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Only the Devil: The Sinful State Series, Book 2
I've survived combat zones and classified missions.
But watching her walk into danger? That might kill me.
The assignment seemed pose as a dutiful boyfriend while she infiltrates a finance mogul’s operation. Keep her safe. Keep my distance. Get the evidence and get out.
Simple, until the mogul hired me as his personal security.
Now I have a front-row seat to his empire of greed—and his predatory interest in the brilliant woman I'm supposed to be pretending to love. Every day I watch him dangle millions in front of her like bait, testing her limits, pushing her boundaries.
The problem? My feelings for Daisy stopped being pretend the moment she treated me like I was more than just another soldier following orders.
She thinks she can handle Sterling's world. She thinks she can resist the temptation of life-changing money. But I don’t trust wealth and power. And when bodies start dropping and cryptocurrency millions vanish overnight, I realize we're not just hunting a white-collar criminal.
We're trapped in his web.
Daisy's got secrets she won't share and a past that makes her desperate enough to risk everything for justice. Sterling's got enough money to buy loyalty, silence, and alibis. And me? I've got a heart condition that ended my military career and feelings for a woman who might be playing a deeper game than either of us signed up for.
In a world where everyone has their price, I've found the one thing I won't her safety.
Even if it costs me everything.
Only the Devil is the second standalone novel in the explosive Sinful State series, where wealth, power, and desire collide in the shadows. Return to the world of the elite KOAN Security Group in this romantic suspense thriller that proves not all fortunes are made in heaven.
But watching her walk into danger? That might kill me.
The assignment seemed pose as a dutiful boyfriend while she infiltrates a finance mogul’s operation. Keep her safe. Keep my distance. Get the evidence and get out.
Simple, until the mogul hired me as his personal security.
Now I have a front-row seat to his empire of greed—and his predatory interest in the brilliant woman I'm supposed to be pretending to love. Every day I watch him dangle millions in front of her like bait, testing her limits, pushing her boundaries.
The problem? My feelings for Daisy stopped being pretend the moment she treated me like I was more than just another soldier following orders.
She thinks she can handle Sterling's world. She thinks she can resist the temptation of life-changing money. But I don’t trust wealth and power. And when bodies start dropping and cryptocurrency millions vanish overnight, I realize we're not just hunting a white-collar criminal.
We're trapped in his web.
Daisy's got secrets she won't share and a past that makes her desperate enough to risk everything for justice. Sterling's got enough money to buy loyalty, silence, and alibis. And me? I've got a heart condition that ended my military career and feelings for a woman who might be playing a deeper game than either of us signed up for.
In a world where everyone has their price, I've found the one thing I won't her safety.
Even if it costs me everything.
Only the Devil is the second standalone novel in the explosive Sinful State series, where wealth, power, and desire collide in the shadows. Return to the world of the elite KOAN Security Group in this romantic suspense thriller that proves not all fortunes are made in heaven.
Audible Audio
Published January 13, 2026
3 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Jolie
56 books530 followersApple Books Contemporary Romance Bestselling Author of spicy thrillers where love always wins. Get free books + early access: https://isabeljoliebooks.com/#newsletter
Heart-pounding romance. Unforgettable heroes. Sizzling happily-ever-afters—with a side of suspense that'll keep you up way past bedtime.
I dreamed of being a writer as a kid but took the "safe" route: journalism degree, advertising career, MBA, corporate gigs at Chase and Universal. Then in 2020, I said screw it and published my first book. Twenty-five books later, I'm living the dream.
I'm also a mom to two teenage daughters who are perpetually mortified by my career choices. My husband's an entrepreneur whose latest product is Nampons (yes, it rhymes with tampons and yes, it's for nosebleeds). Between my spicy romance and his biz... we've cornered the market on parental embarrassment.
My books feature tough characters facing tougher choices, compelling suspense, and storylines that'll make you think. But no matter how dark things get, my people always choose love.
Follow me wherever you love to scroll:
https://www.instagram.com/isabeljolie...
https://tiktok.com/@Therealisabeljolie
https://www.facebook.com/isabeljolieb...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isabe...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.pinterest.com/isabeljolie...
Heart-pounding romance. Unforgettable heroes. Sizzling happily-ever-afters—with a side of suspense that'll keep you up way past bedtime.
I dreamed of being a writer as a kid but took the "safe" route: journalism degree, advertising career, MBA, corporate gigs at Chase and Universal. Then in 2020, I said screw it and published my first book. Twenty-five books later, I'm living the dream.
I'm also a mom to two teenage daughters who are perpetually mortified by my career choices. My husband's an entrepreneur whose latest product is Nampons (yes, it rhymes with tampons and yes, it's for nosebleeds). Between my spicy romance and his biz... we've cornered the market on parental embarrassment.
My books feature tough characters facing tougher choices, compelling suspense, and storylines that'll make you think. But no matter how dark things get, my people always choose love.
Follow me wherever you love to scroll:
https://www.instagram.com/isabeljolie...
https://tiktok.com/@Therealisabeljolie
https://www.facebook.com/isabeljolieb...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isabe...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.pinterest.com/isabeljolie...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Audiobook Review | Narrated by Mollie Stark & Michael Gallagher
This audiobook had me completely locked in—heart racing, nerves shot, and emotions running high from start to finish.
Michael Gallagher delivers a phenomenal performance as the former military MMC. His voice carries that perfect blend of controlled intensity and vulnerability. You feel the weight of his past, the frustration of a career cut short by his heart condition, and the quiet devastation as his “pretend” feelings for Daisy turn painfully real. Gallagher excels at protective tension—every warning, every restrained moment sounds like it’s barely holding together.
Mollie Stark is equally compelling as Daisy. She gives her depth, intelligence, and grit without ever making her feel reckless or naïve. Daisy’s desperation for justice, her guarded secrets, and her refusal to back down—even when millions and manipulation are dangled in front of her—are all beautifully conveyed. Stark’s emotional delivery shines in the quieter moments just as much as in the high-stakes ones.
The fake relationship trope is done right here. The chemistry builds slowly, dangerously, and convincingly—layered with longing, restraint, and the constant threat that loving each other could cost them everything. The tension doesn’t just come from romance, but from power, greed, and the terrifying realism of a billionaire antagonist who knows exactly how to bend the system.
Sterling is chilling, not because he’s loud or dramatic, but because he’s believable. Money, influence, predatory charm—this is the kind of villain that feels uncomfortably real. The financial crimes, crypto intrigue, and escalating body count keep the suspense razor-sharp.
Mollie Stark and Michael Gallagher elevate this story with a perfectly balanced dual narration that keeps the danger and emotion front and center. Their performances complement each other beautifully and make the stakes feel personal and urgent.
If you love:
Fake dating with real emotional fallout
Protective, broken heroes
Strong, secretive heroines
Billionaire villains
High-stakes romantic suspense
This audiobook had me completely locked in—heart racing, nerves shot, and emotions running high from start to finish.
Michael Gallagher delivers a phenomenal performance as the former military MMC. His voice carries that perfect blend of controlled intensity and vulnerability. You feel the weight of his past, the frustration of a career cut short by his heart condition, and the quiet devastation as his “pretend” feelings for Daisy turn painfully real. Gallagher excels at protective tension—every warning, every restrained moment sounds like it’s barely holding together.
Mollie Stark is equally compelling as Daisy. She gives her depth, intelligence, and grit without ever making her feel reckless or naïve. Daisy’s desperation for justice, her guarded secrets, and her refusal to back down—even when millions and manipulation are dangled in front of her—are all beautifully conveyed. Stark’s emotional delivery shines in the quieter moments just as much as in the high-stakes ones.
The fake relationship trope is done right here. The chemistry builds slowly, dangerously, and convincingly—layered with longing, restraint, and the constant threat that loving each other could cost them everything. The tension doesn’t just come from romance, but from power, greed, and the terrifying realism of a billionaire antagonist who knows exactly how to bend the system.
Sterling is chilling, not because he’s loud or dramatic, but because he’s believable. Money, influence, predatory charm—this is the kind of villain that feels uncomfortably real. The financial crimes, crypto intrigue, and escalating body count keep the suspense razor-sharp.
Mollie Stark and Michael Gallagher elevate this story with a perfectly balanced dual narration that keeps the danger and emotion front and center. Their performances complement each other beautifully and make the stakes feel personal and urgent.
If you love:
Fake dating with real emotional fallout
Protective, broken heroes
Strong, secretive heroines
Billionaire villains
High-stakes romantic suspense
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Audiobook Review for Only the Devil by Isabel Jolie
Book 2 in The Sinful State Series
Jake is an ex-military spec ops now working with a private company that specializes in projects that the government can't or won't touch. His next assignment is protecting a young woman he saved in a previous job. She was kidnapped, and his organization saved her. Now, she is going undercover to work for a firm that ripped off her dead uncle, and her employer feels she needs a babysitter because she isn't a field worker, and he thinks she is in over her head.
Daisy is a tiny but fierce master coder/programmer working for Argus who has been investigating a sketchy financial company and decides to apply for a job working for the global company that deals with cryptocurrency at their DC office to dig deeper since she was unable to uncover any real secrets outside of the company, even through Argus' vast technology. They bankrupted her now deceased uncle in a financial scam, and she is determined to take them down. Her employer thinks she is taking on more than she can chew and playing a dangerous game, so he hired a protective detail to ensure her safety.
To explain Jake being so close to Daisy and why they live together conveniently across the street from the building where she works, they pose as a couple. When they are hit with a shocking find in the building in a search when all the staff are gone early on her first day, all the red flags fly high. Did Daisy take on more than she bargained for? One day, when Jake walks her to work, he takes the fake relationship role a step further by kissing her in front of the building where all can see, including the CFO of the company, when he notices the creep eyeballing her a bit too much for just a boss. The close proximity of them working together undercover is also changing their dynamic, and Jake's protection is starting to get more personal than just a hired bodyguard.
- Ex Military x Coder
- Forced Proximity
- Covert Operation
- Mysterious Deaths
- Crooked Corporation
- Stake Out
- Cryptocurrency Scam
- High Pay Temptation
- Spice
This company has secrets, deadly secrets, and the more they dig, the worse it gets. They need to flush out the culprit and stop this company from ruining any more lives, but it's their lives on the line; the longer they linger.
This was an easy listen with great voice actors backing up this story, and they were the perfect pairing for this duet narration. A little mystery, suspense, and heat will be found here.
Thanks to Bluenose Audio for the ALC to review prior to its January 13th release, which available now for preorder.
Approximate listening time: 9 hours 15 mins
Author Isabel Jolie IG: @isabeljolieauthor
Voice Actors Mollie Stark IG: @molliestarknarrates and Michael Gallagher IG: @mikegallaghervo
Produced by Blue Nose Audio
Book 2 in The Sinful State Series
Jake is an ex-military spec ops now working with a private company that specializes in projects that the government can't or won't touch. His next assignment is protecting a young woman he saved in a previous job. She was kidnapped, and his organization saved her. Now, she is going undercover to work for a firm that ripped off her dead uncle, and her employer feels she needs a babysitter because she isn't a field worker, and he thinks she is in over her head.
Daisy is a tiny but fierce master coder/programmer working for Argus who has been investigating a sketchy financial company and decides to apply for a job working for the global company that deals with cryptocurrency at their DC office to dig deeper since she was unable to uncover any real secrets outside of the company, even through Argus' vast technology. They bankrupted her now deceased uncle in a financial scam, and she is determined to take them down. Her employer thinks she is taking on more than she can chew and playing a dangerous game, so he hired a protective detail to ensure her safety.
To explain Jake being so close to Daisy and why they live together conveniently across the street from the building where she works, they pose as a couple. When they are hit with a shocking find in the building in a search when all the staff are gone early on her first day, all the red flags fly high. Did Daisy take on more than she bargained for? One day, when Jake walks her to work, he takes the fake relationship role a step further by kissing her in front of the building where all can see, including the CFO of the company, when he notices the creep eyeballing her a bit too much for just a boss. The close proximity of them working together undercover is also changing their dynamic, and Jake's protection is starting to get more personal than just a hired bodyguard.
- Ex Military x Coder
- Forced Proximity
- Covert Operation
- Mysterious Deaths
- Crooked Corporation
- Stake Out
- Cryptocurrency Scam
- High Pay Temptation
- Spice
This company has secrets, deadly secrets, and the more they dig, the worse it gets. They need to flush out the culprit and stop this company from ruining any more lives, but it's their lives on the line; the longer they linger.
This was an easy listen with great voice actors backing up this story, and they were the perfect pairing for this duet narration. A little mystery, suspense, and heat will be found here.
Thanks to Bluenose Audio for the ALC to review prior to its January 13th release, which available now for preorder.
Approximate listening time: 9 hours 15 mins
Author Isabel Jolie IG: @isabeljolieauthor
Voice Actors Mollie Stark IG: @molliestarknarrates and Michael Gallagher IG: @mikegallaghervo
Produced by Blue Nose Audio
January 14, 2026
Only The Devil is the second stand-alone audiobook in Isabel Jolie’s Sinful State series. This story is a fake-dating, romantic suspense that centers around former navy seal turned personal security, Jake, and brilliant coder, Daisy. After Daisy’s dear family friend dies under suspicious circumstances, she’s determined to find justice for him by going undercover as a coder at Sterling Securities, whose cryptocurrency scheme had left him penniless. Her best friend and former employer, worried for her safety, hires Jake as personal security for her. He poses as her live-in boyfriend as well as going undercover himself as security at Sterling. But as they work together to find evidence, their fake relationship becomes all too real. This story had me hooked right from the beginning and kept me riveted to the end. It was exciting, romantic, and oh, so steamy. The incredible duet-style narration from Mollie Stark and Michael Gallagher further elevated this compelling story. Both talented voice actors brought a realism and intense emotion to their impassioned character portrayals, making this a truly can’t-miss listen.
Review of advance copy
Loved the suspense
I was hooked from the very start with the build up and the suspense of this story, loving that from the start Daisy and Jake skirted their way around their feelings for each other.
This started as a slow burn and became so much more with Jake falling hard for Daisy, I found I really enjoyed their interactions and banter.
With a mystery to uncover both have their work cut out for them in trying to unravel all they come across as the story heats up.
I loved the unknown element, the sleuthing plus the danger and I enjoyed all of the characters that appeared in this story.
When it counts can Jake protect Daisy from the evil that is coming for them?
I happily listened along to the audiobook that was performed in duet by Mollie Stark & Michael Gallagher.
They were the perfect pairing and made this a great listening experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and narration.
Thank you to Isabel Jolie and Blue Nose Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
I was hooked from the very start with the build up and the suspense of this story, loving that from the start Daisy and Jake skirted their way around their feelings for each other.
This started as a slow burn and became so much more with Jake falling hard for Daisy, I found I really enjoyed their interactions and banter.
With a mystery to uncover both have their work cut out for them in trying to unravel all they come across as the story heats up.
I loved the unknown element, the sleuthing plus the danger and I enjoyed all of the characters that appeared in this story.
When it counts can Jake protect Daisy from the evil that is coming for them?
I happily listened along to the audiobook that was performed in duet by Mollie Stark & Michael Gallagher.
They were the perfect pairing and made this a great listening experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and narration.
Thank you to Isabel Jolie and Blue Nose Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Only the Devil is the outstanding second second installment in this series that is filled with drama, intrigue, action, mystery, and steamy hot connection. Daisy and Jake find themselves thrown together and embroiled in the complexities of a situation neither of them expected. I adore Jake’s southern drawl, his directness, and his unwavering loyalty and respect for Daisy. A brilliant coder with an amazing support system (though she doesn’t realize it), Daisy is real and relatable and so very human. Her attraction to Jake is equally palpable as his visceral physical and emotional connection to her. Author Isabel Jolie created an incredible balance of relationship building and plot development. The third act drama is twisted and delightfully engaging, taking us on a breathless thrill ride to the very end. The narrators’ performances are awesome! Evoking emotional reactions from me as I listened, I felt right there in the story with these characters. I loved this audiobook and can’t wait for the 3rd story in the series!
January 14, 2026
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Story - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice - 🌶🌶
Narration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Only the Devil is book #2 in The Sinful State Series. I loved the first book in this series, but THIS listen was absolutely incredible. Daisy works for Rhodes (book #1) but decides to investigate a death and financial loss of a dear friend. Jake is a part of the KOAN Security Group and Daisy is his to protect. The chemistry between these two is crazy hot and with them sharing a condo while she is investigating the firm responsible for the cryptocurrency loss, they are fire together! I loved all the heart-racing intrigue, the plot twists, the backstories of the FMC and MMC, and the steamy connection these two have. One of the best romantic suspense stories I've listened to in awhile. Do NOT miss this series!!
The duet narration was absolutely fantastic! Michael Gallagher and Mollie Stark made this story play out like a movie in my head. Loved, loved, loved this duo! 5/5 stars!
Story - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice - 🌶🌶
Narration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Only the Devil is book #2 in The Sinful State Series. I loved the first book in this series, but THIS listen was absolutely incredible. Daisy works for Rhodes (book #1) but decides to investigate a death and financial loss of a dear friend. Jake is a part of the KOAN Security Group and Daisy is his to protect. The chemistry between these two is crazy hot and with them sharing a condo while she is investigating the firm responsible for the cryptocurrency loss, they are fire together! I loved all the heart-racing intrigue, the plot twists, the backstories of the FMC and MMC, and the steamy connection these two have. One of the best romantic suspense stories I've listened to in awhile. Do NOT miss this series!!
The duet narration was absolutely fantastic! Michael Gallagher and Mollie Stark made this story play out like a movie in my head. Loved, loved, loved this duo! 5/5 stars!
January 14, 2026
Breaking all the Rules!
Intrigue and suspense wrapped in a sinful package with pages and pages of heat! Jake and Daisy hooked me quick with their easy banter and smoldering chemistry. Jake’s southern charm mixed with Daisy’s independent spirit was guaranteed to make you smile and root for them to cross the lines. Not only were they tossed together to solve a mystery that kept you guessing until the very end, they were both determined to stay in their own lanes . . . until they didn’t, and their romance sizzled through the pages. I completely enjoyed the audiobook, and the narrators did a fantastic job taking you through their story with all the feels and chills. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Intrigue and suspense wrapped in a sinful package with pages and pages of heat! Jake and Daisy hooked me quick with their easy banter and smoldering chemistry. Jake’s southern charm mixed with Daisy’s independent spirit was guaranteed to make you smile and root for them to cross the lines. Not only were they tossed together to solve a mystery that kept you guessing until the very end, they were both determined to stay in their own lanes . . . until they didn’t, and their romance sizzled through the pages. I completely enjoyed the audiobook, and the narrators did a fantastic job taking you through their story with all the feels and chills. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Second Chance
Espionage
Brie and Adrian
Adrian needs the help with KEON to help find out who he cannot trust at work. When he enters the meeting he comes face to face with the woman he can’t stop thinking about. Now she has a different name and all he wants to do is spend time with her.
I enjoying this series. I couldn’t stop listening I needed to know what was going to happen.
Narrators Lucy Rivers and Gary Furlong did a wonderful job and are a pleasant to listen to.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this ALC
🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Second Chance
Espionage
Brie and Adrian
Adrian needs the help with KEON to help find out who he cannot trust at work. When he enters the meeting he comes face to face with the woman he can’t stop thinking about. Now she has a different name and all he wants to do is spend time with her.
I enjoying this series. I couldn’t stop listening I needed to know what was going to happen.
Narrators Lucy Rivers and Gary Furlong did a wonderful job and are a pleasant to listen to.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this ALC
January 18, 2026
🎧Alc review
📖Only the Devil by Isabel Jolie
📚Book 2 in The Sinful State Series
🎙️Performed in duet by Mollie Stark & Michael Gallagher
🖤Ex-Military/ Coder
🖤Force proximity
🖤Covert Operations
📖3.5/5
🌶️🌶️
Dark , intense and captivating. Loved this story , devoured the first book and I was so excited to get this one !
🎙️Mollie and Michael were incredible ! They brought this story to life!
Definitely need more
📖Only the Devil by Isabel Jolie
📚Book 2 in The Sinful State Series
🎙️Performed in duet by Mollie Stark & Michael Gallagher
🖤Ex-Military/ Coder
🖤Force proximity
🖤Covert Operations
📖3.5/5
🌶️🌶️
Dark , intense and captivating. Loved this story , devoured the first book and I was so excited to get this one !
🎙️Mollie and Michael were incredible ! They brought this story to life!
Definitely need more
February 11, 2026
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
If you are looking for romantic suspense, then this is for you. It's about an undercover programmer intent on taking down a dangerous Crypto currency conglomerate and it kept me gripped from start to finish!
I loved bushy Jake and his goth, Daisy and hope to hear more about them in the series as it continues.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for allowing me to listen to this great adventure!
The #duetnarration was perfection by Mollie Stark and Michael Gallagher
If you are looking for romantic suspense, then this is for you. It's about an undercover programmer intent on taking down a dangerous Crypto currency conglomerate and it kept me gripped from start to finish!
I loved bushy Jake and his goth, Daisy and hope to hear more about them in the series as it continues.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for allowing me to listen to this great adventure!
The #duetnarration was perfection by Mollie Stark and Michael Gallagher
January 12, 2026
Dark, intense , this story is packed with emotion, tension, and unforgettable characters. The push-and-pull between the main characters is gripping, especially as trust erodes and lines blur between control, attraction, and survival.
The atmosphere is gripping, the pacing is sharp. It's the kind of book that consumes you while you're reading and haunts you after you're done. Bold, raw, and impossible to forget..
The atmosphere is gripping, the pacing is sharp. It's the kind of book that consumes you while you're reading and haunts you after you're done. Bold, raw, and impossible to forget..
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews