3.75 ⭐'s rounded up

Charlotte is the human fated mate for Lucifer. You get to really see Charlotte grown and learn about being celestial. Lucifer also faces some challenges of dealing with coping to function without his powers. There are some strong BDSM but I think that some of it was just Lucifer being demeaning to Charlotte. I do feel like there was a lot of miscommunication going on and the book could have been shorter if they had just dealt with their issues and communicated with one another.

Azrael was probably my favorite character of this book. It will be interesting to see what happens with Lucifer, Charlotte and Azrael in the next book because Azrael definitely was stirring the pot. Although Daddy Death would be a close second because 🤤🔥🔥🔥.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this story. All my opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wicked Believer is a thrilling, darkly sensual ride that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. Kait Ballenger masterfully expands the world of Original Sinner, blending high-stakes danger, intense romance, and sizzling kink with a story that never slows down.

The tension between the protagonist and Lucifer (Pride) is electric—raw, passionate, and utterly consuming. I loved watching her navigate the intoxicating pull of power, desire, and self-discovery while facing the looming threats of celestial war and family intrigue. The stakes are high, the emotions are intense, and the chemistry is off the charts.

This is a must-read for fans of dark romance who crave danger, decadence, and a heroine willing to embrace both her power and her passion. Ballenger delivers a story that’s as compelling and wicked as it is unforgettable.

I received this ARC from the author Kait Ballenger, Montlake and NetGalley. This was my first Kait Ballenger book – dare I say I will be picking up more. This was a completely different book than what I thought it was going to be – and it did not disappoint. I had not read Original Sinner before this book, although I have read it now, I could follow the story line with no issue.

A great way to my heart is any Lucifer retelling. There is just something about a man who is morally gray and wrapped in sin that will get my fingers turning pages and my eye popping with spice 😊

This story continues to follow Charlotte as she navigates and discovers her new celestial self/life and life with Lucifer. It took a minute for the story to really gain traction, because if you thought it was going to be easy for Charlotte and Lucifer to get their relationship off on the right footing – you’d be wrong. They both struggle with trust and communication, but at the same time, they have each other’s backs without even knowing it some of the time. The longing and tension they have for one another makes for some top tier angst.

By the time the second half of the book comes around, you better hold on to your nickers, because it comes at you fast. I loved seeing Charlotte really come into herself. I feel we really gain more insight into Lucifer and why he is the way he is and it’s an understanding that makes me only like him more. And can we take a moment of silence for Azrael. He is very intriguing and HOT as Hades – shall we say “Daddy Death” … I’m so interested in the dynamic between Azrael, Lucifer and Charlotte. I need to see what happens between the three of them moving forward. Keep it SPICE Kait 😉

This was a great book and I’m excited to see what book 3 has in store for everyone. If you love the following tropes, please pick this book up. It comes out September 9th.

😈Billionaire sinners
😈BDSM
😈Dom/Sub
😈Multi-partner play
😈Power plays (erotic)
😈Daddy kink
😈Religious issues/trauma

Rate: 4/5⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 3.5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This is a great continuation of Original Sinner with fluid writing and an engaging plot.

Charlotte makes three very powerful statements during this book -

"Love made toxic"

"He shoves me back down and onto the table again like I mean nothing to him. I am nothing. Not beyond what he's made me"

"Sometimes It feels like I traded my old life for the same thing….. I escaped that life for a reason… Please don't make me do it again"

I could not get past their relationship. He was extremely emotionally abusive and gave zero f's about her feelings, which were very valid. Charlotte internalized her feelings and believed she deserved the punishments, which was heartbreaking. The book ends with a note on BDSM relationships, but I found it difficult to reconcile the book relationship with what should be a healthy dynamic.

The story make work for people in the mood for a dark romance with a lot of spice, but for me, I could not get past the toxicity of their relationship.

I was eager to read this sequel to Original Sinner. Charlotte is new to the world that Lucifer has brought her to and needs to learn quickly. She hesitates and struggles throughout most of the book, as makes sense. Lucifer additionally is not used to communicating as he needs to maintain a relationship. The spice is very spicy and I love the introduction of Azrael. He intrigues me. The book is dark and violent so be prepared. There’s also friendships and family relationships that are confusing but hopeful. I enjoyed the history, religious stories and art references.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kait Ballenger, and Montlake for allowing me to read this e-ARC!

I really enjoyed the first book of this series, Original Sinner, so I was excited to read the ARC for the second book in this series. I will say that I was a little disappointed with the first 50-60% of this book. While Charlotte and Lucifer had a very strong and all-encompassing dom/sub relationship that bled outside of the playroom, it seemed like Lucifer was really trying to do things that were best for Charlotte in Original Sinner that would help her come to terms with her religious trauma. Here, I just felt like he was just being so unnecessarily mean and domineering to her without reason. His reasoning does become clearer towards the end of the book, which is I think was a bit of a saving grace for this novel. I thought Charlotte was quite whiny throughout most of the book and I thought she was honestly kind of spineless; she would cry about Lucifer not opening up to her or about lying to her, but she would never stand her ground against him. Even when she was mad or upset, she just gave into him whenever he even touched her because she couldn't overcome her lust to even try to have a real conversation with him. That truly bugged me. I don't know if this is normal in a dom/sub relationship since I'm not super familiar with this kind of kink, but I just thought for someone who wanted so much independence and was so upset that she had her own free will taken from her and wanted to do things for herself, she really failed in fighting for her own autonomy separate and apart from Lucifer for almost the entirety of this novel. I'm glad she grew a spine and decided to finally enforce some boundaries at the end of the novel.

I think Azrael really saved this novel. He is a super intriguing character, mysterious and sexy and I love that he created some question and instability between Lucifer and Charlotte. The dynamic between the three of them is exciting and I honestly can't wait to see how Kait develops his character in the next book. The book got infinitely more interesting once he was introduced into the dynamic. Daddy Death is hot as hell and we all deserve to see more of him.

Overall, I would rate this book a 3.5 since I spent more than 50% of this novel annoyed with Lucifer and Charlotte because they just could not get their shit together. Miscommunication is one of my least favorite tropes so I think this really detracted from my enjoyment of this novel. However, the last 40%, especially once Azrael really come into the picture, made the book enjoyable and gave us something fun to look forward to in the next book. Again, this book contains very strong BDSM kink imagery, even more than the first one, a 24/7 dom/sub relationship, and multiple partner play, so if you're not into that, this book is not for you. 3.5 from me, rounded up to a 4 :)

After racing through the first book so quickly, I couldn’t get my hands on this sequel fast enough. I found that there were some slower lulls, and while I know that the dynamic for Charlotte and Lucifer is meant to be dom/brat, so much of this book felt like they genuinely hated each other, and I was sitting there wondering wtf is going on. The whiplash between them being furious with each other and engaging in intense smut scenes was almost too vicious a change-up for me to vibe with. It made me love the scenes with Azrael, who feels like such a breath of fresh air against Lucifer’s toxicity. Is that the point, and am I falling for what will feel like a turf war even though this is undoubtedly going to be a poly couple? Yes. Am I aware of that and still sulking because I just want the couple to stop having so much tension and be happy together? Also yes. On the whole, the book did keep me engaged, and I look forward to the next books in the series— especially if Az is there!!! 3.5⭐, rounded to 3 on Goodreads.

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

A dark and very spicy fantasy where Lucifer has fallen for a human woman, Charlotte, who is his fated mate. His dad is AWOL, his mom, Lilith, is conspiring against his father. This book has some very strong BDSM and daddy kinks, religious trauma, body shaming, purity culture, etc. trigger warnings apply. I thought the plot was interesting but I ended up skipping quite a few chapters because I wasn’t interested in the darker themes and was more invested in the plot. The book ends on a cliffhanger so the conflict between those seeking to eradicate humanity and those intent on saving it will continue in the next book. I want to thank Netgalley and the author for supplying an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When I got approved for this galley . I had not read the first book. I downloaded in on KU to be caught up. I love the development of the characters. It dragged in the middle last one pages sucked me in. Thank you net galley for this ARC. I will make sure library orders this.

This take on Lucifer and his siblings is hot. Twisted but hot. And not for the faint of heart. Charlotte is human. Mostly. Turmoil, betrayal and lust makes for a very good read.

I really liked this one. I loved seeing Charlotte really come into herself in this one, and fight for her own choices and independence. Lucifer has pushed and forced what he wants from her up to this point, but now she's claiming her power and her fate. While she is likely to come back to his side, he realizes he must let her discover herself first.

With the choice of Death himself in the mix, Charlotte has her hands full. When she begins to bring the other originals together to fight whatever apocalypse has begun, she realizes that the power handed to her is far more than she realized.

You do need to read the first book in the series. The steam is steamy in this book, I recommend making sure you are hydrated. We watch Charlotte navigate being immortal and Lucifer learning he has humanity with his love for his little dove. There is a ton of drama in this book and I need book 3 now, please and thank you

😈🔥 Lust, lies, and Lucifer himself—Charlotte’s immortal life is anything but boring. Between celestial family drama, paparazzi flashbulbs, and a dark power inside her screaming to be unleashed, she’s stuck juggling a toxic-but-addictive love with the devil and the looming apocalypse. Messy? Absolutely. Entertaining? Also yes.

Title: Wicked Believer
Author: Kait Ballenger
Format: ARC / eBook
Narrators: N/A
Narration Style: N/A
Tropes: Immortal Heroine, Toxic-but-Addictive Romance, Grumpy Devil MMC, BDSM Power Play, Religious Mythology, Potential Polyamory, Celebrity Scandal, Found Family

Rating ⭐️: 3 Stars
Spice Level 🔥: High (BDSM & explicit scenes woven into plot)

Quote: “Power and sin are two sides of the same coin—you just have to decide which way it lands.”

📚 Author Review
Ballenger takes her world of sin-soaked luxury and celestial politics from Original Sinner and turns the heat—and the drama—up another notch. Her mix of religious mythology, celebrity scandal, and steamy power dynamics is unique in the paranormal romance space.

😈 Book Review
Charlotte was once a devout small-town girl—now she’s Lucifer’s immortal queen-in-training, living in a world dripping with sin, luxury, and danger. She’s trying to adjust to her new life while facing manipulative in-laws (the Seven Deadly Sins), a brewing celestial war, and her own shifting morality. Her relationship with Lucifer is intoxicating but often toxic, built on equal parts passion and power struggles.

While there’s character growth for both Charlotte and Lucifer—she begins to stand her ground, and he inches toward embracing love and humanity—the middle of the book sometimes stalls in repetitive conflict and spice scenes that don’t always push the story forward. The polyamory threads and intriguing side characters, especially Azrael, could have been explored more fully.

If you enjoy high-heat paranormal romance with religious symbolism, morally gray characters, and larger-than-life stakes, this delivers. If you’re looking for tight pacing or a more balanced romance dynamic, you might be left wanting.

💭 Overall Thoughts
A messy, addictive sequel with flashes of brilliance in its world-building and side cast. Despite uneven pacing and a sometimes frustrating central romance, it keeps enough tension, heat, and supernatural intrigue to pull you through—and sets up plenty of drama for book three.

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Kait Ballenger for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Good vs Evil!

Charlotte is still coming into her immortality and she is not being told everything. Lucifer would burn the world down to protect her but he still hides the truth from her.

WOW! A dark erotic steamy read with so many twists you won’t be able to put it down!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kait Ballenger's "Wicked Believer," the second book in the Original Sinners series, is a deep dive into dark romance and paranormal intrigue. This book continues from "Original Sinner," following Charlotte, the devil's fiance and soon to be queen, as she deals with her immortality in New York City's world of the Original Sinners AKA Seven Deadly Sins.

The narrative explores good versus evil, destiny versus choice, and love and identity. As the story progressed, I got to watch the other Originals' character develop and add depth to the story. Lucifer learns to embrace his humanity through his love for Charlotte. Charlotte faces her past and present, discovering a deeper hunger and darkness.

For the most part, I was engaged with Charlotte's struggle to embrace her immortal powers, while dealing with the paparazzi and Lucifer's family. However, connecting with Charlotte became increasingly difficult. Her "Chaos" felt really childish, even considering her sheltered life before Lucifer.

I have to include that I enjoyed Death's character, but I felt disconnected from his role in the story. I do wish Death's connection to Lucifer and Charlotte went in a different direction, but that's a matter of personal preference.

Despite these points, I eagerly await book 3 as Ballenger has created a world that continues to draw me and and I'm all in!

LOVE the Original Sinner world, and it just keeps getting better! A twisty take on the Fallen, Heaven, and below and everything in between - with a bit of kink and a lot of sizzle and intrigue. Really can't wait for the next one ...

The journey this book has put me on was one hell of a ride! I truly enjoyed stepping back into the world of Lucifer, Charlotte, and Original Sinners. It took a while for the story to unfold and start to make sense to me but once we were near the end it just sped through and I kept on wanting more. The second half of the book is where it’s all at. The introduction of Azrael was another beautiful thing *chef’s kiss* can’t wait to see more and really I can’t wait for book 3 to come out so we can play.

*** I received an ARC copy of “Wicked Believer” through NetGalley”***
#WickedBeliever #NetGalley

Love this series. Charlotte and Lucifer’s story continues. Charlotte has to adjust to being an immortal. While Lucifer’s family counties to play against each other. Hot romance with some very hot immortal men. Now on to the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.. Thank you for allowing me to review

🔥 Book Review: Kait Ballenger’s Spicy Sequel to Original Sinner 😈✨

Hold onto your halos—Kait Ballenger delivers another wickedly delicious dark romance that takes sin to scorching new heights. 😳💦 Original Sinner’s sequel drags you deeper into the underworld of power, kink, and betrayal.

The once “good girl” turned immortal queen-to-be is clawing her way through lust, paparazzi, and Lucifer’s manipulative family. 📸👀 The chemistry? Off-the-charts. The kink? Not for the faint of heart. 🔗🥀 Every page drips with temptation, secrets, and celestial chaos as our heroine fights to keep her devil—and maybe unleash her own darkness.

If you love billionaire sinners, erotic power plays, and apocalyptic stakes, this sinful saga will have you begging for more. 👑🔥

Wicker Believer is the spicy sequel where our former good Christian girl Charlotte is navigating immortal life with her devil boyfriend, and it's messy in the best way! Charlotte's still figuring out this whole "being immortal" thing while Lucifer and his deadly sin siblings make divine life look effortless. She came to NYC as a damaged but devout girl, then Pride opened her eyes to a whole world of darkness, hunger, and pain-pleasure combos she never knew existed. Now it's all she craves—especially him. But naturally, everything's falling apart. Paparazzi are stalking her, Lucifer's family is playing their twisted games, and she's having a full identity crisis about who she even is anymore. Plus there's a celestial war brewing and his siblings want blood, while the dark power inside her is screaming to join the fight.

What I loved most was watching both characters evolve—Charlotte learning to navigate her new celestial existence while Lucifer discovers his humanity through his love for her. It's a genuine journey for both of them, not just the usual "woman changes for man" trope.