El Diablo by Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino

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SKU 978-1-77339-818-1
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Killer of Kings, 6

Is the devil capable of love?

Xavier doesn't do trust. He breaks. He kills. After living through hell, he's transformed himself into El Diablo, the baddest motherfucker around. His only weakness is the sister he lost as a child—the one Boss promises to help him locate. The only catch is he has to work for Killer of Kings and learn to play nice with the other hitmen. He does his job, determined to prove himself. Then she walks into his life, and nothing is ever the same.

Alesha hits the jackpot when she's hired as Xavier Moreno's house cleaner. She has her own private suite, and the wealthy businessman is rarely home. Things change in a heartbeat when he comes home drunk one night, covered in blood, and telling her stories about murder-for-hire and a secret group of assassins. He also reveals a side so broken that she can't help but fall for him. Can a killer fall in love with his cleaner, or will he add her to his hit list?

Be Warned: public exhibition

 

Excerpt:

Alesha woke up with a start.

Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she frowned as she heard the noise again. Something was moving downstairs.

The sound of banging and glass breaking drew her out from the bed. Wearing a pair of pajamas, she was in no way suited to deal with a potential intruder. Xavier said she would be safe here. Grabbing the baseball bat that she took with her to every place she stayed, she opened her bedroom door.

This was the first time an intruder had invaded her home.

Xavier’s home.

Not her home.

She only worked here. Just a housekeeper. The woman he kept to keep his life in line and perfectly neat. She cooked, cleaned, and ran the errands he asked for.

She was nothing more than a woman that blended into his life like a piece of furniture. Alesha was a couch.

Pain slashed through her at the thought of how little she meant to him. Not that she was supposed to mean anything to him. He was her boss. Nothing more, nothing less.

Getting to the stairs, she winced as they creaked beneath her weight.

When no one jumped out of her and she figured she was safe, she took the steps slowly, bracing herself against what she might face.

What if it was like out of a horror movie and they were wearing a scary mask and wielding a knife that would slash her into a thousand pieces? Or this was only a dream and she was about to be torn to bits by a man with knives for fingers? Note to self, never ever watch old seventies and eighties horror films before bed. She hated scary movies so much, but once they were playing, she needed to know what happened next.

Get a grip.

Once she cleared the stairs, she squeezed the bat tighter.

She’d never been good at baseball.

Stepping down the hall, she walked into the dining room where she saw a large shadow. She screamed and swung the bat, hitting something. The intruder didn’t stop though. Lifting the bat, she drew it back about to hit him again when he caught the bat and pulled it from her grip.

Before she knew what was happening, the intruder tugged her into his arms, holding her still. She screamed and fought with all of her might, but whoever had her knew what they were doing.

She couldn’t go anywhere.

He was so strong.

She was going to die.

She didn’t want to die.

There was still so much for her to do. Become a mother, a wife, know what really good sex was like.

“Will you fucking stop wriggling, woman? You’re going to hurt yourself or me or both of us.”

She froze.

That was Xavier’s voice.

Her boss.

Oh shit.

“That’s right. You’re hitting your fucking boss and all I was doing was grabbing a drink. If I let you go, promise you won’t try any of your deadly moves?”

She nodded. No longer struggling. There was no way she could use words right now.

What if she’d killed her boss? What if he sued her?

He paid her a good wage but not enough to take him on in court. Would she need a good lawyer? It would be bad enough losing this job.

Xavier flicked on the light.

She blinked a few times to get accustomed to the sudden brightness. When she did, she froze into place.

Xavier wore a white shirt and a pair of black pants. His feet were bare.

He held a bottle of whiskey in one hand.

He’d only been holding her with one arm?

The bat she’d been using for her attack lay on the ground at his feet.

“Fuck, is that how you greet every man that enters this house?” he asked.

She glanced down at her body and quickly crossed her arms over her chest.

“Nice tits. You don’t need to hide them. It’s not like I haven’t seen it all before. Believe me, there’s not much in this world I haven’t seen.”

His talk about her breasts was not what had her frozen in place.

The blood on his shirt was the reason. That and the scars she’d caught a glimpse of.

His back was to her right now as he poured some ice into a glass then added the whiskey.

Still rooted in place, she watched as he lifted the glass to his lips. “Want one?”

She shook her head. Words failed her. What was she to say?

Series:
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Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 23 ratings)
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5/5
This writing team is a force to be reckoned with
Written by Cynthia G on 16th Apr 2023

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. You dont even have to read the book, you can just stare at the cover all day but boy oh boy you might want to crack this one open. This writing team is a force to be reckoned with

4/5
Loved it
Written by Erica A on 20th Dec 2022

A book that will have you turning the pages quickly wanting to know what happens next.... Also having 6ou fan your face of the off the charts chemistry... Loved it

5/5
5*
Written by Sam K on 18th Jul 2022

The Assassin and The Housekeeper Xavier is one of the toughest assassins there is and only his housekeeper, Alesha sees the vulnerable side he hides away. Xavier has been searching for his sister and doing whatever it takes to be reunited, even working for Killer of Kings. This is his one sole focus until Alesha comes into his life. Alesha has landed a dream job! Live in housekeeper to a hot guy, even though he is gone most of the time. She's surprised to find out the dark side Xavier has but can't help to show him compassion for the vulnerabilities that he reveals. Together they rely on each other for safety, physically and emotionally. The relationship between Xavier and Alesha was sweet and well written. Their differences complimented each other and you can't help but to root for their happiness. Overall, this was an enjoyable romance and well recommended! I received an advanced review copy of this book from Evernight Publishing via Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Desiree on 18th Jul 2022

I am a total fan of Sam Crescent books. This was hotness from start to finish. I want more of her books

4/5
4 stars
Written by Pat on 13th Jul 2022

A fast-paced story that has Xavier who goes by El Diablo a hired killer coming home one night with bloody clothes and his new housekeeper Alesha cleaning his clothes and house just wondering what he does? Then one-night drunk Xavier spills everything to her and it is ruined. He does love her and she him but things begin to fall apart when she arrives at a hit and is also shot now the boss is upset with him and you wonder if the two of them will ever see one another again. There is also the underlying story of his sister which also gets revealed. Overall a good book.

5/5
5 stars
Written by Sissy Hicks on 7th Jul 2022

El Diablo by Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino is book 6 in the Killer of Kings Series. This is the story of Alesha and Xavier. Alesha hasn't had a easy life and when she lands a job cleaning for Xavier she thinks she it the jackpot of jobs. Alesha never sees him and she gets good pay. But then one night everything changes. Xavier's mother sold him and his sister when they were young. Now is is a trained dangerous killer who is looking for his sister. Xavier doesn't do love or relationships but then he hadn't every met Alesha before. Enjoyed this book.

5/5
5 stars
Written by Tammy S on 21st Jun 2022

This is the sixth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Xavier was broken and he came back to life as El Diablo. He will do whatever it takes to get his sister back. What will happen when Alesha discovers his secret? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and emotion. Great characters and steamy chemistry. I loved it!

5/5
5 stars
Written by Di Budo on 10th Jun 2022

The characters, oh my god, you will fall instantly in love with them. They are written so perfectly that I really can't see anyone not liking them, or the story for that matter.

4/5
4 stars
Written by April on 10th Jun 2022

Fast paced story that holds your interest till the final word. This is a great story between the cleaner and the hit man. When he gets drunk and passes out and she takes care of him it is super sweet and a great turning point in their relationship. To see her break down his walls was sweet and to see his desire for her come alive on the pages of this book. I was a bit confused when they got to the storage area and her car is there? Did she follow on her own accord? Did she get abducted? Then what happen at the gun fire fight? We know they are getting ready to take down some bag guys but then we just moved past it he is getting yelled at and she is in the hospital. Then we move on again to 6 weeks later. Guess I am just missing something here. The ending is super good. Just what I wanted it to be and so much more that I didn’t know I needed! It was a great way to wrap up the book.

4/5
4 stars
Written by Tiffany on 6th Jun 2022

I really, really liked this book! It hooked me from the first chapter and kept me hooked the entire time! It could have had a bit more plot, but to be honest I read it more for the spice.

5/5
Night Owl Reviews
Written by PaulineMichael on 17th Dec 2018

Stacey Espino and Sam Crescent are the definitely the go-to duo for dark romance. I’ve never been disappointed by their offerings and in fact the stories just seem to get better and better. considering how much I loved the first one, that’s no easy feat. Alesha and Xavier are a perfect match. She might come across as a little meek but when it comes to inner strength she can match him without blinking. I loved that while Alesha was a curvy woman it really didn’t play much on her mind. She didn’t dwell on it. I liked how matter of fact she was when she discovered his actually profession. She wasn’t afraid of him one bit and she didn’t come across as naive or stupid for trusting Xavier even though he seemed to think she was for doing so. I loved the emotion in this story and how Xavier so wants to find his sister and how important his past is to him and how it has shaped the man he’s become. There is so much passion and emotion and action in this book and I just couldn’t put it down. If you love your heroines curvy and your favorite heroes have dark sexy edges, this is the sexy story for you! The Story: Xavier is the hired killer known as El Diablo. He only has one goal in life to find his sister who has been missing since he was a child. When he hires cleaner Alesha soon he finds his focus is changing. Can this unlikely couple find a future together?

5/5
So Amazing
Written by Victoria on 28th Nov 2018

These two very talented ladies have brought to us an amazing series in Killer of Kings and El Diablo is an incredible addition !! I really enjoyed this book !! I can not wait to descendants next

4/5
Killer if kings the best
Written by Victoria on 28th Nov 2018

I love killer of kings series. It’s the best.

