoria Vane sexy, Regency period, fashion.

[Lariza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with DeVere & his friends at school. Life isn't dull with the devil as your friend! I enjoyed reading about DeVere's relationship with his father & his mother and how that shaped who he came to be. Ready to read more of the series.

[Joy (Cheery♡Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very big thank you to Victoria Vane for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. You know I love you lots ♡

This is a short story/novella reliving the younger days of DeVere, Ned and the introduction to Simon, our hero in the forthcoming . I enjoyed getting to know Simon and his lewd poetry writing skills.

DeVere was insolent and as devilish as ever and we get a glimpse into how his father was like. Terrible. Worst than terrible and he deserved to go rot in the depths of hell. I mean, virgin cleansing to cure pox? What more with a mere child? Thank god DeVere was back in time to prevent this abomination.

I'm on the fence regarding his mother though. I don't approve of what she did, abandoning her children to seek her own happiness but can't really blame her as how she got married to DeVere's father was another horror all of its own.

The episode with the lion and Freddie were cute and funny, especially at the end. DeVere was sure daring, defying the king like that.

As always, it is a pleasure to read Ms. Vane's works and I'm seriously looking forward to and . Imagine the hallelujah feeling I had when I found out The Devil's Match was not the end of DeVere and Co.

I recommend reading the Devil DeVere series first before starting on this one as it'll guarantee to enhance the reading enjoyment.

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short prequel to the Devil DeVere series that is an excellent addition and that had me with a smile on my face from start to finish and even for a bit after words for its effects lingered on. Any fan of the DeVere series MUST read this prequel and anyone out there looking for a great historical romance series (even though this one is not so much romance) will love this introduction to DeVere and his band of long time buddies :)

We get to see DeVere, Ned and others of the series at the start of their friendship. Yes, as teens! DeVere is 19 and attending school, well for a part anyway. He’s up to his usual antics and of course drags along his friend’s right with him carrying the confidence only DeVere has. Deciding to play a school prank that’s the prank of all possible pranks, let’s just say things DO NOT go as planned. We also get more background on DeVere’s parents that give us a very clear picture of why he feels the way he does about them when it’s mentioned later in the series. I have to say, I now have an even better idea of what makes DeVere the Devil he is.


Anyone out there that enjoys a just an all-around good read will have a blast with Devil in the Making.

[Angieleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am so pleased that Ms. Vane has continued writing about the devilish Ludovic DeVere in these tantalizing Vignettes. In fact, were it possible, I'd wrap her in a huge hug right now!

Devil in the Making takes us back to when he was in sixth form [approximately between 17 and 18 years old if I did my research right}. As to be expected of Vic, he manages to get himself - and his friends - into a heap of trouble. We meet his pox-ridden father - who quite literally scared me for the two seconds I read about him - and his beautiful mother briefly. I so enjoyed getting to know this younger version of Vic and see a side of him that you didn't really glimpse in the previous series.

While this is not "romantic" in the true sense of the word, Devil in the Making will have fans of Victoria Vane's cheering for a secondary series where they can get to know Vic, Hew, Ned, and others in a way you hadn't before. I look forward to seeing what my beloved favorites were like long before they were jaded by the world.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEVIL IN THE MAKING by Victoria Vane is an exciting erotic historical romance set in the Georgian era. "Devilish Vignettes" series. We learn more of the character Devil DeVere, what makes him who he is. A wonderful fast paced story of love,passion,desire,and how family consequences can sharp one's future. Love this series! I also love this author's writing,she is an awesome storyteller. More of this series please.I can hardly wait for the next exciting installment. A must read!

RATING: 5
HEAT RATING: MILD TO HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Victoria Vane’s Devil in the Making is an amusing but poignant tale that provides fans of The Devil DeVere series with fascinating insight into Ludovic DeVere. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Established fans will be thrilled with this effort, with its glimpses into DeVere's past. Fans of historical settings will be impressed with the detail given to places, dress and speech.

Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Victoria Vane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guy Veryzer's character interpretations are flawless and hilarious!

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, hilarious, characters very well developed, and looking forward to reading more as time goes by in the next part of the series! Absolutely worth every second!

[Bev Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this book on audiobooks.
Interesting book, my first time listening to this author work.

