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Saving Samiel

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Tired of being entangled in relationships where she felt more like a caretaker than a partner, Annie has sworn off mortal men. Searching for her perfect fit, the quirky, goth nutritionist ventures to the mysterious Valley of the Damned in search of a better match.

Samiel has been biding his time for four long decades, forbidden from seeking a mate after an incident involving the mayor's prized chickens becoming possessed goats. The mischievous, dominating demon harbors dreams of finding true connection.

When Annie and Samiel's paths converge, sparks ignite in ways neither could have predicted. Can a rebellious demon with decades of bad habits and a woman weary of human men discover the partnership they both desire?

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

11 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Jenifer Wood

6 books151 followers
Jen has been reading for as long as she can remember. She used to get in trouble for reading Little House on the Prairie under her desk in elementary school.

Jen is married to a very polite Englishman she brought back as a souvenir from her college study abroad trip. She has identical twin mutants who make her question her sanity daily. When not writing, she enjoys reading about monster dick, napping, and watching soothing cooking shows.

She is a goth kid at heart and truly wishes she could wear platform combat boots and black nail polish on all occasions.

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5 stars
27 (61%)
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12 (27%)
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3 (6%)
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2 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Brittanica Bold.
565 reviews70 followers
December 15, 2025
What a wonderful start to a new series I know I’ll gobble up every book in!!

I adored our MCs so much, and their chemistry was amazing!! I loved how Samiel was this big demon, but he was so tender with Annie and so in need of love after 40 years of not being able to even attempt to find it. And Annie was such a cool, gothic chick who was done with being the only one who cared in her relationships that she sought out this alternative method to dating and mating.

I absolutely loved the bingo system for how the demons and humans found each other, and I would love to see more success stories come out of the program in the future! HOWEVER, I also need Samiel’s brother Azazel to get his own book, so maybe we get both in one?!?!?! A girl can dream hahaha

I absolutely loved their intimate moments. From the sweet moments of them learning each other’s bodies to the completely feral primal play instances, these two had amazing sexual chemistry! I really loved how during the act Annie would ask him questions like what she was supposed to do with his knot; this is a microtrope I really love: checking in with each other during the act. I loved that we also got a forked tongue, sensitive horns, and a knot 😉

Thank you to Jenifer Wood for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Profile Image for Lisen.
52 reviews
December 8, 2025
Rating: 3 ⭐️
Spice: 5 🌶️, but a bit repetitive

Tropes: demon x human • strong fmc • touch-starved and possessive mmc • knotting • primal play • very fast burn

I'm having real difficulties reviewing this one...

The story and the take on demon x human is new and so very interesting. The characters are fun and layered.

So why don't I love it? It's right up my alley.
It all comes down to the writing for me in this one. While it was in no way bad writing, it was so chock-full of metaphors and similes in almost every single line, that it became difficult to read for me. I found I had to concentrate so hard to keep track of what was happening, that it overshadowed my enjoyment of the book. I'm ashamed to say, I had to force myself not to DNF the book...

And combined with the fact, that the author created an entirely new world/reality, and didn't really explain "the rules" of the world to the reader, made the story a miss for me.

Don't get me wrong! It was a good story! Hence the 3⭐️'s, but it was way too hard to get into.

This book is for you, if you love you some possessive - and violent *yum yum* demon action between the sheet and out in the world.
Profile Image for Paige (paigersturnspages).
283 reviews15 followers
December 17, 2025
this is for all the alt/goth girlies who love monsters and aren't afraid to be weird everything jen writes is an absolute banger and you know there's gonna be some excellent knotting in it lol. I love the dynamic between Samiel and Annie, they aren't afraid to give it right back to each other. someone to love you just as you are and never thinks you're too much or too weird but loves you even more for it. thank you jen for this amazing arc and for being on your team 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Soleil Lueltar.
3 reviews
December 12, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy and I absolutely loved it.
Sweet and rough and something else that's hard to describe.
Can't wait for the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Bookfairymel .
176 reviews13 followers
December 9, 2025
This was sooooo good! I loved every second of it, both the main characters were so interesting and deep. Starting with Samiel, a demon who was punished, forced to stay away from finding love and a bride, for forty years. He’s desperate to please, to love, to convince Annie to stay with him. He’s laying everything out in the open, in an almost shy, vulnerable way, with a mask of confidence and sarcasm. It was heart wrenching to see everything he had missed out on, movies, companionship, the simple pleasures of love and company. Seeing him smile and do everything to prove himself made me love him so much. And Annie, a confident woman who has never been appreciated. She wants something real, honest and sharp edged, fighting between wanting freedom and wanting to be kept by Samiel. She met him head on every time, challenging him and approaching life unafraid of it all while still being scared it could backfire.

This was truly a case of both MCs laying it all out on the table and seeing if the other would shy away. They never did and that only made the spice that much hotter. They challenged each other and met each other at a ravenous peak. The chemistry was electric and fiery, and then the after was all soft edges, kisses and care. It was perfect, and sweet and everything I could ever ask for. Plus the conflict was real and not over done to the point of miscommunication and angst for the sake or it. I really loved it and I hope to see more of this series in the future!
Profile Image for Carly Miller.
56 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2025
ARC Review

Saving Samiel: Bingo Brides 1
Author: Jenifer Wood
Genre: Monster Romance
Release Date: December 12, 2025
Spice: A Million Peppers
Tropes: Size Difference, Contract Marriage, Touch Her & Die, Knotting…Monster Peen

That was a smutty, wild ride. The premise of this book is chefs kiss and I cannot wait for more "Bingo Brides". The author said she wrote this for herself as a fan of Monster Smut not just a writer and it comes across the page. The FMC Annie is human tired or mortal men and the MMC Sam is a demon that's waited 40 years to find her. Welcome to Valley of the Damned a monster haven in the Nevada desert where even the secondary characters will give you a laugh. The characters are will written and the world building gives you full visualization of the setting. I appreciate that Sam is written like a demon should be…not a "misunderstood, grump who's really a poet at heart". The spice is extra level. No slow burns here…you do have to read "some" story to get to it…but don't worry, it's gonna hit like a brick. Enjoy the ride!

Triggers: Always check your triggers & be good to yourself

#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #bookish #bookrec #books #bookaddict #monsterromance #jeniferwood #ARC
Profile Image for Michelle.
385 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 11, 2025
I absolutely love Jenifer Wood's writing! She writes in such an eloquent and beautifully insightful way that makes you do a double take and realize..."This monster romance is making me CRY!" A unique twist on the arranged marriage/marriage of convenience trope having demons play a game of bingo and winners get their pick of potential brides. Samiel and Annie may seem like sarcastic jaded souls but each secretly wants to find love and companionship that is so much more than the lackluster partners and soul-crushingly loneliness and unacceptance. After winning her in a round of bingo, these paranormal paramours will experience a trial engagement that will test the limits of their bodies and their hearts. Their chemistry is off-the-charts and their romance progresses in a heartbreaking and realistic way, depicting two people who have never experienced love and who are still working on navigating their own wants in compliance with their partner's. Annie may have signed on a deal with a demon, but Samiel's soul was truly hers from the start.

Also has one of the FUNNIEST comebacks I am dying to use on an ex: "Turns out I'm into guys who can bench-press a Buick and don't need WebMD to find a clitoris."
1 review
December 12, 2025
It’s written in first person pov with alternating povs every chapter which as a personal preference I don’t love. It’s definitely not a slow burn by any stretch which is fantastic and I honestly find it to be fairly well written and not too cliche (it was a little bit) which a lot of these books tend to be. Do definitely heed the trigger warnings they aren’t just there for show and it makes for a great story if you don’t mind them. However personally I just wasn’t a big fan. The first person makes it really hard to get into for me and the story line just kind of fell flat in my opinion.

In all ways it should have been something I loved. But the writing really let down the story. After a point it just sort of got really repetitive, following the same pattern which made it feel at some points that the book didn’t need to be so long.

I don’t know for me this feels like a lot of the same type of thing from this genre which is super disappointing based on what I was seeing of the book before I read it. It just feels as though it was trying to add shock value to relatively simple sex scenes to make them more interesting. The kink is not the issue, the issue is that its inclusion felt flat and lacked the depth that true kink scenes tend to have.
96 reviews
December 2, 2025
I just finished reading Saving Samiel by Jenifer Wood. I picked it up intending to read only a few chapters and somehow ended up finishing the entire book in a short time. It held me from the first pages and never really loosened its grip.

Following Annie and Samiel as their relationship slowly unfolded was such a pleasure. The story contains a few spicy moments, but the domestic and romantic scenes felt even more present, and those were the parts that captivated me the most. There is something comforting about watching a couple share simple moments together, and I realized how much I have missed that in recent books.

If I have a single point of criticism, it would be related to the writing style. Some passages felt a little repetitive, as if the prose lingered in one spot instead of moving forward. It created a brief sense of the text tightening now and then. Even so, this did not keep me from enjoying the book. The overall experience was warm, engaging and unexpectedly addictive.

Thank you to Jenifer Wood for sending me an ARC copy. I am sharing my honest thoughts in this review.
Profile Image for Katie Welder .
83 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2025
This was so good! I'll be honest. Samiel's appearance was kinda off putting at first glance but I feel like that is the intent. It leans into how we see "true monsters".

Annie is sick of human men. They have failed her one too many times. While Samiel is looking to finally end his long standing bachelorhood though by his own fault. Both needed Bingo Brides to be the change in their lives but I doubt they expected all that they got.

Love these two both together and separate. Don't let the cover fool you. Annie isn't the little damsel it makes her out to be. Annie is such a strong kick ass woman and doesn't back down. And Samiel is more than his carnal desires. He is one of the sweetest partners a person could want. Sprinkle in some touch her and die? And he is the monster for me!

There are so many hot and spicy moments. Love it when a tail gets put to good use 😉. And let's just say Samiel embraces his monsterous side. Also who else wouldn't want a snack post romp.

I need more Bingo brides! And Azazel better be in there somewhere. The other women are hinted at in the beginning so its just a matter of time.
160 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 12, 2025
“What a gift, I thought, to simply be held; to have someone anchor me to the world.”

I loved these characters so much! And the setup of the Bingo Brides was hilarious!!! Demons winning a game of BINGO for the privilege to select a trial bride from a group of volunteers- how HILARIOUS! I CANNOT wait to read more of their stories! It was such a fun ride watching their chemistry ignite and then grow feelings.

Samiel definitely won me over fast! All of his feelings and instincts were dialed up so high, it was so easy to fall for him! The heat hits early and takes off like a wildfire! I loved their instant connection!

Annie is a lovely nuanced character who makes me want to do something brave too.

What’s Inside
❤️Demon/Human
❤️Possessive MCs
❤️Cooking as Love Language
❤️Trial Marriage
❤️Compatibility tests
❤️Low Angst
❤️High Spice

Special *Features*
❤️Tail
❤️Knotting
❤️Forked tongue
❤️Sensitive Horns
❤️Claiming Chase

❤️The Vibes❤️
Hot hot hot with a side of feelings 🥰

Overall 4.5/5 Stars

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. My opinions are my own. Thank you!
Profile Image for Rachel Reads.
32 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2025
** ARC Review **

Annie is tired of human men. Relatable, honestly. So when she learns about a program that matches human women with eligible bachelor demons, she figures she has nothing to lose. Samiel, on the other hand, has been banned from being with a human female for the past 40 years after a prank he pulled on the town's mayor. He's ready to leave the chastity corner.

When the two of them come together, the chemistry is electric, but as part of the program conditions, they will have to survive a three-day relationship trial period and then decide if they want to continue on together from there. Annie is game. Samiel is desperate. They'll both have to figure out if a human and a demon can really embrace their differences to build an infernal life together.

Samiel and Annie were so cute. I loved their banter and their super steamy adventures. Overall a really fun read. Would recommend to fans of spicy demon x human romance with low angst and rapid fire banter.
Profile Image for Allurah.
62 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2025
I really liked this new spin on the "humans dating monsters" trope with this structured 3 day trial period to see how well they mesh. Having these organized activities to see how well a human and a demon can acclimate to the other's culture was unique, which embraced the demon's nature instead of turning them into human carbon copies. It seems like a lot of monsters end up just being effectively a human with green skin and a big c&ck so embracing the need to chase and unrepentant possessiveness was nice.

There's also something about Jenifer's writing style that has some great, obscure references and every once in a while, she just sucker punches you with a really poignant quote.

"I'd spent most of my life trying not to be too much, only to wonder if I'd accidentally made myself into nothing at all."

"I thought about every moment of loneliness I'd ever hoarded, and every empty comfort I'd ever settled for, and felt them all burn away in the heat of her body."
Profile Image for Jillian.
Author 9 books5 followers
December 9, 2025
This is a fun and spicy monster romance. It’s the first installment in the planned Bingo Brides series.

Human FMC Annie arrives in Nevada after yet another bad breakup. She heads straight for the monster bingo bride hall, where she is basically put up for auction as a bride for a demon. She immediately catches the eye of demon MMC Samiel. They make a connection and enter into a temporary arrangement to see if they’re a match.

This book was a fun take on the arranged-marriage trope. The characters were endearing and easy to root for. The world-building was enjoyable, with demons having their own community. I liked how they got to know each other, and the spice was extra spicy.

Overall, this was a fun, easy-to-read monster romance. I hope the Bingo Brides series continues and we get more monster/human couples.

Spice 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily, leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Bordelinedino.
31 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2025
I loved this book.

It pulled me in from the first few pages with Annie talking through her painful relationship history and whats about to happen. Then going through the details of the actual bingo (which is wild by the way) and then the combustion that is meeting Samiel. BTW Industrial zipper is a brilliant line.

The back and forth between those two was brilliant. The little one liners and passive aggressive remarks filling in around actual meaningful conversations was great.

It was great seeing Sam learning how to see Annie as a person rather than a possession and Annie standing up for herself.

Also the heat! Damn! Sam had all the extras.
-Primal chase
-Knotting
-Tail play
-Fancy Peen
-Height and size difference
-Wings

That first chase scene is definitely going to be one that stays with me for awhile.

I'm excited for the next book in series.
Profile Image for Isa Newbury | reading_isa.
543 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 11, 2025
**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

3.75-4 ⭐️
4 🌶

This one had some good vibes. Annie is tired of finding disappointing partners, so she chooses to enter into a demon bride program run by bingo games 💁‍♀️ She is picked by Samiel and they start their trial marriage off HOT! 🔥

Towards the end of the middle of the book, I was unsure of what was supposed to be happening, though. Overall a fun time, but I wish there had been a bigger conflict to be resolved than just an ex-boyfriend. This was still enjoyable and I would love to read more in the series when they come out!

☆demon x human
☆knotting
☆size difference
☆primal chase/interconnected
☆trial marriage
☆hand necklaces
Profile Image for Chloe.
143 reviews4 followers
December 24, 2025
I love that this is a romance where everyone falls in love and it is just genuine and cozy and nice. there is no miscommunication, there is no world ending threat, it's just nice.

I hate to say it as I think this is something we just need to accept nowadays, but the editing was abysmal. I almost wanted to message Jenifer with the offer to be a second round editor after her first 2 are done. I don't think it was a failing in Jenifer's part so much as her editors. somehow they missed some major issues.

the sex scene! hot. but excessive. it got to a point where I was skipping them entirely.

I love the world, I love the premise. I am very excited for this series to continue. I can only hope we get more plot, less sex. and some, PLEASE, help the editors.
Profile Image for Sara Toerner.
87 reviews
December 16, 2025
Saving Samiel is book one in the new series, Bingo Brides, by Jenifer Wood. Annie has had enough with mortal men so she takes part in the bingo brides program to be paired with someone of the demon persuasion. My biggest takeaway from this book, and what has me excited for the series is the chemistry between Annie and Samiel, and not just in the spicy moments (which there are plenty of). Annie isn’t an FMC to just wilt at the first opportunity, instead she’s a spitfire who can give as well as she gets. Samiel is also not quite what he seems and is the perfect combo of sweet and protective. Put these two together and there are definite fireworks! Truly can’t wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Tara.
105 reviews
December 18, 2025
Samiel and Annie, loved this story, the concept
Of Bridal Bingo is so cute. This book tugged on my heart a little bit because before I met my husband I too felt like I wasn't enough but he made me feel like I was enough. Samiel is the perfect demon and yes even with the temper and possessiveness he was perfect . I love that Annie doesn't have to apologize anymore or shrink her personality down to make Samiel love her. This book was the perfect amount of spice and plot. Also loved the cat
5⭐️4.5 🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah.
76 reviews
December 5, 2025
*ARC READER*
Oh my goodness, I’ve never needed more of a series…. This is a Jenifer wood book so of course she knocked it out of the park but ya this one was hot. The process of finding a partner by signing up for a trial marriage with demons (hilarious) but Annie and Samiel are horny monsters and I want nothing but the best for them. A bit of angst 3rd act but no breakup. It’s pretty low level and these two are very hot together. Big fan of this and hope to see more books on the horizon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica Steed.
118 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2025
If your looking for a high spice, cozy, low stakes and super sweet read then this is definitely a read to check out!
The Bingo brides in Las Vegas set up had me right from the get go and I can't wait to see where this series goes. I really enjoyed how the demons were portrayed. The whole world has me really intrigued

I did enjoy how the relationship between the MCs progressed. I could have used just a bit more conflict but I thought it hit that cozy vibe while also having alternative style characters.

Overall fun read- definitely pick this up if your looking for high spice and alternative cozy. I'm looking foreword to the next in this series
Profile Image for Lillian Grey.
Author 2 books8 followers
December 12, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Fable Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Goodreads Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Genre: Monster Romance
Tropes:
🖤fast burn
🖤touch her and die
🖤knotting, tail action & chasing
🖤marriage contract
🖤size difference
🖤strong-willed FMC
🖤touch-starved possessive MMC
🖤chasing
🖤tail action
Format: ebook
Pages: 249
Spice: 3.5 🌶️
S/S: Bingo Brides
Check trigger warnings for any book

Annie and Samiel meet.

Lillian - @lillianbookreviews on instagram
Profile Image for Neida.
33 reviews
December 10, 2025
My favorite of Jenifer Wood's books so far! Saving Samiel is SPICY, actually quite sweet, and a fantastic read from start to finish. I'll try to keep this spoiler free, but the Bingo Brides concept itself is so fun that I was drawn in from the start. Samiel is definitely my new favorite book boyfriend and Annie is a gd force. I'll be patiently(ish) waiting for a sequel!
218 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 12, 2025
OKAY I LOVED THIS SO MUCH.

This is my first Jennifer Wood read and I am already scoping out more -- this book was the perfect blend of heartwarming, cozy, swoon-worthy romance and spice + fun.

I enjoyed every second of this book and devoured it in a matter of hours. I absolutely loved Annie + Samiel so much - and don't get me started on FLUOXETINE!!!!?!?!

10/10 - no notes.

Profile Image for Amanda.
341 reviews19 followers
December 15, 2025
Sign me up for the next Bingo Brides!

This was such a great low-angst monster romance! I loved the instant connection Samiel and Annie had at the bingo parlor. They worked so well together and really made the most out of their 90 day probationary period. I can't wait to meet the next couple featured in this series!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
114 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 14, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up

I thought this was a very fun take on the world of monster/human romance. I really loved our main fella, Samiel! I did however struggle understanding parts of the book, it just felt like some things were over explained while parts I was confused about just coasted right on by haha but that could just be a me problem. I really appreciated there not being a 3rd act breakup, more just a 3rd act fight. Overall, I'd recommend this if you're looking for a fairly low stress, monster romance read to let you escape a little this holiday season!

Also Samiel's cat's name??? Why did Annie never question that? 😂😂
Profile Image for Mrs. Pendragon Pages .
185 reviews8 followers
December 15, 2025
Trial marriage to a Hot Demon, yes please!

Smutty vibes and wild rides. This one will not have any slow burns; it gets straight to monster high heat. Annie and Sam’s chemistry is high on the charts. I love how there is no sugar coating their relationship. Both Annie and Samiel are very clear about what they want from this arrangement right off the bat. Their romance might have started as all physical, but their relationship flourished as they came to know each other. I LOVE these two!
Not sure if the next bingo bride can top off this one, but I’m here for it!

Thank you, Jenifer Wood, for this ARC. All opinions are my own
Profile Image for Sarabeth.
207 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2025
An arranged marriage competition set in Sin City with demons, you say?!?! Think 90 day fiancée but with all the demon dicking and primal play your mind can conjure up 😅👹

I rate this a 5/5 spice level for the early and often hawtness of it all. The scenes were not dark and depraved, more savage and sweet 😉
Sex scenes can be summed up like this:🍴👅😜😈📿🍑🪡🏃‍♀️🪢⛱️
Profile Image for Melissa Gonzales.
134 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2025
Omg, Jenifer, really outdid herself with her new demon romance!

The unique world building, the character development, the banter? So so good. Had me on the floor laughing and swooning for Samiel.

But ma’am, the spice?! That was some HOT stuff and I ate it all up.

Thanks so much Jenifer for the gifted ARC! This releases 12/12 so pre-order it now!
Profile Image for NeedMoreBookSpace .
366 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2025
Very fun romp thru the desert and possibly haunted lake, lol. I enjoyed the characters being open and vulnerable with one another. And the bingo aspect to winning a bride had me giggling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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