Devil With Benefits

by Penelope Woods

The devil takes who he wants. He wants her.

Some women call him a sinner.

Others call him a saint.

When Raven first meets Ash Crowley, she can't decide what he is. He's well-mannered and easy on the eyes. But it's not without a cost. He needs to find a mate, but Raven holds a dark secret that threatens the very foundation of their relationship.

Their bond is strong, but what if it could destroy the entire universe?

When it comes to love, you can't be too careful. Only good girls go to heaven. The bad girls end up sitting in the devil's lap.

*This is a steamy standalone romance novel with a HEA. Protective Alpha included.

Genres: Romance

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2019

About the author

Penelope Woods is a dark romance author with a taste for blood. She is obsessed with all things dark and twisted, and her desire knows no bounds.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book but I feel that it could've been so much more. The story line and plot I thought were great, but it just needed more.

Ash believes he's crazy because he has such horrible visions. Visions so bad that he is now homeless and sleeping under bridges. He receives a visit from a man who claims he is Lucifer and who says Ash must kill a woman named Raven to save the world. Lucifer gives Ash a weapon unlike he's ever seen and tells Ash not to fall for anything she might tell him.

Raven lets her work rule her life. She works for one of the largest firms in New York and pushes herself to be the best, no matter what the cost. Her first meet with Ash is outside her work, when they literally run into each other and she spills coffee all over her suit. Once Raven enters her building and gets to her meeting she discovers her boss is planning a merger with another company and her job along with others is now forfeit.

She makes it out of her building with a USB drive of company files with the help of Ash where they are picked up by a man who says his name is Loki and he is supposed to help them. This begins the journey to stop Lucifer and prevent the world from ending.

Again, it is an okay book but to me as a reader it needed more depth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bo0kSLoth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one is a little bit of a chaotic plot. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind stories that throw you in the mind of a plot or scene and force you to play catch - up to understand what is going on as the action is taking place around you. This one, though, is a little too disjointed for me. I feel like it is part of a series and I missed the first book so the entire book I felt like I was dragged through it trying to understand parts that I should know something about (if only I had been a good girl and read the non - existent 1st book).

And the ending... Well... I won't ruin it for you but if my conscienceness woke up and I knew I was a God or an angel and I was needed to as a chosen defender of evil, I don't think I could be so selfish by wanting to walk away from defending humanity so I could go to PTA and have a "normal life". I know the author used "love" as the reason, but to me the reasons seemed so very human and limited.

These are my opinions. It's a story about Gods and demons taking on human characteristics, so it's up for debate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil With Benefits: A Paranormal Fantasy Romance by Penelope Woods is a wonderful story that I have read. I love reading paranormal fantasy romances and can not wait to read what this wonderful author writes about next. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this dark fantasy read. Raven was happy with her life, and then she is set up at work and needs to leave. She spots a homeless man as she leaves work, Ash was supposed to kill her but he can’t. They end up caught in a battle of good vs evil. Fast-paced steamy read with plenty drama and suspense. An entertaining read.

[Latasha Swain · Rating 3 out of 5]

raven and ash story is so good, it gave me all the feels, and it grabbed my attention from the first page all the way to the last. My first time really trying fantasy love story but it didn’t feel fake at all. Go grab Penelope woods book you won’t be disappointed at all, and the love scenes was intense just how I like it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced dark fantasy that pulls you in and won't let go. An absolutely thrilling romance with fantastic characters, very steamy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will throw a lot of curve balls at you. It does get a little confusing at times. A battle of good vs evil that could end with the apocalypse of the world. With characters like Lucifer, Loki, Odin, Raven, Ash and several others. Raven and Ash are the two main characters but as the story goes no one is as they seem. So expect and action pack fight that will take love to have a chance at winning.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Concept, Problems with Execution

When evil permeates the earth and the end is coming, what is important? Penelope Woods newest offering, Devil With Benefits: A Dark Fantasy Romance, explores that apocalyptic setting and concludes that love is all that is left and all that really matters. Through her tale, she offers evidence of love of friends, family—parent and child—and lovers as all that remains and can sustain. The reader finds the setting in modern day America where good and evil are once more in conflict. Characters and concepts of several ancient mythologies—Judeo-Christian, Norse tales and Islam—are woven together affirming that all mythology and religious concepts are connected. The tale is filled with angels and devils,—good and evil—struggling for domination. The central character, Ash Crowly is a 20-something college graduate who has joined the ranks of the homeless and mentally ill. He sees visions and hears voices—all evolving from his father’s desertion, the death of his mother, and his growing awareness of the uncontrolled misery of the world. As a result of the mental decline initiated by these life altering events, he loses his true identity. Mind shattered, Ash is also confronted by a powerful and mysterious individual who is chauffeured around town in a black limousine, known by the moniker of Lucifer. Locating Ash and giving him a gun covered with symbols, he charges him with the task of killing Raven Harowitz, a beautiful financial wiz who serves the power of wealth. But, Ash, able to shake of visions and nightmares of his befuddled mind, rather than kill Raven, joins forces with her as they eventually find emotional and sexual comfort and the possibility of wholeness. Ash is further aided by Loki, who has also been recruited by Lucifer to seek out Ash and Raven, and under false pretenses, offers them a ride to lead them to their deaths. Loki introduces the pair to his friend Heimdall, providing him with a magical sword, The Laeveteinn, and so the quest begins.

The traditional concept of the mythological hero’s journey with visits to the underworld, encounters with beings of wisdom and age who is aided by mystical friends accompanying the hero on his quest is employed by the author to carry the hero and the reader to an ending of hope and fulfillment. The author receives kudos for using the structure of the epic quest, but it does seem awkward at times, especially when trying to also inject romance and sexual encounters for the hero and his lover into the tale.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash Crowley is living under a busy overpass, thinking he may be a god or else he’s just crazy from the horrible visions he is having. His memories are missing or scattered; some haven’t even happened yet. He knows there is a war coming between good and evil, but no one believes him and he’s not really sure himself. He also has visions of a woman, but she disappears when he approaches her. Is he supposed to look for her? One day, a man steps out of a limo and approaches, claiming to be Lucifer, warning that Ash needs to kill a woman named Raven to save the world. He puts a strange gun in his hand to do the deed.

Raven Harowitz rushes through the crowds in the financial district where she works as the head of accounts. She is obsessed with her work for one of the largest firms in New York. She meets Ash on the sidewalk where she has been dodging man in her rush to get to her destination. She and Ash collide and her iced coffee drenches her suit. This is not the life she wants anymore.

Raven runs into the building and her boss is letting them know about a merger with another company and pretty much everyone losing their job. She dashes into the elevator and then leaves the building with a USB drive of company files to use against Jackson and the corrupt Board of Directors. Ash helps her – she knew he would not harm her with the gun and that he was there to save her life -- and Ash joins her as she runs down the fire escape. A dented and dirty Honda Civic pulls up amid belching exhaust and tells them to get in as army type guards run toward them. As they drive away, he identifies himself as Loki! Where do they go from here? How will they save the world?

To say this book is a whirlwind of confusion and chaos would be an understatement. My advice is to start reading and hang on tight for a very wild ride! The characters are well-defined, probably all certifiably crazy, and some even likable! The story line mixes all kinds of gods and deities which I wouldn’t even attempt to sort out. Just grab your copy and go with it – there does seem to be a lot of laughter along the way.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE THRILLING EXPERIENCE!!!
Fast and furious! Penelope brought the big guns with this tough as nails bad boy. Delivering well rounded scenario's so intense you feel the pulse racing, electrifying hum running rampant through your viens. A churning vortex of daunting circumstances and a bevy of surprising mishaps welds this bad boy together sleek, shiny and tight. One non-stop, action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, page flipping bombshell that demands your undivided attention and you follow willingly. Twisted, twinned and put through the wringer, stretched to unbelievable limits, riveted on a razors edge. The speculations, determination, danger, compounding suspense as tension spirals thrusting this bad boy to life beautifully. Pushing forward through the trials and tribulations with a slew of plot twists and turns your not sure which way is up. Witnessing the characters personalities transform and blend with smooth even grace. The chemistry sizzles as each layer is peeled back exposing a deep bond and amplifying affections that leave you breathless, craving more. The characters are realistic, intriguing and authentic with depth and qualities that add just enough flaws for diversity. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Penelope, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raven is leaving a life that she is really happy in, she will do her best in her job. Then see runs into a homeless man that knows her name and follows her to work. Where there is major upheaval going on, she decides that she doesn't want to work this company anymore. The person in charge sends security after, she takes insurance with her. She wants to take this company down.
Ash is living life on the street, he keeps having these horrible visions, he doesn't understand and thinks he is crazy. One day a man stops, gives him a gun tells him it is time, it is time for him to find the lady in the picture. It is the same one he has had visions of.
Ash helps Raven get out of her building, when a random man in a car picks them up and takes him to his home with his roommate.
They realize that this bigger than them all, they will have to embrace what they are in order to try to save the world. Ash and Raven will get very close, but will distrust and everything else break them apart. Will the four of them accepts what they are and do what is needed and trust each other

This is an interesting read with of the gods and the good and evil. There are few steamy sections but nothing to bad

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of confusing story but I’m not that much into: gods, angels and demons
OK. First off, the blurb didn’t match the story that I read. There were no grammatical or spelling errors, which was refreshing but I had a really hard time getting into this book. The story conflates the Christian God with Norse gods, then there’s Lucifer, Beelzebub and Satan, each different entities. Maybe you need to be more into gods, demons and such…???
Anyway, Ash Crowley is currently living under an overpass in a sleeping bag, having visions that makes him think he’s crazy with limited memory of his past. He’s haunted by this beautiful woman. Can you love someone without knowing them? (I will say that the cover was spot on to the description I have of him.)
Raven Harowitz is Head of Accounting at a very prestigious finance company but is tired of it! She feels like she sold her soul to the devil for a prosperous life. One day Ash causes her to spill coffee all over her very expensive suit and the story begins…
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout and if you’re into gods, angels and demons you might like it. It was weirdly beautiful in parts, quirky in others and I really liked the cover! I give it 3.5 stars for good writing albeit confusing.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a bad book at all but I did have trouble getting into the story this is my first time reading for this author and it’s not something I would normally read between good verses evil. Ash Crowley is haunted by visions and dreams of a beautiful woman all the while not remembering who she is, Raven Harowitz has it all and is the head of a prestigious accounting firm until a chance meeting with a homeless man that ruins her expensive suit with coffee although she is upset she is still drawn to this stranger but doesn’t understand why, once going inside for her meeting she is being let go after all her hard work she has put in but she new this day was coming and made copies of her clients on a thumb drive now she just has to get it and get out and then the stranger is there again helping her and they manage to escape. What happens now that they are being chased and how do Ash and Raven fight these feelings between when there lives are at stake.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story, Ash is a homeless man living under a overpass he has no memory of his past and he thinks that he is going crazy because of the horrible visions that he’s having. A man steps out of a limousine and goes up to Ash introducing himself as Lucifer he gives Ash a gun and tells him to kill a woman named Raven she’s the one that Ash has been having visions about as well. Raven is head of accounting in a prestigious finance company she loved her job but not anymore since she found out that the company is being taken over and everyone losses their job, she has some damning evidence against the company and she takes it with her when she leaves. The homeless that Raven ran into is there Ash and he helps her escape and once they were outside a beat up old car rolls up and a man gets out he says that his name is Loki and he is there to help them so they jump into the car and now the adventure begins. Wow what a story I was riveted I couldn’t put it down it had me hooked and I highly recommend this book.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash has been living under an overpass having some bad visions. Not knowing if he is crazy or if its something else causing the visions As tries to remember what he sees. One day he stumble into Raven as she is heading into work and spills coffee all over her. Raven is very into her job that its until she stumbles upon some shady business dealings. After work one evening she leaves with a jump drive with some evidence against the higher ups in the company and runs into Ash again. However what she doesn't know is that Ash has been asked to take care of her but won't do so because she is his mate. Can Ash keep her safe while the expose what her former company is doing? Will Raven give him a chance given how they met?

This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is an well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a good book to read this was. A gripping story to be sure. What i loved the most about this story was that its such as a different take on the gods and the wars. All the character were amazing right from the two main characters Raven and Ash, to the old man Odin, loki and the devil himself.

There is a war coming. Ash a homeless man knows something is coming, but the a man turns up,Licifer is is name and gives him a gun to kill a women. But that women turns out to be his women, his mate.
Raven has been set up, leaving from her job she scrambles to get her stuff and takes one inportant thing with her. But on going out to the lobby she comes into contact with a man who looks homeless . These two start on a journey that will leave them realling when they find out who they are and what they are surposed to do. Can these two stop a war and still love each other.

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was a great book. The characters were awesome and not just the two main characters of Ash and Raven. But the rest as well. They all had insights that were important in the story. It was definitely a different story with plenty of twists and turns but well written.

Raven is making a life of her own and Ash is a homeless man. But they were thrown together and let the intense action and chemistry start. They don’t understand what’s going on or why they are special or chosen but each have their own uniqueness. War between Gods and Demons and what has to be done to win or is that even an option ? Does one ever really win ? The for of them are pretty much in their own to try and save the world but they’re not even sure where to begin.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW JUST WOW
WOHOOOOOO
OMG what can I say!
This is a fast paced story that is so gripping you wouldn't realise that hours have passed when you come up for breath. I did have to re read some chapters because it just madness at times but that doesn't take anything away from the gripping storyline.
Ash is a homeless man, sleeping ruff when a limo stops and a man who says he is Lucifer gets out and gives him a gun and tells him to kill a woman called Raven. But when Ash sees her he knows he wont be killing Raven, She is special and he will do anything to help her.
Raven loves her work but when she goes to work one day to find she is out of a job she knows she must do something about it.
This is a fast pacing storyline of right and wrong. It's a wild ride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the good girls go to heaven and the bad girls end up in the devil's lap, after reading this book, I am left wondering, is that a bad thing when the devil is Ash Crowley? This is a new author for me and I found this book to be a really good read. This book has a well written, great story line with some equally amazing characters that fit the story perfectly. You are taken into the dark side of the world that this story creates and introduced to a few great characters that I think only enhance Ash and Raven's story but they also leave you left wondering what more there is to them as well. I found the book addictive as I kept wanting to read, "just one more page" so I finished it rather quickly. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash has thought he was crazy for years - visions, memories missing - and dreams about a girl with chocolate colored eyes.
Raven has been working for evil people for years - and when she is about to be fired, they try to stop her leaving - but a strange homeless man saves her. Lucifer wants Ash to kill Raven - although he accepts the weapon from him, he has no intention of committing the murder. Loki rescues them - but what powers do they have? Whos is Ash really?
There is going to be a war between good and evil as evil tries to take over the world - who will win - and will Ash and Raven be able to survive to enjoy the love they have for each other? Twists, turns and secrets - loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Sasada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I have never read a book quite like this, and I have read a lot of books. The details in this story were amazingly crazy. Its like you can see and feel what is going on. The includes the characters as well. First we are talking Gods, angels, demons, and the devil. It was a cross between Christian and Greek, but so facinating. Ash and Raven are the two main characters that you find yourself relating to. Following there story to save the world and become what the were meant to be, all with the help of Loki and Heimdall. The ending had me a bit crazy, it was the end but with so much more needed. It feels like hoe long will their HEA last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome story by Penelope Woods! The plot and story grabbed from the beginning and kept my interest to the end. The word usage and character building were awesome. Raven and Ash's were great together. Raven is working for evil people and Ash is homeless and thinks he's crazy. There's many twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. There's a war between good and evil but who will win. Will Ash and Raven get their chance at love? Grab your copy today and find out if they get their HEA!!!! A must read for any fan and I can't wait for more form this author!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing and not able to finish...

Devil With Benefits is the first book I have read by Penelope Woods and I was really looking forward to it. Based on reading some reviews of her previous books so I had high hopes of discovering a new author that I liked.
Well I hate to say it but this book was not for me. I found it confusing and I just could not get into reading it. I tried and tried bringing it up on my Kindle but I could not make it past the first couple of chapters. So I am very DISAPPOINTED in this experience.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of fantasy and war captures your attention and makes your mind wander into the world of gods and myths. I loved the mix of regular life being saturated with characters like Loki and Lucifer, the Hellhounds and the end of life as we know it. The writing was so descriptive I could feel the wings popping thru Raven's shoulders, the wind brushing her face as she flew overhead, the fear as the Hellhounds are nipping at their feet. Brilliant and the next part of this saga should be as captivating as this one.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Devil with Benefits by Penelope Woods is a must read! The characters will have you fully engaged in their narrative and you may even be tempted to reach in and yell at a few of them. This dark world is eloquently written and will leave you eagerly turning the pages. If you feel yourself tempted by the gods then look no further. You'll be hooked in by both Raven and Ash but the other characters are also given the space to shine and make their presence felt.

I received an advance copy of this story via BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! My first time reading Penelope Woods book! Congratulations to her! You blew my mind. Lucifer, Gods, Good and Evil!
Amazing characters and the chemistry with each other are on fire! Couldn’t put it down! Brilliantly written. Could imagine all the characters and the vibrant action felt real. Many twist and turns will keep you entertained. You’ll hope that Ash and Raven will be together. You’ll have to read this to see!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Ash and Raven. Ms Woods is a first time author for me and what a story. Personally I am not fond of stories with Lucifer but this one kept kept me reading through the night. The chemistry between them is sizzling. The characters are well developed and the plot is interesting and captivating. It is an emotional rollercoaster. Great great read and I can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucy Saturn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a way different vibe then previous books, I got it because of how much I like the author because the summary didn't look good to me. I'm super glad I decided to read it, although it's different, this is still a dark Fantasy romance that kept me engaged.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This was very different ash Crowley was homesless, raven was in finances, then Loki is oden's son, heindall their all weapons of war against evil. While ash and raven are falling in love too. It's a strange story good though if you can follow the story's of religion of good and evil in fantasy.