Devil's Gamble

Fate's Gambit #1

by Stella Rainbow

Two humans. One Devil. And a deal that changes everything.

Damien

Two years. I'd spent two years watching the human couple who'd enraptured me.

When they got married, I decided it was time to let go; and then it happened.

When Reece said he'd make a deal with the devil if he had to, I took my chance.

I never imagined I would find everything I was looking for.

Reece

It was the best day of my life. I married the man I loved, my Artemus.

The next day was the worst day of my life. An accident. My husband on the brink of death.

I met the devil by accident, and made a deal with him: Save my husband's life, and I'm yours for the next six months.

I never expected to fall in love again.

Artemus

A honeymoon in Greece. A whole life with Reece I'd been looking forward to.

I lost it all in the accident. I lost the years I'd spent with my husband. I lost all memories of the man I'd married.

The stories Damien told me about me and Reece, and the love we shared, didn't sound familiar at all.

I never knew surviving could be this painful.

Devil's Gamble is a 40k words MMM paranormal romance starring a cinnamon-bun devil, a heartbroken gentle-giant who needs lots of cuddles, a slightly frustrated Master, a hedgehog named Spike, and the talking snake Ro'Shassz. Low heat, low-to-medium angst, with a dash of insta-love because Fate really wants these men to get together, and Fate gets what Fate wants.

Devil's Gamble is the first book in the Fate's Gambit series and ends in an HFN. The series follows the same characters and must be read in order.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Romance, BDSM, M M M, Fantasy, Polyamory

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2021

About the author

Stella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.

Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.

She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com

Reviews

[Rainbow Reads and Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just an FYI, this review got me removed from the author's ARC team. Not every reader is going to love every book.

Before I start this review I just want to say that I'm a fan of Stella's writing. I've enjoyed many of her books, but this one was so far off the mark it feels like it was written by someone else.

I'm going to be upfront and say that I don't have a lot of positives to say about this book. It was so disjointed. It literally read like a rough draft and not a polished book ready for publishing.

Issue #1. You have to read the prequel or Arty and Reece's "meet cute" as it's referred to at the end of the book and the only way to get that prequel is to sign up for a newsletter. I hate that. I'm more than happy to sign up for a newsletter if it's a deleted or bonus scene, but no one should have to sign up for a newsletter to get an integral part of the story.

Issue #2. It's too Harry Pottery for me. Damien is the Devil or King of the Otherworld. He has too much magic so he created a snake to help carry his magic. It reminds me too much of the Horacrux, Nagini and Voldermort. The snake even speaks. For an original world, this just didn't work for me.

Issue #3. The dialogue is very rough. Again, this reads like a rough draft. It's stilted and disjointed. Reese's scene, as the team is working on Arty, is so unrealistic that I was rolling my eyes rather than feeling any sort of empathy for the character and his situation. I also think the D/s element is out of place and Lord I've never been so tired of a nickname than I was of sugarplum.

Issue #4. This book was boring. It took me 2 days to read and it's only 40,000 words. The world created is all over the place. Damien hasn't been to the human realm in 2,000 years, but he's created all of their housing with modern features. He loves Disney movies and created his library to match the Beauty and the Beast movies. He takes a shower to wash off the day. His tail is fluffy. It's a castle...no it's a villa and don't get me started on the glossary at the end. It's too much for a small series.

At the end of the day, this book was a bore. I didn't connect with any of the characters because there was basically no character development, the world was just too all over the place and there's no reason that this should be 3 and a half books.

This book could have been amazing. It's an original idea for hell and the devil, but it's a flop for me. I won't be reading the next 2 books because I'm not interested in what happens.

I did receive an ARC of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara➰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd tried this one before and couldn't get into it. I stuck with it this time. It was a sweet mate story. It continues in the next book and will end up MMM.

[❀Laiz❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8⭐

Esta historia es todo lo contrario de lo esperado.
¿El poderoso diablo, frío y despiadado? No.
¿El chico malo, grandote y dominante? Nop.
¿El chico delgado, lindo y sumiso? Para nada.
No me pueden dejar así! Necesito los demás😫

Todavía me matan de risa Spike y Roshassz😂 Un erizo y una serpiente ¿En serio? 🤣🤣

Tengo muchas dudas con respecto a Destino...

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story, lovely!
There are some awesome creatures to find, different realms, and an original plot.

Artemus and Reece are a happy couple, Artemus is Reece’s Master and they are everything for each other.
They are getting married and a honeymoon will follow.
What they don’t know, they got a watcher, for over two years Damien is watching the happy couple. He enjoys happiness, dominance, and submission, he’s in love with them. Only Damien is from a different realm and will only meet them after they’ll pass over.
Then, an accident happens and Artemus is in a bad condition. Reece is so desperate he wants to make a deal with the devil himself. That’s where Damien steps in.
Reece will live with Damien for the next six months and Artemus will be saved.
What Reece doesn’t know, Artemus lost his memory about him.

We can follow them in the different realms where also amazing creatures live.
Damien can travel between the realms, beautiful things are happening.
There is communication on an awesome level.
I loved the kind of fantasy highly. The atmosphere was kind and sweet. It’s quite emotional at times with hurt, comfort, magic, dedication, and a lot of love.
For now, it ends with a hfn, I can’t wait for the continuation!
Overall a wonderfully written narrative.

[Holly's Bookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was alright but the writing and story was a big issue. Everything was surface level and felt disjointed. Dialogue was weird and we barely get any relationship development. Lots of skips in time. Meh.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil's Gamble is the first book in the Fate Gambit trilogy by Stella Rainbow. This book is the start of Reece, Artemus and Damien's story and the series should be read in order. This book ends on a HFN. I really liked the story of Reece, Artemus and Damien. Their story was sweet, full of feels and well written. Can't wait for the next part of their story

[YoBoi · Rating 1 out of 5]

BRUH-
I get the whole premise, but I was legit excited about how they'd help Arty remember? But what did the author do? He just had to know who they were by the time he wakes up! That's not a really fun plot, and I see why it's low angst. BUT DAMMIT, Day shouldn't have told him stories. I read this because of the amnesia trope, but apparently he doesn't need to wait for his memories to come back and just start talking to the strangers and believing what they say! Nope!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book. I loved that It has all the sweetness that I expect from one of Stella Rainbow’s stories. Reece and Artemus have just gotten married and are about to go to Greece for a month long honeymoon but they never even make it on the place, as on the way to the airport a car crashes into their taxi which left Artemus fighting for his life. Damien, decides that it’s time to give up on visiting Reece and Artemus when he found out they were getting married and wasn’t planning to go back to the human world, until his best friend and second Caelan told him that he needs to take a look at the soul collection list for the coming week which he really wasn’t in the mood to do but he had a look and saw Artemus’s name was on it so he went to visit Reece and Artemus and waited for the time to come to take Artemus’s soul to Otherworld like Fate told him would happen but then Reece asked to make a deal with the Devil so he showed himself in human form first but when Reece thought that he wanted to make a dr*g deal he showed him his true form.

Damien agreed to save Artemus’s life in exchange for Reece coming to Otherworld with him for the next 6 months as Artemus will be in a coma until then. Reece readily agrees as he’d do anything for Artemus but he really has no idea what Damien has planned for him for the next 6 months. I liked meeting Ro’Shassz, whose an extension of Damien and his magic. I liked that even though Damien wanted to be with both Reece and Artemus he never tried to push himself on them and offered friendship especially when Reece needed someone the most. I liked that when he visited Artemus in Dreamworld and realised that he’d lost 3 years of this memories therefore couldn’t remember Reece let alone that they were married. Damien spent the time they spent together telling him stories about him and Reece so Artemus could relearn everything about the love of his life Reece. Man, Damien is such a sweetheart. Now that Artemus has woken up I’m looking forward to seeing how the relationship between the three of them progresses. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.

[Trouble89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil who loves Disney

I received an ARC of this book, for an honest review.

This first book in a new series by Stella Rainbow, grabs you and doesn’t let go. It does have a cliffhanger, and has left me impatiently waiting for Book Two. I NEED more of these sweet, sexy men!

Damien is the Devil, literally. He is the King of Otherworld and a soul taker but doesn’t get to the human realm much since he became King. He’s a super sweet guy, who has a secret love of Disney movies, nail polish and pretty things.

While helping a friend to collect a soul, Damien sees Artemus and Reece for the first time. He is immediately drawn to them both. Despite knowing he can’t have these two men (he IS the Devil, after all), he also can’t forget them. He begins watching them, and proceeds to watch them for the next two years.

Reece is a big, gentle giant, who is a sub who loves to serve, and Arty is his Master. They are so perfect together, and you can feel their love for each other across the pages.
Because this is an ongoing series, I don’t want to give too many spoilers away. There is an accident, and Reece makes a deal with the Devil. With Damien. Reece will spend six months in Otherworld with Damien to save Arty’s life.

This story perfectly conveys all of these men’s feelings, and insecurities, and I never rooted for one over the other. Quite simply, they are a perfect package together.

Due to the circumstances, this is a slow burn, and you only get a glimpse of the scorching heat to be had between these three. There is no cheating involved, which I was glad of, and it left me hungry for the next installment of this romance.

This book has it all for me. A little paranormal, three hot guys, absolute love, a sassy talking snake, and an adorable hedgehog. It has laugh out loud moments, along with swoon worthy ones, and it left me with a smile on my face.

[Danis ❤️ MM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I'd try this author again, after a not so promising start with another of her series that I DNF'd.

The MCs
Reese: One part of a couple. He is a service sub (I'm not going to explain that here, if you are curious, look it up, its a specific type of submissive in the BDSM community). He's a tall, handsome middle aged man. Overall a nice, caring guy.
Arty: The other part of the couple. He's a bit younger than Reese. He's the Dom in the relationship. There's less of him in this book for reasons that will become obvious when I talk about the plot, but overall he seems like a cool guy too.
Damien: The guy in charge of the underworld.

The plot - Mild spoilers to follow
Damien is basically the grand poobah of all Reapers. Because he does have to cast nasty souls into a burning chasm on occasion, he's gotten the title of Lucifer by the mortals. His title has been handed down over the years, he's just the latest to hold the title. Anywho, one day Damien is personally reaping a soul and observes Arty and Reese. He's instantly in love, with both of them. He continues to watch them until the day when he is summoned by Reese to make a deal, to save Arty's life. Part of the deal is Reese needs to live with Damien in the Underworld for 6 months Persephone style. From there its all about how Reese develops feelings for Damien and how they negotiate a mutual relationship with Arty.

What I liked: The characters. I likes all three. Reese's sensitivity, Arty's strength, Damien's playfulness. It worked. The plot was fine. No huge holes.
What I disliked: There were some typos. And I'd characterize the writing as just okay. Not riveting. I could put it down in the middle of a chapter no problem. Didn't feel compelled to read on.

Overall a pleasant fluffy read that you don't have to think too hard about.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of this author’s Mages of Ravenshire series so I was very excited at the idea of a new and very different series. I loved the prequel novella where Reese and Arty meet so I was both excited and nervous about the plot of this book. I have to say that it was very well written. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Damien is a big softie in love with two men who didn’t know he existed. Damien has been following these two and longing to be a part of their relationship. When they get marries he resigns himself to staying away but the unthinkable happens: he is supposed to claim Arty’s soul. Instead he finds himself making a deal with Reece to save Arty’s life. It is bad enough that Reece has to be separated from his love for 6 months but Arty has lost all of his memories of the past two years. He doesn’t remember falling in love or getting married due to his head injury. He has to rely on the stories Damien tells him in his dreams while he is in his healing coma. This book has some truly heartbreaking moments as these three try to figure out how they are going to fit together but I love how they still all feel so drawn to each other. They have to trust the fates that everything is going to work out. I also loved some of these side characters. This book was good and I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to seeing how this series plays out.

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read some of Stella Rainbow's other works and enjoyed them as 'different' and outside the norms of m/m romances. I found this one similar in that Stella does not use stereotypes to 'flesh' out her stories.
The world-building is excellent and an interesting take on after-death experiences. While some elements will seem familiar, each has its own twist.
The character building? Well, it seems to be a step-by-step exploration of each character which can be frustrating if you like connecting with the characters quickly. By the end, I felt like I was just starting to get past the surface of each character so they feel incomplete.
The plot is still being revealed. I get the overarching premises, but I find that I am not able to see how the twists and turns will go. Stella is definitely not taking the straight route or even an expected path. Should be an interesting journey.
I will add that this book did not have the same flow that I remember from the others - if felt more -- rough? Like the editing missed a step.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang, this book is interesting!

It was a different type of book then what I am used to Stella Rainbow writing and I was slightly apprehensive about going out of my comfort zone with how much I like all of her other books, but I am not disappointed.

This is an MMM with major feelings and unrequited love for quite sometime until an accident puts everything in jeopardy of them all losing everything. That is until Fate steps in.

Fate what what it wants and no one will get in the way of that. This was a little dark and twisty with an overwhelming pouring of love! I am ready for the other books in the series, bring them on!

From the first book I read by Stella Rainbow I was inthralled. Her writing is different then other authors. She deals with heavy topics and will make you cry; however, there is something light about how the words come across on page. ^^That probably doesn’t make much sense, but I promise if you read her books you will understand!

[Jaycee Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly sweet story about the King of the Otherworld (sort of a grim reaper realm) who becomes obsessed with a pair of humans. When one of them is unexpectedly on the brink of death, the other offers to make a deal with the devil to save his husband's life. Damien agrees, on the condition that Reece live with him for six months. I was expecting some super natural hanky panky, but instead Damien just wants the humans to get to know him and give him a chance. Again, very sweet and wholesome, with some clever worldbuilding and amusing side characters. This is very much the first book in the series and ends on a pretty unsettled HFN note. I expect the relationships to change and deepen considerably in the following books. I recommend this for fans of polyamorous paranormal stories who welcome a slow burn, and are ready to invest in a series.

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slight darker twist then what I would expect but I craved more when it had finished. Damien was adorable and despite being someone perceived as big bad boss was incredibly soft and pleasant, Artemus and Reece who should of been celebrating and at the top of the world had it all come crashing down and wrenched away from them, I found the concept of Damien quite interesting and unexpected and his role was pivotal in this. Humour laced with worry about what you desire and fighting your way back to your love, this book had me captivated from start to finish and I found the plot intriguing and characters just wonderful. I enjoyed the bickering of Damien's friends funny and a great addition to the story. While this ends on a hfn it gives us a perfect taste of what's to come.

[Lindz Royer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil’s Gamble by Stella Rainbow is hot as hell! This book will make you completely rethink how you feel about the afterlife. The Devil Damien isn’t who you think he is. He does though have a small obsession with Arty and Reece. Over the years he watches from a distance and decides it’s time to let it go once they are married. That is until fate literally steps in and points out he can be part of their lives if he makes the right moves. Reese makes a Deal with the Devil to save Arty’s life. The next 6 months as Arty recovers from a horrific accident Daniel gets closer to Reece. But what Reece doesn’t know is Damien also gets closer to arty in an interesting way. Can the 3 men be happy in the end? I know the answer, but you will have to read it yourself to find out.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read Stella Rainbow's Fate's Gambit series before her newest book, Maximus (which was excellent on it's own). Reading this series would have definitely enhanced the reading pleasure.
Doing a favor for a friend, Damien, King of the Otherworld, finds the men he is fated to. Reluctant to approach, he spends two years stalking and falling for the two. After a car accident leaves one on the edge of death and the other promising the fates anything if his partner survives, Damien makes his move.
A deal with the devil has never been so sweet. Damien has 6 months to get Reece and Artemus to fall for him. And while he's doing that, the reader will fall in love with all three. Sweet and funny. With just a tinge of angst.

[Tara Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! The story does start with a novella, First Play. You should read it first, but you don't absolutely have to.

The three main characters are great. I love that they aren't what you stereotypicaly expect. The idea that the Devil has some soft/sweet secrets really tickled me. There are some hardships these guys are going through and will continue to go through. I can't wait to see how they deal with them.
Besides the main characters, the supporting cast is really fun. I have already picked out my faves that I hope get a spin-off. Stella is really talented at world building and this new world promises to be a good one!

[Yuki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ce n’est pas un livre mais un brouillon même pas fini. Je ne recommande pas cette auteure. Sans parler que tu es pratiquement forcé de t’inscrire à la newsletter de l’auteure pour avoir une histoire entière concernant le prequel. C’est juste du n’importe quoi. Non seulement elle scinde sa pseudo romance nuancée de D/s en 3 parties donc 3 livres mais en plus on doit subir sa newsletter. Foutage de gueule en grand. Fuck ça. Pour lire cette histoire ça m’a pris à peine 3heures lol. Damien euh, Reece bref et Artemis vraiment.! Pas développement, pas de profondeur etcétéra etcétéra.
En bref l’histoire est complètement peter! Le résumé était mieux que l’histoire en elle même. Déception.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
The follow on from First Play takes a paranormal turn with the introduction of Damien who is the King of Otherworld. While it isn't necessary to have read it first as some background is given, I suggest it because you get to know Arty and Reece better that way.
Lower on the steam scale because of the accident, it sets up the trilogy well and introduces not only Day but Otherworld and the magic etc.
It's a really sweet story and it's difficult not to like the characters. Day in particular is a sweetheart and nothing like a King ought to be.

[Denise Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
When Arty and Reece are on their way to their honeymoon there is an accident. To save Arty's life Reece makes deal with the devil.
Damien , King of the Otherworld, has been watching Arty and Reece for two years and has fallen in love with them. To save Arty Reece has to spend six months with Damien in his world.
Reece finds it hard but Damien is so considerate. While Arty is in his coma ,Damien visits him telling him all about his husband who he has no memory of.
Looking forward to the next in this series

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg all the feels!!!

I seen a post in one of my many Facebook groups and figured what the help I will give it a read. And I am glad I did it was just so damn sweet. I love low to nearly no angst books this was just what I needed with all the sweet feelings made me smile even tear up ( but I'm a big baby when I read so you might not lol). Only problem I had it the other books aren't out yet can't wait for the next one!

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, fear of loss, careless words of making a deal may be all it takes for a happy ending. You never know!

Ms. Rainbow definitely knows how to spin some magic to create a plot and make the characters come alive. Heartache and fear of losing his new husband Arty, Reece says he'd make a deal with the devil to make sure his husband lives. Enter Damien to accept the deal. Life suddenly takes a turn for the strange. Good read. Gotta get the next one in the series.

[Haylee Wireman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! *chef’s kiss* 💋
This book was so unique! I adored this triad!
Damien was so endearing. I love characters who are the absolute complete opposite on the inside compared to the exterior and all three men were described differently than their personalities.
I can’t wait to read more on these three!
Spectacular writing!

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise was really good, a fluffy story that follows two humans and a devil! In order to understand what is going on you need to read the prequel. It’s a darker read than I would normally expect from the author. I really like that the characters were all different in their own way. Overall I enjoyed the story. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.

[JILL Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fricking loved it

I really really tried to not read this so fast in order to make it last. Well that plot didn't work, I simply had to go and devour it in one sitting. I totally loved the characters and even the snake...yes there bid a snake . Can't wait for the next sitting. I highly recommend that you indulge in this author and story.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to book two!

You’ll definitely want to jump right into book two as this ends quite unresolved. I wish we’d had a little more of Arty but I really liked the idea of the smallest of the trio being the dom. Reese is such a gentle giant and my heart broke for him. Day isn’t what I expected though that’s not a bad thing.

[Wayne Blood · Rating 4 out of 5]

After getting completely caught up with the Mistvale series, I jumped to Otherworld. I initially skipped the Fate’s Gambit trilogy, but when I started Lords of Otherworld: Maximus, there were so many references to *this* series, that I felt I needed to read them. Enjoyed this one much more that the prequel short. Damien is an interesting character.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!!! It was great to see how both Reece and Arty fall in love with Damian in two totally different ways… also a talking snake was just a genius move on Stella’s part. He is absolutely hilarious!!! I’m definitely looking forward to the next one…