The First Sin

by E.D. Yates

They say the first sin was disobedience. A woman reaching for something forbidden, something beyond her station. A single bite, a single choice, and the world was never the same.

But what if the first sin was something else?

What if it was love? Twisted, all-consuming. A love that defied heaven, damned souls, and bound eternity in chains of blood and desire.

I did not ask for this life. I did not ask for him.

And yet, from the moment his darkness touched me, I was lost.

I have killed in his name. I have bled for him, suffered for him, loved him in ways that should never be spoken. But love is not salvation. Love is hunger. Love is ruin.

And now, after lifetimes steeped in shadow, I stand at the edge of something I never dared hope for. A choice.



Eden was never meant to live forever. A pact forged at the dawn of creation binds her to the Devil himself-his hunger, his desire, his endless obsession. Promised eternity and power, Eden becomes his instrument of bloodshed, condemned to slaughter in his name across the ages.

Their bond is a tangled web of love and manipulation, passion and control. But when a new force rises-one who awakens something long buried within her-Eden is torn between the seductive embrace of her dark lover and the forbidden pull of the man sworn to end her existence.

In a tale of sin and salvation, power and passion, The First Sin is a dark, seductive journey where the damned have their own plans... and immortality comes at a price. Will love be enough to break the chains of fate, or will the shadows claim her forever?

Genres: Amazon

366 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2025

About the author

E.D. Yates grew up surrounded by the world of horror films and literature, where dark, thrilling tales sparked her imagination. From an early age, she began crafting her own stories, blending suspense, mystery, and the macabre to create immersive narratives.

Now a published and award-winning writer, Yates enjoys blending myth, sin, and obsession into unforgettable stories. Her work centers around powerful women, dangerous men, and the kind of ruinous love that consumes, transforms, and refuses to let go.

In 2020 as Covid swept across the globe Yates had an idea. A plot so intense that it would alter the vampire origin story and rewrite the biblical dawn of creation with a dark romance twist. It was that idea that helped her return to her love of writing and not too long after "The First Sin" was born.

Readers love the way Yates writes dark romance that is intense, psychological, and emotionally raw. Her stories explore morally gray characters, obsessive love, and power dynamics that blur the line between passion and possession.

Yates crafts worlds where devotion can be dangerous, love can be consuming, and no one walks away untouched. Her books are best suited for readers who are comfortable with spicy scenes, complex power dynamics, and classic dark romance tropes.

Reviews

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I want to give this book more than 5stars. This book was so steamy and I loved the story. I was told before I read it that it wasn’t a book you would share with your church friends. And man were they right. This is a story of a bada** MFC, Eden! She wonders in the woods and is intrigued and drawn to the MMC, Lucian. Eden, not knowing he is the devil and had a deal made with her mother years ago, lays down with him and seals the deal. Her life suddenly turns into something she never imagined, a life of immortality. She is now his and is condemned to do his bidding. Their relationship is complicated, he is determined for her to rule hell by his side, just by pledging herself to him forever.
Then a new man comes into her life, who is there to take her life. But they both fall hard for each other. Little did anyone know that man, Michael, is an angel and the brother of Lucian. Will Eden make a choice, will she embrace the darkness with Lucian or will she fall for the man who wants to end her life or will she choose both? Is that possible? Will her love for one man save her or will it condemn her forever. Please check your triggers!

[Hammer Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is OUTSTANDING! WOW WOW WOW. Not only is the concept completely authentic and different than anything I've read, but the characters are powerful and interesting. this kept me kicking my feet and squealing from the first page. girl, the way i loved this book, though!!!! Im OBSESSED. I need book two yesterday! oh, and the spice is wild!! it's a talent in itself that Yates could have that much spice and still have a plot. ONE OF MY FAVORITE READS OF ALL TIME!

[Brenae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first introduction into the world of DARK romance and I was devoured! The First Sin isn’t just a book; it possesses you and doesn’t let go!

From the first page, it destroys what you know about Christian mythology and vampire lore and twists it into this deliciously sinful experience of damnation, lust, and obsessive romance. You can’t help but cheer Eden on as she walks through life completely conflicted with what she has become and her relationship with Lucien. And the spicy scenes…are dripping with detail. Don’t read in public because you’ll turn any room into a sauna.

The dual POV pulls you deeper into the twisted minds of both the morally gray devil and our strong female protagonist. This is the kind of story that burns in all the right ways, and I can’t wait to finish it. I hope there’s more from this author!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Burn

Chapter after Chapter the story takes twists and turns you can't find yourself anticipating. Great read and forever a fan.

[Yas G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was EVERYTHING I want and more in a dark romance. Between the darkness, an actual PLOT, of course the love, adult scenes 🥵, and the possessiveness of it all. I promise you once you pick this book up, you will not put it down. You will eat sleep and breathe the first sin.
If you are a dark fantasy reader and want to get a little bit darker, but still a hopeless romantic at heart definitely pick up this book. It was worth every second.

[Diana M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical Vampire-esque why choose

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes: enemies to lovers, possessive mmc, independent fmc, morally grey compass, antihero, why choose

Spoilers:

This book takes place over thousands of years after the devil (Lucien) turns Adam and Eve’s daughter (Eden) into a vampire-like immortal. Fast forwarding to modern times she learns to control her thirst by hunting the worst of the worst, while also being hunted.

The story is unique and compelling. The action scenes are gory and the spicy scenes heat up the pages. It is told in multiple POVs, but primarily Eden’s.

[Raven Frey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book !! If you want an addictive blend of dark romance, paranormal fantasy, and forbidden love then this is the book for you it kept me hooked from start to finish.

Reimagining the original sin through Adam and Eve gave a unique and intriguing foundation for the story.
The book is filled with tension, temptation, and emotional conflict making for a compelling story .

The book is undeniably spicy, but it also balances its steam with an engaging plot and rich supernatural lore.

. I’m definitely interested to see where the story goes next.

[Lisa Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run, don’t walk, to grab your copy of this deliciously dark and steamy paranormal romance. Eden wasn’t born to sin, she was born to become the devils advocate. Turned by Lucien, she is cursed to immortality, he hungers for her to submit to him but Eden refuses to submit to anyone ever again. The connection and desire is beyond passion, it is hunger at its core. I loved Eden’s evolution into her true powers and desires. This is a spicy but plot heavy book. Well done, can’t wait for the next in the series!

[Tianita D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!

This book was so good! I can't wait for part 2! It even had a bonus chapter I didn't expect.

[Kim Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Adam and Eve retelling will keep those delicious pages turning.

Eden succumbs to what she thought was love and a pull undeniable to Lucien only to discover it wasn’t what she thought it would be. Lucien condemns her to a live of feeding on others which only grows her powers and a life of pure emptiness.

Lucien was promised her centuries ago as more of a servant but cannot deny the feelings Eden pulls from him and the need to be with her becomes too overpowering.

After lifetimes pass and the two barely seeing each other, the time comes when they can no longer deny each other. What happens when Eden discovers she is being hunted by Michael, an angel sent my God, to destroy her for all of her sins.

Will Michael be able to destroy her or become enraptured in her deeds seeing them from a different light than he was told.

Who will Eden choose? Lucien, who forced her into an immortal life of pain and torture? Or Michael who is hunting her to end her reign.

🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Brenae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first introduction into the world of DARK romance and I was devoured! The First Sin isn’t just a book; it possesses you and doesn’t let go!

From the first page, it destroys what you know about Christian mythology and vampire lore and twists it into this deliciously sinful experience of damnation, lust, and obsessive romance. You can’t help but cheer Eden on as she walks through life completely conflicted with what she has become and her relationship with Lucien. And the spicy scenes…are dripping with detail. Don’t read in public because you’ll turn any room into a sauna.

The dual POV pulls you deeper into the twisted minds of both the morally gray devil and our strong female protagonist. This is the kind of story that burns in all the right ways, and I can’t wait to finish it. I hope there’s more from this author!

[B.W. Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! The characters are messy, toxic, addictive, and exactly what I want in a dark romance. E.D. Yates absolutely killed it with her debut novel. If morally gray characters, and unhinged obsession are your thing, add this to your TBR immediately!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You were made to burn beside me, Eden. And now… you’re finally on fire.”

She got to have a devil and an angel at the same time?! Lucky girl. This will have you blushing and kicking your legs whilst still having a strong enough plot. I can’t wait for the second book to come out. I need to know how far Eden will go and what will become of Michael!

This gave me all the lucifer vibes but much darker.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it was hard to overlook the amount of typos. I mean they spelt the MMCs name wrong at the very beginning. First he was Lucian then he was Lucien. It needed much better proofreading. It’s a shame for such a good book to be let down my spelling mistakes.

[A. Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Obsessive. Haunting. Utterly Unforgettable.

Verified Purchase

I devoured The First Sin in one sitting—and I’m still reeling.

This book is the perfect blend of dark fantasy and twisted romance. Eden is one of the most complex, compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time. Her connection to the Devil is seductive and dangerous, filled with obsession, power, and pain. Their relationship walks the razor-thin line between passion and ruin, and I couldn’t look away.

E.D. Yates writes with such raw, lyrical intensity that every sentence feels like a spell. The world is gothic and immersive, the emotional stakes are high, and the romance is fire—not sweet, but sharp and all-consuming.

If you’re into morally gray characters, forbidden love, and stories that make you ache in the best way, The First Sin will wreck you—in the most beautiful way possible.

✅ Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Laura Thalassa, and dark, myth-inspired fantasy romance.

[Krystle Pearcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. This book takes you on a ride through the underworld. Could not put this book down. The complex relationship between Eden and Lucian keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s dark and mysterious in all the right ways.

[Brian & Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this book on my Kindle. I immediately knew I wanted to own a copy. As a debut novel for E.D. Yates I was very impressed with this book. If you are looking for a Dark Romance book, look no further. This book will have you hooked from beginning to end.

[Letty Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Sin is a dark romance book which follows Eden, who is the daughter of Eve and Lucien, who is the devil. Eve made a bargain with Lucien to be able to have children, and the price of that bargain was Eve's first child; Eden was to be promised to Lucien. Eden is unaware of this but comes across Lucien in the forest and feels an instant connection. They have sex, and Lucien turns her into a vampire of sorts. Eden is then to walk the earth, taking souls for Lucien. She can hear their thoughts, and she can see their history when she feeds on them. As you can imagine Eden is pissed at Lucien, but she holds onto a small part of her humanity by only taking evil souls, she will only take the darkest, depraved, most disgusting souls such as sex traffickers and rapists. She saves the innocents from their clutches. Eden is a predator; she hunts her prey, and no one save Lucien can outmatch her, until Eden becomes the prey to a power she knows nothing about.

Now that she's out in the open, they'll come, and she's more vulnerable than she knows

I loved this book; it starts off in the beginning where Eden is living with her family, and then after about 13 chapters or so, Eden, who sleeps for a couple of decades on and off, is then in the modern world. I liked Eden a lot; she feels for Lucien even if he is a bit of a bastard at the beginning, and because of that, she refuses to give herself over to him fully, and I respect that. She is badass, I mean, she is a vampire, so she obviously has some fast reflexes and some pretty epic powers, but even so, I think she would still be badass. I love that just because she is a vampire and she has to hunt and take souls for Lucien, she does so on her terms. She only takes those who deserve to be punished for all eternity.

I am the reckoning that comes without warning.
I am not mercy.
I am not leniency.
I am not just a woman.
I am your final heartbeat. Your last breath. The darkness that takes and never gives back.
I am Death itself.

For a debut book, this was really good! There were a few editing errors and spelling mistakes, but they didn't impact the reading experience. I would love to learn more about Eve and the whole story of the bargain with Lucien, maybe if we got a flashback scene in book two 😉 I would also love to see more of a back story to Lucien too. When God makes his appearance, it is clear there is no love lost between them, and obviously, I know the bible stories, but would love to see E.D. Yates' story for them.

[Rosie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Sin is raw, unflinching, and devastatingly human. Ed Yates doesn’t just write — he reaches into your soul and holds it up to the light, exposing grief, guilt, love, and redemption in all their tangled mess.

I cried for the characters. I cried for myself.
Because this isn’t just a story. It’s a confession. A reckoning. A prayer. If you’ve ever loved and lost, or wondered if forgiveness is possible — this book will stay with you long after the final page.

[Katelyn M ChaosBookReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Sin is dark, seductive, and unapologetically intense. Immortal beings, forbidden desire, morally gray characters (like a lot of them), and high spice (hot af smut scenes) collide in a story that grips you fast and doesn’t let go. Sinful, twisted, and emotionally charged… check trigger warnings before diving in, because this one does not hold back.

* I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Eden in the next book! *

[Kristy Huskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique twist to the first sin in the Bible. This dark romance is captivating, and the FMC is strong.
I love the concept as I have never read anything with this premise, and I was intrigued from page one.

⚠️Warning: Lots of spice, but it was written well!

This particular storyline was a bit long for me, but overall, I enjoyed the book!

[Jessica Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new take on the vampire mythos with spice that’ll make you sweat!

[Michelle Lunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc reader: I loved this new take on vampires and oh my gosh some of the spice scenes were chef’s kiss! Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Rachel Privott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually one to read a dark romance, but once I got into the story, I couldn't put it down!

[Jen Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this had been edited, and wasn't full of typos/misspellings it would be a PERFECT 5 star read. I love everything about this story. Phenomenal read!!!!!

[Sinn~amon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Tom Ellis be cast in this adaptation pleas?😍

So. I found this book through TikTok by the author and I was looking for something a little spicy and to take a break from Romatasy. This was definitely the break I needed. It had action. It had suspense. It had the type of tropes that had me squealing and kicking my feet! And the spice, well, there's a table of contents for when you can expect the spice and two chapters definitely brought it. I will be honest...there were parts in the book that dragged a bit but toward the end once the enemies to lovers plot took over, it sped up for me that I was unable to put the book down. Oh, and can I say that the FMC was such a bad 🍑!! She took no crap from no one and really held her own. I like a FMC who don't take crap from no one but also will show a tender side when needed. Also, if you didn't catch it by my headline title, this has that feel of the TV series Lucifer with Tom Ellis as Lucifer. Not gonna lie, I saw his face when reading this book!🥰

[Daniya · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔮e-ARC Review🔮

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The First Sin is a dangerously addictive blend of dark romance, twisted mythology, and vampire allure.

From the first page, it sets a tone of sinful temptation, where innocence and desire constantly collide. The story follows Eden, a girl caught between light and shadows, and Lucien, the enigmatic and devilish figure who embodies everything forbidden. With strong dual POVs, the novel explores themes of control, seduction, and identity, all against the backdrop of reimagined Christian lore and vampire mythology.

The chemistry is palpable, the atmosphere rich with gothic tension, and the internal conflicts layered enough to keep you turning the pages. While the plot promises spice and supernatural intrigue, it also dips into emotional and psychological territory, making the romance feel more intense and dangerous.

If you are fans of morally gray characters, dark slow-burns, and the kind of romance that feels like a beautiful descent into chaos then you should read this book.

Thank you, Author for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful ARC.

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman who appreciates strong, emotionally complex heroines, Eden left an indelible mark on me. Yates’s portrayal of Eden is nothing short of exquisite, capturing a delicate equilibrium between vulnerability and unwavering strength. Immortality in this tale is not a glamorous escape; it’s more like a prison, bound to the insatiable hunger of the Devil. This book weaves a potent blend of dark fantasy and twisted love, with Eden emerging as a multifaceted, captivating protagonist entangled in a dance with the Devil. Their bond teeters between passion and destruction, a mesmerizing spectacle. If you’re seeking a dark fantasy led by a powerful woman, infused with steamy romance and profound emotions, this is your must-read!

[C.B. Lannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Sin just became my new standard for dark romance. I’m still fairly new to the genre, but this one took the cake for me. The origin of a vampire has never been told like this—brutal, seductive, mythic, and completely addictive. Eden is a badass FMC with a love triangle that should not work but absolutely does: the Devil himself and his angel brother, Michael.

And the spice? Spicy. Three for me? Yes, please.

The pacing stayed tight, the characters were well‑built, and I found myself connecting with Eden way more than I expected. That cliffhanger sealed it—perfectly placed, perfectly executed, and now I’m fully locked in for the rest of this trilogy.

A delicious, dark, 5‑star read. I cannot wait to dive into what comes next.

[A.C. Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved cherries.. I love them even more now!! Dark twisted fantasy guaranteed to keep you turning the pages.
Heaven, Hell... fallen angels, good vs evil. And the spice..torrid, dirty and intense... Oh My!!
I absolutely love the dynamics of Eden and Lucien.... Michael... Meh..
Lucien is always watching, always ready to remind Eden who she belongs to, perfect amount of dominant aggressive... (Lucien is my new book boyfriend) He is always close enough to protect her. Michael is Heavens favorite sent to destroy her.
By the end Eden is really feeling herself and I can't wait to see how that plays out in book 2....

[K.G. Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't tend to read dark romance, but when I'm in a reading slump, I try reading something out of my comfort zone to try to break through. I find that either I dislike it enough that I long for something else, or, in rare cases, I find a new obsession.
This was definitely the latter! I devoured this book in a matter of days. The remix of Christian lore and the supposed origin of vampires, the cat and mouse game keeping the tension high, and the spectacular spice made me wonder: am I a dark romance girly now? I might be a dark romance girly now. Thank you for sharing my slump with something different and so engaging I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to book 2!