5/5
Love love this series
Written by JGhourdine on 28th Nov 2018

Don't miss this installment of Killer of Kings. Sam Crescent doesn't disappoint once again. I only wish they were longer.

4/5
El Diablo
Written by MN on 28th Nov 2018

This was a good hitman falls in love story. Alesha was a little fiery and matched well with Xavier. I cannot wait for Boss’s story.

4/5
loved it
Written by Fay on 26th Oct 2018

This series I absolutely love, the only issue I have with them is that its too far apart. When I start reading the next one, I have to get into that frame of mind of the killer of kings. A secret group of assassins... Xavier is one these assassins. He doesn't do romance he doesn't do love he is on a mission. Do his job and find his sister. He hires Alesha to be his housekeeper and things are fine until he accidentally spills the beans one drunken night. How will she react to this bit of news and what will happen when Boss finds out and takes her away?? This series is a good one, the only issue I have is with Boss I mean seriously he has lost 5 men before this and still he's doing the whole women threatening thing and what is he hiding from Xavier???? Definitely something to get in to... And Sam and Stacey when is Boss getting his book!!!!

5/5
Heath n family
Written by Nichole F on 17th Oct 2018

Omg if I could do more stars I would!!! I love love

5/5
Loved it!
Written by A. Renee on 17th Oct 2018

I have enjoyed the killer of kings series. Now i wonder if she will give the boss his story. Xavier foind the love of his life under his own roof.. The Boss's reaction to her was different? Is there a story behind that.

3/5
EL DIABLO
Written by Neringa on 16th Oct 2018

It was a while experiencing King of Killers worlds. I missed it. And we have El Diablo here. So, going in I wasn't sure what expect from Xavier aka El Diablo. Sure we meet him in previous book, but it's not always the case 'what you see is what you get'. Though I have to say, the saying is almost true in this case. Xavier just have a bit more to him. Something I haven't expected. Self-hate. I'm not sure if this is the right word. While he enjoys his work, he isn't so okay with what he sees when he looks in the mirror. While he wasn't 'a good man' in the past, but then he did what he needed to do to survive. It was a jungle law. Survival of the fittest. But while he sees himself as something not worthy of light, Alesha saw someone loving worthy. I had conflicting feelings about Alesha. She really had good moments, where she made me smile and happy with her actions. But... I guess for her it was normal to have conflicting feelings about Xavier and his world. Learning what he does and still to have feelings for him, it may felt wrong for her. Okay, I was happy that she didn't panicked and run away screaming. Lol. So, I think I had more problem how she reacted/acted in his world. Once again her reaction wasn't exactly bad, it just wasn't what I personally liked. And then there was one 'WTF?' moment, when my conflict ended. Alesha... She probably watched Wonder Woman recently, otherwise I don't know what she was thinking. Idiot comes to my mind thinking about it. And because of it I felt like she wasn't good fit for Xavier. Okay, this sounded like I'm talking about shoes. But you know what I mean. Of course, people learn from mistakes. But sometimes they don't. And in El Diablo world mistakes can be deadly. Let's hope Alesha is a quick learner if she wants to have forever with Xavier.

5/5
Loved it!
Written by Melissa Patterson on 14th Oct 2018

This series is one of my favorites and I eagerly awaited this book! Both authors did an awesome job as always bringing another swoon worthy alpha assassin to life. El Diablo is definitely one of my new favorite alpha assassins!

5/5
El Diablo is awesome
Written by LRCH on 14th Oct 2018

Xavier and Alesha are perfect....for each other!!! The Killer of Kings series is wonderful! There are so many twists and turn, and seeing these tough unfeeling men fall is fabulous, and watching Xavier is spectacular!!

5/5
Sooo good
Written by undefined on 11th Oct 2018

Can I have an Xavier for myself? I loved everything about this book. Can't wait for Boss!!

5/5
Awesome Story
Written by Rhonda on 11th Oct 2018

Xavier is an assassin for a secret group of hire to kill men. He doesn't do romance or love or all that stuff. His one goal is to find his sister who he lost when their mom sold them as kids. This is the next book in this series and I think I like this one the best so far. He hires Alesha to be his housekeeper and things go okay for awhile until one night, in a drunken episode, Alesha finds out what he does. There are twists and turns in this story that kept me turning the pages. Can Xavier afford to start a relationship with Alesha or will Boss stop it? And what happens when Alesha is hurt and taken away by Boss? Oh, this book was great. If you like books with men on the hard side of life, this should be right up your alley. Will Xavier ever see Alesha again? Will he find his long lost sister? What is Boss keeping from him? Oh, I"m not gonna say but advise you to just get the book and find out for yourself!!!