The Devil's Canvas

The Devil's Bargain #1

by Sara McClaflin

Everyone thinks my sister’s the star. The golden girl with the perfect life, the perfect fiancé, the perfect everything.

They don’t see what it cost me.

I used to paint what people couldn’t say out loud. Now, nothing comes out. No color. No feeling. Just gray.

And somehow, Julian Duvain makes it worse.

He’s not just some guy at her wedding. He’s the one thing I can’t ignore. Too calm. Too sure of himself. Too dangerous.

He looks at me like he knows what I’ve lost.

And I don’t know what he is, but I know one thing—I started breaking the moment he showed up.

Now he’s in my head, under my skin, and there’s this pull I can’t explain. Like something in me already belongs to him.

I should run.

But I’m already in too deep.

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

Sara McClaflin writes romance with feelings, flaws, and just the right amount of emotional damage. Her stories are character-driven, morally gray, and often ask one very important question: what if love was a little dangerous—and we liked it that way? After years of reading and reviewing books with too much angst, she finally started writing her own.

She lives on the West Coast with her husband, their chaotic dog, and more book boyfriends than she’s willing to admit. Her TBR pile is a cry for help, her playlists are 80% heartbreak, and she’s always chasing the next character who’ll ruin her in the best way.

Reviews

[Isabella Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖌𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖚𝖕 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖘𝖔𝖚𝖑 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖒𝖊. 𝕬𝖓𝖉 𝕴 𝖌𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖚𝖕 𝖒𝖎𝖓𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖇𝖆𝖈𝖐.”

This was my first time reading Sara McClaflin, and the first book in this new series, and I was SUCKED IN after the first chapter!! I don’t usually read paranormal romances…but when we have demons and mortals? I’m in! 😍

Ophelia is our mortal FMC…a spirited and artistic soul who uses her art to express her emotions. One day, everything is ripped away from her when her father makes a deal with a demon. Her father and sister are just…the worst of the worst…and could care less about the consequences of their actions…only caring about the benefits they will reap. After the deal that Ophelia knows nothing about , she becomes a shell of herself. Unable to feel anything or experience any emotions and has no idea why.

One day her paths cross with Julian…the demon who made the deal with her father. The minute they meet, there’s a spark between them. Ophelia is confused by the fact that she feels a twinge of “something” when he’s around…and Julian is even more confused at the fact that he can feel all of her trapped emotions and feelings when no one else can. Eventually he realises that not only is Ophelia the girl involved in the deal he made, but she is his fated mate. He’s filled with regret as he realises the grave mistake he’s made.

The story follows as they navigate feelings of hate to love…anger, bitterness and revenge. The author does a great job of really making you feel the desperation and despair Ophelia was going through as she navigated the reality that she’s not only mated to a demon but he’s the one who has put her in this position.

There’s a lot of world building and character introduction that you would expect from a first book in the series. But we do get to see the blooming of Ophelia and Julian’s relationship despite their hardships.

Julian really helps build Ophelia up…helping her find her confidence again and slowly helping all those feelings and emotions come back, helping her get back to HER. And Ophelia helps bring some light in Julian’s otherwise dark world.

I’m really excited to see where this series goes! 🖤

Thank you so much to Sara McClaflin and Wildfire PR for the chance to ARC read this book 🖤

🖤Paranormal Romance
🖌️Mortal FMC
🖤Demon MMC
🖌️Demon Romance
🖤Fated Mates
🖌️Enemies to Lovers
🖤Family Betrayal
🖌️Touch Her and 💀
🖤Mating Bond
🖌️Revenge
🖤World Building
🖌️Slow Burn
🖤Dual POV
🖌️HEA

[Booktokqutiepie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review coming soon

[Sarah Toon · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

I had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC for this wonderful author. And let me tell you it had it all! I felt all the emotions with this one. The way Julian and Ophelia work with one another is really good. This is the first demon romance where I can confidently say they are couple goals in my opinion! The spice content was really good, and consistent. I like how the story line just flowed. Even when you got to a twist or turn that came on fast, you got plenty of information to feel like you were able to keep up with what was going on. I can NOT wait for the next book, already super excited!!

[Biαncα · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝙰𝙳𝙴𝚁:
"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘶𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘯," 𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘴. "𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦."
~
In The Devil’s Canvas, Cassius Arden’s calls upon Julian Duvain to make a deal of a lifetime – 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 - to take Ophelia’s gift and transfer it to whom he believes worthy of it, the consequences be damned.

Julian as the Deal Maker and Deliverer of Judgment, takes the deal not knowing the consequences of agreeing to grant Cassius his desire.
.
.
.
Ophelia Arden’s emotions have been hidden from her, unable to express the way she feels, they are trapped, and she has no understanding as to why, she is becoming a shell of her former self and is starting to fade from those around her.

Fading into the backgrounds, her lack of emotions causes her to lose those around her, her passion for art is lacking the hunger lust she once craved.

In comes Julian, his revolve is fresh but also terrifying, why is he able to understand her emotions when no one could. Ophelia finally feels seen after many years of uncertainty. Ophelia knows she should not fall for Julian and his charm, but something stirs deep in her unfeeling heart, and she knows she must explore these feelings.

~
“𝘔𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬. 𝘔𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘶𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘬, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦—𝘢 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘻𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳.”

I’m sorry but WHATT, the way The Devil’s Canvas got me out of my reading slump! I could not put this book down – 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬? – The way Julian was trying to right his wrongs, it proved he was willing to give Ophelia the world and then some.

The way I wanted to fight Cassius for making the deal and causing Ophelia to lose the way to express her emotions, it killed me that she lost much more than just her feelings but at the end of the day she gained something better.
~
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈: ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .75
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸𝑒: 🌶️🌶️.5
~
Thank you to Sara McClafin & team for allowing me to be an ARC reader for her latest release & I cannot wait to indulge in any future character’s storyline.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy for this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the first book in The Devil's Bargain Series. It is the story of Julian and Ophelia. I have to admit that I am not the biggest fantasy book reader there is out there but this one got my attention and I knew I had to read it. Boy do I not regret reading it. There is a little bit of everything in this books as far as characters go. I don't know that I can really tell you very much about this book except that deals are made and collected on and feelings are flying or are they? Julian collects things and he never loses control. When Ophelia's father makes a deal she becomes a transaction for him. Take what was offered by her father and be done. Ophelia is a girl who has the gift of feeling all kinds of things. But she loses that gift when Julian takes it. Now she can't feel a think but knows that her emotions are locked somewhere that she can't reach. Even thought she can't feel she has this reaction to Julian when she catches him watching her and he watches her a lot. That's about all I can tell you. You just need to grab this book and read. You won't regret it.

[Samantha AdamsMcCord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, and this is Julian and Ophelia’s story.
Julian (A Shadow daddy demon MMC) doesn’t lose control ever, but when her father makes a deal, Ophelia (A devils deal that turns her life upside down, wronged by her family FMC). Fated mates with mated bond, touch her and ..well you know. Well placed spice. This was just supposed to be a transaction, but the bond which grows between them refuses to let go.
This is a good story which is easy to read, with family dynamics, enemies / lovers, touch her and die vibes, and fated mates, which leads to an enjoyable paranormal romance that will pull on your feelings with heartbreak and joy.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

[MacKenzie Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil’s Canvas is a dark, delicious descent into obsession, secrets, and heat so intense it practically scorched the pages. Sara McClaflin paints a world where art is power, desire is dangerous, and trust is a gamble you can’t afford to lose.

The tension between the characters? Chef’s kiss. One moment, you're swooning. The next, you’re gripping the book like it's the only thing keeping you upright. Twists, betrayal, passion — this book doesn’t ask for your soul, it rips it out and signs it in blood.

If you like your thrillers laced with spice and characters who know how to burn the house down (literally and figuratively), The Devil’s Canvas is your next addiction.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a twisted tale of greed and making deals with the demons. It was a bit strange in some ways, but the story was so very interesting and different. Fated soulmates have no choice and some people have been stripped of their true selves. The author’s story is creative and well laid out. Some of her delivery was a bit odd and confusing to me. But I figured things out in the end. The story is a bit dark and will definitely get some tears out of you. But I thoroughly enjoyed the unique take on making deals with the devil concept. I loved the ending is a bit of an oh shit moment and I can’t wait to see how the next demons story play out.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, and this is Julian and Ophelia’s story.
Julian does not lose control ever, but when her father makes a deal, Ophelia is just supposed to be a transaction, but the bond which grows between them refuses to let go.
This is a good story which is easy to read, with family dynamics, enemies / lovers, touch her and die vibes, and fated mates, which leads to an enjoyable paranormal romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Casandra Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's REALLY hard to hook me from the beginning of a story - but this one did it. From the prologue to the epilogue, I was hooked. The plot, the writing, the characters were all fantastic. There were some parts of the storyline that felt rushed but still worked overall. The spice was perfect for the story without being too out there. Already anxiously awaiting book 2 in August!

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal is not my usual go-to trope, however I have read work by Sara McClaflin before and i enjoyed it a lot, so I thought I'd check out her brand new series, The Devil's Bargain, starting off with Book 1.
What you can expect:
🔥 Paranormal
🔥 Demon romance
🔥 Fated mates
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Touch her and die
🔥 Mating bond

This is a Fated Mate/Soul Mate story of a demon, Julian, and a mortal, Ophelia who find each other under exceptional circumstances. Ophelia's father made a deal with the devil (well, a demon), but when has a deal with the devil ever been without consequences.

Their journey to love is intense, passionate, some heartache and sacrifices.
There are moments int he book where I was bit confused and surprised at how well the mortals took in the information about demons, hell, paranormal activity etc..
The FMC experiences a significantly intense emotional rollercoaster that, as the reader, you can't help but feel it with her. It's pretty heartbreaking.

This is a standalone, however I get the sense that in order to enjoy book 2 at it's fullest (when it comes out) it would be best to read this series in order. The explanation of the underworld in this book, the other demons and gods and goddesses is explained so well, that its all integral to the story.

I was given a free ARC of this book, and this review is only my opinion.

[Xena Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a great story and I can not wait for the next one

~The Storyline~
Ophelia has lost her spark, her ability to communicate her emotions and has become a shell of her form vibrant self. Julian is the demon that caused it. Years later it turns out they are fated mates. They are made for one another and are destined to spend the rest of their lives together souls intertwined for all of eternity but can they first get past the obstacle that put them in this position?

~The Review~
Ophelia is such a complex character seeing her internal fight for a chance at expressing anything real as she watches those she loves chose someone else and express emotions so naturally. Julian, the demon of pride, has made so many deals in his existence that a simple trade didn’t seem like that big of a deal until he meets the one who was traded. His mate. This story had me completely obsessed I could not put it down. Julian and Ophelia make such a strong power couple and I love them so much! I will thrive on every peak of them in the next books.

[Kelley Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with this book , after chapter 1 I was hooked. I am excited for book 2 to come out and hope I am allowed to arc read it as well . please check your trigger warnings before reading.

This book is a paranormal romance that has an amazing romance between the MMC and FMC. Them being fated together after her father made a deal to take everything from her. Jullian not only helped her build her confidence but letting her accept the bond at her own pace. Ophelia twisting his world around to the point he will give him self instead of her sister. Both of them for months barely surviving till she makes a deal with the devil.

Also the epilogue giving a look into Owens point of view. With the shocking twist of his fated mate showing up to the wedding and that she's already taken....

[Ashley Burris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

Over all I loved this book! the concept was unique and entertaining. The MMC and FMC were a great duo. I see a lot of potential for this Author and look forward to reading book two!

[iesha Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!!! THIS BOOK ATE!!!! it was a fight to put it down to go to bed last night and i immediately picked it up first thing in the morning. this book starts off with Julian (a demon) being summoned by cassius a real pos father who singed his daughter Ophelia's soul over for his favorite daughter Melanie to gain fame and power. when that happens and Melanie is a her peak Julian returns only to find his soulmate who happens to be Ophelia. she denies the soulmate mark at first but eventually she gives in and when she does she begins to find her strength. there are some twists i dont want to reveal so that is all i will say. this book was soooo good and i cant wait to rea about Owen and Arabella in the next book.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Whew. It will take you on a journey like none other.
From Shadow Daddies to evil fathers, from deals with demons to soulmates, from sibling drama to interfering with fate…this book has it all. There are moments of heartbreak and moments when you will pump your fist in triumph. It is a rollercoaster that will take you to hell and back…and hell and back…then back to hell again. It is an open door book, but the spice is not OTT - it serves the plot, rather than replacing it.
This is the first in a series and I am SO excited knowing there’s more of this craziness to come. Don’t let this one slip past - add it to the top of your TBR.

[Laura Parkhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good soulmates book. It’s has Demon making deals and collecting on them. It takes you through a specific deal made and how it affected those involved. Then there’s a twisted. The author just started building the world. I could use a little more details but hoping that comes with the next book. The character building was done well. Again, this is the first book to the series so we’re still getting to know everybody. All
In all it was a great read. I have it 4 would have done 4.5 if good reads would let me. I did this mainly due to the world and character building. I would have liked a little more detail.

[the_bibliophagist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked most of this book. I enjoyed the characters. Ophelia was great. You could tell that she had no emotions before Julian and it was a liked they switched on after mating Julian. The only question I have about Ophelia is why would she stay in contact with her dad and sister if they treated her that way. Julian seemed a little emotionless in some parts and in other parts he wasn't. The plot was very entertaining. I still don't get how Ophelia's father could do something like that to his own child. I am really glad that Ophelia finally got to get her revenge on her dad and sister. Overall it was a good read.

[Tiffany Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so good! i am a arc reader for this book, and ugh I need the next one. spicy demons uh yes ma'am!

[Nelliesbooknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A paranormal romance that will pull on your feelings with heartbreak and joy. A Shadow daddy demon mmc(Julian). A devils deal that turns her life upside down, wronged by her family fmc(Ophelia). Fated mates with mated bond, touch her and ..well you know. Well placed spice.
This book seems to be part of a series. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

[Christy Warthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching!

An emotional and intense story. Julian and Ophelia take us on an incredible journey that pulls at your heart strings and breaks your soul before putting it back together.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

[Vanessa Housner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO good. I'm normally not a paranormal romance girly but I seriously enjoyed this book. I finished it in 2 days, definitely shed some tears, and before halfway through found myself hoping there were more in the series.