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll
5, Warm


Every devil has a beginning...
From the outset of young Lord DeVere's arrival at Westminster School, his scandalous family secrets set him apart from the other aristocratic scions as an "untouchable." Akin to a dark shadow following him, the ugly truth remained that his mother was indeed the biggest whore in England, and his presumed father was no less than a pox-ridden madman.

Likewise, Simon Singleton's poetic proclivities had instantly made him the bullies' mark, and even Edward Chambers' great size had served as little deterrent for the upper classmen's taunts when accompanied by adolescent awkwardness and a broad North Country drawl.

By the end of the first form, however, the three young outcasts had forged an iron-clad bond that would maintain them through nearly six years. DeVere's finely honed shell of arrogance, Ned's increasing brawn, and Sin's rapier wit gave birth to an unholy triumvirate that would come to wreak perpetual and unchallenged havoc upon Westminster School…


My review:
The Devil DeVere Series by Victoria Vane is one of the best series I've ever read. The characters are fantastic, and very well written. Devil in the Making explores the early years of Simon Singleton, Ludovic DeVere, and Ned Chambers and their exploits at Westminster School. Lord DeVere is already on the bad list due to the notoriety of his family, Simon and Ned are victims of upper classmen bullies. The three soon become inseparable friends.
Ludovic attracts trouble without really trying. Wanting to pull a prank on one of the teachers, Ludovic talks Ned and Simon into stealing a lion and bringing it back to the dorm. Unfortunately, the lion has a keeper and the trio is caught in the act. Intrigued by the lion keeper, Ludovic makes a startling revelation.

Even though Devil in the Making is a short story, it is rich with detail and dialog. I always laugh out loud when reading one of Ms. Vane's Devil DeVere books. The humor and wit are priceless. The detail in the writing shows Ms. Vane has done extensive research. This story is just the right length for a quick and fun read. I would recommend Devil in the Making to anyone who likes to be entertained by a great story.


THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES by Victoria Vane (in reading order)
A Wild Night's Bride #1
The Virgin Huntress #2
The Devil You Know #3
The Devil's Match #4
A Devil's Touch #4.5
Jewel Of the East #5

PREQUEL VIGNETTES (in reading order)
Devil in the Making #1
The Trouble With Sin #2
Ned's Folly #3

[Treece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil in the Making by Victoria Vane
Series: Devilish Vignettes #1


INTRO

There are three sides to a story: His/Her/Their Side, Your Side and The Truth. So it goes when reading Devil in the Making, as readers are entranced by DeVere, Edward, and Simon, DeVere’s parents and various individuals of note. The multiple sides and angles of the delightful tale approached 4 dimensions meaning this series is off to an extraordinary beginning. What’s best is when an author does a fine job exploring every side of the story.


SYNOPSIS OVERVIEW

When young DeVere devises a scheme to avenge himself on a pompous and sadistic school master, he crosses the line, gravely offends the powerful, and is forced to answer to his despicable sire. The viscount sends his heir into temporary exile, forcing the disillusioned DeVere to abandon his loyal companions, Ned and Sin. While away on the Continent, shadows and living shades from the past confront and revisit him and new allegiances are made.

CHARACTERIZATION

Glimpses of the man the future Viscount DeVere will become, and the choices he will be forced to make to cement his future, are captured brilliantly in this story. His fight for independence, cynicism, shrewd insight, legendary sexual prowess, and sophisticated pragmatism are captured in the snarky and rapier-witted dialogue and antics of our favorite Georgian anti-hero.

The author keeps my feet on the ground when it comes to DeVere by offering a heaping dose of reality. It wasn’t uncommon for such petty tyrants in the British school system to demonstrate sadistic and cruel behavior towards their charges. I’m certain that some of these egotistic tyrants found themselves at the mercy of men like DeVere—or worse—later in life, who recalled every moment they suffered at the hands of such educators.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The most engaging aspects of this story are how well Ms. Vane understands her characters and human nature. Cause and effect in the lives of men and women; how they choose to live and persevere is what’s explored. DeVere survives, thrives, and surpasses whatever is thrown at him with coolness a modern rocker would envy, living by his own code. It’s why readers continue to read this series and have sympathy for “Devil” DeVere.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

It's a vignette, that's a sign that it's short. However, since this is a vignette about how Ludovic DeVere very definitely earned his sobriquet of "Devil DeVere", it is anything but sweet.

