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Infernal Bindings

Not yet published
Expected 15 Oct 26

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 15, 2026

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About the author

Loren Huxley

4 books49 followers
Loren Huxley is a field biologist turned full-time author and mom. She loves all things dark—dark fantasy, dark romance, dark chocolate (you get the point!). By seventh grade, she was listening to heavy metal, playing RPGs with her older siblings, and writing horror-themed short stories. By high school, she was sneaking dark romances from her aunt’s favorite bookshelves. When Loren isn’t writing something brutal, she’s playing tabletop games with her husband, volunteering at her local conservation department, or cuddling with her new baby and two giant dogs.

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5 stars
8 (33%)
4 stars
16 (66%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsay.
1 review2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 16, 2026
I received this book as an ARC.

I enjoyed this book for what it was - a lighter dark romantasy, standalone book. The plot was engaging and the whodunnit mystery was its strongest aspect.

I would’ve felt more invested if there was a little more build up on the relationships as it felt like an unbalanced love triangle (isosceles if you will).

Overall, this is a fun, easy, SPICY read if you enjoy wild sex antics and a book that isn’t too serious. Perfect standalone for spooky season.
4 reviews
September 20, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a review of an ARC provided by the author.

Infernal Bindings is a great overlap of dark romance and paranormal fantasy with a book long whodoneit style mystery tied in. The FMC Annalise finds herself in a love triangle with her fated mate the idealic Mr. Perfect, Christopher, and her life long best friend, Daemon, an Incubus she accidentally summoned at the age of 8. Annalise struggles with finding her place in the magic world as she navigates the decision of embracing the expected path of the light witches or choosing to go her own way. After a tragedy happens at the light witch baptism, Annalise must navigate hell in order to save her best friend from eternal torture when he gets blamed for a murder.

Annalise has incredible character development throughout this book from an anxious and self-conscious 20 something to a confident and powerful young woman. Her trials and tribulations while trying to solve the murder to change her and Dameon's fate also led to self discovery and growth that made her an interesting and incredibly likable character. This growth is shown both in her personality and her magical ability, she finds strength in her power as a witch and her ability to stand on her own and make confident decisions for herself and her own happiness. I loved that she ultimately chooses to do what she wants to do regardless of the outside influences pulling her in either direction.

The mystery plot throughout this book was incredibly gripping and drove me to read through it quickly. Every time the characters got closer to a potential suspect the author added twists and turns to keep you second guessing. Huxley keeps you hopeful that everything will work out for the love interests even while the characters themselves start to lose hope and question where everyone's loyalties lie. The books resolution had me guessing until the very end which led to an incredibly satisfying ending to both the love story and mystery at hand.

The friends to lovers romance is done incredibly well and it feels like the relationship develops naturally with lots of temptation in-between. The relationship is tested in many different ways which leads to an even stronger bond when the happy ever after finally resolves. My only critique is that the love triangle did not necessarily feel well balanced as the book went on. There was strong favoritism towards one side that was apparent pretty early on with the only tension really being what the FMC should or is expected to do and what she truly wanted to do. I do think the author did a good job with creating internal turmoil within Annalise, but it more so surrounded letting herself acknowledge the feeling she had always had verses tension between choosing one of the two love interests.

If you are the type of person who always wanted to be with the villain rather than the hero and love the idea of a dually equipped demon with a soft side mixed in with the delicious darkness than Infernal Bindings is definitely a great option for your next read!
Profile Image for Moonburst.
520 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy
September 27, 2026
As an eight year old, Annie accidentally sold her soul to a half-incubus, Daemon in exchange for his friendship. Unfortunately, coming from a white witch family allied with the angels, this has caused Annie to be ostracized by her coven. When it comes time for her to pledge her life to the angels, a coven member is found murdered by an incubus, with Daemon the clear main suspect. Can Annie clear Daemon's name?

Despite the years of friendship Annie has had with Daemon, she clearly is prejudiced against his half-demon nature. He may be her only friend, but she believes that he has his own agenda and doesn't mean most of what he says. But when he is being accused of murder, she does her best to defend him and even makes a bargain with the Archdemon of Lust to save Daemon. This bargain forces Annie to investigate the other incubi and some to grips with Daemon's nature as well as her own personal attraction to him. Unfortunately these feelings make Annie more confused, as she just met her fated mate, Christopher.

