Author Kait Ballenger whips up a spicy sequel to Original Sinner, a no-holds-barred dark romance where the devil and his queen-to-be explore the bounds of kink, even as they stand on the brink of war.
I wasn’t always immortal. And I’m not sure I’ll ever get the hang of it. Not like Lucifer, a.k.a. Pride. He and the other seven deadly sins, the high-profile billionaires who run this city, make the divine life look easy.
I came to New York a good, if damaged, Christian girl. Then Lucifer opened my eyes to the darkness. To the hunger burning inside me. To a world of pain and pleasure like nothing I’ve ever known. Now it’s all I crave. He’s all I crave.
But as I grapple with this new existence—and the events that led me to it—unseen forces push me and Lucifer apart. Paparazzi track my every move, Lucifer’s family plays their wicked games, and I hardly know who I am anymore. Or who I’m meant to be.
A celestial war is brewing, and Lucifer’s siblings are out for blood—and the dark power inside me calls me to join the fight.
Kait Ballenger is an award-winning author of dark romantasy and paranormal romance. She is obsessed with tales of morally gray, sometimes villainous heroes and can’t resist a spicy redemption arc. When Kait’s not busy writing kinky paranormal fantasy, she can usually be found with her nose buried in someone else’s naughty books. She lives in Florida’s Bible Belt with her two adorable sons—and will gladly use that belt to whip you.
For news on future releases, exclusive bonus scenes, and NSFW character art, sign up for Kait's newsletter: https://bit.ly/3t7zXLA
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Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger Original Sinners series #2. Contemporary mythology romantic erotica. Dark romance. Alternating 1st person POV. Can be read as a stand-alone but better in series order. Cliffhanger. Charlotte and Lucifer may have set up a fake engagement for the paparazzi but their relationship is beyond that now. They need each other. Without limits.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook. The narration is performed by Isabelle Turner, Ethan Reid and Troy Duran, the first two the same from the prior book. All do a fantastic job with keeping the reader’s attention and making emotions front and center. The story and playback is dark and sensual and these actors bring their A game. I did listen at 1.5 and slightly higher so I could read along at the same time.
I feel this story is a bit more mature and less traumatic. Slightly. Still plenty of triggers to be aware of. Charlotte may not be fully human anymore but nothing has changed in their lust for each other. Now there is an added challenge from his family and Charlotte is right in the middle of it all. Azrael, though not the intended, is Charlotte’s choice for their third. Major drama, sex, lies and manipulation. And then more consensual kinky sex. Twisted, and romantic. As long as you’re on the right side of the games. The war is just beginning. Cliffhanger. 4.25
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Brilliance Audio.
This is a two in one review. Cause I had the honour to review both the audiobook and the actual book itself.
Start of audiobook review: Thank you to Kait Ballenger and Brilliance Publishing for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’d read Wicked Believer before as an ARC, but diving into the audiobook felt like stepping into an entirely different realm. Darker, filthier, and dripping with tension.
This story is intense. The trauma hits hard, the kink is unapologetic, and the push-pull between pain and desire makes it impossible to look away. The audio performance heightens every filthy, sinful moment, and honestly, I had to pause a few times just to breathe.
Lucifer is the perfect storm of unhinged charm and raw dominance. Somewhere between Lucifer Morningstar and Christian Grey, but darker, sharper, and far more dangerous. Lip-bite, thigh-clench material, truly. 🫦
And that scene where she offers her body to both Asriel and Lucifer? My god. I nearly combusted.
Dark, erotic, and completely unholy. Wicked Believer in audio is a whole different beast.
Start of “regular” book review: Thank you to Kait Ballenger, Montlake and NetGalley for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
I swear, Kait Ballenger’s books need to come with warning labels like “Caution: May cause dehydration, spontaneous screaming, and the need to text your friends ‘YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS.’”
