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? Omg yesss... definitely... and most willingly too, for you know the reward is going to be sooooo 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.