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The Devil's Deck
Previously published as The Devil's Deck by Cristina M. Octavia
He was never supposed to be the story.
But some ghosts don't stay buried.
Lyam's past didn't break him.
It made him colder. Sharper. Unapologetically unhinged.
Now, he's not looking for peace—he's just trying to survive the wreckage he carries.
This isn't about redemption.
It's about what's left when the damage is done.
The Devil's Deck is a interconnected standalone in the Cursed Venom Universe.
Start with Chasing Obsession.
Everything begins there.
He was never supposed to be the story.
But some ghosts don't stay buried.
Lyam's past didn't break him.
It made him colder. Sharper. Unapologetically unhinged.
Now, he's not looking for peace—he's just trying to survive the wreckage he carries.
This isn't about redemption.
It's about what's left when the damage is done.
The Devil's Deck is a interconnected standalone in the Cursed Venom Universe.
Start with Chasing Obsession.
Everything begins there.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2025
1 person is currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 4, 2025
Oke first of all this boooook🥹😍
The spice is a 10/10🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
When I was reading Chasing Obsession I really hated Lyam he was my villain in the book. So when Nina told me there was coming a book about Lyam I was like, goood lord help me. BUT LET ME TELL YOU THIS BOOOOK! It made me fall in love with Lyam! He is the sweetest most pure person. The loyalty this men has it’s unbelievable.
The way Nina wrote about these characters made me feel like I got to know them personally and because of that some parts of the book really damn hurt.
Also I still claim Damien as my bookhusband 😏😏
The spice is a 10/10🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
When I was reading Chasing Obsession I really hated Lyam he was my villain in the book. So when Nina told me there was coming a book about Lyam I was like, goood lord help me. BUT LET ME TELL YOU THIS BOOOOK! It made me fall in love with Lyam! He is the sweetest most pure person. The loyalty this men has it’s unbelievable.
The way Nina wrote about these characters made me feel like I got to know them personally and because of that some parts of the book really damn hurt.
Also I still claim Damien as my bookhusband 😏😏
May 2, 2025
Such an incredible funny, flirty, hot and heartbreaking dark romance ! Amazing characters , amazing plot , incredibly written ! Rivens dirty talk my lord 🥵🥵🥵 I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait for the next one !
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK 🖤
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK 🖤
April 30, 2025
I loved this book!!!
It’s an interconnected standalone for chasing obsession
It’s Lyams story
It’s predominantly MM with some MMF
This book had me laughing, kicking my feet and sobbing
The relationship between the two mmc’s was amazing
It’s was fun , exciting, spicy and heartbreaking
💔
It’s an interconnected standalone for chasing obsession
It’s Lyams story
It’s predominantly MM with some MMF
This book had me laughing, kicking my feet and sobbing
The relationship between the two mmc’s was amazing
It’s was fun , exciting, spicy and heartbreaking
💔
May 1, 2025
Love the back story of lyam and riven 🖤🔥
The heartbreak is soo real 😭😭
I really enjoyed this book
The heartbreak is soo real 😭😭
I really enjoyed this book
April 27, 2025
another amazing book done by an amazing authour.
this book is lyams stories its had me in a fit of emotions.
I've laughed and cried.
perfectly written perfectly paced.
It helps you understand why lyams the dark broody character he is in chassing obsession .
this book is lyams stories its had me in a fit of emotions.
I've laughed and cried.
perfectly written perfectly paced.
It helps you understand why lyams the dark broody character he is in chassing obsession .
May 2, 2025
The Devil’s Deck is raw, relentless, and unapologetically dark. You know this isn’t going to be a neat redemption arc or a love story with soft edges. This is a descent, a study in survival when all that’s left is wreckage.
Lyam is not your typical antihero—he’s colder, calculated, and intentionally hard to love. But that’s what makes him captivating. His trauma isn’t romanticized; it’s visceral. Nina doesn’t flinch when it comes to portraying pain and the kind of damage that doesn’t magically heal. She leans into it, and it pays off.
The writing is sharp and atmospheric. There’s a constant tension—between Lyam and the world, between his past and his present, and within himself. It’s not about redemption, and that’s what makes it more honest. You don’t root for Lyam to be “fixed.” You root for him to survive, even when he doesn’t want to.
That said, The Devil’s Deck isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s heavy, both emotionally and thematically, and it demands that you sit with discomfort. But if you appreciate complex, morally gray characters and stories that don’t hand out easy answers, this book delivers.
Definitely read Chasing Obsession first—it sets the tone for the universe and gives you a richer understanding of the relationships and lore. But The Devil’s Deck stands strong on its own and might even be the most emotionally brutal (and rewarding) entry in the Cursed Venom Universe so far.
Lyam is not your typical antihero—he’s colder, calculated, and intentionally hard to love. But that’s what makes him captivating. His trauma isn’t romanticized; it’s visceral. Nina doesn’t flinch when it comes to portraying pain and the kind of damage that doesn’t magically heal. She leans into it, and it pays off.
The writing is sharp and atmospheric. There’s a constant tension—between Lyam and the world, between his past and his present, and within himself. It’s not about redemption, and that’s what makes it more honest. You don’t root for Lyam to be “fixed.” You root for him to survive, even when he doesn’t want to.
That said, The Devil’s Deck isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s heavy, both emotionally and thematically, and it demands that you sit with discomfort. But if you appreciate complex, morally gray characters and stories that don’t hand out easy answers, this book delivers.
Definitely read Chasing Obsession first—it sets the tone for the universe and gives you a richer understanding of the relationships and lore. But The Devil’s Deck stands strong on its own and might even be the most emotionally brutal (and rewarding) entry in the Cursed Venom Universe so far.
May 5, 2025
All I have to say is Ohhhhh my Gawwwdddddd! Ninnaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!! I’m glad that I took my time cherishing this read, cuz IMO it deserved my undivided attention from start to finish. This is my second read from this brilliant author. I thought Chasing Obession was amazing but she out-did herself by diving into Lyam’s past/his backstory. From him being a background MMC from Chasing to him being the MMC in Devil’s Deck. Wow the character development and the plot twists in this read were phenomenal. Now I see why he is the way he is in Chasing Obession. His attitude and demeanor was quite literally drilled into him. Also this is my first MM read and gawd I’m glad it was my first. What better way to pop my cherry than to read it from my fav author. I loved the connection between Lyam & Riven from start to finish, it all started with a game of cards. They are each other’s match. The spicy scenes had me gripping my kindle the entire time. Girl everytime I read anything you write it’s like watching a movie and like I can drop into the scene and visualize it. Your reading style is utterly amazing. Keep doing what you’re doing, I see greatness!!! I can’t wait to see what your future holds and can’t wait to see you succeed.
May 4, 2025
I recieved an ARC from the Author & this is my honest review, also my review contains spoilers:
Okay it's offical Lyam is my current favourite of this series & I am BROKEN!!!!!
I felt so many emotions reading Lyam's life, everything he goes through, how he turns really deep moments into humorous conversations & shows how just one moment can totally destroy your whole world x
Having lost my mum back in Sept 2022 I lost myself in myself - become a shell of the person she had raised & went into autopilot - so I get home Lyam loses himself in rough, intense, unhinged sexual encounters & decided to join Damien in his work x
I have faith that Cristina can bring Lyam a redemption arc & allow him to return to the boy turned man we meet at the start of The Devils Deck - i hope Lyam see the error of Kage's way & takes a step back from that- Lyam just wants to be loved he has lost too much & due to this i think he sees the good in people even when that person is a lost cause x
I just want to hug Lyam & let him know he is alright things can get better - I'm just worried he would RUIN me & not in the best way 😉😉 xxxxxx
Okay it's offical Lyam is my current favourite of this series & I am BROKEN!!!!!
I felt so many emotions reading Lyam's life, everything he goes through, how he turns really deep moments into humorous conversations & shows how just one moment can totally destroy your whole world x
Having lost my mum back in Sept 2022 I lost myself in myself - become a shell of the person she had raised & went into autopilot - so I get home Lyam loses himself in rough, intense, unhinged sexual encounters & decided to join Damien in his work x
I have faith that Cristina can bring Lyam a redemption arc & allow him to return to the boy turned man we meet at the start of The Devils Deck - i hope Lyam see the error of Kage's way & takes a step back from that- Lyam just wants to be loved he has lost too much & due to this i think he sees the good in people even when that person is a lost cause x
I just want to hug Lyam & let him know he is alright things can get better - I'm just worried he would RUIN me & not in the best way 😉😉 xxxxxx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
The Devils Deck is an interconnected standalone to Chasing Obsession. This book is Lyam’s story.
Lyam was my least favourite MMC in Chasing Obsession, so I was really keen to see what his story was and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Lyam was not born to be violent, aggressive and obsessive, but rather he became that way due to a number of events in his life.
This book cleverly takes us through Lyam’s journey, his struggles, his heartbreak and ultimately what makes him break.
I related so much more to him knowing his back story, and I adored his partner Riven too, and their unbelievable chemistry, humour and love together.
This book is filled with spice, excitement, humour and heartbreak.
Nina Knox writes flawlessly, allowing us to truly feel every emotion portrayed.
I honestly can’t wait for the next books.
Lyam was my least favourite MMC in Chasing Obsession, so I was really keen to see what his story was and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Lyam was not born to be violent, aggressive and obsessive, but rather he became that way due to a number of events in his life.
This book cleverly takes us through Lyam’s journey, his struggles, his heartbreak and ultimately what makes him break.
I related so much more to him knowing his back story, and I adored his partner Riven too, and their unbelievable chemistry, humour and love together.
This book is filled with spice, excitement, humour and heartbreak.
Nina Knox writes flawlessly, allowing us to truly feel every emotion portrayed.
I honestly can’t wait for the next books.
May 3, 2025
Check the triggers before reading.
This is mostly MM there is MMF aswell.
I love a good MM this was 🌶🌶🌶🌶
If you're looking to continue straight on from that cliffhanger of chasing obsession, you're not going to get it.. this is lyams story which happens before. I loved the relationship between him & Riven the love between them was everything, if he only realised that and wasn't such a cocky fucker, let's hope it was a lie, his back story with Damien, his past, grown up etc I adored his relationship with his wee granny.
With his back story, i thought i would have understood him more with the way he treats women, but no, he's just a sick fuck, and there is no call for it at all. He is just the worst.
After chasing obsession which I fucking loved, if I could go back I'd preferred to read this book first.
This is mostly MM there is MMF aswell.
I love a good MM this was 🌶🌶🌶🌶
If you're looking to continue straight on from that cliffhanger of chasing obsession, you're not going to get it.. this is lyams story which happens before. I loved the relationship between him & Riven the love between them was everything, if he only realised that and wasn't such a cocky fucker, let's hope it was a lie, his back story with Damien, his past, grown up etc I adored his relationship with his wee granny.
With his back story, i thought i would have understood him more with the way he treats women, but no, he's just a sick fuck, and there is no call for it at all. He is just the worst.
After chasing obsession which I fucking loved, if I could go back I'd preferred to read this book first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2025
Read the TW!!
What a rollercoaster. The drama, the heat, the spice, the action. There were a lot of parts that hit close to home for me. Lyam and Riven’s love and passion had me in a chokehold the whole time. It’s mostly MM with some MMF and every bit was written so vividly, so beautifully. I was ecstatic that Damien got to be a part of this story, of Lyam’s story and getting to know Lyam’s past and what made him who he is. I definitely did not see the ending coming, and I had so many mixed emotions about it (thanks Nina, now I’m a wreck.) Nina is an amazing author and I’m obsessed with how her stories come together. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the boys’ stories.
What a rollercoaster. The drama, the heat, the spice, the action. There were a lot of parts that hit close to home for me. Lyam and Riven’s love and passion had me in a chokehold the whole time. It’s mostly MM with some MMF and every bit was written so vividly, so beautifully. I was ecstatic that Damien got to be a part of this story, of Lyam’s story and getting to know Lyam’s past and what made him who he is. I definitely did not see the ending coming, and I had so many mixed emotions about it (thanks Nina, now I’m a wreck.) Nina is an amazing author and I’m obsessed with how her stories come together. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the boys’ stories.
May 18, 2025
Please read the trigger warnings this story is not for everyone
I’m obsessed with this story it was beautifully written Lyam is cocky and has a smart mouth but in comedic way. Riven just as cocky as Lyam but more dominant in the bedroom. You’ll fall in love with Lyam and then truly worry about his well being. The amount of spice written into this story will leave you hot and bothered and begging for more. This story contained a whole lot of plot twist that will have you turning the pages quickly in anticipation of what’s to come next. Looking forward to seeing what Nina Knox writes next!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m obsessed with this story it was beautifully written Lyam is cocky and has a smart mouth but in comedic way. Riven just as cocky as Lyam but more dominant in the bedroom. You’ll fall in love with Lyam and then truly worry about his well being. The amount of spice written into this story will leave you hot and bothered and begging for more. This story contained a whole lot of plot twist that will have you turning the pages quickly in anticipation of what’s to come next. Looking forward to seeing what Nina Knox writes next!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 3, 2025
Well Indefinitely got what I wanted out of this book, a great read.
This book is a prequel to Chasing Obsession and focuses on the Lyams back story. It details how he turned from a bit of cocky arse to an unhinged psycho in chasing obsession. It follows his relationship with Riven and the consequences from his reckless actions. It also gave young better understanding of his and Damien's relationship to each other.
I did struggle to get into this book, it was about halfway through before it really had me gripped, and the ending was just right. I would definitely recommend.
This book is a prequel to Chasing Obsession and focuses on the Lyams back story. It details how he turned from a bit of cocky arse to an unhinged psycho in chasing obsession. It follows his relationship with Riven and the consequences from his reckless actions. It also gave young better understanding of his and Damien's relationship to each other.
I did struggle to get into this book, it was about halfway through before it really had me gripped, and the ending was just right. I would definitely recommend.
May 18, 2025
Where do I even start?!? I loved this book the pain,the hurt,the emotions and the SPICE omg!
I wasn’t a fan of Lyam in Chassing obsession but having read his story I understand him better and I want… no.. I NEED a Lyam!!
Read this! Add to your TBR!!
Well done 👏🏻👏🏻
I wasn’t a fan of Lyam in Chassing obsession but having read his story I understand him better and I want… no.. I NEED a Lyam!!
Read this! Add to your TBR!!
Well done 👏🏻👏🏻
May 8, 2025
Absolutely loved this book, really not what I expected of lyam but oh my god absolutely loved it and Riven….. loved seeing Damien’s more brotherly side too!! 100% recommend!
May 11, 2025
The Devils Deck is incredible.
Specifics - MM with a lil F, this book is full of so much pain I found myself crying in the bath like a 90s RnB video.
Spice so hot you’ll be scrolling through your blocked contact list!
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
Specifics - MM with a lil F, this book is full of so much pain I found myself crying in the bath like a 90s RnB video.
Spice so hot you’ll be scrolling through your blocked contact list!
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
September 23, 2025
This book was hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. Lyam’s flirty personality had me laughing! Not to mention the spice! That caught me by surprise and it was a very good surprise!
May 14, 2025
Honestly this book this phenomenal. the twists, the turns. the heart break! I don't think I'll get over this book for a long time. Lyam is the devil in disguise but we love that!
here are three of my favourtie quotes
1. "I’m just here—sandwiched between two beautiful disasters, drunk on the thrill of being worshipped like the divine menace I am.”
2. “The shadows stretch long and thin, like fingers made of smoke, reaching for my throat."
3. “The mirror’s dirty, but I still look like sex and sin and everything your mama warned you about."
go read it 🖤
here are three of my favourtie quotes
1. "I’m just here—sandwiched between two beautiful disasters, drunk on the thrill of being worshipped like the divine menace I am.”
2. “The shadows stretch long and thin, like fingers made of smoke, reaching for my throat."
3. “The mirror’s dirty, but I still look like sex and sin and everything your mama warned you about."
go read it 🖤
November 3, 2025
Dark, spicy, cheeky and absolutely heartbreaking. This book gives us the origin story of Lyam from Chasing Obsession and can be read before or after it. I loved this story, it gave me more understanding of Lyam as a character, his relationships with some of the other characters from Chasing Obsession and motivations for his behaviour. Well paced, beautifully written and definitely recommended.
February 7, 2026
My heart is hurting 💔 but the plot and the spice is elite 🥵🔥 I have fallen in love with their love! 😍🖤
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews