Jump to ratings and reviews

Win a free print copy of this book!

2 days and 20:42:22

25 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26

Win a free print copy of this book!

2 days and 20:42:22

25 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
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...

Audiobook

Expected publication August 11, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Sierra Simone

95 books25.2k followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
258 (69%)
4 stars
90 (24%)
3 stars
15 (4%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
Profile Image for Bookish Boy.
154 reviews23 followers
Want to Read
February 23, 2026
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 🥲
Profile Image for meg.
Author 3 books67 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 4, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Sannah.
12 reviews
October 23, 2025
we have been waiting patiently for ryans book .. its coming dont panic dont panic .. im panicking 🤭🤭🤣🤣🫠🫠🫠🤤🤤🫣🫣
Profile Image for My Dark Romance.
512 reviews89 followers
July 5, 2026
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 not much of a devil after all. He’s so taken by Birdy that he never really becomes the devil he says he is. And Birdy 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! 🫶🏼 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 but all I got was good enough🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Karen.
1,697 reviews134 followers
June 5, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,414 reviews790 followers
books-not-yet-released
August 8, 2026
well i guess we all have hoped this would be another MM romance in the series (the tag was there, it was close). but hey, i loved the first two before "saint" stole the whole show, there is no reason why i shouldn't love ryan's book just as much. right?


*************

Priest Series

Book 1 - Priest - 5☆ rating, no review
Book 1.5 - Midnight Mass - 5☆ rating, no review
Book 2 - Sinner - 4☆ rating, no review
Book 3 - Saint - 5.0 stars
Book 4 - Devil - release Aug 11, 2026
Profile Image for Purrfect Novels.
177 reviews100 followers
Want to Read
June 18, 2026
The gasp I just let out... Apparently this series isn't done with me yet.
Profile Image for Amelia Blackmon.
1,070 reviews55 followers
May 27, 2026
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.
Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,386 reviews1,348 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 11, 2026
description
description

4.5 Stars

Birdie + Ryan


Seven years ago Ryan Bell was in Birdie's art class.
Birdie was a pretty sought after wood-carving artist for Christian sculptures and she taught one art class at this religious college.
She was 29 and he was 22 - when he seduced her in her workshop.
She obviously got fired and hid back home on her family's old farm and she didn't make another religious sculpture for years until...
Ryan Bell never gave up looking for her and now he finally has new clues to find this woman - the one he could never get out of his head.
But innocent shy little Birdie could never want him with all his kinks and whatnots - so he has to blackmail her a little bit.

══════════════════

description
description

Well...that was ... kind of adorable.
The reader is warned at the beginning that this would be a very dark book with a pretty heartless hero. But I didn't see it that way at all.
Up until I've read half the story, I didn't know what Sierra was going on about with all the darkness and bad guy and whatnot.
I loved Ryan - obviously. We love all the Bell boys!
But even with the kinkiness and the 'blackmail' and the 'forcing' her to be with him and with her past and her family - it wasn't dark or bad. It was sweet.
Of course there are secrets and darkness and thoughts and stalkerish and controlling things, but they are both so obviously in love with each other that it's all just so very adorable.
As always in Sierra's books... I could've done without all those endless religious parts - I hate religion - but the rest of the book was sweet and sad and heartbreaking and erotic and sweet and adorable and I just loved reading it.

DEViL was such a sweet reverse age-gap love story with some very dark and serious parts. But it was also so very adorable and sexy and funny and so much more - READ IT!

If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!


description
💜 💜



Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog
Profile Image for Readaholic Book Reviews.
633 reviews1,424 followers
July 24, 2026
What to expect in Devil:
-dark romance
-age gap (she's older)
-he's obsessed
-religious trauma
-mental health rep
-dual POV

Birdie Cooper life is anything but easy. She used to be an artist and a teacher, with a student who took a keen interest in art and Birdie herself. But that all got taken away from her. It's years later and Birdie's making ends meet as best she can - taking care of her sister who's been dealing with mental health issues. When former student, Ryan Bell turns up out of the blue with an offer for Birdie that she can't refuse - Birdie's not sure what to make of it. One year to to be his in every conceivable way and he'll take care of Birdie's sister for the rest of her life. What could Birdies possibly lose by saying no?

Devil was hauntingly beautiful. It was like watching a movie play out in my head with how descriptive the writing was and how I was able to feel all of Birdie's emotions from despair and angst to elation and feeling not so alone. Yes, this was a very heavy book and by the end of it I had tears streaming down my face 😭.

I have been a fan of Sierra Simone's writing since reading Priest a few years ago. While her books may lean towards the taboo side, they're also equally just as beautiful.
And Sierra Simone knows how to write those spicy scenes 🫠. Oof Ryan Bell was Birdie's Devil, but he would also do anything for her and I loved their relationship so much.

Highly recommend this 5⭐ read if you're looking for a darker romance.

**please be sure to read authors notes on CW; there are heavy topics touched in this book including inability to access care for mental health, suicidal ideation, loss of loved ones.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Profile Image for Sarah Wahl.
334 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 29, 2026
I was first introduced to Sierra Simone by her book Priest, which had me immediately intrigued by how a romance was going to have religion (specifically Catholicism) intertwined with the love story. I was pleasantly surprised by the first book, so I subsequently read the other two books in the series; however, I hadn't thought about any of the titles in a year or two - until now. I went into this novel kind of forgetting who Ryan Bell is, other than knowing that he was the more devious of the Bell brothers. As someone who is not particularly religious, that did make me more excited to read his story, as I don't fully understand the back-and-forth of morality with sin/committing sinful actions. In reality, Ryan Bell is a slightly morally grey character who takes questionable actions in the name of love. I could never truly take Ryan's comments about him being corrupt or sinful seriously because of that. I mean, forging Birdie's signature to give her a HUGE amount of money in a trust isn't the best, but he had pure intention for the most part.

Speaking of Birdie, I really liked her character in this novel! I saw some critiques of her character in other reviews, with one particular review slamming on the fact that she was in her late 30s and still a virgin; however, I think Sierra Simone did an amazing job with her characterization. Religion aside, Birdie doesn't know anything else other than fighting for her sister's life and her own. Birdie works all of these awful hours to make sure that her sister gets the care that she needs while completely ignoring her own needs, such as getting a really bad cut on her leg and not going to the hospital. There are moments of ideation that felt a little too real, as Birdie just feels she can't go on fighting anymore. Although I am not a big fan of romance novels where a man comes in and fixes everything for the female main character (probably the true lesbian in me), Ryan was truly able to help her back on her feet and find her self-worth again. It was sweet to see how their relationship grew, especially from the past that they shared. I am obsessed with the fact that they are both builders in some way, with Ryan being an architect and Birdie being a woodworker/carver, as it coincides nicely with their relationship being built. It also led to my favorite spicy scene from all of Simone's books in this series, with Ryan posing for Birdie's Christ statue while being suspended on a prop cross. It was nice to see him beg for forgiveness 😉

I decided that four stars felt like the best rating for this book for two main reasons: the length and the interactions with the Bell family. I did read this book quickly, but at times it felt like things just dragged on. I love romance novels, but I haven't read any so far where I think it needs to be longer than 400 pages, including this one. I understand that the dual pov probably affected the length of the book, but it still could have been condensed a bit more. I also wanted to see Ryan and Birdie interact more with the other Bell family members, specifically the brothers. I am always a sucker for a romance series where a different sibling is finding love in each one, but my favorite part is when they all interact! They both had some interaction, but not as much as I was hoping. Overall, though, I had a great time reading Ryan and Birdie's story, and I can't wait for the publication date!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for anna grace.
675 reviews15 followers
July 12, 2026
My brain is leaking out of my ears after this one (derogatory)
Profile Image for Cassie.
159 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2026
“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*
Profile Image for yangzom reads ☆.
209 reviews11 followers
May 23, 2026
“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.
Profile Image for Jordyn Hughes.
122 reviews23 followers
June 19, 2026
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.
Profile Image for carson.
1,175 reviews26 followers
August 8, 2026
Now THATS a book. OMG. Perhaps my favorite Sierra Simone yet.
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,232 reviews2,608 followers
August 1, 2026
Literary perfection! Sierra Simone’s mastery of the written word should be studied. I’m not just saying that as a fan of her work.It’s that good!

Devil deals with some of darker and more depraved aspects of the human psyche in the most profound way and shines brightly while doing so. I was so DEEPLY affected by these characters. I honestly can’t say if I finished the book or it finished me because how am I supposed to move on? It’s utterly breathtaking and reads like a masterpiece.

What I loved most:
The intersection of love, religion, and art is where I’d live if I could. This book seamlessly discusses all three in a poignant way. Obsession as love. Art as creation. And the various ways one can have a relationship with God.
My mind was blown be the language itself. The way the author weaves the biblical with her narrative is honestly amazing.
The characters are probably the most flawed I’ve read in quite some time. They are stunning!
It’s one of the most thoughtfully crafted stories that’s also extremely thought provoking.
And you know it’s a steamy one because Sierra Simone will always deliver!

Quite simply, I loved it. I’ll absolutely reread it again soon and as long as you’re good with the trigger warning, I suggest you read it too! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for ♥ℳelody.
809 reviews838 followers
nope
June 15, 2026
*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.

Profile Image for Stephanie Vern.
88 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2026
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
Profile Image for Ashley - The Tattered Page.
880 reviews36 followers
Want to Read
July 31, 2026
TROPES:
🔥 Dark romance

🖤 Older FMC/younger MMC⁣

🔥 Teacher/College Student

🖤 Second chance⁣

🔥 Dub-con⁣

🖤 Grovel to end all grovels

🔥 Stalking

🖤 Obsessed Hero

🔥 Broken Heroine

Profile Image for Stephanie_Reads_.
180 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2026
.. I absolutely hate to do this I really do... this just wasn’t it...

It wasn’t even that dark at all, there’s a trigger warning page in the beginning stating this is the darkest book she ever wrote, and I don’t think I agree with that.

To be completely honest this was a 50 Shades of Grey spin off just with overtly religious themes thrown in. I absolutely adore Sierras writing any other time, but this was TORTURE for me to finish.

FMC was INSUFFERABLE... the twin stuff I think was completely unnecessary and led nothing to the story. Sure, she’s one of the reasons that Birdie suffered so much but we didn’t need sooooo much back story on that. This didn’t even seem like her writing... I have read Priest TWICE and listened to the audio book, that’s how much I love that book... this was just bad. Cringe worthy at times and I think it has done a complete disservice to the series, unfortunately. My opinion is my own and I’m allowed to have it.

He is not in fact a devil at all... he was Christian Grey at best, but not in a good way...
Profile Image for ✨Wendy✨| downtherabbitholes.
537 reviews131 followers
August 8, 2026
Format: Audiobook
Narrators: Megan Wicks and Jacob Morgan

Non-Spoiler Review:
YESSSSSS! The oldest tale of The Forbidden Fruit has a new twist, Ryan Bell. He is dark, obsessed and will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and what he wants is his broken professor, Birdie.

Devil was intense, addicting, and oh so spicy. I stayed with my stomach in knots or my face with a constant blush - and I loved every minute of it.

An incredible duet performance by Megan Wicks and Jacob Morgan, who brought the perfect vibe to Birdie and Ryan’s journey.

🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Second chance
🖤 Reverse Age Gap
🖤 Stalking
🖤 Teacher/college student (in the first part of the book)
🖤 “Forbidden Fruit”
🖤 Broken heroine
🖤 Obsessed hero
🖤 Free use agreement/dub con
🖤 Religious Trauma
🖤 A grovel to end all grovels
🖤 cross bondage


Releases: August 11
Thank you, MLA and Lyric Audio for the ALC
Profile Image for Kickhy.
130 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 5, 2026
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews