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Black Rose Auction #4
Irresistible Devil
Welcome to the Black Rose Auction where every sin can be yours for a price.
For three days, the doors to this luxe New York estate are thrown wide for anyone with a taste for the obscenely rich, the ultra-exclusive, and the once in a lifetime thrill of the where nothing is off the table and everything—and everyone—can be had for the bargaining.
In IRRESISTIBLE DEVIL by Jenny Nordbak, a Rumpelstiltskin remix, a society darling is willing to make any bargain to benefit her family, but each deal draws her deeper into a dark and decadent world ruled by the dangerous man who's been pulling her strings from the start...
And that’s just the beginning. Accept your invitation to this exclusive auction. You never know who you might see there...
For three days, the doors to this luxe New York estate are thrown wide for anyone with a taste for the obscenely rich, the ultra-exclusive, and the once in a lifetime thrill of the where nothing is off the table and everything—and everyone—can be had for the bargaining.
In IRRESISTIBLE DEVIL by Jenny Nordbak, a Rumpelstiltskin remix, a society darling is willing to make any bargain to benefit her family, but each deal draws her deeper into a dark and decadent world ruled by the dangerous man who's been pulling her strings from the start...
And that’s just the beginning. Accept your invitation to this exclusive auction. You never know who you might see there...
Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2025
About the author
Jenny Nordbak
11 books327 followersJenny Nordbak is an author, retired dominatrix, and former archaeologist. When she isn't writing romance novels, she cohosts two podcasts centered on the romance genre, and delights in narrating the steamiest of audiobooks. Jenny is an advocate for sex positivity and intersectional feminism. She lives in Southern California with her handsome Viking husband and two adorably feral children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
September 25, 2025
This book was pure temptation wrapped in manipulation 🕸️
The atmosphere? Incredible.
The yearning? Constant.
And Reaper himself completely surprised me.
He’s not the typical dark romance MMC at all — more elegant than aggressive, quietly calculating instead of explosively possessive — but somehow that made him even more magnetic. Every interaction felt like a trap slowly tightening, and I loved how seductive and psychologically layered the entire story felt.
That said… while the tension and sensuality absolutely worked for me, the emotional progression didn’t fully land. The dynamic between Juliet and Reaper stayed almost unchanged for most of the book, and by the time things finally escalated emotionally, the ending arrived way too quickly.
Still, I genuinely appreciated that this installment finally worked as a true standalone within the Black Rose Auction universe 😭✨
And let’s be honest… after Stolen Vows, this series still has me hooked.
───♡─────────────
✧ rating: 3 ✧
✧ would I reread? not really 👀
✧ will I read the next book? obviously
✧ emotional state: manipulated
✧ summary: Irresistible Devil follows Juliet, a mafia don’s daughter and polished socialite who will do anything to protect her family — until Reaper enters her life. Mysterious, calculating, and always several moves ahead, he slowly unravels Juliet’s carefully controlled world through dangerous bargains, manipulation, and forbidden attraction. But every attempt Juliet makes to escape only pulls her deeper into the web Reaper has designed for her from the very beginning 🕸️🖤
───♡─────────────
♡ THE GOOD:
• The sensual atmosphere: the yearning and repression were present from page one. Every interaction felt soaked in temptation 💋
• Reaper: genuinely one of the most unique MMCs in the series. Feminine at times, openly bisexual, elegant instead of aggressively alpha — and somehow ridiculously charismatic ✨
• The manipulation and strategy: Reaper always felt one step ahead, quietly controlling the game behind the scenes 🎭
• The spice: seductive, intense, and perfectly matched to the tone of the story 🔥
• Juliet’s arc: I really enjoyed watching her slowly reclaim control over her life and transform her pain into strength 🕊️
• The interconnectedness: the callbacks to earlier Black Rose Auction books made the universe feel cohesive without becoming overwhelming 🌑
• The standalone feel: finally a book in this series that truly stands on its own instead of requiring homework beforehand 😭
✘ THE BAD:
• The manipulation dynamics: sometimes the line between attraction and exploitation felt too thin. Reaper often treated Juliet more like leverage than a person 🥀
• The emotional stagnation: despite all the tension, the actual relationship dynamic barely evolved for most of the book 😩
• The “open” romance aspect: personally not my thing at all. I prefer obsessive “only you exist” romance, so the implication that Reaper slept with others during separation didn’t work for me 💔
• The ending: rushed. After all the buildup, the climax and resolution flew by way too quickly 😭
xoxo, until the next morally questionable man 🖤📖✨
「Black Rose Auction series」
#1 Wicked Pursuit (Red Riding Hood remix) — 4.25 ✧
#2 Divine Intervention (Goldilocks remix) — 2 ✧
#3 Stolen Vows (Rapunzel remix) — 5 ✧
#4 Irresistible Devil (Rumpelstiltskin remix) — 3 ✧
#5 Shattered Innocence (Cinderella remix) — 3.25 ✧
#6 Royal Heart (Beauty and the Beast remix) — 2.25 ✧
The atmosphere? Incredible.