Nor should it be sweet. DeVere would probably spit on the word sweet. Or run it through. Or, if it was female...well, never mind.

Instead, in this vignette readers get a fascinating glimpse of exactly what made Ludo into the man we meet in A Wild Night's Bride. Or maybe the one we meet in The Devil You Know, since that comes first chronologically.

We also meet his best friend Ned, who seems to have always needed Ludo to keep him from being a dull dog. We meet them, and two other boys, and they nearly are boys, as very young men, close to graduating from public school.

Until the incident with the lion. And DeVere's lion-sized pride. The incident that sends him to Europe instead of finishing sixth-form.

It also gives us a painful insight into the reasons behind DeVere's complete unwillingness to commit himself to any relationship. Watching him suffer for him parents' sins and it definitely is both in equal measure. It's also absolutely heart-rending.

If you liked Victoria Vane's Devil DeVere series, you must read about the making of the Devil. It's enlightening, especially in the dark places.

Escape Rating B+: As an illustration (also literally, I read the illustrated version) to how the character grew to be the man he is in the later books, this vignette is fascinating. Also both funny and tragic. I'm not sure it would stand alone for a reader not familiar with the series.

The illustrations were great. The artist's DeVere did match the picture in my head. And the picture of his father, absolutely gave me a shudder. His mother, I'm not quite sure of. But the illustrator's DeVere was the epitome of a dissolute young rake with a core of steel. Yum.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish we had half stars because this is a definite 4 1/2 stars. Would have been 5 stars had it been a true romance!

Ludovic DeVere is a man of extreme proportions, and I'm not referring to his physical attributes, although they are purported to be quite ... ahem ... never mind that ... the Devil DeVere never does anything simply or without flare so it won't surprise you to know that his youth was no different. With his good friends Ned Chambers and Simon Singleton (a new character for us but one we will see again in an upcoming novella), this trio is itching to find trouble and with Ludovic DeVere in the lead, they surely find it. I'm not going to tell you more because I don't want to give it away.

Victoria Vane has created characters for the Devil DeVere series that are so in depth, so incredibly endearing and full of life that they are almost nearly real. In DEVIL IN THE MAKING, we get to meet the younger version of the sexy, debonair Ludovic DeVere and learn a few more of his secrets so that we may understand this man a little better. Victoria not only writes with perfection and conjures the best in characters and settings but throws in enough real life historical facts to bring her stories together into tales of bawdy fun and historical fascination. This quick vignette is no different. She will have you laughing at the antics of this delightful trio of friends, and keep you hooked straight to the ending that will have you saying, OH MY!!

I highly recommend the reading of DEVIL IN THE MAKING, book one in the Devilish Vignettes by Victoria Vane, whether you've read the Devil DeVere series or not. If you haven't, this one will have you clamouring to read the others and if you have, you'll relish the look at the Devil DeVere's past! Maybe not as steamy sexy as the novellas, since it's more a character portrayal than a romance but you're still guaranteed a short, sweet, and a bawdy good time in DEVIL IN THE MAKING by Victoria Vane.

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Victoria Vane
Published By: V. V.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Devil in the Making" by Victoria Vane was a beautifully written short story of where it all begins...the early years..illustrated prequel of 'The Devil DeVere Series). The main characters...'young Lord Ludovic DeVere, Edward 'Ned' Chambers, Simon 'Sin" Singleton and Charles Fox' were all known for their pranks really causing you to only laugh out loud. You will see how each one of these friends will met...the trouble they got into...omg at the university in the Georgian, England. "Breaking into the King's menagerie, facing the wrath of the headmaster at school, facing the unholy wrath of his father and ultimately the wrath of the King, all part of the life of Devil DeVere and the story continues....this is where I say you must pick up "Devil in the Making" to find out just what all will come out from this good read. There will be a part of the read that will let you know of the what and why of the relationship between DeVere's mother and father and questions will be answered to the why DeVere is the man he is.


I don't want to leave out the beautiful color illustrations are simply wonderful that Ms. Vane gives the reader a pure description of each of the characters. This read will definitely have each reader wanting more of Ms. Vane storytelling of the 'The Devil DeVere Series.'


If anyone is in for a good read that will unfold with humor and some bit of seduction in a delightful way..."Devil in the Making" would be recommended to you...especially if you plan to pick up the series.