Irresistible Devil

Black Rose Auction #4

by Jenny Nordbak

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...

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Retellings, Audiobook, Adult, Fiction, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2025

About the author

Jenny 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.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[⊹༚⋆𖤍⋆༚⊹ ℛ𝒶𝒸𝒽ℯ𝓁 ⊹༚⋆𖤍⋆༚⊹ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 😟😔

[Larareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️

[chelseasfaerietales · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Athena of Velaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaper is perfect and I will be taking no critiques at this time.

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[GONZA · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was curious, but I'm not anymore.

Ero curiosa, ma non lo sono piú.

[Shayla Frizzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Hijinx Abound · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 and then there's a throwaway line about him hunting people for sport on a private island?

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? why did King want Juliet's brother killed besides worming into their lives? is it really a family curse if only two people died?

I would read more from this universe, though

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Liliths Bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

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! 🥰🥰

[Alyssa Haigood Brutlag · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

.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") !

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. 😏

[Sierra Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 😭

[Kate]

Wasn’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.

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[SunsetLibrary · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Lexi (academic hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ✧

Irresistible Devil by Jenny Nordbak is the fourth book in the Black Rose Auction multi-author series, a sultry and intoxicating Rumpelstiltskin remix. It follows Juliet, a mafia don’s daughter and society darling, who will do anything—no matter how outrageous—to protect her family. Enter Reaper, a shadowy figure who knows far too much about her, unraveling her carefully controlled world and awakening a dangerous fire inside her. When Juliet gets trapped in a gilded cage, forced into bargains with Reaper to claw her way out, she realizes every escape only leads her closer to another kind of trap: one that he has designed for her from the very beginning. 🕸️🖤

───♡─────────────

♡ What I loved most:
• The sensual tone was present from the very first page—the entire book throbbed with confusion-turned-desire, with repressed yearning woven into every interaction 💋
• I adored how Reaper was teased in earlier Black Rose Auction installments; that familiarity contrasted beautifully with the mystery of his persona 🖤
• Reaper wasn’t a typical alpha MMC—at times feminine, openly bisexual—and while I expected it might throw me off (my romance taste is usually more old-fashioned 😅), his magnetic, seductive charisma completely won me over ✨
• His controlled, calculating nature kept me hooked—always a step ahead, always with an ulterior motive, always playing the quiet game of strategy 🎭
• The spice was seductive and intense, perfectly suited to the atmosphere 🔥
• The plot itself was gripping, and Juliet’s arc of reclaiming her life was powerful 🕊️
• I loved how this story tied back to the earlier books—the auction itself was even mentioned briefly in book one! It added a circular, interconnected touch to the worldbuilding 🌑
• Unlike earlier entries in the series, this book stood entirely on its own—finally a Black Rose Auction story that wasn’t anchored in another universe 🥺

✘ What didn’t work for me:
• The blurred line between manipulation and attraction was uncomfortable at times—Reaper often treated Juliet as a transaction, leveraging her desire to achieve his ends 🥀

“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.”

• While the narrative was seductive and the plot moved, the characters themselves felt stagnant—their dynamic stayed almost unchanged even 200 pages in 😩
• The romance being “open” while unofficial and official didn’t sit well with me—implying Reaper likely slept with others during their separation. Personally, I prefer the kind of romance where both are so consumed by each other they can’t imagine anyone else 💔
• The ending, though satisfying, was very rushed—the central climax took only a handful of pages, and the epilogue felt more like a teaser setup for future installments than true closure 😭

❀ Overall:
Irresistible Devil was sultry, seductive, and laced with forbidden desires—a story of a naive bird with clipped wings who transforms her pain into claws sharp enough to strike back at those who wronged her. Juliet’s arc was empowering, the spice was hot, and the atmosphere was steeped in yearning. While the romance faltered for me and the ending lacked weight, the book still delivered a dark, intoxicating addition to the Black Rose Auction world. 🖤🔥

「Black Rose Auction series」
#1 Wicked Pursuit (Red Riding Hood remix) — 4.25 ✧
#2 Divine Intervention (Goldilocks remix) — 2.5 ✧
#3 Stolen Vows (Rapunzel remix) — 5 ✧
#4 Irresistible Devil (Rumpelstiltskin remix) — 3.75 ✧
#5 Shattered Innocence (Cinderella remix) — TBR
#6 Royal Heart (Beauty and the Beast remix) — TBR

[Diana Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Adrianna Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

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? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Katie Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Ugh I’m obsessed.

I love a good retelling. I’ve yet to find one I don’t like. This book had me hooked from the brief glimpse of Reaper in Wicked Pursuit. And had me in a vice grip with the dedication: “For anyone who had confusing pants feelings for Mr. Gold/Rumple in Once Upon a Time” like that’s me!

Reaper is so full of charm that it makes you blush reading it.

Juliet is such a strong character, she makes you feel like you can do what you want to do.

This book overall was just such an adventure. It had me fussing and cussing and mad when there was almost a wrench in the plan. But dang this book had me going through it.

The spice 🥵 the drama 🎭 the stress 😫 everything these characters went through I feel like I was there with them.

[Mel DG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reaper and Juliet. I liked how we didn’t learn Reaper’s name for a while.
I hate how Juliet just goes along with her father and King for so very long. I was wondering why she didn’t act sooner. Honestly, she really should have.
I also didn’t like how Juliet just dismissed Reaper’s obvious pain at some of her words and actions, simply because she didn’t believe he’d feel that way to her. There were a few obvious signs she could have reacted better to.
Very angst. Very dark. The whole murder by animal vibe was off putting. Poor animals.
Wish Juliet had gotten herself out of the web way earlier. But then there wouldn’t have been a story.
Spice was slow burn. And there was cheating, if that’s a trigger.

[Felicia Dorsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gets 3.5 stars ⭐ from me overall. I think it was a good read for it being short and sort of to the point. My only complaint with this one was that for it being part of the Black Rose Auction series; there wasn't anything involving the auction until the last few chapters. I feel like there could have been more focus put onto that, but it was interesting to see some of the life of The Reaper. I'm not sure I got much Rumpelstiltskin vibes other than him making mentions of deals and everything having a cost. I think there could have been more into that. Otherwise the characters were written decently and the spice was good. I would definitely read more from this author to see what else they have.

[Sukriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Book Review: *Irresistible Devil* by Jenny Nordbak**

*Irresistible Devil* is a thrilling and steamy romance set in the world of the Black Rose Auction. The story follows a fierce, independent heroine and a dangerously charming hero whose chemistry is undeniable. Jenny Nordbak creates a dark and seductive atmosphere, blending suspense with deep emotions. The tension between the characters keeps the pages turning, and the writing is engaging. The book explores trust, power, and passion, making it a captivating read for fans of dark romance. If you enjoy intense love stories with a bit of danger, this book is worth reading!

[Rachell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not possibly say how much I have loved Reaper throughout this series, and to finally get his story was so fun.

His banter, attitude, and carefree nature make him one of my favorite characters. Juliet is a character who is forced into an arranged marriage to a true monster and does not see a way out unless she sacrifices her family.

I enjoyed this book so much I never put it down and read it straight through. The leopard scenes, though (shivers).

I highly recommend this series as all the stories are different but connected in the best ways.

[Jenny Harshman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg yes! Love that we get Reapers story as the 4th installment of the series. I love that he saves her but not in a knight and shining armor way. He is sneaky about it and she is able to find her own strength. Love! Favorite of the series so far.
“Well, he’s not a good man. But he’s the kind of bad you want on your side.”

Trope- slow burn, forced marriage (not to each other), terrible parents, sex club

[Brittany Abshari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun one. Reapers outfit choices are so free spirited and funny to me. I loved the thoughtful planned escapes and how he always saved the day. The ending was not expected at all, I never anticipated her dad would play the parts he did.
King reminds me of Geoffrey from game of thrones, I couldn’t stand him from the start. I knew he was a snake.

This one’s too good to pass up, go read it!