There was a lot that I liked about this book. For one, Annie is not good at investigation. She has to rely heavily on the help of Christopher, but she's clearly just trying her best with what little recourse she has. Another thing I liked is the angel vs demon rules. Witches ultimately sell their souls either to angels or to demons, both of which have very strict rules that come into play. As Annie continues to investigate the death in her coven, it becomes quite clear that the angelic faction is doing some heavy manipulation to try to force her into the light side. Meanwhile, the dark witch faction isn't quite so clearly evil like she's been taught. The moral greyness of Annie's true moral compass as she navigates her world makes for a very interesting perspective.

Overall Infernal Bindings was an interesting dark paranormal romance with a main character that ultimately has to examine everything she thought she knew about the world and come to grips with reality. A thoroughly engaging read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Skylar Moonday.
16 reviews
Review of advance copy
September 23, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought I would be torn on who Ann should pick but my choice was made pretty early on. I loved the character developments and the worldbuilding. Overall I give this one 4.5 stars and 5/5 peppers. This is pretty spicy and there's a ton of trigger warnings but none of it felt pointless to me. It all had a purpose within the story and relationships. I would totally read more books from this world.

The relationship. This is not a why choose and I was hesitant going in but it totally works. You've got two completely different MMCs. I went into this one thinking Ann should choose one specific fella but then pretty quickly, as the story got started, I found myself vehemently changing my mind. Christopher is a total cinnamon roll and a golden retriever boyfriend, while Daemon is morally grey. The progression of Ann's relationships with both of them is delicious. I loved watching her come into her own and choose her own path!

The worldbuilding. There's enough detail in the writing that you can imagine where things are happening but not so much detail that you get lost in things that don't matter. I really enjoy that in a story. The magical society and rules were also very interesting to me.

The underlying mystery. There was one point, at about 65%, that I was really confused. I thought the story was wrapping up. Then, wham! I was sideswiped and actually loved it. The pacing was really well done. I felt no dragging at all. On occasion, I had that whiplash feeling where I was left sitting and wondering "what is actually going on?!"

All in all, I would revisit this world with no hesitation.
Profile Image for MacKenzie Olson.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 29, 2026
I could not put this book down. I started Infernal Bindings intending to read a few chapters and finished it the same day, which says everything about how captivating it is.

The story begins with an innocent, lonely little girl who only wants a friend, and the friend she finds happens to be a demon. That opening sets the emotional foundation for everything that follows, and watching their connection shift as she grows up creates some of the most compelling tension I've read in a long time. The chemistry between them is undeniable from the start.

The world-building deserves real praise. It's easy to step into and never feels overwhelming. Details like angels not aging while humans do are introduced naturally, and they carry real weight for the stakes of the story. Everything makes sense, and I never felt lost or buried in exposition.

This is also a very steamy read. The romantic rivalry adds an exciting layer of tension, and one scene set in a club stands out as a highlight. The intimate scenes are well written and carry genuine emotion rather than existing only for shock value. Readers who enjoy high heat will be more than satisfied.

What elevates this book beyond its spice is the plot. It kept me guessing, kept me invested, and delivered several moments that genuinely surprised me. The story has real stakes and real heart, and the heroine's determination made her easy to root for from beginning to end.

Infernal Bindings is a gripping, steamy, and satisfying paranormal romance. If you love demon love interests, slow-building tension, and a plot that holds its own alongside the romance, this belongs on your TBR. I truly loved it, and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know.
Profile Image for Abigail.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
I recieved this book as an ARC copy so thank you to Loren Huxley for the chance to read it early!

I really enjoyed this! I haven't read too many paranormal dark romances and it kept me engaged most of the time.

I really enjoyed the idea of the different magic concepts. How each group has their own rules and standards. It was a cool concept.

The writing was very consistent and very easy to follow. I just wish sometimes there was more depth. Somethings felt like I wanted more. Especially towards the end. I wanted to know how Annie got to the conclusion she did to use the teethering spell (though she thought it was an option earlier, only mentioned once).

And we get to know (sort of) who the killer is but id rather it be more specific (but maybe that's a preference). The twists of who you thought it was did keep me on the edge of my seat.

I did enjoy the complicated relationships of the FMC and MMCs. I would have like to see a little more of complication from the mate bond with Christopher though. (Again just might be a preference thing.)

Overall though really enjoyed it and would recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Laura R.
1,503 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 5, 2026
I would like to thank the author for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Annie is a light witch who also happens to have sold her soul to a half-incubus named Daemon when she was only a child. On the day she’s supposed to officially join the coven, one of the members is killed, and Daemon takes the blame for it. Now, racing against time and traveling to Hell in order to discover the truth, Annie is determined to save Daemon from his fate, even if it’s the last thing she’ll ever do.

I really enjoyed this. I wasn't sure where we going with the romance because of Christopher, but I’m glad everything worked out in the end. I enjoyed the characters and their pining for one another. I loved the romance. And then there’s the spice. Look, it doesn’t happen until about 50% in, but then we get lots and lots of spicy spicy spicy spice and that was A-OK by me. I really liked the idea of the angels and demons fighting and the bonds and what they mean to everyone. So yeah, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys their spicy just a dash stronger.
30 reviews
September 28, 2026
Where do I start?!

This friend to lovers, incubus MMC, witchy FMC, spicy, dark and paranormal romance delivered just that. Well placed spice that was 🥵 and an adorable friendship that blossomed.

There is a murder investigation and family strain that kept me guessing the whole time. With this same lens, I felt that the investigation was lacking since it wasn’t really answered. I mean it was, but it wasn’t.

Also the love triangle is kind of a stretch. Mates and friends yes, but lacking in the triangle part. But my goodness how noble and understanding can someone be before you’re yelling at the book to just **** already.

Overall this was a great read. I enjoyed the storyline and I found myself giggling at the friendship banter that felt like it was truly two best friends poking jabs and jokes at each other.
Profile Image for Kelsy Seebeck.
2 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 5, 2026
I received this book as an ARC.

I really enjoyed this book as a standalone paranormal romance. The spice is SPICY, so if that’s not for you, you’ve been warned!

I loved the dynamic between Daemon and Annalise, as well as the world building that went on here! I’m an avid fantasy reader, and I felt like this had a nice change of pace that wasn’t like most things on the shelf right now.

I would definitely read another book from this world! I was curious to see how the love triangle panned out, as this is not a why choose, and I think the author did a pretty great job with the way it was written. The character development of especially Annie was exciting to see play out. I didn’t personally like her much at the start, but I really grew to love her character as the story went on and she became more of her own person!

I would totally read this again and purchase for my shelf!
Profile Image for Marie Harcourt.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 6, 2026
Loved it, absolutely loved it. Sinfully spicy. This one had me hooked early on, I was just so invested and curious how it would play out both between the sort of love triangle and and the whodunit mystery. I related to the religious conflict having been raised in a strict Christian household and loved the greyed lines between the "good guys" and the "bad guys", light vs dark witches. I love how this was written, I was suspecting nearly everyone from one chapter to the next and was so surprised at how the mystery unraveled. The main character had good personal growth and learned to accept and understand herself. I cried towards the end and it was amazing, I adore when books make me feel something so deeply I cry, that's good writing. Please check out the trigger warnings if you have triggers, it features a witch, and an incubus demon so you can imagine what might be in store.
Profile Image for Alex Bree.
Author 5 books50 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 1, 2026
Witty, irreverent, and spicy.

This standalone urban fantasy murder-mystery romance offers a love triangle between the perfect man she should choose and the one her heart shouldn't want. I loved the tug between Christopher (the witch she's fated to marry) and Daemon (the demon who soulbonded to her when they were both children). Though she knows better than to dare venture into hell, it's the only way she can clear Daemon's name of a murder in time to save him and herself. I liked seeing her gain her confidence and the reveal of the murderer was a nice twist. The characters are witty and hilarious, which is a nice contrast to the dark romance elements. It's a great introduction to dark romance or anyone looking for a fun read.

This is an ARC review.
Profile Image for Holly_22.
77 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 15, 2026
This is an ARC review.
This was such a quick, unique romantic fantasy read! Annalise is a light witch caught between her fated mate, Christopher, and her soul-bonded demon, Daemon. The concept of the Hell world, Salios, angels, and demons made for a really entertaining and intriguing story.

My biggest critique is that I wish there had been more yearning and conflict surrounding the love triangle. Calling it a love triangle felt like a bit of a stretch when Annalise and Christopher had so few interactions, and I never really felt that tension or emotional struggle between the three of them. That said, the character development and 🔥spice🔥 between Annalise and Daemon kept me completely enraptured.

I actually wish this story had been longer—or even made into a duet! There was so much potential to explore the world and its characters further. The ending definitely left me wanting MORE.

Overall, a fun, fast-paced fantasy romance with a unique premise, entertaining world-building, and plenty of spice. 🌶️✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ruthie Pennington.
9 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2026
*ARC Review*
I have read all of Loren Huxley’s books and this one was so much fun! The humor mixed with the dark sexuality was a different and enjoyable mix with well developed characters and a unique story line.

Infernal Bindings puts a fresh spin on a self sacrifice to save a loved one troupe and makes it deliciously dark. The trials are high stakes without unnecessary dramas and each character is memorable and like-able in some way even if they are overall dark. I love the banter and friendship between Daemon and Annie and the lengths they go to save each other. They are a heaven and hell Romeo and Juliet with a lot more orgasms and lust with some near death sexual experiences sprinkled in. Great read!
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 21, 2026
Received ARC copy

If you're looking for a spicy, fun, fast-paced paranormal romance -- this is the book for you! (This was a short read by Loren Huxley standards, especially since it's her first standalone)

The dynamic between the witchy FMC and demonic MMC is a great friends to lovers story -- with a very light love triangle. The romance is woven into a murder investigation that takes them to literal hell.

The spice is great when it hits, the dark magic keeps the pages turning, and the chemistry between the characters is great! My only wish is that there'd been more foreshadowing before the reveal of "who-dun-it," but Loren Huxley continues to put out books I devour!
Profile Image for Megan .
59 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2026
Fun fast paced spicy spooky season read.

Enjoyed the plot, the murder mystery, friends to lovers (A+) but the diet love triangle? It was kind of meh. I’d have been more into the love triangle aspect if there had been some yearning from both sides but the overall yearn was felt between the FMC and MMC. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Overall this is a fun quick dark but not too dark romance fantasy read.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Profile Image for Jean.
95 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 3, 2026
The ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the book but otherwise it was a good read. I enjoyed the MCs yet (without giving away spoilers) kinda wished the one MMC had fought harder.

I wouldn't change the outcome, just the effort.

Overall it was a worth the read & I would read more books from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 14, 2026
This was a great book, I'd say more on the lighter side of dark and i enjoyed the story immensely, the writing style was what i enjoyed too as it wasn'ttoo heavy or too descriptive that you lost yourself in what was happening. It went exactly how i hoped it would aswell.

I recieved this as an arc for free and i am leaving this reviews voluntarily.
Profile Image for FaeFireAndSmut.
65 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 19, 2026
Friends - Lovers done Right!!! The private Tenderness and History between them is so sweet (he has always been there for her) & (knows that loving her will condemn him) But F@#$ everyone else -

Oh... and the spice ..🌶🌶🌶 was deliciously detailed... ~🍆🍆~ Daemon worships her in his own incubus way that will give you... Tingles !!!

The Ending tho....😭
Profile Image for Mel.
10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 21, 2026
If evil, why hot??

A short paranormal romance that doesn’t get too dark or gratuitous with the 🌶️. All of the characters have their own baggage and motives which kept things interesting with the murder mystery. I’m always a fan of friends-to-lover, and it’s done really well throughout the story. I would’ve liked more time with the love triangle though!
Profile Image for Melissa Webb.
50 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
This was a fun dark romance reading . While it isn't the dark romance that am use to it was still enjoyable and made gir some light reading. The story did well from the beginning and had you wanting to finish the book in one go. The characters were great and had good chemistry and the book had a HEA ..
Profile Image for Brittney  Nichole. Author2.
94 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 26, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the friends to lovers. The way she writes how that angel and demon works is amazing. I love that the FMC holds her own !!! One thing I want to say the smut was on point. It still had a great plot. So much happening in such a great way. I would recommend this book for those like “ monster “ smut. I read it in one day. Could not put it down!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Drie Corley.
200 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2026
I received this as an arc. Thank you to the author and their team!

I was sat from the time I opened this. I loved Daemon and Annie!
Profile Image for Kelsey Garvey.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 29, 2026
I devoured this book!!! Such a great read. The spice was spicing.
62 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
I received this book as an ARC

I loved this book! The FMC never stops or gives up her bond to her demon best friend even though her life would be easier if she did. I could totally understand her wanting to fit in & was literally cursing at how horrible her mom was. I highly recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews