Want to know how to defend yourself from evil? Never let it get under your skin.
For fifteen years, I’ve served as the sidekick to one of Chicago’s most sought-after exorcists, banishing demons and surviving night terrors so vicious I couldn’t confide in anyone but my own four walls. Then my mentor abandons me when I need him most, leaving me with a case I can’t solve and a growing fear that I’m not quite the righteous exorcist-in-training I thought I was.
Because the evil I’m sworn to destroy? It isn’t out there. It’s inside me. And it won’t leave without a fight.
Struggling to find answers and make my way alone, I take my first solo exorcism—just a routine cleanse of a wealthy, secretive family in their sprawling country estate. Except nothing about that house is routine. Corruption leaks from the walls. Death stains the floorboards. And the deeper I dig, the more I uncover a pulsing demonic underworld of power and rot that makes hell look like a carnival ride.
To survive it, I’ll need to confront the creature keening within me, filling my mind with temptation and my body with forbidden desire. But this battle will leave more than scars—and here’s the vicious
I want him gone. I need him more. ...Almost as much as he needs me.
For fans of dangerous demonic bargains, enemies-to-lovers slow burn, and morally gray heroines who fight back and fight dirty, Wicked as Sin is the dark, addictive beginning of The Accidental Exorcist series. CONTENT NOTE This dark paranormal romance contains demonic possession and loss of bodily autonomy, body horror, complex consent dynamics, graphic violence, and explicit sexual content. Intended for mature readers (18+) who aren't afraid of the dark. Mostly.
Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of contemporary magical romance and romantic fantasy. Her series include the Boston Magic Academies (written as DD Chance), the Gatekeepers of the Gods series (an update of her Gowns & Crowns series) and the contemporary (non-magical) RuleBreakers Series. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio. You can find her online at www.JenniferChance.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorJenniferChance.
Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher for this free ebook. This is my honest review.
check trigger warnings ⚠️
First, let me say I went in not knowing how I would feel about this book based off the description. That being said, I became so engrossed in this story. It was so much more than I bargained for. I finished in just two reading sessions. It's definitely not just a slow burn paranormal romance. The romance is, in a way, back burner to the demonic possessions throughout the story. I wish I could jump right into the second book.
Wicked As Sin does not ease you in. It grabs you by the collar, drags you into a nightmare house in the woods, and whispers, “Sweetheart, the real monster is inside you.” And our girl? She’s been exorcising demons for fifteen years like it’s her side hustle, only to find out the biggest problem is the one living rent‑free under her own skin.
She’s been the loyal sidekick, the apprentice, the one doing the dirty work while her mentor gets the glory — and then he bails the second things get messy. Classic. Suddenly she’s alone, exhausted, and dealing with night terrors that feel a little too personal. And then she takes her first solo case, which is supposed to be a simple cleanse.
Spoiler: it is NOT simple. The house is basically a haunted meat grinder. The family is hiding secrets like it’s a competitive sport. And the evil inside her is like, “Hey bestie, miss me?”
The demon within her? Oh, he’s a PROBLEM. He’s temptation with claws, desire with teeth, and the kind of morally catastrophic presence that makes you go, “I hate this… but also… continue.” Their dynamic is pure enemies‑to‑lovers slow burn with a side of “I should call a therapist but instead I’m going to flirt with the entity possessing me.”
The atmosphere is thick enough to chew. The corruption in the house feels alive. Every hallway is a threat. Every whisper feels like it’s aimed directly at your spine. And the deeper she digs, the more the world opens into this rotting, demonic underbelly that makes hell look like a theme park.
And the best part? She’s not some pure, righteous heroine. She’s messy. She’s angry. She’s powerful in ways she doesn’t want to admit. She’s fighting the monster while also… kinda wanting him. And that tension is chef’s kiss.
Why 4 stars? A couple pacing bumps, a few moments where the internal monologue loops — but honestly, the vibes are immaculate. It’s dark, it’s sexy, it’s morally questionable, and it sets up a series that’s about to get absolutely feral.
I loved this story about someone who works with a Rabbi to exorcise demons. She has had a gift since she was little but didn't really know how to channel it, until Mordecai. Sadly she is now on her own trying to help a family who have been possessed for years.
Delia's job was being an assistant to her mentor, a famous exorcist.. Until she finds herself alone, facing a house of horrors unlike any of the smaller jobs he'd taken her on. With no one to turn to for help, she thinks about quitting altogether but then there's Max, one of the people living in the house, who begs her for her help, for anything, because he, his family.. They need it. But what can Delia do alone.. If you can even still call her that?
This book was great. The perfect level of unhinged, bits of horror, creepy descriptions of possession, haunted houses, demons.. And then also of regular day to day life, Delia's job, her roommate, even a hint of romance.. And always just enough to keep you guessing. Even after only reading the beginning, I knew I'd be in for a good time - Delia realizing she herself had a bit of a problem too was so well done, so subtle, I loved it. I also enjoyed that for a book about exorcists, this isn't a super religion heavy story - especially the mentor's motto of help anyone who needs help was done very well and really removed this story from other exorcist stories for me.
The book is written in first person - usually not my favourite but here it just works. Things aren't just casually happening, no, they're happening right here, right now and the stakes feel real. I really enjoyed how much you could watch Delia be torn between running away and forgetting about everything.. And knowing that she's the only one who could help, who's willing to even listen. If she also turns her back, who can Max turn to? And it's not just that, beside all of this there's Delia's own mystery she's got to solve.
I actually quite liked the ending as well - opens the story up for sequels, including Max' story and I really appreciated that. Sure, it's a little jarring but it matches the characters so well, it's exactly what they'd do in that situation and that really stood out to me. Can't say too much now but ugh, this is just the type of book that has me wanting to reach for book 2 immediately. No breaks, no other reads, I want more of Delia's story and I want it now. The romance landing where it did made this one perfect, but again, no spoilers.
All that said, I did not like the cover. It feels so random and honestly almost made me put the book off without giving it a chance at all. But the book itself is so worth the read! I'm really glad I had a closer look and noticed that little hint of "The accidental exorcist" at the bottom - a little reminiscent of the Blue exorcist.
Overall, a really fun story - fast paced, unhinged, sometimes a little scary in the best of ways, while also slow at the right times, following up on the great mystery of Delia's life, without giving you everything in one go either. I had a great time and I'm so glad to have found another author to follow for more!
Thank you Oliver Heber Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was very afraid that the basis of the storyline, exorcism, might be a tired theme, but I should have known better! Jenn Stark does nothing expected, ever. And Wicked as Sin is no exception.
Who would have thought someone could make accidentally exorcising demons into a profession? Well, Delia certainly managed. And managed well, if at times clumsily. But, then, she does know demons...intimately.
I won't go into detail because I don't do spoilers, but I will say that the method behind the madness of Delia's stint at being an exorcist seems to have worked out well for her, and to the detriment of demons. Yet, her very unorthodox ways of finding those who need her help put her somewhat in peril, and definitely in the limelight.
And so, a business is born. And with that business, friendships are formed. And a life of following directions from her mentor, Mordechai, has given her a calling most unusual for a young woman. It may be an old plot type, but never have you met so innovative yet clumsy an exorcist as Delia. Don't be fooled by the theme's age. Exorcism may date way back, but this exorcist is fresh, innovative, and extremely likable. The fun is in the methods and the engaging personality of the heroine.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone and everyone who enjoys a good exorcist vs demons book. Put aside your expectations and just enjoy the imaginative mind of Jenn Stark/Jennifer Chance. She never fails to entertain!
Very well done, Jenn Stark/Jennifer Chance! Very well done, indeed. Can't wait for book 2!
Wicked As Sin leans fully into its dark premise, and the demonic possession element is what really sets it apart. The tension between sin and salvation runs through every page, weaving religious symbolism into the romance in a way that feels intense and unsettling. The possession storyline is not just a backdrop. It shapes the characters’ choices, their fears, and the way they grapple with guilt, desire, and faith. The constant question of what is truly evil versus what is simply human adds a compelling psychological layer.
The religious themes are heavy but purposeful. There is strong imagery tied to confession, temptation, and damnation, which amplifies both the horror aspects and the heat. The push and pull between devotion and desire made the romance feel even more forbidden and emotionally charged.
I did want slightly more depth in a few of the spiritual conflicts, which is the only reason this was not a full five stars for me. Still, it is bold, provocative, and unafraid to explore dark territory.
Trigger warnings: demonic possession, religious trauma, explicit sexual content, violence, blasphemous themes, psychological manipulation.
If you enjoy romance that blends horror elements with heavy religious undertones and high emotional intensity, this one absolutely delivers.
Wicked As Sin honestly caught me off guard in the best way. I went in expecting something fairly standard and got a dark, unhinged mix of possession horror and intense, emotional romance instead.
Delia as a main character really worked for me—she’s thrown into a situation way over her head, but what made it even better is that she’s not just dealing with demons in a house… she’s dealing with something inside herself too. That element was revealed so subtly and hooked me immediately.
The horror aspects were genuinely creepy at times, and I loved how the possession storyline actually *mattered*—it shaped the characters, their choices, and the tension throughout. There’s also a strong thread of religious themes (sin, guilt, temptation) that made everything feel heavier and more emotionally charged, especially in the romance.
I also really liked that, despite the exorcist premise, it didn’t feel overly preachy. It focused more on helping people than strict religion, which made it stand out for me.
The ending worked for me—it’s a bit abrupt, but it fits and definitely made me want the next book *immediately*.
Not a full five stars only because I wanted a bit more depth in some areas, but overall this was such a fun, creepy, slightly chaotic read. Also… the cover does it no justice at all. Don’t let that stop you.
ARC Review of Wicked As Sin by J. Chance * * * * * You've been served with a slow burn, dark paranormal romance and it's only the first course! Thank you to Netgalley for providing my copy.
I was so happy I gave this book a chance. It ticked all my boxes and is even more enjoyable when you are in the mood for this very yummy graphic read. I'm not one for slow burn but this was still very well done in the spice department, sucking you in to what our FMC is going to do next in her situation. Dark, creepy vibes over the chilling tensity that comes from both horror and naughty delight. Not too heavy on history and religion which would have taken this story on a different path, but it was enough to provide context and detail. Our FMC Delia was great, really enjoyed her character. Loved some of the motivation that came from her, she ain't letting no flying cutlery stop her today! Plus we get that twist in the end that isn't overly gripping but enough to have you wanting to know what crazy drama and journey is going to happen next!
Wicked Sin by Jennifer Chance is book 1 in The Accidental Exorcist book series by the author. Delia is our FMC, and works with Rabbi Mordechai who is a famous exorcist in Chicago and is Delia's mentor. Something terrible happens and Delia is left alone and with so many questions, along with meeting Maxwell Graham who happened to be someone that Mordechai was looking into. Maxwell shows up asking Delia for help with 10,000 dollars in tow. Delia has been exorcising demons for 15 years and has always been the sidekick, never the main character. There are so many things that are great about this story, including the religious tones, demonic possessions, and so much more! I loved meeting Lucian Gray and his wickedness and the fact that he is oh so sensual way is so enticing for the next book in the series! I think that this author wrote a great first book for this interesting series about exorcism and demonic possession in this one. I can not wait to read more of this series by the author soon!
Delia has worked with as an assistant to an exorcist friend and mentor for fifteen years, but suddenly, she’s on her own and feeling very unprepared when she’s approached to help a family who’s being tormented by demons. While her first instinct is to pass and let someone more qualified handle the infestation, she soon becomes determined to help out Max and his family.
I liked Delia, she had a tough start in life, but she found a place for herself and her unique skills. I really liked Claire and how positive she is, I feel like there’s more to her story and can’t wait to find out what it is in future stories. There are a lot of twist and turns in the book and I have to say that I loved what happens in the very last chapter! No spoilers here, but I cannot wait for book two to see how things play out. This was an excited start to a new series and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
I'm a total sucker for everything demon... and an exorcist? Count me in. I'm sold😂
I was intrigued from the beginning. The story started with a bang. The story is faced paced, but in a good way! Even tho the first part of the story was a bit of a learning curve. But the book has a good plot, and you get the contours and some depth to the character's in the book. I did miss some more details around the side peeps. But I'm sure we will see more of that in book two.
Delia... I feel we just scratched the surface of what and who she is in this book. And I want to know more. She's complex, hard but soft. Vulnerable but strong..
My conclusion is that this is a good starter book for a series. It intrigued me enough to wish for the second book right away. And It kept me engrossed all the way!
The last two chapters.... Oh my! I reeeally need to know what happens next! And
Okay I was not expecting this book at all. When I heard exorcist, I did not expect all of this. Mind you it does get really crazy in here. But as a religious person I think I'm safe. But this book was super interesting because you meet Delia who is assistant to Rabbi Mordechai who is the one that does the exorcist. There's so much that goes on in this book that I did not expect any of it. There's so much crazy things that's happening, that it keeps you on your toes. I literally could not put this book down. Mind you, is the first time I've ever read a book like this. And it was super interesting. But like I said if you don't like books like this, don't read it. Because it was super interesting and it does go into a lot of things that are kind of like stuff you wouldn't think about. But like I said this book was really good and honestly if there's a next one I kind of want to read it because I need to know what happens after that ending.
It’s a Scary, Weird and interesting beginning into in the world of Exorcism.
Delia is a woman with a difficult pass. She meets a man who becomes her Mentor. The scary part is they do Exorcisms. Delia works with him for years and finds she has some odd and weird talents in this area.
Then…..everything changes!
Delia must navigate this scary job herself. You are thrown into a world that is new and difficult to understand. You are introduced to some interesting and odd ballish Characters, along with unknown demons. I love the way they draw you into their individual quirks. The twist and turns keep you moving at a good pace. You become spellbound and can’t wait to continue the series to learn more about this new world and the odd characters that navigate it. Thank you for the unique story with great new characters.
When I started this book, I was worried I wouldn't be able to get into it. Let me tell you, I was HOOKED after the first few chapters. The unreliable narrator in Delia, Mordechai's mysteriousness, Palmerious with his darkness, Max and his down-home feel, Claire never giving up on Delia, Steve never giving up on Delia, Officer Hernandez with her caring nature and just all of the characters. This book was beautifully written and will draw you in closer and closer the further you get into the book. The ending. Oh my, my....the ending I honestly DID NOT see coming. It was a surprise and made me so excited for the 2nd book in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a paranormal romance, demon possession, found family, and people who never give up on you. This is an amazing dark romance and I will recommend to all of my dark romance lovers!
Thank you Oliver Heber Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
"Want to know how to defend yourself from evil? Never let it get under your skin."
I will be completely honest I went into this book blind I was drawn in by the cover, I did not read the description before I read the book. With that being said I devoured this book it was so good!! This book had, demons, possessions, haunted houses, and some creepy as f*ck descriptions that gave me the jeebies. The romance was kind of a back burner situation but it wasn't in a bad way I think it actually helped the story along and gave us a really good pacing. I with 100% full honesty can say I can't wait to read more by this author!!!
The Possessed Exorcist Delia’s mentor is an exorcist, and he makes one rule very clear: she must never attempt an exorcism on her own. But Delia doesn’t listen. Then the unthinkable happens—her mentor dies under mysterious circumstances, leaving her to face the darkness alone. When Delia is invited to a house where strange happenings seem to defy explanation, demons feel like the only possible answer. But how can she cast out demons when one may already be living inside her? This story kept me turning the pages. The mystery pulls you in, and the demons seem determined to dominate every corner of the story. Will they succeed? Some might consider this pure horror, but to me it felt more like a blend of mystery, Gothic atmosphere, and an eerie undertone. I’m very curious to see what comes next in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC opportunity for Wicked As Sin.
Admittedly I found the first 50% a bit of a struggle, Though things were happening, it just didn't flow right for me, the story seemed to jump around and I found the writing style hard to follow at times resulting in having to re read certain paragraphs to follow what exactly was going on.
however, the last 50% the flow was found and I was fully able to immerse myself in the story. The last 40% of the book has me saying "just one more chapter" at every chapter and was a delight to read. I now can't wait to find out what happens in book two.
Jennifer Chance' story-telling goes from strength to strength. This latest offering is a beautifully crafted work that is so well written you almost 'live' in the story of Delia, an assistant exorcist. The people are entirely believable, with their own distinct characters and oddities living in vividly described settings. A colourful tale of envy, excess, addiction and opening the doors to demonic possession. Unexpected twists and turns keep you on your metaphorical toes! An excellent read, I will await the next book in this series (soon please!) with eager anticipation. A highly recommended read for those who want something a little different!
Supernatural romance and exorcisms? That’s a combination I did not know we were missing out on, but thanks to Jennifer Chance, she’s managed to fill this wicked little void for us by blending all the best devilish elements: dreadfully sassy characters, eerie possessions, and a slightly unhinged (compliment) romance all into one story. Amen.
She also did her research, so the knowledge and, dare I say, accuracy of exorcisms on the page keeps the story…grounded?
If you like your romances with sinister demons that you *know* you shouldn’t invite in, but do anyways - this is your thing.
This book surprised me. In the best way possible. It was unlike anything I’ve ever read, which is exciting, in the way that I was so intrigued by the main character’s life and backstory. The mystery of finding out what ACTUALLY happened on a crazy night that changed everything. I still have questions, which makes me want another book IMMEDIATELY. I loved this book and I’m PRAYING that it gets the recognition that it deserves!
🖤Thank you NetGalley and J. Chance for the opportunity to read this amazing book!🖤
Firstly, I would not describe this as a romance. A paranormal adventure, yes, but not a romance. It is indeed a dark book of exorcism and demonic body possession. This is not my preferred genre but I stuck with it due to the enticing 'romance' aspect, which unfortunately, I felt was actually quite absent. The story was good, the characters well written, and as usual, the author manages to paint a clear picture of the people and surroundings. It managed to hold my attention until the end. I just feel it could have been more romantically inclined..
This grabs you by the throat in the first chapter and doesn't let you go until the very end. I was up long past my bedtime because I couldn't put it down. Normally I hate slow burns but this one was absolutely yummy. The angst was at a fever pitch that I had to know how it ended.
Delia is the best kind of strong lead that feels like it's hard to find. The premise of the book was what hooked me initially, I wondered if the author would deliver and she did it times ten. I'm waiting in frustration for the next book. I've reread this twice already.
An accidental exorcist, Delia is an "assistant" to an aging Rabbi exorcist. Central to this story is an entire family has been possessed. This is a dark telling of exorcisms, romance on the back burner, mysterious side characters, and a big twisty at the end. Through it all, we never know why Delia has special abilities that aid her in her quest to rid demons of their host. I loved the side characters' mystery's they held from the story. I received an advance copy from the author.
This was a slight deviation from what I normally read. It was also a new genre jump for Jennifer Chance!
It was a well written book. I had to google at least one word that was used I hadn't read before, lol. This was a darker type book than what I have been reading lately.
I am looking forward to seeing how the series unfolds. As always Jennifer didn't disappoint!
Wicked As Sin By Jennifer Chance is book 1 in the Accidental Exorcist Trilogy. Please check content/trigger warnings before reading. This book was my first read by this author. This story was so good and I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed our FMC and how the story played out. It was giving vibes of the perfect spooky, mystery vibes you would see in your favorite spooky movies. Jennifer did such a Fantastic job and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2 when it release shortly!
I LOVED this book! Loved, loved, loved it! It was unique, at times terrifying, sexy, and unputdownable. Delia is totally badass, and her quirky friends fit so perfectly into the story, and eventually into her life. I especially LOVED the ending and wanted to cheer! Now I can't wait for the next one. I definitely need more - and you will, too.
I received an ARC of Wicked As Sin by J. Chance thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled to engage with this book, mostly due to not really attaching to the main character. I loved to idea behind the book and it was well written plot-wise, it just wasn't for me.
I couldn’t put this one down. Thoroughly enjoyed this new series. My favorite part of Jennifer’s books is the supporting cast - they’re always people I’d want to hang out with, especially knowing they’d have my back in all my adventures.
If this is your first Jennifer Chance book - you’re in luck, she has a great library of story’s to read.
Wow! This was my first time reading about demon possession & exorcism, but I can't wait for book 2, I'm hooked. Jennifer Chance writes a compelling story, drawing readers into Delia's off-kilter world, where reality isn't really clear-cut. The tension rackets up to an exciting ending & the promise of much more to come.