I was desperate for the sequel, and Wicked Believer did not disappoint. Charlotte is strapped into the wildest immortality rollercoaster and we’re right there, holding her drink and ducking for emotional cover. There’s chaos, there’s magic, there’s an ungodly amount of sexual tension that feels illegal in certain states.
Lucifer is still giving us sinful Christian Grey vibes, but Charlotte? Oh, our girl has got it bad. One minute she’s raging, the next she’s on her knees whispering “yes, daddy” and I had to pause and gasp for air. That line? “Is it playtime, daddy?” I choked on my water and saw my life flash before my eyes.
Also? The emotional toll in this one is unreal. Power struggles, past trauma, deals with the devil. It’s all here. And those final chapters? I am not okay. I need book three, like, yesterday.
Trigger warnings are essential with this one. Some scenes are dark, disturbing, and hit like a damn freight train. But if you’re into unhinged paranormal romance with filthy mouths and wicked stakes, this one’s for you.
Some relationships can be just Hell.. Charlotte is now an immortal. Lucifer is playing games that could bring the war to end all wars to fruition.. Armageddon. I’ll start off this review by saying that I was super excited for this sequel. Original sinner was one of my favorite books cause I love any books that take on religion and spin them into sin. That being said this book was a bit of a step down from book 1. In the sense that it felt repetitive and you just wanted it to get to the point. Also it was pretty uneven in terms of the spice, apocalypse in the back ground and then siblings snipping at each other. And having Charlotte not believing when the king of hell himself was being bad was annoying cause hello girl he’s a bad boy. Let’s not be surprised when he lives up to his name lol Not a bad book overall but not a favorite.
I truly loved this book, it was such a journey for not only Charlotte but Lucifer as well. I loved watching Charlotte navigate her new celestial life, but I also loved the ways that Lucifer was finding his humanity as he accepted how deeply his love for his little dove ran.
There is so many moving parts between Charlotte and Lucifer, and while I was hoping for softer and easier parts for them considering how everything happened in Original Sinner, their storyline in Wicked Believer was so much better. The tension and angst and longing that both of them experience, the way they learn to trust and communicate with each other truly is one of the best aspects of the entire series so far. Their relationship is not easy, they both stumble and make mistakes, for so many different reasons. But the most interesting aspect to me was that they were each fighting for the other one, even when they may not have truly recognized it.
The second half of the book takes off, quickly, and doesn't let up. Not even when you get to the final page. There were so many moving moments, characters, themes - it was hard to keep up with at times. But watching Charlotte find her power, her inner strength, and become the best version of herself for Lucifer and her confidence to be able to stand at his side was impeccably done. I also loved the ways that Lucifer softened, not for Charlotte, he was still stern and intense and over the top, but he softened for himself and allowed himself to explore humanity in such an honest way. It was such a unique look to see Lucifer embracing menial things such as love, emotion, and hope for what was to come between him and Charlotte in the future.
Azreal!? Hello!!! I absolutely need to see what happens with him next - he added such an interesting aspect to not only the entire book, but they dynamic between Lucifer and Charlotte. I'm beyond excited to see what happens between the three of them moving forward. As well as the other Originals and what further chaos they can cause in NYC, particularly Az, who quickly became one of my favorites.
This book was awful. Literally nothing happened in this book except Charlotte gaslighting herself into thinking Lucifer loved her just bc he fucked her. She would be go from hating how he treats her to thinking bc he fucked her, he loved her. Like this toxic love shit was awful.
She literally never stood up for herself and ALWAYS PLAYED THE VICTIM- like yeah shit happens but eventually you gotta move on and try to better herself.
Idk Charlotte really just pissed me off bc she is the epitome of why people think women are weak.