The yearning? Constant.
And Reaper himself completely surprised me.
He’s not the typical dark romance MMC at all — more elegant than aggressive, quietly calculating instead of explosively possessive — but somehow that made him even more magnetic. Every interaction felt like a trap slowly tightening, and I loved how seductive and psychologically layered the entire story felt.
That said… while the tension and sensuality absolutely worked for me, the emotional progression didn’t fully land. The dynamic between Juliet and Reaper stayed almost unchanged for most of the book, and by the time things finally escalated emotionally, the ending arrived way too quickly.
Still, I genuinely appreciated that this installment finally worked as a true standalone within the Black Rose Auction universe 😭✨
And let’s be honest… after Stolen Vows, this series still has me hooked.
───♡─────────────
✧ rating: 3 ✧
✧ would I reread? not really 👀
✧ will I read the next book? obviously
✧ emotional state: manipulated
✧ summary: Irresistible Devil follows Juliet, a mafia don’s daughter and polished socialite who will do anything to protect her family — until Reaper enters her life. Mysterious, calculating, and always several moves ahead, he slowly unravels Juliet’s carefully controlled world through dangerous bargains, manipulation, and forbidden attraction. But every attempt Juliet makes to escape only pulls her deeper into the web Reaper has designed for her from the very beginning 🕸️🖤
───♡─────────────
♡ THE GOOD:
• The sensual atmosphere: the yearning and repression were present from page one. Every interaction felt soaked in temptation 💋
• Reaper: genuinely one of the most unique MMCs in the series. Feminine at times, openly bisexual, elegant instead of aggressively alpha — and somehow ridiculously charismatic ✨
• The manipulation and strategy: Reaper always felt one step ahead, quietly controlling the game behind the scenes 🎭
• The spice: seductive, intense, and perfectly matched to the tone of the story 🔥
• Juliet’s arc: I really enjoyed watching her slowly reclaim control over her life and transform her pain into strength 🕊️
• The interconnectedness: the callbacks to earlier Black Rose Auction books made the universe feel cohesive without becoming overwhelming 🌑
• The standalone feel: finally a book in this series that truly stands on its own instead of requiring homework beforehand 😭
✘ THE BAD:
• The manipulation dynamics: sometimes the line between attraction and exploitation felt too thin. Reaper often treated Juliet more like leverage than a person 🥀
“Reaper smiled wickedly. ‘I'll make them a better offer.’
‘Why?’ (…)
‘Because having Kevin King's wife wrapped around my finger is the stuff of wet dreams.’
I'd been so mortifyingly naive.”
• The emotional stagnation: despite all the tension, the actual relationship dynamic barely evolved for most of the book 😩
• The “open” romance aspect: personally not my thing at all. I prefer obsessive “only you exist” romance, so the implication that Reaper slept with others during separation didn’t work for me 💔
• The ending: rushed. After all the buildup, the climax and resolution flew by way too quickly 😭
xoxo, until the next morally questionable man 🖤📖✨
「Black Rose Auction series」
#1 Wicked Pursuit (Red Riding Hood remix) — 4.25 ✧
#2 Divine Intervention (Goldilocks remix) — 2 ✧
#3 Stolen Vows (Rapunzel remix) — 5 ✧
#4 Irresistible Devil (Rumpelstiltskin remix) — 3 ✧
#5 Shattered Innocence (Cinderella remix) — 3.25 ✧
#6 Royal Heart (Beauty and the Beast remix) — 2.25 ✧
September 20, 2024
This book was super fun! It was my first by the author, and I would gladly read more of her work. I'm excited to see that she has plans to revisit this world and focus on some other characters.
My only complaint is that it needed to be longer. There's a whole amazing story that's built up to this massive climax at the auction, and then the story rapid fires through the 3 day event, ending with like 10 pages on the final party... it felt rushed. It felt like there wasn't any time spent on how Juliet was feeling in the last few scenes, but rather, action was just described to get through the story and save words.
I'd love to see the author expand this into a more full-length novel.
My only complaint is that it needed to be longer. There's a whole amazing story that's built up to this massive climax at the auction, and then the story rapid fires through the 3 day event, ending with like 10 pages on the final party... it felt rushed. It felt like there wasn't any time spent on how Juliet was feeling in the last few scenes, but rather, action was just described to get through the story and save words.
I'd love to see the author expand this into a more full-length novel.
July 11, 2025
3.25⭐️
🌶️4
This gets another extra star because Jenny nordbak is the first author that made me uncomfy…💔💔
This book was okay…I just felt really disconnected with the whole story line and characters 😟😔
🌶️4
This gets another extra star because Jenny nordbak is the first author that made me uncomfy…💔💔
This book was okay…I just felt really disconnected with the whole story line and characters 😟😔
February 25, 2025
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️
May 25, 2026
I like the spice in these books (Black Rose Auction Series) cause it’s seriously hot! The plots are kind of hard to get into at times I find. Still enjoyed it and will read the others!
March 1, 2025
Audio read: Jenny was so kind to give me a copy of the audio to listen to and it did not disappoint. Not only is she a talented writer, she is a fantastic narrator! I loved this audio and hearing the story come to life. 10/10 I love this book and the audiobook is perfect.
First read:
Blessed. Absolutely blessed to have received this ARC, because omfg I loved Irresistible Devil so much. This one is a Rumpelstiltskin remix, opposites attracts, arranged marriage gone wrong, he’s OBSESSED with her 🥹
This was my first book by this author and I was blown away. After reading the other Black Rose Auction series books I was so pumped to get to Reaper’s story and dear goddess it was a knockout. He was a connecting character in the series as the auctioneer and owner. I love him. LOVE HIM. He’s authentic, passionate, loyal, a protector, and such a safe space for Juliet even when she doesn’t really realize.
Juliet our sweet, fiesty, little dimwit lol I adore her and I loved to see her growth, and leaning into her power and support. This is a shorter read, and had me hooked within minutes. It is packed full of relationship building, action, banter, tension, spice, and revenge. Reaper has my whole heart. And I can’t freaking wait for Styx and Az’s story! I know I’m going to love this whole crew.
First read:
Blessed. Absolutely blessed to have received this ARC, because omfg I loved Irresistible Devil so much. This one is a Rumpelstiltskin remix, opposites attracts, arranged marriage gone wrong, he’s OBSESSED with her 🥹
This was my first book by this author and I was blown away. After reading the other Black Rose Auction series books I was so pumped to get to Reaper’s story and dear goddess it was a knockout. He was a connecting character in the series as the auctioneer and owner. I love him. LOVE HIM. He’s authentic, passionate, loyal, a protector, and such a safe space for Juliet even when she doesn’t really realize.
Juliet our sweet, fiesty, little dimwit lol I adore her and I loved to see her growth, and leaning into her power and support. This is a shorter read, and had me hooked within minutes. It is packed full of relationship building, action, banter, tension, spice, and revenge. Reaper has my whole heart. And I can’t freaking wait for Styx and Az’s story! I know I’m going to love this whole crew.
April 30, 2025
Reaper is perfect and I will be taking no critiques at this time.
March 25, 2025
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC! The Reaper is a fascinating character that had Juliet and me pulled in from the very first second. I've been wondering what his deal was through the other three Black Rose stories and it was a delight to finally get there. And Juliet is so very good at playing the damsel in distress but she is more than ready and able to kick some ass when she needs to. Jenny Nordbak knocked it out of the goddamn park with this book.
July 4, 2025
I was curious, but I'm not anymore.
Ero curiosa, ma non lo sono piú.
Ero curiosa, ma non lo sono piú.
July 2, 2024
Jenny did it again for me! Reaper was delicious and Juliet knew what she wanted and did something about it. I liked the little check-ins we got with characters from her Key Club series. Excited to read more stories about these characters.
December 11, 2024
If you’re gonna have a mobster with a leopard, he better use it against his enemies. If a character owns a sex club, they better be fuckin around.
This book will definitely not be for everyone because there are no punches pulled.
If you want a mobster who is really not doing anything nefarious, this is not the book for you. If you don’t want either of your MC’s to fuck anyone else, this is not the book for you.
If you need every detail from the time the MCS meet until they get their HEA, this isn’t the book for you.
This story is messy and violent and somewhat unhinged but damn if it’s not enjoyable.
This book will definitely not be for everyone because there are no punches pulled.
If you want a mobster who is really not doing anything nefarious, this is not the book for you. If you don’t want either of your MC’s to fuck anyone else, this is not the book for you.
If you need every detail from the time the MCS meet until they get their HEA, this isn’t the book for you.
This story is messy and violent and somewhat unhinged but damn if it’s not enjoyable.
July 9, 2024
The first half is enjoyable if a little lacking in the villain, the second half feels rushed. I was reading one of the penultimate chapters thinking, "Surely there's no way it gets resolved in these short chapters."
