I enjoyed this book and would give it 4.5 stars. I enjoyed the writing style and this retelling of Dorian Gray. There was depth to the lead character and her conflict around her muse powers was tangible. The character development within Dorian was great and kept you undecided about whether he was redeemable or not. There was an element of social commentary around age which was interesting as well as a good level of spice and romance. The mythology of the muse powers and the mysterious supernatural beings in the book gave a unique edge and I look forward to seeing how this develops in future books. The ending, whilst somewhat predictable, was still climatic and satisfying. I would recommend this book to others and would read a second installment.

⭐️3.5 🌶️2
I really loved aspects of this book and thought that others could use some work. It was definitely a slow start and I thought I was stuck in an intro for a very long time. The actual story for me didn’t really seem to start or really come together until the last 15% or so. I think that was intentional, but I needed a bit more earlier on to really stay engaged in the characters and story line.

🌹retelling
🌹only you can save me
🌹only one bed
🌹dislike to lovers
🌹supernatural power

Baz:
“I’m not really a coaster girl” ??? This part was odd. She started out trying to be the “I’m not like other girls” girl, but she did grow on me. I ended up liking her at the end.

Dorian: I really didn’t care for Dorian the whole time and he was kind of a little b*tch. Even at the end I still didn’t think there had been enough proof that he was worth it or even a decent character. And I say this being someone who prefers the MMC to be morally grey or black.
I also don’t like it when the characters smoke, gives me the ick.

I do love a retelling though and, while I’m not an expert in the original story, this one seemed pretty good!

Thank you NetGalley and Rebecca Kenney for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Normally I like to read book series in order, but while Gatsby was mentioned in Charming Devil a few times, this can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Dorian Gray, yes that Dorian Gray, is all about a life of excess, and why wouldn't he be? His soul is trapped inside a painting with every negative effect happening to that painting, not to Dorian. One morning however, he notices that his painting has a small hole and is starting to decay.
Lucky for him, the ancestor of the original painter has the exact same ability. Unlucky for him, she made a vow to NEVER paint portraits after crating a crayon drawing of her father and accidently killing him. The rest of the story focuses on Dorian trying to will over Baz (fmc) and getting her to agree to remaking his picture so he can continue to live a life of excess, free from consequences and the effects of aging. With a bit of mysticism thrown in, and some Irish folklore, this was overall a quick, interesting read. The only caveat I have is the repeated build up, then sudden drop off of the "monster" that is out to get Baz. It does come to a half conclusion, but I do think that this was a build up for later books in the series. And because I enjoy most retellings, I do plan on going back to read the first book.

Charming Devil is a paranormal retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, where Dorian, instead of destroying the painting and dying, continues on, living multiple lifetimes of debauchery.

But after more than a century of excesses, the portrait has absorbed as much of his destructive habits as it can handle and it is beginning to decay. In desperation, Dorian searches for the last remaining descendant of the original painter, in hopes that he can commission a new, fresh portrait and continue living.

Baz Allard is an artist who happens to be exactly who Dorian is looking for. Unfortunately for him, she refuses to ever create a portrait of a real person. In desperation he offers her tons of money and a period of time living large in his dime while he tries to convince her. She agrees to his gambit, thinking she can convince him to finally accept his mortality. But Dorian and Baz are both stubborn to a fault...

Over the course of the story, Rebecca manages to make Dorian, who starts out as a handsome, spoiled brat, into an fascinating love interest, and I can't wait to see how the creepy, paranormal subplot will continue through future books in the series.

And to the people who have preemptively written off this retelling because "it's not queer because Baz is a woman", ditch your bi-phobia, because Dorian is still queer AF.

Huge fan of this author but ugh I was underwhelmed, I love Dorian G retellings and this just didn’t do it for me. Poor character development.

Charming Devil is Dorian Gray like you’ve never seen him before!

At its core, Charming Devil is a bold and unique retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, but Rebecca Kenney takes plenty of creative liberties that make this version a fresh and exciting experience. If you’ve read Beautiful Villain, you already know the kind of imaginative storytelling to expect. While Charming Devil stands alone, fans of Kenney’s other works will appreciate the fun extras sprinkled throughout.

Dorian Gray in this story is exactly what you’d hope for: a man with an insatiable appetite for debauchery and indulgence. Initially, I wondered how he would fare as a romantic lead, but Rebecca Kenney worked her magic, turning a seemingly one-dimensional character into someone complex and evolving. Watching Dorian transform into a multi-faceted, relatable figure was nothing short of remarkable.

The plot evolves alongside the characters, blending the familiar beats of The Picture of Dorian Gray with unexpected paranormal twists. Hidden abilities, tragic backstories, and surprising villains make for an engaging narrative. The paranormal elements are woven seamlessly into the story without overpowering it, so even readers who don’t usually gravitate toward supernatural tales will find plenty to enjoy. For those who do, the rich history and Charleston, SC setting add layers of intrigue and atmosphere.

One notable aspect is the ending, which comes together suddenly and with an explosive intensity. While it may feel abrupt, it doesn’t detract from the story’s overall impact. The last 60 pages are a whirlwind, packed with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. It’s a thrill ride from start to finish, and you won’t know what to expect as the story hurtles toward its conclusion.

Charming Devil is a must-read for fans of the Gilded Monsters series and anyone looking for a fresh, captivating take on a classic tale. Rebecca Kenney delivers yet again, proving her talent for reimagining timeless stories with creativity and flair. Don’t miss this exhilarating addition to the series!

As a fan of the first book in the series, I’m greatly enjoying the supernatural twist to these classic stories. That being said, the picture of Dorian Gray was already a fairly supernatural story to begin with, but modernizing and adding new elements to the story really made this a fresh and interesting take. I liked the characters but I didn’t really find that the two main characters had that much chemistry together, it just kind of felt like lust and that’s it, though individually they were actually pretty good characters. Regardless it was a fun and enjoyable read!

This story was a little better than the first. And yes you can totally read this as a standalone.

The story feels like it’s stuck on a race track and it keeps going around and around. You think something big is going to happen… then it doesn’t. Bringing Gatsby back in it was just weird though. I think if he was left out it would’ve been a lot better.

Overall it was a fun distraction and palette cleanser but it’s not the best book out there for me unfortunately.

3-Star Review

I’ll start with this: this book is significantly better than the first one. But that’s faint praise considering how rough the first book was. I went into this one hoping for a big improvement, and while it’s definitely a step up, it’s still stuck in middle-tier territory for me.

The biggest issue here is the pacing. The plot feels like it’s going in circles—a merry-go-round of repetitive beats that never quite builds to anything satisfying. There’s potential in the premise, but the execution feels safe, predictable, and unwilling to take the risks that would make it stand out. It’s easy enough to read, but I kept waiting for something bold to happen. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

And then there’s Gatsby. Why bring him back? The inclusion feels forced and unnecessary, dragging down a story that’s already fighting to stay afloat. It’s frustrating because without that baggage, this book could have been a lot stronger. As it stands, it feels like the characters—and the narrative—are shackled to choices made in the first book, rather than given the freedom to grow.

There are glimmers of something great here. The writing is smoother, the characters more engaging, and the world-building more solid than before. But there’s still a lack of forward momentum and a tendency to fall back on familiar tropes. For readers who loved the first book, this will probably be a hit. For me, it’s proof that the series has potential—but isn’t quite reaching it yet.

Charming Devil reimagines a literary classic The Picture of Dorian Gray in a contemporary setting. Dorian Gray is a wealthy influencer, indulging in excess and evading consequences—his portrait absorbs the toll of his choices, leaving his flawless exterior intact. Opposite him is Baz, a no-nonsense artist haunted by a tragic past. Bound by a vow to never paint another portrait after her magical talent destroyed someone she loved, she’s thrust into a moral quandary when Dorian seeks her help to preserve his eternal life.

While the premise is intriguing, it takes time to truly connect with the characters. Dorian remains self-absorbed and vain, yet undeniably complex beneath his polished façade. Baz, determined to peel back Dorian’s layers, is compelling but feels only lightly explored. Her internal conflict—a tug-of-war between honoring her vow and succumbing to Dorian’s seductive pleas—is central to the story, though its repetitiveness at times overshadows the narrative’s emotional depth.

Kenney captures the sharp edges of Dorian’s character, portraying his hedonism and callousness without sanitizing him for the sake of likability. Baz, too, is flawed and raw, her imperfections an intriguing counterpart to Dorian’s lavish chaos. The spark between the two is undeniable from the very first encounter, even as their motives clash.

That said, the book’s pacing hits a sluggish middle where the emotional tension between Baz and Dorian overshadows key plot points. However, the story regains its momentum toward the end, leaving readers anxiously awaiting Baz’s ultimate decision. Will she break her vow to grant Dorian’s desperate wish, or will she stay true to her resolve? A sudden surge in magical and mystical elements not only enrich the story’s climax but also set the stage for a potential fascinating continuation of Baz and Dorian’s journey.

Charming Devil offers a blend of romance, magic, and moral intrigue that keeps readers hooked. This book delivers for fans of morally gray characters, reimagined classics, and slow-burn dark romance.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Step into a seductive and deadly world where beauty hides dangerous secrets. Charming Devil is a spicy New Adult retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, with a magical twist that will have you hooked from the first page.

🖌 Plot Highlights:
• Dorian Gray’s painting is decaying, threatening his eternal youth and beauty. Desperate, he seeks Baz, a talented artist descended from his first love.
• Baz, haunted by the devastating consequences of her gift, swears never to paint another likeness. But Dorian’s allure might just tempt her to break her vow.
• As dark magic stirs, both Baz and Dorian find themselves caught in a web of passion, danger, and power.

🔥 Why You’ll Love It:
• A fresh twist on a classic: This retelling breathes new life into The Picture of Dorian Gray with magic, romance, and suspense.
• Complex characters: Dorian’s decadence meets Baz’s artistic struggles in a clash of wills and desires.
• Dark and seductive vibes: A gothic setting, forbidden attraction, and deadly stakes make this a page-turner you won’t put down.
• Special deluxe edition: With stained edges, character art, and bonus features, it’s a must-have for collectors.

📖 Perfect For Fans Of:
• Dark fantasy and magical retellings
• Complex anti-heroes and fierce heroines
• Stories with a blend of passion and peril
• Books like The Cruel Prince or A Court of Thorns and Roses

💬 Have you read Charming Devil yet? What’s your favorite dark retelling? Drop your thoughts below!

✨ #CharmingDevil #RebeccaKenney #DorianGrayRetelling #NewAdultFantasy #DarkRomance #GothicFantasy #BookstagramReads #MustReadBooks #MagicAndPassion #FantasyLovers #RetellingDoneRight

A modern retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Dorian’s livelihood is linked to a portrait, painted by his lover over a hundred years ago. He meets his lover’s distant relative and asks her to paint him so that he can live longer. This remake of The Picture of Dorian Gray is sexy and modern.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I was wondering this whole book how it would be intertwined with the first book but when I found out … I was so excited !!!
Dorian Gray has been young and handsome for many years, but the painting of him that has been keeping him youthful is starting to deteriorate. Fearing he will lose his youthfulness he seeks out a painter whom is a descendant of Dorian’s first love, and the original painter.
Baz is a young painter who is figuring out her magic and abilities. She struggles with wanting to help Dorian based on how selfish he is. But through the story , they grow quite fond of each other . Could Baz be the one who changes his ways? Will she repaint him to help him stay young?
I love all retelling and I am becoming a big fan of Rebecca Kenney!!! I’m ready for the next one !!

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to arc read this amazing second book in the series .

This book is a fresh, exciting twist on the classic Dorian Gray story, mixing old-school gothic vibes with a modern, edgy flair. Dorian Gray has managed to stay flawless for over a century, but now the magical portrait keeping him young is falling apart. Desperate to save himself, he tracks down Baz Allard, a talented painter who’s inherited her aunt’s studio in Charleston—and, as it turns out, is a descendant of Basil Hallward, the artist who painted Dorian’s original portrait.

Baz has the same artistic gift as her ancestor, but she’s sworn never to paint someone’s likeness again. Dorian offers her money, prestige, and charm to break that vow, but as he tries to win her over, something dark and dangerous starts to stir in the city. As the tension builds and sparks fly between them, the two get caught up in a tangled web of secrets, mistakes, and undeniable passion. All the while, one big question looms over them: Is eternal life really worth the cost—even for someone you love?

With its moody setting, complex characters, and a story full of romance, danger, and supernatural mystery, this book is impossible to put down. It’s perfect for anyone who loves gothic tales with a modern twist and just the right amount of drama and suspense.🥀

Charming Devil by Rebecca Kenney is a lush, seductive reimagining of the Dorian Gray legend, steeped in dark magic, artistic obsession, and the dangerous allure of immortality. With its brooding antihero, strong-willed heroine, and slow-burning tension, this story captures the eerie beauty of Wilde’s classic tale while adding a modern, romantic twist that feels fresh and thrilling.

Dorian Gray is every bit the irresistible enigma one would expect—charming, manipulative, and tragic in equal measure. Rebecca Kenney does a fantastic job of peeling back the layers of his ageless facade, revealing the tortured man beneath the decadence. Dorian’s desperation as he watches his immortality unravel lends the story a palpable sense of urgency. His charm may be dangerous, but it’s rooted in a deep, almost existential fear of confronting his own mortality, making him more than just a seductive villain.

Baz, the young painter at the heart of the story, is a compelling counterbalance to Dorian’s extravagance. Strong, stubborn, and haunted by her own tragic past, Baz refuses to be a pawn in someone else’s game, no matter how tempting the stakes. Her vow to never paint another portrait again adds a fascinating layer of tension to their interactions. Kenney writes Baz as a complex, independent character whose strength comes not just from defiance but from her vulnerability and grief. Her artistic gift isn’t just a talent—it’s a burden with consequences that go far beyond a canvas and brush.

The chemistry between Dorian and Baz is electric. Their interactions crackle with mistrust, desire, and the kind of slow-burning intensity that keeps you on edge. Kenney doesn’t rush their relationship, allowing their connection to build gradually as they navigate their own traumas and secrets. The "enemies-to-lovers" energy is strong here, but it never feels formulaic. Instead, their relationship feels like a dance on the edge of a knife—equal parts dangerous and thrilling.

One of the standout elements of Charming Devil is its atmosphere. The descriptions of Baz’s studio, the decaying portrait, and the ominous shadows that seem to watch from the corners of every scene create a world that feels eerie and cinematic. The story’s magic system, rooted in artistic creation and destruction, is beautifully symbolic. The painting isn’t just a plot device—it’s a living representation of how art can hold power, beauty, and ruin in its strokes.

The plot thickens when darker forces begin to awaken, threatening to consume Baz entirely. This addition of external antagonistic forces heightens the stakes, though it occasionally feels like these magical elements overshadow the more intimate conflict between Dorian and Baz. The narrative's strongest moments are when it focuses on the psychological and emotional tug-of-war between the two leads, while the broader battle of magic feels slightly rushed in comparison.

The pacing is generally strong, but some readers may find the buildup a bit slow in the first third of the novel as Baz and Dorian circle each other in their verbal sparring. However, once the stakes become clearer and the threads of past and present entangle, the plot moves quickly toward a climactic and satisfying conclusion.

At 4 stars, Charming Devil is an intoxicating blend of gothic romance, dark fantasy, and emotional drama. Rebecca Kenney’s prose is as alluring as her characters, weaving a tale of power, love, and the devastating price of immortality. Fans of morally gray antiheroes, complex heroines, and stories that blur the line between beauty and destruction will devour this book. Whether you’re familiar with Dorian Gray’s original story or new to his dark legacy, this modern spin will enchant and haunt you long after the final page.

AHH! This book is officially one of my favorite retellings ever! It had me SUCKED RIGHT IN immediately. I wouldn’t change a thing about this book. The spice was perfect, the story was amazing, I didn’t feel like there were plot holes or anything like that. I absolutely loved this so much! I will definitely be reading all of Rebecca Kenney’s books now!

If you're looking for a fun twist on a classic book, you'll definitely want to get your hands on Charming Devil!

I wasn't 100% sure what I got myself into when I picked up this book, but Charming Devil took me by surprise in the best possible way. It intrigued me from the very first page and I quickly found myself getting lost in this dark and mysterious tale. With no shortage of spice and intrigue, Charming Devil will keep you glued to the pages.

If you're looking for a story with great characters, fantasy, and gothic vibes, you won't want to miss Charming Devil. I hope you'll fall head over heels for Baz and Dorian just as I have.

This one is a spicy, dark Dorian Gray retelling & let me tell you the way I devoureddd this book! Oh my god I couldn't put it down. 🔥
This had me hooked from page 1!
Charming Devil was such a fun & suspenseful read, full of twists & a hint of magic which is nice to see in a modern/present day setting, I absolutely loved the mention of certain bands I love (Motionless in white & Ghost to name a couple)

In this retelling we get to follow Baz who is a struggling artist refusing to paint portraits due to people's souls becoming trapped in them & also due to something tragic that happened during her childhood. Until she meets Dorian Gray that is 😍
Dorian is the ultimate hot rich boy obsessed with himself, money, youthfulness, partying, drugs, travelling anywhere- just whatever he can do to fully "live" 🎉
He is on the hunt for her to paint him another portrait (this is what has been keeping him alive all these years) due to his original finally decaying which was painted by Baz's ancestor. He gives her 2 weeks to decide if she will paint him & she eventually agrees to a few weeks of him spoiling her, showing her a good time with some of his friends tagging along as well. Along the way there's betrayal, heartache, sooo many twists that I didn't see coming! 🔥
I loved Dorian & Baz like soooo much, I loved watching them both grow & learn with eachother. The tension & slow burn between these two was perfect 😍 Oh and the spice was so good 🫠
I am looking forward to the next book!!
If you like classics & spicy retellings, this one is for you! Releases Feb 11th!
Thank you so much to netgalley & sourcebooks for this arc! 🫶

rating: 4
spice: 2

i love me a retelling! this one is a dorian gray retelling with a hint of magic.

dorian's portrait is falling apart and that's what's keeping him alive for over a century. he meets baz, a direct descendent of the man who painted his portrait. he has a couple weeks to convince her to paint him a new one so he can stay young forever.

there's mythical creatures, magic, and suspense! i loved the way the characters were written. i was ready to hate dorian, but rebecca definitely made me fall in love with him. i think everyone will love baz, she'll be your favorite goth gf!

- dorian gray retelling
- magic
- gods
- mythical creatures
- mentions of vampires
- dislike to lovers

I knew from the moment I saw that book two was going to be a Picture of Dorian Gray retelling that I would be in love, and I of course, was right.

I loved making Baz a descendent from Basil! The author included a lot of cool elements to make this a unique retelling while the heart of story stayed the same.

And of course, Dorian Gray was absolutely decadent 😍

I already can’t wait for book 3!

If you once were a lover of classics and now enjoy some good old fashioned open door romance, you’ve come to the right place.

Thank you Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced copy!