Review
When I picked up Original Sinner earlier this year, I was a bit apprehensive. I tend to shy away from dark romance – some of those tropes are just not for me (but no kink shaming here!). Yet, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I absolutely enjoyed it – so much so that I couldn’t wait for the sequel, Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger.
Needless to say, you’ll need to read the first book before diving into this one. Find my review of Original Sinner to get caught up.
In Wicked Believer, we see Lucifer and Charlotte’s relationship evolve beyond lust. They both continue to grow as individuals navigating complex territory. Lucifer falls in love for the first time and he is not a fan of these new inexplicable feelings. He’s a bit frazzled and certainly unhinged. And I loved it. Charlotte is slowly owning her new role as the Queen of Hell, and her new mysterious powers now that she is immortal. I enjoyed viewing both of their journeys, which not only add to character depth but also offer endless comedic entertainment.
Fair warning that Wicked Believer is spicier and more seductive than the first book. Our main couple explores boundaries with BDSM, kink play, voyeurism, multiple partners, etc. But I commend the author for presenting these themes in a responsible manner.
Besides the spice and humor, the author also takes the overarching story a bit deeper with the celestial war on the horizon. Someone is out to get Charlotte, and Lucifer will do whatever it takes to keep her safe – even at risk to his own life. We meet more characters involved in the conflict, along with more of the couple’s past and the roles they will play.
Overall, Wicked Believer balances humor, suspense, world-building, character growth, seduction, and taboo topics in a fun and entertaining story. I highly recommend for dark romance lovers.
Kait Ballenger returns to the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about taking the story to the next level and plans for the next book in the Original Sinners series. Find the first interview on episode 91 and keep an ear out for our new conversation. Wicked Believer is available September 9.
Book
I wasn’t always immortal. And I’m not sure I’ll ever get the hang of it. Not like Lucifer, a.k.a. Pride. He and the other seven deadly sins, the high-profile billionaires who run this city, make the divine life look easy.
I came to New York a good, if damaged, Christian girl. Then Lucifer opened my eyes to the darkness. To the hunger burning inside me. To a world of pain and pleasure like nothing I’ve ever known. Now it’s all I crave. He’s all I crave.
But as I grapple with this new existence—and the events that led me to it—unseen forces push me and Lucifer apart. Paparazzi track my every move, Lucifer’s family plays their wicked games, and I hardly know who I am anymore. Or who I’m meant to be.
A celestial war is brewing, and Lucifer’s siblings are out for blood—and the dark power inside me calls me to join the fight.
