Devil

Priest #4

by Sierra Simone

Birdie Cooper has nothing left.

Just one moment of weakness seven years ago—and she lost her job, her church, her only friend. Now she's working nights at a gas station to scrape together a living and a way to care for her sister, completely alone and separated even from the art that gave her life meaning.

Ryan Bell has never forgotten his first obsession.

He's been trying to find the tremblingly shy lecturer from his senior year of college after she abruptly disappeared after their first and only kiss. So when he comes upon a statue of Lucifer carved in Ryan's own likeness, two things become starkly apparent.

One: he knows how to find her now. And two: he's been haunting Birdie Cooper's memory as much as she's been haunting his.

Ryan can't offer love—or even an apology—but he can offer her a bargain, one crafted first and foremost to free him from his punishing obsession with her. If Birdie agrees to be his in every way for a single year, then he'll pay for her mother's care for as long as she's alive. And what does Birdie have left to lose anyway? The forbidden fruit is her only chance at salvation.

Unfortunately for Birdie, she might just be the only chance for his...

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Smut, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Spicy

528 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 21, 2026

Reviews

[Bookish Boy]

On my knees for whatever this is 🛐
ITS A DARK MM ROMANCE?? QUEEN I HAVEN’T EVEN MOVED ON FROM SAINT YET 🥹 (but I am soo ready)

Edit:
It’s not an MM, I am crying and disappointed. But that’s alright. The “MM romance” tag needs to be removed from Goodreads though 🥲

[meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sierra Simone

I'm bedeviled by you.

After making a mistake with the devil, it would be a bad idea to make a deal. Oops.

Tropes:
– Dark romance
– Older woman/younger man
– Forced proximity
– Dubious consent
– Boy obsessed
– It's always been you
– Second chance(ish)

I knew that Ryan Bell was going to be an experience but man, I was not expecting this. This story is so unique when compared to the rest of this series but in the best way. As always, Sierra's writing is captivating and addictive. Once you start reading, you just do not want to stop. It was so hard for me to try to to pace myself while reading this because I wanted to devour it all at once. Not to mention, I actually could not read this with my family in the same zip code.

Filled with darkness and obsession and love, Devil takes us on a seven year-long journey between professor Birdie Cooper and her student Ryan Bell. Ryan is obsessed with the docile artist to a point of concern, but deep down, she loves it.

I found myself highlighting almost half the book because of how brilliant and sensual every single line was. I've said this a hundred times before but Sierra Simone is a complete master of her craft and Devil is a perfect example of that.

This book was the easiest five stars. It is absolutely sensational, unbelievably exhilarating and utterly delectable. This is Sierra Simone at her finest—the absolute pinnacle.

Ryan Bell, you are the worst thing and the best thing.

Thank you to Sierra for the early copy–you know I adore you, mwah.

[Sannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

we have been waiting patiently for ryans book .. its coming dont panic dont panic .. im panicking 🤭🤭🤣🤣🫠🫠🫠🤤🤤🫣🫣

[🇵🇸🇵🇸 hasfia 🇵🇸🇵🇸]

last time i read a sierra simone i fell into a never-ending spiral... i'm ready for it to happen again

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m definitely going to hell, but only if Ryan Bell is there waiting for me. If his brothers could be there too, even better.

At one point, I think I nearly fainted reading this book, because I forgot to breathe. I’m still shaking. Who needs oxygen anyway, it’s for lightweights. I can live on this book.

I once promised Sierra Simone that I would give her my next born child in return for her writing something I wanted - it was in the days of New Camelot, when she was hurting my beautiful Embry. My baby days are over, but I was thinking maybe I could offer up a grandchild; I haven’t got any yet, but I was quite prepared to put the offer in writing at one particular part in the book, but then she gave me just what I wanted without having to sacrifice a child. I clapped joyfully and cheered so loud that I think she could have heard me all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. That scene is why I think I might be consigned to hell. Don’t care though #worthit.

I’m forever in awe of the mastery of Sierra’s writing. I didn’t just love Ryan Bell and Birdie Cooper, I worshipped them. I want to put them on a little altar and kneel at their feet.

PS. Please can we have a bonus chapter on what happened in London? I might re-offer that grandchild. Or maybe I could offer to feed Sierra pomegranate seeds.

[Scarlett Rue]

This is not a review but a suggestion to pre-order directly from the author's website instead of going through Amazon or other third party resellers.

[Purrfect Novels]

The gasp I just let out... Apparently this series isn't done with me yet.

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Devil
Author: Sierra Simone
Series: Priest, 4

Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Birdie (FMC) & Ryan (MMC)

What to expect:
*Artist FMC x OBSESSED MMC
*Reverse age gap
*Religious guilt & trauma


Safety:
Mentions of suicidal thoughts. Loss of parents. No OW/OM drama. Slight third act separation.


Review:
No one writes a book based on religious trauma better than Sierra Simone!

Birdie has been suffering her entire life, one event after another leaves her feeling like she will never be enough for this world. Little does she know that an obsessed devil is about to change her entire world. Read the trigger warnings, this book gets dark for Birdie. Take care of your mental health.

Ryan Bell sees Birdie one time at an art event and becomes obsessed!! He follows her, has her for a brief encounter, loses her for seven years, and does everything he can to find and keep her forever. Obsession has never been so hot!! Believe him when he says that he is the Devil, and he is there to take what belongs to him.

All of the Bell brothers make appearances throughout this book. It is nice to have closure for each of the couples.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Is it not enough to try to love as God loves us? With a love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes and endures all things? That must be enough for him, surely.”

This quote feels fitting for Pride month but my god there are so many I could choose. Quotes about mental health. Quotes about our broken safety net system. Sexy quotes. Sad quotes. Quotes that made me light headed.

I swear I say this after every Sierra Simone book, but seriously this time: this book has rewired my entire being.

The warnings in the author’s note were that he’s an unapologetically bad man, but I don’t think someone who doggedly tries to improve the lives of random strangers just because he thought of it can be called a bad man. If he’s bad, I don’t want good men. (But seriously, read the content warnings)

I am going to need 7-10 business days to fully recover and gather my thoughts but absolute perfection, 6 stars, broke the scale.

*thank you Sierra Simone and Bloom Books for the e-ARC*

[yangzom reads ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“who do you think you are?”
“i’m the rest of your life.”

i knew i was in for a ride when i read those lines (and the warnings), and it was exactly everything i wanted. and more. i was in a year long reading slump and this book just kick started my love for reading again. ryan bell is exactly who he thinks he is.

[carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THATS a book. OMG. Perhaps my favorite Sierra Simone yet.

[My Dark Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me forever to finish this ARC. I was in a reading slump and it just didn’t catch my attention.
It was fairly predictable and I was bored at times.
Ryan is much of a devil after all. He’s so taken by Birdy that he never really become the devil he says he is. And Buddy is just a sucker for anything Ryan Bell. There wasn’t the fighting their feelings as much as I’d hoped for.

It was steaming hot of course because Sierra always delivers on that part. But I wasn’t really excited about the storyline.
He coheres her into living with him and becoming his play thing for a year so she can support her twin sister who always gets in trouble and Birdy has to bail her out of whatever situations she gets herself into. The twin thing didn’t make much sense tbh, I didn’t get it. And the 30 year old virgin is so outdated I was not into it.

The Bell family was around but we didn’t get to witness much of the family dynamic. It was surface level. I’d hoped for a little more insight to where they were today.

This is the lowest I’ve ever rated a Sierra Simone book.
It was just with out the usual eyes glued to each page as I’ve become used to reading SS.
The New Camelot trilogy is my all time favorite books ever written! 🫶🏼 the Lyonesse trilogy comes close and Saint is my all time favorite MM, so this was just a bit disappointing
I’d hoped for greatness 🤷🏻‍♀️

[♥ℳelody]

*deep sigh*

I'm getting really tired of this. Here we go again. Another author I'm taking off my TBR. Because apparently it's totally fine and normal these days to hire a problematic antisemitic narrator for your book and deleting comments on your post from your Jewish readers asking why you hired him. Deleting comments will make it go away Sierra? No. Abby Jimenez did it and removed all her Jewish readers from her Facebook reading group for daring to ask her why she hired him and it didn't make any waves or news. In fact, her new book narrated by that awful man made it to favorites list on Goodreads and #1 Bestsellers lists with zero backlash or pushback and now this again. Jewish readers mean absolutely nothing to the Book community and it's frightening, disgusting, hurtful and so shameful. I'm really damn tired of it. I will not support authors who think it's fine to hire racist narrators who think I should "k*ll myself" because I'm Jewish. It should not be this hard or shocking to point out for G-d's sake. Stop hiring Jacob Morgan. There are so many narrators out there to choose from.

[Stephanie Vern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc provided by Edelweiss and Bloom Books

5 ⭐ I’m giving this a full 5 cause I really can't think of anything I'd dock it for. This was another banger from Sierra with brilliant writing and hot spice. The way she writes about God is so good, I don't know that I'd be able to read books so focused on it by anyway other than Sierra but the way she writes, it's such a joy to read. And this was the perfect level of dubcon, chef kisses all around

[Jordyn Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy received from Author

Dare I say this is (imo) Sierra Simone’s best writing thus far.

I genuinely think I’m left speechless at this experience. The way she was able to capture every emotion she wrote and have it translate so well to the read was incredible. I genuinely feel like I have Stockholm Syndrome from Ryan Bell as the reader and I’m actually happy about it?

I don’t even know what to say except a slow clap and standing ovation. Truly amazing and unforgettable. Sierra, you’ve ruined me in the best way.

[Addison Marzili 7]

Oh, Hell Yes!!!

[Stephanie ☾]

Is Baby Bell's book MM? I'm hoping for another MMF from Mother 🙏

[Kickhy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

There’s being catastrophically down bad and then there is whatever the hell Ryan Bell and Birdie Cooper have for each other.

This is not an easy read, it is painful, the loneliness is heartbreaking, the emotions it evokes are visceral and the warnings should be taken seriously.

Although this was a dual pov, I left the story not really knowing Ryan. His obsession, scheming, toxic thoughts and actual stalking were not fully developed but more described after the fact, would have been nice to see in action for his “badness” to feel real as he mostly came off as a white knight for a Birdie who was in desperate need of one.

[Victoria Blusiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍒🍒🍒🍒

Thank you to Sierra Simone and her team for an ARC of Devil. The long anticipated and awaited story of Ryan Bell and his Birdie.

And boy, did Sierra do a good job of SERVING with this installment. I always wonder what it says about me when I find myself yearning for the possessive, obsessive, and controlling MMC in these stories. And Ryan Bell is all of those things and more. But boy does he love Birdie down BAD and truly, in his own warped and twisted way, wants the best for Birdie and to see her thriving. Birdie had such a hard way to go in life - between the loss of the adults in her life at such an impressionable age and being left with a twin that could not be the more opposite of herself.

Busy's attitude towards Birdie throughout most of this book was so enraging - but I think that's what Sierra does so well. She really captured what it's like supporting someone who has addiction or addictive personalities and the toll it can take. And Birdie is really just trying to survive - and really no thanks to Ryan's own transgressions and inability to hold himself back when it comes to Birdie.

And OF COURSE. Sierra captures the nuances of the Catholic Religion so well - and Devil is no exception. I've come to expect that element in her books and I welcome it and her perspective on these matters.

And please, as someone who grew up in the Midwest with storm anxiety - that last part of the book really got me good!

Overall, an amazing installment to the Priest series!

[﹕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i want to crawl inside Sierra Simone’s brain and live there

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil is exquisitely intense, much like Ryan Bell and his need for Birdie Cooper. Sierra Simone doesn't hold back in this slow-burn and wicked romance that is quite unconventional, much like Ryan's brothers' stories before his, once again showcasing the Bell trait of going to any lengths to have the person of one's desires. But it may just be that Ryan's obsession with the delicate Birdie is the most captivating of all.

Right from the start, we get to witness the moment 7 years prior when Ryan started to set the trap in order to cage the lonely Birdie. To make her his, no matter the cost, both financially and emotionally. It's a moment, an hour really, that causes immense pain to Birdie yet when Ryan shows up again at a very crucial time in her life all these years later, she willingly decides to enter into a year-long contract that will ensure her wild twin sister's safety. And although this contract will undoubtedly scorch her soul like nothing else could, it's Birdie's undying loyalty to both God and her family that has her under Ryan's thumb like she was meant to be all along.

This book is truly a test of wills. Ryan pushes Birdie because he truly believes in her. Believes in her incredible talent for taking a chunk of wood and carving something ethereal. Believes that she is worthy of love, no matter how much pain she has suffered because she was so devoted to her family. This woman is unlike any I have ever read. There is selfless and then there is Birdie Cooper. I totally understood her appeal and how she trapped the calculating and determined Ryan without even trying. He simply saw in her his salvation and did whatever he could to make sure he could in fact be saved. But not for himself but for her.

There are plenty of references to God and spirituality, but it never gets too preachy or mundane. Simone uses Birdie's deep faith as a way for Ryan to encourage her to keep creating her masterpieces since she has a calling of sorts that only she and God seem to understand. And yet, when she is fully debased by the devilish Ryan over and over again, that deep faith can only go so far. Birdie's new comprehension of wanting what she thinks she shouldn't becomes the most powerful conundrum of them all and yet, nothing has ever felt more right.

Ryan opens up a whole new world of sexual delights for Birdie that are both demeaning and wildly erotic. You know, like most of the Bell men do with their mates. But it's nothing more than his woman can handle and I was impressed at how the passion erupted within her at just a touch from the younger man. He loved being her first in everything and I loved seeing him open Birdie up like nothing she could have ever imagined. Because when you get to read a Sierra Simone book, you just know the trysts will always be memorable. And trust me, these were.

With more than a few moments featuring the other members of this decadent Bell family, I was beyond pleased to see Birdie accepted into their fold even as she fought her shyness and fear that her contract with Ryan could at any moment be terminated. In fact, it's that niggling doubt that Ryan could actually ever really love her that is a huge underlying part of this book. But I have to admit that I was thrilled beyond belief at just how much he loved her and saved her not once but twice in proving that love to her.

I really enjoyed the scenes in her studio with Lilith nipping at her feet and Ryan watching Birdie create such emotion from a piece of wood. The very triumphant scene towards the end of the book where Ryan is the ultimate model for his Birdie, was gorgeous and filled with such glorious emotion, I had to take a breath when it was done.

Sierra Simone may have saved her best for last with Devil. I have adored each of these unique Bell men, but there is something just so intriguing about Ryan. He's playful yet stern. Knows what his needs are and isn't afraid to claim them. He will protect what is his no matter what and loves his Birdie with all his heart. She changed him for the better even when she didn't know he existed and I'd like to think he allowed her to fly when she forever thought her wings were clipped. A match made in purgatory, perhaps, since they tempt both heaven and hell on a daily basis. And that couldn't be more perfect for these two.

5 big stars!

[AR · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

If you want to get to the heart of Ryan Bell and understand his pathological obsession, you must live and breathe Birdie Cooper.

The youngest of the Bell brothers, you must first be plunged into the cold waters of living, breathing, and suffering the confines of Birdie Cooper. Beginning 7 years ago, at the age of 36, a genius sculptor who creates nothing short of brilliance is a reluctant teacher and resident artist at Evelyn College. Plagued with anxiety and doubts, brought on by one tragedy after another.
One of her students (the devil Bell) sets himself upon her, and through the calamity of poor timing, Ryan is the cause of Birdie’s tumultuous fall from grace.

Now, Ryan, 29, a successful architect and all-around “golden boy”, finds his timid bird and presents her with an offer that he knows she won’t refuse. Be his, a free-use live-in for a year, and her twin sister will be taken care of for the rest of their lives. But there is always a catch.

I can burn that purity on an altar and hope one day the smoke ascends to Heaven. In other words, I can either take care of my soul or my sister… but not both.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but the lack of awareness that Ryan wouldn’t be “introduced” until later left me doubtful for a hot minute. But once he’s there, as a formally functioning, wickedly sinful man, the reason for that absence is clear. The constant questioning, the too good to be true of it all, was always there, fraying the edges of my psyche. I could commiserate with Birdie’s fractured persona, desires, and guilt. It made me angry to truly know the pain of mental illness (depression, obsession of a different order). I hated watching the internal fight that Ryan made himself go through because I have known those who suffer in RL what he suffers. And it is a type of suffering, because masks and polite fakeness exist to keep us maligned in boxes.

The dire warning that this is not so much a love story, but one of pathological obsession, is true. But in that gorgeous, flawed infatuation, we see the puzzle pieces, jagged and worn, fit together. It is like finding like.

Sierra’s writing is emotional, visual, visceral, and haunting. Every word carries weight. They build and blend and form tragedy, laughter, beauty, and scars. She isn’t afraid to use words that force you to break out the dictionary. I love that. It is writing that doesn’t cow down to make it easier; she makes you earn it.

She gives life, thought and a patient personality to Birdie. One of my fav lines:

“Knuckles and tendons and even fingernails. Why? No one will ever see it unless they squat down.”
“Children,” I said softly. “Children will see it.”

Of all the Priest series, this one took on Catholicism from a very different perspective. Neither character was in the vocation of serving the church. For Ryan, it was a fight against God. His screaming from the mountain, his anger at its truest, most honest form, demanding apology for all the wrongs. It was Birdie, given the tools and ability to bring celestial vision to earth. Truth. Despair. Suffering. But it was forgiveness, too. Understanding that relationships are deep and complicated down to the very atom and the space in between.

I could not put it down (though I tried to stretch it out and make it last). It left a bittersweet taste on my tongue just as potent as the pomegranate seeds themselves. Sweet in the story, bitter to see it end. It paced well, and any fan of getting your nails filthy, digging through the trenches to wallow in eloquent words and amazing storytelling, will enjoy this. The spicy meter was set to 🔥Let’s just say I’ll never look at another crucifix the same. Or this interaction:

“Why are you doing this? Feeding me?”
“Because I’ve been thinking about putting my fingers in your mouth since the first time I saw you.”

As always, I was more than giddy when Father Jordan made an appearance, as well as all the other Bells and their spouses. This wasn’t my favourite of the series thus far (Saint holds that spot not with a candle but a flamethrower), but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t absolutely amazing and worth every minute.

[SunsetLibrary · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I struggled with this one for a while before deciding on a rating and getting my thoughts together. It saddens and pains me greatly to give this book such a low rating but, truly, there was almost nothing I liked about it. And I am a Sierra Simone ride or die. I’ve read everything she’s ever written multiple times.

Spoilers below

1- POV - one of my biggest issues with this book is that it’s dual pov. If you’re a fan of this series you’ll know each book is written entirely from the male pov with one chapter in the female (or Elijah in the case of Saint) pov. This was fantastic and a calling card for the series. Sierra writes the male pov so well and it really allowed for a deep dive into the character’s psyche; because, at its core, this series is about each of these brothers and their internal struggles. It’s not really about the relationships. This book suffered greatly because SO much of it was in Birdie’s pov and she’s just so damn boring and useless as a character. At least 75% of this book in from her pov and I HATED it. Ryan could’ve been a fantastic character but he’s so underdeveloped in favor of tons of filler showing how much Birdie’s life sucks. It was a waste. Where’s the Ryan Bell that Mark called an “evil angel”? This Ryan was seriously mid. Slightly obsessed but a total Boy Scout compared to a character like Mark Trevena, who is truly the Devil.

2- Religious themes - No Sierra Simone book is complete without some religious backdrop. It’s practically a requirement. However, what I normally tell people is that the series (or any of her other books that have Catholicism as a theme) is not preachy. It approaches religion in an objective, academic, and sometimes dark, way to complement the character’s development. Which I really enjoy. That went out the damn window here. Birdie is such a religious fanatic and so fucking preachy about Catholicism, wringing her hands every minute bc “god” will be upset with her for doing this or that. It was exhausting and, tbh, completely off putting. I don’t need to read a romance pushing Christianity down my throat. I get enough of that just living day to day in this country.

3- Birdie - I’ll preface this by saying I understand the anecdotal position that women tend to be harder on female characters than male, and, generally, I’m aware of this in my considerations, but, truly, I hated her as a character. Birdie was completely useless and so damn pathetic. Her entire personality is that her life fucking sucks. We got it after the first two or three times, I promise. It got ridiculous after a certain point. She’s so painfully shy and has such crippling anxiety she can’t even speak to the students she teaches. She can’t speak to anyone. She just hides in a corner. Again, she was uninspiring, useless, and entirely boring. There was truly no reason for Ryan to be as obsessed with her as he was.

4- virginity - this is just truly fucking beyond me and I’m struggling with the fact that one of my favorite authors who generally deals in sex positive wrote a fucking 36 year old virgin female character. What the fuck am I even supposed to do with that???? She has her first kiss at 29. And bc her life is just so fucking pathetic, she has no time to date and since sex is only for marriage since she can’t date she’ll never get married so she just keeps herself pure as the Virgin Mary. I truly have no words. Just no words to convey how completely disgusting I find this. A 36 year old virgin is unacceptable and I truly don’t care that it’s because her religion made her do it. This dovetails with the preachy Christian bs in this story. But don’t worry, as soon as Ryan pops her cherry she’s a ravenous sex goddess. Of course.

Overall I’m deeply, deeply disappointed in this book. I have a theory that when indie authors get trad contracts their books plummet in quality. This is at least the 3rd author I’ve loved where this has happened. I’m sad that the Sierra I know and love may not be writing any longer in favor of some sanitized, mass market leash imposed by a trad publisher.

Advance copy provided by the author. All opinions are my own.

[LuLu Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start!! First, this series is one of my favorites (actually, one of the reasons I started back reading after MANY years of non-reading) so, I knew I would love this one but, I didn't have a clue how much. But, I can tell you, during the first chapter, I knew it would be incredible! Just the opening premise was enough to pull me in...

When a statue of Lucifer shows up in front of city hall carved to look like Ryan Bell, he knows immediately that it has been carved by Birdie Cooper... someone who has been haunting his memory for 7 years!!

Ryan's obsession with Birdie is intoxicating... so wrong, but so incredible. As with many dark romances I found myself saying, oh you can't be okay with that... but then, being COMPLETELY okay with Ryan's indecent proposal and actions!

Poor poor Birdie... her sheltered (yet not sheltered) life has been just one disaster after another and she has had to be strong for those around her but she has never truly stood up for herself. She has tried so hard to live up to the standards set forth in the bible but, now has to question what is more important... taking care of herself and her sister or her beliefs.

Sierra's writing, and this series, has a few things that just pull me in. I've thought, from the first moment I started reading Priest, that I loved how her writing had such poetry in it but this book, not only has the poetry in her writing but also artistry... I could almost see the sculptures as they were described and it brought so much to the story... almost like the art was a character of its own.

The second thing I love about this series is, as a KC resident/native, getting to truly feel like I'm an innocent bystander to the story. In each book, I've loved hearing about real places I see every day or even trying to determine which place a certain fictional location is based on. It brings such a fun element to the story for me.

I am not always a big fan of a book that brings tears to my eyes. I don't always go looking for a book that "tears me apart and then puts me back together" but, sometimes it just feels so fulfilling to really get pulled into a book so much that you are feeling everything right along with the characters and, I can say for sure, I was right inside of Birdie's body with her as she was experiencing the hurt and heartbreak but, also, as she came out on the other side, I think, stronger and more confident. But, I think the thing I loved the most was that I felt like, even though so much in her life would have made someone question their faith (and, of course, it did make her question things) in the end, I didn't feel like it made her turn her back on all of her beliefs but just to realign some of her thinking and gain more of an understanding of her faith.

And Ryan, knowing the Bell family story, and that he is the youngest, you just know that he has such unresolved feelings about life and faith...

I feel like I could continue on and write more and more about this book, about the series and just how heartbreaking and yet hopeful the story is. In the end, it is just such a beautiful story of an imperfect love. And, I can't get enough of it. I can promise you, as soon as the audiobook is available, I will be "re-reading" it via audiobook!! I can't wait!!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ~ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
format: e-book
genre: erotic romance

“i cry to thee and thou dost not answer me.”

“eating the forbidden fruit of his love feels like danger enough, but enjoying it? savoring it? it would be daring god to choke me with the largest bite.”

thoughts - might contain light spoilers, but no plot or twist reveals;

it physically pains me to give this less than 5 stars because this is one of my favorite series in the world and i devour anything miss simone writes. unfortunately, as much as i hate to admit it, this felt different for me.

the writing here is phenomenal. the book, like its predecessors, is a spiritual journey. it's definitely not for everyone but if you are interested in how religion and sex intertwines, and how the church can sometimes stray from gods intended path, and you also dont mind A LOT of smut, this is a series id recommend - this book included.

the smut is obviously really, really good. there is just... so much of it. and i know, it's nothing new in the series. but it got to a point where it felt like beating a dead horse. i like when smut moves the story forward, and in my opinion thats been the case with most scenes in the other books. here i was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of it and ultimately fatigued.

the raw emotions in this book are beautiful. the depression, the ideation and the trauma are so hauntingly well described. the art of not actively wanting to harm yourself, but to just give up. oof. the themes are heavy in the best way.

i do think that maybe this trope or dynamic is not for me. it felt a lot like a kidnapping trope and it never really felt real. the level of obsession here almost felt like too much. it's definitely a personal issue of mine that these just aren't my favorite things in a romance book (although its not a dealbreaker by any means), but i had to fight to make it through some sections. the book definitely leaned more towards dark romance, which i dont mind at all, but i just think the dynamic overall didnt do it for me.

ryan is a very interesting character with a very interesting backstory and i actually really like that hes inherently bad. he was still easy to love, though his level of obsession became too much for me in the end. i also really loved birdie and her relatability. how refreshing it is to see a woman in her late thirties still struggling to figure life out! also, i have been her. sometimes i still am her. i adore you, birdie cooper.

the writing and the description of the feelings ultimately saved this book and the moments with the entire bell family as well as lilith (my fav!!!) felt like a hug. i wish there had been a lot more plot on page instead of smut. i wanted to love this book so bad but... i dont think i do. i loved parts of it, but maybe it was just too long. had it been shorter and with more focus on plot than smut it would have been an easy 5 star rating.

[Sammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️“Give me your shame for the rest of the year, and I promise I’ll make a new world out of it.”✨️

Sierra warns us that Ryan Bell is not a good person, that he is, in fact, the devil compared to his brothers, but I have to be honest, I see nothing but green flags here. He washes her hair, he creates a studio for her, gets her wood for her sculptures, feeds her, makes her lunch, orders food for her, bathes her, and looks after her....

.... of course, that's after he was the catalyst in her losing everything, and he manipulated her with charm and sly persuasion into a deal to take care of her sister! So there is a little red flag 🤣

Ryan is OBSESSED with Birdie in a pathological, probably unhealthy way, but I was here for it. He has the gift of the gab, the way he articulated what he wanted, and most importantly (for me, at least), how he eased Birdie's anxieties about what she wanted, was fantastic. I fell for him hook, line and sinker!

Birdie has spent a lot of her life struggling, whether that is looking after her mum, her sister, or herself. Often believing she was suffering for God. She would not do anything to jeopardise her standing and judgement at the pearly gates, and Ryan comes in like a bat out of Hell and pushes her limits. Not to shame her, or make her turn her back on everything she believes, but in a way that helped her grow into the woman she became by the end of the book. And it was a wonderful journey to witness.

As someone who is not religious (but finds religion fascinating), I have loved this series and how Sierra approaches some subjects that are still somewhat taboo within some religious circles.

✨️Talk of ghosts had been relegated to the same place in my family as talk of Ouija boards, tarot cards, and crystals: witchcraft. When I got to college, I began to see a certain arbitrariness to this: cleansing a house with sage was pagan, but cleansing a church with incense was licit; burying a crystal in your backyard was New Agey and dangerous, but burying a Saint Christopher’s medal was condoned or encouraged; trying to speak to the dead was obviously a heretical activity…unless the Church called them a saint, and sometimes they didn’t even have to call them that.✨️

I loved Devil, I love Ryan, and I had such a great time with this story. A huge thank you to Sierra and her team for this arc in exchange for an honest review. Ry will definitely be living rent-free in my mind for a long time to come.

[Callie Trainor · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨

First, I want to thank Sierra Simone for the ARC of this book. As one of my most anticipated releases for the year, receiving this book did in fact make me jump around in joy.

Okay, now. Words will be hard to find to describe how I feel about this book. I guess to start I can say that the writing is completely unparalleled, unmatched, and incomparable. This book is heavy; it’s hard to read at times because of the complete devastation, sadness, and loneliness coursing through Birdie. Ryan himself is also such a morally grey character, making questionable decisions that are just unjustifiable. Liking him feels wrong, but it’s hard to condemn him after understanding his devotion and obsession. It doesn’t make it right, but I can understand being consumed by a love so wholly it takes over your every thought.

Overarchingly, this book is about suffering. Birdie has been suffering for her sister, her family home, and everyone around her for decades. She loses her career, her income, her passion, and takes it all and just keeps going. She doesn’t trust the life that Ryan offers her. She doesn’t trust that anything that provides comfort or ease could be real, or that she deserved it. She is consumed by that Catholic guilt because what she wants isn’t pious or right. The pleasure and relief she feels from the transgressions she partakes in only adds to her suffering because she truly cannot see herself as deserving anything good.

I have to go back to the writing for a second. It happens so slowly, so seamlessly, but in the beginning the tone of the story is so dark, depressing, and so heavy that you can feel the guilt and sadness Birdie feels radiating off the page. She is meek, shy, and unable to speak up for herself and her needs. But by the end there’s this air of lightness and confidence about her that overtakes the narrative as well. I didn’t notice it until the end but that shift was so visceral; I felt the weight of the book changing.

And I cried. Multiple times. I rarely cry at books. I feel the emotions of the characters so deeply and I am moved by so many stories, but it is so rare that I am overcome with emotion enough to cry. It was just so well done.

This book releases on August 11. If you have been following the Bell brothers, prepare yourself for Ryan. He is different in so many ways, but I genuinely believe that his story has had the biggest impact on me.

[Alex Beisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Devil — Sierra Simone
📅 Release Date: July 28, 2026

Sierra Simone has done it again. Every time I pick up one of her books, I know I'm about to feel everything, and Devil was no exception. Since she announced the 4th book I could not wait to read it.

This story follows Ryan “Ry” Bell, the youngest Bell brother, and Birdie Cooper, an artist whose entire life has been spent sacrificing herself for everyone around her. Birdie is one of those heroines who completely stole my heart. Watching her carry the weight of her family, her faith, and her own self-worth while believing she deserved so little was absolutely heartbreaking.

Ry and Birdies story is layered with obsession, devotion, healing, faith, and redemption. What starts as a connection neither of them can forget turns into a love story that spans years, proving that some people are simply meant for each other.

Ryan Bell may be one of my favorite Sierra Simone characters yet. Possessive, obsessive, fiercely devoted, and completely gone for Birdie from the very beginning. Beneath all his confidence is a man who would do absolutely anything for the woman he loves, and every reveal about his feelings had me kicking my feet. How he approaches things may not make sense to anyone but him, but the final outcome always speaks levels on him.

What I loved most was watching Birdie slowly learn that she deserved happiness. She spent so much of her life taking care of everyone else that seeing someone finally choose her felt incredibly emotional and satisfying.

The religious themes, the symbolism, the art, the family dynamics, and the emotional depth all blended together beautifully. This book had me smiling one minute and completely heartbroken the next. Sierra Simone has a way of making you feel every emotion right alongside her characters.

And can we talk about the Bell family? Knowing this is the 4th ( maybe final book ) it’s so bittersweet. Knowing everyone has their HEA and still wanting more.

This was a story about love, faith, sacrifice, healing, and finally believing you're worthy of being loved.

An easy 5-star read for me.

Tropes:
🍎 Age Gap
🍎 Forbidden Attraction
🍎 Student/Teacher
🍎 Obsessive & Possessive Hero
🍎 "I've Loved You for Years"
🍎 Caregiver FMC
🍎 He Falls First
🍎 Found Family
🍎 Emotional Healing
🍎 Forced Proximity
🍎 Religious Themes & Symbolism

[Monika K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this book is a whole journey! It’s poignant, sad, dark, lush, bleak, romantic, religious, sexy, shameful, angering, charming, and artistic. It’s All the Things® woven into a beautifully written love story about Ryan Bell and Birdie Cooper. If you love the Priest series, and the Bell brothers, you will ADORE this. It is very much a Priest book.

Saint was my gateway drug into Sierra’s world and although I am more of a Lyonesse Trilogy girl, I did enjoy this book. There are a LOT of religious metaphors which, as an atheist, were sadly lost on me but I got the gist: the Serpent tempts Eve, she eats the fruit, she gets hooked on sin, ends up in paradise with the Devil as the fallen angel. I'm positive that I'm misreading the religious metaphors, but if you know the Bible's stories you will appreciate how Sierra subverts them and uses Birdie’s catholic guilt and shame to tell this story.

For me, this was more a story about a perfectly matched D/s dynamic, the trials of being a gifted artist, and the idea of Creation. Ryan Bell is charismatic, dark, possessive and doting and I couldn't wait for his chapters. He is obsessed with Birdie and offers her a "sex deal" with a bunch of CNC "free use" which he is relentless about (and she secretly likes.) Bell plays fast and loose with consent, privacy and boundaries, but I found him hard to hate. Birdie is innocent and naive and filled with shame & insecurity especially over her disaster twin Busy, and it was frankly hard for me to read at times. However, I think her naïveté is the point, as she falls into sin and corruption under Bell's spell, and learns to stand up for herself.

The Bell family cameos are super fun. There are a few other mentions from other series which I won't spoil here, but I squealed!! And of course the intelligent, lush and gorgeous prose that is Sierra's writing is unmatched. I literally have 286 words & quotes highlighted!

Preorder now if you're a fan of her work! This one is not to be missed. 🖤

🖤 Thank you to Sierra Simone & Flavia for the ARC

[Nya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Receieved an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars.

I soooooo very badly wanted to give this 5 stars, and it was so very close.

I want to prefice this before I go any further: This was such an emotional ride. I LOVED the content warnings and the way Sierra Simone addressed the topics she tackles in this book. I have never read a book of hers before but found her writing and messages to be so intriguing and beautiful.

This book is DARK. She means it. It touches on religion, grief, anxiety, loneliness, depression, and then GUILT. Religious guilt especially! But Sierra does it with such a true understanding to christianity and its lore and messaging that I think it's done so well. And she places her message of what she wanted to tell with this story explicitly for us at the end: that we can be selfish.

It is not just romance and spice. And, well, while that's also done incredibly well, my main praise stems from the tone and messaging of Birdie and Ryan. Birdie, especially, just needs a freaking hug. Everytime you think it can't get worse for her and then it DOES. She symbolizes so much of what is wrong with christianity (I am allowed to say that, I grew up in the church the same way Birdie did), and how much they have harmed her. She stands by the idea that suffering is what it means to be a good christian. And Ryan tells her: fuck that.

Their love story is so beautiful because of this. It's not so much "come with me over to the dark side", because at the end Birdie and Ryan are still "good" people, but people who do not let others, in the name of religious piety, walk all over them anymore. Her growth was phenomal to read.

The only reason why I couldnt give it 5 stars is because I am a picky mofo. I loved the spice, but felt it was a bit too much at times. I was like, yes, thanks for the steam, but let me cry just a lil more.