I wanted to read this story after being intrigued by the first in the series having Lucifer vibes but I can’t get through this one. It’s feeling repetitive, the plot has stagnated and I’m just not having a good time. I don’t mind a dark romance but the relationship between the main characters seems to lack development in my opinion and there isn’t enough happening in the plot to make me want to continue. Of course a character portraying Lucifer is going to have flaws, however the story feels discordant. Even the audio isn’t enough to keep me reading. I am unfortunately DNFing
*** I received an ARC copy of “wicked believer” through NetGalley”***
What a sequel! This story really takes us through Charlotte’s journey of discovering her new celestial self. I loved Orginal Sinner, but this story definitely has very different vibes. If you’re expecting for Lucifer and Charlotte to immediately start their new celestial relationship off without issue you’ve got another thing coming. The first half of the book really is about both of them learning to trust and communicate.
The second half of the book though? We get to really understand why Lucifer acts how he does. We get to see several new characters including Azreal. I didn’t know I needed Daddy Death but I’m glad he arrived! You really get to see Lucifer be vulnerable without his powers.
Overall this book wasn’t as strong for me as Orginal Sinner but it was still a great read, especially the second half. I’m sooo looking forward to book 3.
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
If being immortal meant all your sins come with a price tag, Wicked Believer is here to collect. This sequel ratchets up chaos, romance, and magical family messes in ways that will have you clutching your book and maybe regretting crossing Lucifer. Our FMC Charlotte used to believe she could walk away unscathed. She came in with old Christian guilt, questions, and faith as fragile as glass. Now, she’s immortal, and that life isn’t exactly the “angelic” upgrade she expected. Lucifer (a.k.a. Pride) is the kind of man born into power, wrapped in darkness, indulgent in dominance—and when it comes to Charlotte, both his greatest pleasure and greatest vulnerability. Wicked Believer picks up after the conclusion of Original Sinner, with Charlotte still learning what “immortal” even means. She’s trying to balance her old identity with her new existence—faith, morality, public perception, and her own desires all tugging at her. Lucifer may be used to the divine life and all its perks, but Charlotte’s awakening to her power forces both of them to adjust expectations (and beds). Trouble starts with the fact that being “immortal” doesn’t erase who you were. Paparazzi are now in her face; Lucifer’s family, who don’t do subtle, begin playing their games; and Charlotte isn’t always sure who she is anymore—or what she wants to be. Meanwhile, there are unseen forces preparing for celestial war, and Lucifer’s siblings aren’t being congenial. Each new scandal, each media intrusion, each betrayal widens the distance between Charlotte and Lucifer. Parallel to external conflict, the sexual and emotional tension ramps up. Charlotte is discovering darker impulses she didn’t know were hers—or maybe Lucifer awakened them. Their dynamic explores kink and power, consent is tested, and Charlotte pushes back, attempting to claim agency even when Lucifer attempts to protect her in his overbearing way. The second half, from what reviewers report, accelerates: relationships fracture, secrets are revealed, trust is hard to earn, and everyone around them has their own expectations and agendas—even when loyalty is supposed to be sacred. The climax won’t let you catch your breath; it promises consequences. Celestial war looms, internal betrayals complicate everything, and Charlotte must decide where she stands—not just next to Lucifer, but for herself. If you liked Original Sinner and thought, “yes, more kink, more danger, more Lucifer being Lucifer,” this sequel delivers. Charlotte’s growth is messy and frequently infuriating, Lucifer softens in small ways but doesn’t lose his edge, and the tension between them is pulled tight almost to snapping. It’s not perfect—some parts feel overloaded with side drama, and the stakes sometimes feel cranked up to keep pace—but it’s thrilling, spicy, and emotionally intense. A solid next installment for lovers of dark romance who don’t mind their pleasure wrapped in trouble.
Hoooooooo boy this one was a RIDE! Once again, falling into Lucifer and Charlotte's orbit was the easiest thing! Seeing Charlotte work so hard to understand not only her own transformation, but also how the celestials' culture works, was so crazy and chaotic, but in the best way! Her being thrust into this world and these politics, and getting to see her navigate them and learning about it all from her perspective, was really exciting! I loved getting to see her grow in her confidence, her trust, and her autonomy! And watching Lucifer come to terms with his own emotions and learn how to navigate the world with Charlotte in it was so raw and real, despite his being a celestial! His attentiveness toward her and Azrael was so endearing, even if it took a while to understand how/where it was coming from! I cannot wait to see more of these two, and adding Azrael into the mix will be unreasonably hot! And the whole cast of side characters was just the perfect blend in this story! I loved this one, and I will be foaming at the mouth until I can get more of this story from Kait Ballenger! 5 stars; 4.25 chili peppers
Tropes: - Supernatural Beings - Politics and Romance - K!nk Play - Celebrity Romance - Christian Deconstruction - Fighting Against Fate
Love how they fell in love with each other more. Didn’t expect the twist and turns. Can’t wait to see what will happen next. Love that the devil meet his mate.
⭐️ 4.25/5 stars 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4 chili peppers) Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger came in hot—literally and figuratively. The beginning felt fueled with a lot of anger, but honestly, that only made me more intrigued. The story pulled me in and didn’t let go. I loved watching Charlotte continue to step into her voice and power—it gave the story such a strong heartbeat. And can we talk about Azriel?? What a fun, unexpected addition that kept things fresh and exciting. Of course, Book 2 had to leave us dangling off a cliffhanger (rude but effective 😅). Now I’m impatiently waiting for what’s next in this world. If you like spice, drama, and a heroine finding her strength, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Original Sinners #2 Dark Romance This book was a ride! There were a lot of twists and turns. Can't wait to see what happens next with Charlotte and Lucifer and the rest.
The tension, the spice, the chaos waittt just everything 😍😍😍
Charlotte and Lucifer’s dynamic isss wild, but seeing her really grow into herself here has me actually obsessed 😩
The celestial politics, the emotional moments, the new characters (Azrael 👀) it was all so much fun.
I loved how the story built on Original Sinner while still giving its own flavor. The banter was perfect, the darker themes hit hard and yes, the spice was spicy. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
the audiobook was amazingggg. Isabelle Turner is absolutely phenomenal as Charlotte, she nails every beat of frustration, softness and strength. Ethan Reid’s Lucifer voice is sinfully good🫠🫠 and Troy Duran as Azrael yeah, let’s just say I understand the Daddy Death hype now 💀🔥
The ending left me staring at my phone like Kait, why?! I need book three rn!
If you love dark romance, celestial drama, and a little (okay, a lot) of heat, this one’s an instant add. 🎧✨
I am super excited to be back in Charlotte and Lucifer’s world in the Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger, the sequel to Original Sinner. Let’s do a recap. God brought Lucifer and the seven deadly sins to New York City…and vanished. A celestial war is on the horizon. Charlotte is no longer the good little Christian. Not since Lucifer got his hands on her. She is walking on the dark side, growing and learning to stand on her own. The sex is sizzling hot. He is the dominant and she is the submissive, but…
Queen of my own damned life. Queen of my own goddamn choices.
“Not a fallen angel. Not a demon. Not a human, but something else in between.”
There are a lot of triggers in Charlotte and Lucifer’s erotic world, so be sure you are ready to walk on the dark side. I was lost in it. The darker it got, the more intense it felt. I loved all the changes that Charlotte is going through. I loved being on the sidelines and watching sides being taken as the apocalypse approaches. Charlotte is not going to stand behind Lucifer and let him drive the boat,. She’s going to be front and center. The kink level rises, and Charlotte does not shy away from it. She embraces it. I was reading along, white knuckled, eager to read the next word, the next sentence, the next chapter, and then….it came to an end.
I love everything about Wicked Believer and I want to thank Kait Ballenger and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review it. I can hardly wait for the next book, seeing there is war on the horizon.
I don’t care what anyone says, the series is 10/10. I am counting down HARD for the third book release. This story is just so different from others that i’ve read and each time a new element presents itself - my mind is blown 🤯
I almost don’t know what to say about this sequel to Original Sinner. I listened to the audiobook and the performances by the voice actors are what really made this a great story for me. This kind of dark, erotic romance isn’t something I would normally pick up but it was a Kindle Unlimited Read and Listen title and the author will be attending Coastal Magic Convention next February.
I can definitely say that the story held my attention and that the ending left me wanting to read the next one. Amazon shows that Beautiful Redeemer will be out in May of 2026.
"Wicked Believer" is the second book in the "Original Sinners" series by Kait Ballenger, and oh my, was it a wickedly spicy read. I was all in for Charlotte, taking time to find herself and grow as a character. Charlotte and Lucifer have a connection and bond like no other. Lucifer has had his pick of different people over the many years, but Charlotte definitely intrigues him. Charlotte is getting used to this type of lifestyle and doing it with the paparazzi being all up in her business because of her connection with Lucifer. I am really enjoying this series by Kait and like seeing where she is going with it. This second book in the series definitely had me hooked and reading nonstop. One of my favorite scenes was between Charlotte and Lucifer's mother.
I don’t even know if I have the words to describe how disappointed I am with this novel…But I’ll try.
I was so excited when I received an ARC of this novel because I loved the first one. This one made me cringe too much. I’m going to try to breakdown my dislikes without too many spoilers, so some may be a little vague.
1. Charlotte starts to call Lucifer “Daddy” and I want to throw up.
2. I started to feel like I was reading ACOTAR because like that novel where the MMC was amazing in the first book he starts to suck in the second and there is a potential new love interest, something similar starts to happen here.
3. Lucifer sucks. He does. The only relationship he has with Charlotte in this book is physical. He’s never there for her during the day, but every night he shows up at his red room of pain to hurt her. Not cool. He says he loves her but never shows it. Maybe that is just how the devil loves?
4. I gave up on chapter 50 when the sharing started while people watched. Ew.
5. The plot got overly complicated with too many characters. I think what tripped me up is how some characters have similar names while others get called several things. It became twisted in my head and I often was confused who was talking.
6. Charlotte is a whiney baby.
7. Azrael? What is the point?
I don’t know. I just didn’t like this one. It gave me the “ick” and had so many issues that I just don’t care what happens to these characters anymore. If there are more book (I’m assuming there are but I didn’t stick around long enough to find out) I won’t be participating.
Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger is the tantalizingly spicy SEQUEL to book 1, Original Sinner
If you haven't read book one, do not read this!
Continuing from book one, mini recap- after innocent Charlotte runs away from her toxic and abusive holy roller preacher father and the man she was forced to marry, she escapes to NYC, and her life takes on a very different path. Once she catches the devil's eye and his heart, there is no turning back for this once innocent Christian girl. Her life now is wicked, dangerous, filthy, and she wouldn't want it any other way. Lucifer was wealthy beyond imagination, powerful, deadly, and had no weaknesses, until Charlotte crossed his path. When his old friend Death came to collect her soul, the Devil made a pleading deal with Death himself.
Now, however, she is no longer quite human. The devil made a deal with death, and now they both need to navigate her new life, powers, and his divine family. Lucifer and his other dangerous siblings (the 7 deadly sins) and his mother Lilith are a lot to deal with. Although she is immortal, there still is a way for them to die, and someone still has their eye on her. Lucifer will burn the world down to keep her safe, and he puts his own life at risk to do it. She doesn't know who to trust: his family, his immortal friends, or the man who comes to her in her dreams? When the first seal is broken and the world starts to succumb to the beginning of the apocalypse, they are all on high alert, and Lucifer calls on two people he trusts most to help train Charlotte to defend herself and prepare for war. She now has a piece of Lucifer in her, and she is the key to so much now, and they will need her in the upcoming battle.
Well, things are really moving in this crazy world, and book three is going to be quite a ride. Especially with the tease of what is to come with Daddy Death, Azrael. Read this book and you will know what I mean (wink).
I shouldn't have to warn anyone about the contents of this book if you read book one. It has similar triggers, so if you don't like that, do yourself and the author a favor and just don't read it. You aren't doing anyone a favor by bashing a book you know full well you will not enjoy. Leave it to the depraved that will have a wicked good time reading it.
What to expect?
- He will burn the world for her - She likes to press his buttons - Wedding Plans - Family Secret Revealed - Past relationship revealed - Sharing & Voyeurism - New Powers revealed - Family Drama - Lucifer's Mom is insane - Daddy Death - Lots of Spice - BDSM - Ménage à trois
I'm not positive how many books will be in this series, but book two opens one of the seals. There is definitely going to be more spice in Charlotte's future now that she can choose what and who she wants (I'm here for it), and it seems like Lucifer's brother Michael got his hands on something none of the siblings want him to have. The worst part of getting an advanced copy of a book is reading it so soon ahead that it feels like forever when the next book releases. (insert whining here).
A huge thank you to the author Kait Ballenger for sending me a physical ARC of this book and NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
It was magically delicious, and I devoured this book.
Audiobook narrated by the wonderfully talented Isabelle Turner, Ethan Reid, and Troy Duran This book is available on September 9th, 2025
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kait Ballenger delivers another darkly compelling addition to her series with Wicked Believer. At its heart, the novel shines through its unforgettable characters—Charlotte, the resilient and layered heroine, and Azrael, also known as Death, whose quiet strength and stability serve as the perfect counterbalance to Lucifer’s chaos.
Charlotte’s journey is particularly engaging as she wrestles with the question of destiny versus free will—whether her life has been decided for her, or if she has the power to make her own path. This inner conflict adds depth to her character and makes her choices throughout the story resonate on an emotional level. Alongside her, Azrael is a fascinating presence. As the embodiment of Death, he could have been written as harsh or detached, yet Ballenger crafts him as a steadying force—a grounding influence against the volatility of Lucifer’s darkness. Together, their dynamic not only heightens the tension but also enriches the emotional core of the story.
The spice in this installment is especially hot, and Ballenger doesn’t shy away from turning up the intensity. These moments are not only steamy but also tied to the characters’ growth, making the romance as satisfying emotionally as it is physically. As a reader, I was a big fan of how the heat amplified the stakes of the story and the bond between Charlotte and Azrael.
The interplay between order and chaos is masterfully woven into the plot, creating a story that is not only action-packed but also thought-provoking. Readers are left contemplating the balance between destruction and redemption, as well as the power of choice in the face of fate—a theme that lingers long after the final page.
With compelling characters, rich world-building, sizzling chemistry, and an expertly paced narrative, Wicked Believer is a must-read for fans of dark paranormal romance who crave both heat and heart.
Holy hellfire! Kait you nailed book 2 👏🏼. The tension, banter, brattiness, spice and new characters left me on the edge of my seat.
I loved how the book picked up where we ended Original Sinner (book 1). Charolette is coming to terms with her immortality and how someone else’s choice has shaped her life. Lucifer is surprisingly more protective, devious and dare I say vulnerable. I really enjoyed getting more time with Az and Mimi and finally getting to meet Lilith!
I was so enthralled with the introduction of the heavenly siblings. They are just as devious, manipulative, and sinful as their hellish ones. Things start to get reallll by the second act and take off like a bat 🦇 outta hell (pun intended).
I enjoyed Charolette stepping into her own and seeking her wants. The introduction of a new (yes, I said NEW) love interest was not on my bingo card, but I am here👏🏼for👏🏼it 👏🏼. I felt that the BDSM and Power Play kinks were beautifully and respectfully represented. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Daddy death 💀 Azrael can train me anytime. I loved the banter between him and Charolette… and sometime Lucifer. The spicy history between Lucifer and Azrael is alluded to and has left me wanting a novella or more in book 3 (🙏🏼 please KAIT!!). I really hope these three can make it work…. I love me a why choose 🫶❤️🔥🫶
🎧 The audiobook was perfection 👌🏼 Isabelle Turner is once again an amazing Charolette. Her range of characters is incredible. I loved how she captured frustration, passion and yearning. Ethan Reid again does a phenomenal job as Lucifer. I thoroughly enjoyed his silky, sultry and hypnotic voice, he made me want to say ‘yes, sir’. Troy Duran brings a smoky, dark and forbidding presence to Azrael that has me weak in the knees for daddy death. These three did such an amazing job!
I really enjoyed this book even with the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers for an ending👀. Book 3 … can you come out tomorrow!?
Thank you author Kait Ballenger, NetGalley, Brilliance Audio and Montlake publishing for this ARC and ALC opportunity.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wicked Believer starts off strong, picking up where Original Sinner left off and immediately pulling me back into this dark, seductive world. Kait Ballenger continues to impress with her imaginative world-building, rich celestial lore, and the intoxicating mix of sin, power, and passion that defines this series.
Charlotte and Lucifer’s dynamic remains one of the story’s biggest strengths. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I enjoyed seeing both characters evolve: Charlotte stepping into her strength and Lucifer showing flashes of vulnerability beneath his commanding presence. The tension, emotional depth, and the slow unraveling of their connection kept me engaged, especially in the second half where the story’s pace and stakes really pick up.
That said, I did have a few mixed feelings. Some of the darker, more extreme elements of the romance pushed boundaries that may not work for every reader, and at times the story felt a bit overwhelming with new characters and subplots competing for attention. While Charlotte’s growth is compelling, I occasionally wished she had a bit more agency rather than being swept along by events and emotions.
Overall, though, Wicked Believer delivers exactly what fans of dark paranormal romance are looking for: intensity, high emotion, and beautifully dangerous love. It’s ambitious, spicy, and full of heart. I’d give it a solid 4 (maybe even 4.5) stars, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where Ballenger takes Charlotte, Lucifer, and Azrael next.
LOVE the continuation of the Original Sinners! We follow the romance between Charlotte and Lucifer. We also see the after effects of the ending of the first book Original Sinners! The last book ended in a turmoil and this book picks up right where the other one ended. And we have a new characters! That play a role in both Charlotte and Lucifer’s. To continue their sexy BDSM Dom and Sub dynamic, Charlotte and Lucifer turn things up a knotch with a new addiction to their BDSM exploration and news of their relationship. But can Charlotte be who she’s meant to be?
Original Sinners starts off with Charlotte working as Lucifer’s employee and he takes an interest in her. Lots happen and they can’t hold themselves from their innate physical attraction. In this world Lucifer and his brothers are all in Earth and are treated as shiny rich celebrities. They all have luxurious life and endulce in each of their sins. Charlotte is raised as a strick churchgoer by her father who is intense with her.
You will love this series and especially this second installment if you love:
I devoured this book (call in Gluttony or Greed if you will)!!
Thank you Kait Ballenger for expanding your world and giving us a tremendous sequel to Original Sinners.
*Note Spoilers for Book 1 Original Sinners*
We pick up in book 2 where we left off at the end of Original Sinners. Charlotte has now become a celestial and is learning what this means, how to navigate the world of the Original Sinners, and how does this change her relationship with Lucifer. Wicked Believer is a fast paced dark romance that will keep you guessing and begging for more as this story and celestial conflict unfolds.
I loved learning more about Charlotte and Lucifer's story and life in NYC. It was hot and steamy, while also heartwarming to see Charlotte come into her own as a now celestial immortal being! It was so entertaining and I gobbled this up in about 24 hours!!!
Also the narrators of the audio book knocked it out of the park again on this sequel!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, and for the Advanced Reader and Listener Copies!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Tropes: * Love triangle * Family drama * BDSN * Menagé à trois * Newly engaged * Fated * Sharing and voyeurism * She has new powers and immortality * He will burn the world for her
Thank you the NetGalley, Kait Ballenger, and Brilliance Audio for this eALC! I was very excited to read the next book in this sexy series!
This picks up right where the first book left off, and while I was a little bummed at how she was struggling to come to terms with things with Lucifer, I could understand her frustrations for things being against her will. Ballenger does well with making this book still so provocative and thrilling, while also showing a different side to their relationship with the new changes that have happened to her.
I also really liked this new love triangle with Azrael! It’s messy and sexy and I am here for that additional steaminess!! 👏🏻
This ended on quite a cliffhanger so readers beware! But it’s a good one and I’m looking forward to reading how this plays out in the next book!
The narration is great in this! Lucifer’s voice is especially so seductive and sultry. I am grateful for having multiple narrators for the 3 POV’s and how well they fit together both with their steady pacing and emotive performances.
Wicked Believer (Original Sinners Book 2 ~ Whew — this one takes the heat up a few notches! Wicked Believer picks up right where Original Sinner left off, and Kait Ballenger wastes no time throwing us back into the chaos. The devil and his queen-to-be are standing on the brink of war, and you can practically feel the tension vibrating off the page. Their relationship deepens in unexpected ways — less lust-driven and more powerfully emotional — and it’s clear both are fighting their own inner demons while the literal ones circle around them.
There’s more action, more magic, and plenty of moments that had me holding my breath. I loved how the author explored what it means to truly believe in something — or someone — when the world is falling apart. The ending left me equal parts satisfied and desperate for the next book.
I would definitely recommend this book and series and can’t wait to start on the next book. If you want to know what happens next, you’ll just have to read this series yourself ~ you won’t regret it.
This book was incredibly enjoyable, primarily due to the emotional tug-of-war between Lucifer and Charlotte as they navigate their evolving roles in their world.
The introduction of Death, masterfully narrated by Troy Duran, was a perfect addition, providing a necessary balance to Charlotte and Lucifer's dynamic. Charlotte's affectionate nickname for him, "daddy death," is a highlight.
Watching Charlotte's personal journey—embracing her strengths while acknowledging her limitations—was a powerful experience. I deeply connected with the spectrum of her emotions: her frustration, anger, love, pride, and eventual acceptance.
Similarly, Lucifer's character growth was a major draw. Seeing him mature and realize that attempting to "control" Charlotte would only drive her away made me appreciate him more. His shift to embracing her freedom of choice was key; he learned that allowing her to choose didn't mean she wouldn't choose him, and this allowed Charlotte to fully commit to their relationship.
My favorite line from the book perfectly captures Charlotte's nature:"She's a freaking chaos Muppet" ~Death (watching Charlotte be chaotic)
Wicked Believer is the sequel to Original Sinner. So if you haven't read OS, this review will contain spoilers.
Charlotte is no longer mortal and this sequel follows her as she deals with discovering her power and what it means to be celestial. Between this, paparazzi, and Lucifer's family there might be trouble in paradise for these fated mates. There's also a looming apocalypse/celestial war.
This one continues to be hot and steamy. The spice dives into sexual topics like BDSM and polyamoury. And maybe Charlotte's not as submissive as she thought.
There's a real love hate thing going on with Charlotte and Lucifer in this one and I am curious to see how their relationship progresses in the third book. And yes there will be a third, this one leaves us on a cliffhanger. I really enjoy some of the other Sins so I loved getting to know a few of them better this time around. I've got my eye on you Azrael! Absolutely adore Greed too.
Coming into this book, I had high expectations given how amazing the Original Sinner was. At the beginning, I was a little, unsure of how the storyline was going to progress because I felt that it was written differently than the first book. After getting into it, and really becoming engrossed in the storyline, everything went together well. I loved how we got a view of Charlotte’s point of view with the other originals we got to see the dynamic of family from Lucifer’s view. Seeing Charlotte grow into herself and stand by her choices was amazing as well. I can’t wait for the next book to come out so we can continue to see Charlotte’s personal and family growth.