Juliet is part of a political dynasty family a la the Kennedys, complete with a curse and everything. As the book opens, her father informs her that, due to her recent outing at a club, she's being married to a fellow political player, Kevin King.
At a party at her father's place, she's accosted by a man who she believes is King. When she meets King, she's wholly uninterested, and King seems to get that Juliet is not about the darker side of life.
The man from earlier offers Juliet help in securing King's alliance, which she manages and kisses King, which piques his interest. He proposes to Juliet almost immediately, and they spend a year engaged to be married.
The time skips show that Juliet is essentially being held hostage and all of King's men are keeping a close eye on her. She sneaks out one night for a final night of freedom and manages to get driven to a biker bar and harassed, but gets a phone and calls the man who's been helping her, Reaper. Reaper busts her out and takes her to his club and tries to make a deal with her to call off her wedding, but she doesn't.
There's another time skip, post wedding, and Juliet is even unhappier, and King has been killing anyone caught helping her whether intentionally or not.
Juliet has decided she's finally had enough and decides to enlist Reaper's help to get away from King once and for all.
King doesn't work for me as a villain as his villainy comes almost out of nowhere. He seems almost remorseful that Juliet is trying to help him when she secures his help, but later is maiming people
Then there's a lot that's unexplained: Why is Juliet's father so desperate for an alliance? What was the deal at the biker bar that almost got Juliet killed? is it really a family curse if only two people died?
I would read more from this universe, though
Juliet is part of a political dynasty family a la the Kennedys, complete with a curse and everything. As the book opens, her father informs her that, due to her recent outing at a club, she's being married to a fellow political player, Kevin King.
At a party at her father's place, she's accosted by a man who she believes is King. When she meets King, she's wholly uninterested, and King seems to get that Juliet is not about the darker side of life.
The man from earlier offers Juliet help in securing King's alliance, which she manages and kisses King, which piques his interest. He proposes to Juliet almost immediately, and they spend a year engaged to be married.
The time skips show that Juliet is essentially being held hostage and all of King's men are keeping a close eye on her. She sneaks out one night for a final night of freedom and manages to get driven to a biker bar and harassed, but gets a phone and calls the man who's been helping her, Reaper. Reaper busts her out and takes her to his club and tries to make a deal with her to call off her wedding, but she doesn't.
There's another time skip, post wedding, and Juliet is even unhappier, and King has been killing anyone caught helping her whether intentionally or not.
Juliet has decided she's finally had enough and decides to enlist Reaper's help to get away from King once and for all.
King doesn't work for me as a villain as his villainy comes almost out of nowhere. He seems almost remorseful that Juliet is trying to help him when she secures his help, but later is maiming people
Then there's a lot that's unexplained: Why is Juliet's father so desperate for an alliance? What was the deal at the biker bar that almost got Juliet killed? is it really a family curse if only two people died?
I would read more from this universe, though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
The Black Rose Auction series continues to deliver, and Irresistible Devil might just be one of my favorites so far. Every book peels back another layer, and I love seeing familiar characters from fresh angles. This one dives into the shadowy corners of power and politics, where secrets and dominance go hand in hand - and Juliet is done playing nice. She reclaims control with teeth bared, and I was cheering her on the whole way. From gritty biker bars to decadent sex clubs (with a literal man-eating tiger thrown in for good measure), this story is as wild as it is deliciously dark. And then there’s him - the devil in a tailored suit who might be the scariest man in the room… until you realize he’s just a giant teddy bear with a growl. This was my first Jenny Nordbak read, and knowing she’s a former dominatrix who narrated her own audiobook? Yeah, I’m hooked. Her voice, her worldbuilding, her bite - I’ll be back for more.
August 2, 2024
I loved the storyline. The fairytale remake was decent. I enjoyed the characters the most!! Something kept me from devouring this short story the way I had with the others, though. Perhaps the story isn't as eventful as the others. There are a lot more strategic thinkers in this book, so it was a bit slower to me. It was an absolute joy to read, I like Reaper so much more now!!
Still, I am not upset one bit about any of the Black Rose Collection series I bought. I'm thrilled to get a chance to read all of these books! 🥰🥰
Still, I am not upset one bit about any of the Black Rose Collection series I bought. I'm thrilled to get a chance to read all of these books! 🥰🥰
January 30, 2026
Well, I read this book in less than 24 hours... (Quick read - a little less than 300 pages, a Rumpelstiltskin retelling)
The plot of this book was so engaging and the dark romance was SPICY!
But Jenny... why in the world would you give the MMC a lip ring and a man bun?? Nope, I can't do it. I had to ignore those details. LOL
Reaper was definitely not your typical main character, but I grew to really enjoy him and his personality. Juliet also really grew into her strength!
I can't wait to meet Jenny on the LoveLit Cruise and discuss this book with her!
The plot of this book was so engaging and the dark romance was SPICY!
But Jenny... why in the world would you give the MMC a lip ring and a man bun?? Nope, I can't do it. I had to ignore those details. LOL
Reaper was definitely not your typical main character, but I grew to really enjoy him and his personality. Juliet also really grew into her strength!
I can't wait to meet Jenny on the LoveLit Cruise and discuss this book with her!
February 27, 2025
.This book was too brief; I want another book featuring this couple handling the aftermath from that ending!
I enjoyed the playful exchanges and banter, the gradual buildup and sexy slow burn, the perfect level of kink, and the characters' perspectives on intimacy.
I'm looking forward new additional books in the Petite Mort Series. Grim book; Ophelia's book and maybe a Bryson Sisters triology with Jacques book and Sofia (her arranged marrige with Hea with a "powerfull kinky bilionaire") !
I enjoyed the playful exchanges and banter, the gradual buildup and sexy slow burn, the perfect level of kink, and the characters' perspectives on intimacy.
I'm looking forward new additional books in the Petite Mort Series. Grim book; Ophelia's book and maybe a Bryson Sisters triology with Jacques book and Sofia (her arranged marrige with Hea with a "powerfull kinky bilionaire") !
June 16, 2025
Good lord, this was perfection. Reaper is stunning, I have zero complaints. Juliet, on the other hand, was insufferable at times but fortunately reinvented herself as a baddie who got what she wanted. 😏
June 7, 2026
Honestly loved seeing Reaper’s story. This project has given such amazing reads. I love making the connections from the couples I’ve met before and the little breadcrumbs for the couples to come. Also, Kevin should’ve been fed to the leopard 🤷🏽♂️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
good, ate it up. but surprisingly not as spicy or kinky as i went in expecting. and that epilogue was simply a teaser for another story 😭
March 26, 2026
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Read
July 1, 2024Wasn’t expecting this to go the direction it did - Kevin was clearly a bad guy without feeding people/pets to leopards - but maybe it needed to be so extreme to justify his murder at the end?
Aaaaaaanyway, it was a wild ride. Very readable and I cared a lot about Juliet.
Aaaaaaanyway, it was a wild ride. Very readable and I cared a lot about Juliet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2026
i am actually OBSESSED with this book. the characters, the storyline, and the banter is top notch. if there aren’t other books for the other characters i may lose my mind
March 1, 2025
The story is interesting, but the heavy emphasis on her being a virgin at 28 feels a bit unrealistic. And the fact that she lets a complete stranger touch her the first time they meet is just weird.
Who would hold on to their virginity until 28, only to give it up instantly at the first touch? Especially since she’s not some naive 18- or 19-year-old girl anymore?!
"I was half venting and half taunting, still wanting him to just lose control and fuck me right there on the floor." ( This happens just minutes after meeting him—and after he already made her come.)
After receiving a message from H, she throws her phone away: "I dumped the phone in the nearest trash can and made sure he saw me taking Kevin’s arm as we left the ballroom."
Yet, in the next chapter, when H enters her room, he sends her an email on her phone: "He pulled out his phone and tapped through a series of screens. Then my phone buzzed on the nightstand. ‘You have my number?’ I said incredulously." So... did she magically get her phone back?
We then find out that Juliet uses anyone to get what she wants and is stupid every single time. After all the nonsense about her virginity, she decides to lose it in a museum—with King...
"I felt his smile. Then I let out a tiny squeal when he lifted me so I was perched on the edge of the statue base. He pressed his lips to mine as he tugged my panties off and unzipped his pants."
So much for all that build-up.
Guess what? She’s disappointed with how things turn out and messages Reaper so he can put her in her place.
Then, we get a one-year time jump, and Juliet escapes from home in a car trunk before her wedding—only for one night. After getting into trouble, she calls Reaper to save her, only to go right back to Kevin.
And this cycle continues until nearly the end when, out of nowhere, they suddenly say I love you.
I also don’t get why so much emphasis was put on him owning a sex club if that aspect was barely explored—spice time was maybe 10% of the story.
Who would hold on to their virginity until 28, only to give it up instantly at the first touch? Especially since she’s not some naive 18- or 19-year-old girl anymore?!
"I was half venting and half taunting, still wanting him to just lose control and fuck me right there on the floor." ( This happens just minutes after meeting him—and after he already made her come.)
After receiving a message from H, she throws her phone away: "I dumped the phone in the nearest trash can and made sure he saw me taking Kevin’s arm as we left the ballroom."
Yet, in the next chapter, when H enters her room, he sends her an email on her phone: "He pulled out his phone and tapped through a series of screens. Then my phone buzzed on the nightstand. ‘You have my number?’ I said incredulously." So... did she magically get her phone back?
We then find out that Juliet uses anyone to get what she wants and is stupid every single time. After all the nonsense about her virginity, she decides to lose it in a museum—with King...
"I felt his smile. Then I let out a tiny squeal when he lifted me so I was perched on the edge of the statue base. He pressed his lips to mine as he tugged my panties off and unzipped his pants."
So much for all that build-up.
Guess what? She’s disappointed with how things turn out and messages Reaper so he can put her in her place.
Then, we get a one-year time jump, and Juliet escapes from home in a car trunk before her wedding—only for one night. After getting into trouble, she calls Reaper to save her, only to go right back to Kevin.
And this cycle continues until nearly the end when, out of nowhere, they suddenly say I love you.
I also don’t get why so much emphasis was put on him owning a sex club if that aspect was barely explored—spice time was maybe 10% of the story.
December 9, 2024
God i love Jenny's brain :) i was thrilled to be reading her writing again, especially with the connection to the Key Club world/series, and it was a rush to read her work again! Enjoyed it quite a bit
I do think, amidst that joy, this was the first book of hers that i felt left me wanting in a way? I want to preface this by saying i'm writing this review 6months later, so some of my memory has faded and at this point my thoughts are much less concrete and more vibes focused, just btw. I think specifically after meeting Reaper in her initial series, i kind of had...idk expectations/hopes for his story, and while i loved the vibes and energy of this book & felt like it was largely in alignment with the character she had created first in His Leading Lady, it did feel a little... like a rough draft of what I imagine the final version of his story would look like. I left with a lot of questions about backstory, how it connected to the KC series/Reaper in other books, and a general feeling that some of the characters weren't quite as fleshed out as i would have hoped they would be. Like...idk when i read His Leading Lady it felt like a revelation in some ways, as if i needed to slow down and sit with the text so as to linger and enjoy and catch all the little subtleties like crumbs as they fell from my mouth- but I simply couldn't slow down bc it was so electric!! And i think with this book, it felt very ID and very crack-y and bananas in a way that I enjoyed, but at the same time the edges felt rougher, the plotting more chunky, and i felt my brain catching on things like snags in a sweater.
And i think this gets to, maybe a piece of these Kickstarter series that I have been thinking for a while now but been loathe to admit to myself-i feel like when I look at the work in all these novellas (with several gr8 standouts imo) its just not the same quality as other, often full length works by the same authors. I love the stories, the way things all fit together in the world, i love being a part of backing this cool project and even just receiving all the gorgeous books and merch from these authors. But at the same time, its hard to see...hmm...its like ordering a gorgeous dress online from a brand you love & buy frequently, and the fit is just a liiiiiittle bit off- i want to keep it, its beautiful! i love this brand! i want to support their work and own things they make because i enjoy it and i believe in it!! but at the same time, its not quite what I had hoped it would be when i ordered it. And though I will keep it and admire its beauty as it hangs in my closet, will i ever reach for it again?
lmao and idk even amidst all that^ this was still probably a 4 star read for me :) like not to be a drama queen and pontificate on all that only to still say it was fun and i enjoyed it, but like jenny is a fantastic writer and I had a great time, while also kind of hoping for more
I do think, amidst that joy, this was the first book of hers that i felt left me wanting in a way? I want to preface this by saying i'm writing this review 6months later, so some of my memory has faded and at this point my thoughts are much less concrete and more vibes focused, just btw. I think specifically after meeting Reaper in her initial series, i kind of had...idk expectations/hopes for his story, and while i loved the vibes and energy of this book & felt like it was largely in alignment with the character she had created first in His Leading Lady, it did feel a little... like a rough draft of what I imagine the final version of his story would look like. I left with a lot of questions about backstory, how it connected to the KC series/Reaper in other books, and a general feeling that some of the characters weren't quite as fleshed out as i would have hoped they would be. Like...idk when i read His Leading Lady it felt like a revelation in some ways, as if i needed to slow down and sit with the text so as to linger and enjoy and catch all the little subtleties like crumbs as they fell from my mouth- but I simply couldn't slow down bc it was so electric!! And i think with this book, it felt very ID and very crack-y and bananas in a way that I enjoyed, but at the same time the edges felt rougher, the plotting more chunky, and i felt my brain catching on things like snags in a sweater.
And i think this gets to, maybe a piece of these Kickstarter series that I have been thinking for a while now but been loathe to admit to myself-i feel like when I look at the work in all these novellas (with several gr8 standouts imo) its just not the same quality as other, often full length works by the same authors. I love the stories, the way things all fit together in the world, i love being a part of backing this cool project and even just receiving all the gorgeous books and merch from these authors. But at the same time, its hard to see...hmm...its like ordering a gorgeous dress online from a brand you love & buy frequently, and the fit is just a liiiiiittle bit off- i want to keep it, its beautiful! i love this brand! i want to support their work and own things they make because i enjoy it and i believe in it!! but at the same time, its not quite what I had hoped it would be when i ordered it. And though I will keep it and admire its beauty as it hangs in my closet, will i ever reach for it again?
lmao and idk even amidst all that^ this was still probably a 4 star read for me :) like not to be a drama queen and pontificate on all that only to still say it was fun and i enjoyed it, but like jenny is a fantastic writer and I had a great time, while also kind of hoping for more
March 3, 2025
I heard more about the fact she was a virgin at 28 years old in the first few pages of this book than I could’ve ever wanted or needed to know. Please stop emphasizing virginity as a beneficial quality for an fmc. It’s gross and a 28 year old virgin reeks of desperation by the author who clearly couldn’t come up with anything better. I’ll never read anything else by this author.
Did Not Finish
July 4, 2026The dedication at the beginning of this book is for the girls whom had a crush on Mr. Gold in Once Upon a Time…………. (50yr old Robert Carlyle 👹‼️🥰)
And you make “him” blond, a weird pimp dom, and obsessed with virginity? 🤢 gore of my favorite character
DNF at 42%, couldn’t hold a candle to the Rumple fanfics I’ve read, and simply couldn’t stand hearing about a grown virgin woman in this way anymore 😔🫶
-will not try anything by this author again, unless I need an anger read to get out of my slump I suppose
And you make “him” blond, a weird pimp dom, and obsessed with virginity? 🤢 gore of my favorite character
DNF at 42%, couldn’t hold a candle to the Rumple fanfics I’ve read, and simply couldn’t stand hearing about a grown virgin woman in this way anymore 😔🫶
-will not try anything by this author again, unless I need an anger read to get out of my slump I suppose
April 28, 2026
Irresistible Devil by Jenny Nordbak
I really liked this book. Reaper and Juliet were great together. When it was mentioned that she was a sheltered virgin, I rolled my eyes a bit because another book in this series had a similar setup, but it turned out to be more complex than that.
I had been dreading the scene before the race because it had been mentioned in Wicked Pursuit. The heroine in that book had given oral to Reaper, and I got the impression that the woman with him at the time was unhappy about it, so I was not looking forward to this story. There was no need to worry, though, as their relationship was open and there was no sense of betrayal.
This book had me on edge throughout. It does include cheating, as Juliet is engaged and then married to another man, but for me, cheating involving OM/OW does not bother me as much. However, for readers who are strongly against cheating, her husband, King, is truly awful. Not just neglectful, but actively cruel.
I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. This is a strong series, and I plan to reread it in order next time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
I really liked this book. Reaper and Juliet were great together. When it was mentioned that she was a sheltered virgin, I rolled my eyes a bit because another book in this series had a similar setup, but it turned out to be more complex than that.
I had been dreading the scene before the race because it had been mentioned in Wicked Pursuit. The heroine in that book had given oral to Reaper, and I got the impression that the woman with him at the time was unhappy about it, so I was not looking forward to this story. There was no need to worry, though, as their relationship was open and there was no sense of betrayal.
This book had me on edge throughout. It does include cheating, as Juliet is engaged and then married to another man, but for me, cheating involving OM/OW does not bother me as much. However, for readers who are strongly against cheating, her husband, King, is truly awful. Not just neglectful, but actively cruel.
I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. This is a strong series, and I plan to reread it in order next time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
June 29, 2026
So good! I didn’t know I needed Reapers book till now and it was so good. I was shocked to find out the side character from the last book in one sexy scene (iykyk) is the main character in this one. Crazy how they first meet, literally was wishing he was the guy the whole time only to be disappointed!
I love Juliette, she really got down to business when it came to Reaper. I love when she let go when she needed it. I hate what she went through but it made her so strong. Her plan in the end was amazing!!! I could just picture Kevin’s face during that auction, so good.
I love Reaper. I thought he was gonna be just a normal douche guy but was not at all. I love how he cares for people and is determined to keep the ones he loves safe. He’s obviously super hot! Him and Juliette together is so great, she’s able to let go with him and he takes the lead. Lots of good spicy scenes!
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tropes:
forbidden love
protective mmc tropes
arranged marriage
club owner
blackmail
bdsm
spicy
Plot:
Juliette’s father traps her in an arranged marriage to businessman Kevin. She meets the dark and mysterious Reaper, and she finally wants something for herself. Stuck in an abusive arranged marriage, she looks for freedom and Reaper helps. She makes a plan to destroy Kevin at the Black Rose Auction, and needs the help of Reaper. Hoping she gets what she wants, Reaper. And he gets what’s always been his, Juliette.
I love Juliette, she really got down to business when it came to Reaper. I love when she let go when she needed it. I hate what she went through but it made her so strong. Her plan in the end was amazing!!! I could just picture Kevin’s face during that auction, so good.
I love Reaper. I thought he was gonna be just a normal douche guy but was not at all. I love how he cares for people and is determined to keep the ones he loves safe. He’s obviously super hot! Him and Juliette together is so great, she’s able to let go with him and he takes the lead. Lots of good spicy scenes!
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tropes:
forbidden love
protective mmc tropes
arranged marriage
club owner
blackmail
bdsm
spicy
Plot:
Juliette’s father traps her in an arranged marriage to businessman Kevin. She meets the dark and mysterious Reaper, and she finally wants something for herself. Stuck in an abusive arranged marriage, she looks for freedom and Reaper helps. She makes a plan to destroy Kevin at the Black Rose Auction, and needs the help of Reaper. Hoping she gets what she wants, Reaper. And he gets what’s always been his, Juliette.
July 6, 2024
This is the main character that the series Black Rose Auction revolves around ..and what a man Reeper was..
He is the owner of the sex club the ..creator of the auction and like Rumplestilskin he has all the secrets of society in his back pocket.
Fans of Holly Black The Cruel Prince I could see a likeness to Cardan a Fae Prince; with just a little bit of Lucifer. Absolutely no one will stand against him, he has the world in his pocket. Power is such an aphrodesiac, and he met his match with Juliet. This book just wasnt long enough I wanted more of this couple. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
The domestic violence aspect with Juliet's husband was a little hard to read but she is strong against Kevin who is completely sadistic. I like that Reaper loves everything about her; including her intelligence. He doesn't want to keep her in a cage; he sees her as an equal . He put her right to work, and lets her see all aspects of his business. He is open; and wanted her opinions. He embraced all of her not just the physical. I want more of this couple.
He is the owner of the sex club the ..creator of the auction and like Rumplestilskin he has all the secrets of society in his back pocket.
Fans of Holly Black The Cruel Prince I could see a likeness to Cardan a Fae Prince; with just a little bit of Lucifer. Absolutely no one will stand against him, he has the world in his pocket. Power is such an aphrodesiac, and he met his match with Juliet. This book just wasnt long enough I wanted more of this couple. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
The domestic violence aspect with Juliet's husband was a little hard to read but she is strong against Kevin who is completely sadistic. I like that Reaper loves everything about her; including her intelligence. He doesn't want to keep her in a cage; he sees her as an equal . He put her right to work, and lets her see all aspects of his business. He is open; and wanted her opinions. He embraced all of her not just the physical. I want more of this couple.
July 22, 2024
After some thought on this one I’m ready to write a review-
This one just wasn’t it for me- and I feel so bad saying that when I’ve been practically salivating over the others in this series. It’s very much giving “the story isn’t done but I’ve hit the word count goal so let’s wrap it up”. I looked down and saw I was at 72% and was worried about everything being able to be concluded and tbh it really wasn’t? In like twenty pages most of the conflict is introduced and rapidly finished and it felt me feeling like it was the most unsatisfying ending ever. The villain origin story doesn’t really make sense. He goes from buying art priceless art to feeding people to big cats in front of her (a jeopard? I don’t remember) in a matter of pages. Her father is a douche the whole time but then is rapidly on the other guys side and willing to kill her in a matter of pages?
It was so disappointing because Reaper was so talked up in the other books. Also with it being a Rumpelstiltskin remix I figured we’d learn reapers real name at least? 🤷🏻♀️
This one just wasn’t it for me- and I feel so bad saying that when I’ve been practically salivating over the others in this series. It’s very much giving “the story isn’t done but I’ve hit the word count goal so let’s wrap it up”. I looked down and saw I was at 72% and was worried about everything being able to be concluded and tbh it really wasn’t? In like twenty pages most of the conflict is introduced and rapidly finished and it felt me feeling like it was the most unsatisfying ending ever. The villain origin story doesn’t really make sense. He goes from buying art priceless art to feeding people to big cats in front of her (a jeopard? I don’t remember) in a matter of pages. Her father is a douche the whole time but then is rapidly on the other guys side and willing to kill her in a matter of pages?
It was so disappointing because Reaper was so talked up in the other books. Also with it being a Rumpelstiltskin remix I figured we’d learn reapers real name at least? 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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