Rebecca Kenney writes a morally grey man like no other. She always sprinkles in the perfect amount of redemption to make him compelling and dynamic. Of course this is the case with Dorian Gray. Dorian was painted by an old lover, who had an unknown gift and accidentally captured his soul and tethered him to the portrait he painted. More than a century later, Dorian remains untouched by age and has lived a dark lifestyle of excess and sin. Although his person remains flawless, his portrait is marred by his sins and age and is disgustingly warped, showing his true nature underneath his angelic looks. But after years of decay, the portray is finally beginning to wither- enter our FMC. Baz is a descendant of the original artists and has inherited his abilities- although she has vowed to never use them. Dorian vows to change her mind and thus their torrid love affair begins.
My favourite part of this book is that Rebecca let Dorian be bad- he's self serving and apathetic to a fault. He leaves a string of broken hearts and ruined lives behind him, without a care in the world. It isn't until he's forced to face his past transgressions that he seems to show any kind of regret..
Kenney has created such an immersive and fascinating world with the Gilded Monsters series and I was loathe to finish this book. To say it exceeded expectations is an understatement (and after Beautiful Villain, my expectations were high) but somehow this one was even better.
Rebecca's spin on these classic novels is addictive and if you are a fan of retellings, I would highly recommend this series to anyone.

I was really enjoying the first half of this book because it felt like a uniquely paranormal spin on the Dorian Gray story, but I’ll be honest, it took a downturn for me in the second half. If I could rate the two halves separately, the first half would be ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and the second half would be ⭐️⭐️ - so average I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Dorian’s portrait was painted over 100 years ago by Basil Hallward and has allowed him immortality while maintaining his beautiful facade. However, during his long life he’s glutted on drugs and pretty much everything bad for his body while funneling the pain and damage into his portrait. What he didn’t realize is that his portrait could only take so much and it’s started deteriorating. Once the portrait fully deteriorates, so does he. This prompts him to look for Basil’s current day descendant to paint him a new portrait.

Baz has vowed to never ever paint a portrait again after the one and only time she did, she killed her father. So when Dorian asks her to paint his, she adamantly refuses. He proposes two weeks of wealth, parties, and fame to convince her otherwise and she agrees.

The extravagant lifestyle and Baz’s new “friends” were entertaining to read about for a while but it started to take a turn for me when she was confronted with Dorian’s influence over many individual’s drug use leading to their deaths and she just brushes it off. She was just like everyone else, falling for his godly beauty and was inexplicably in love with him without him doing anything genuinely love worthy. Not to mention his constant self obsession and remarks about how beautiful he is. We get it, you’re hot, but it’s quite literally the opposite when you constantly say it. Then add in his grotesque behavior towards his little posse, no wonder Vane went crazy!

The toxicity of Baz’s feelings for Dorian can be summed up in her own thoughts:
”And most of all, I hate Dorian Gray for making me care about him. It’s like instead of running from his red flags, I fucking collected them. Carelessly. Eagerly. Clutched them to my chest like a big bouquet of roses.”

The Lloyd-Henry spin was interesting - I’d call him the evil little devil on Dorian’s shoulder. The skriken were one of the most interesting aspects of this story and I was eagerly awaiting the action promised from their appearance. I will say that I loved the tie in to Beautiful Villain and the whole Gatsby cast, so I am intrigued to continue on with these retellings and where they will go with the overarching god plot.

Quantity of spice: 🌶️🌶️
Quality of spice: 🌶️🌶️

A wonderful spicy retelling of the Picture of Dorian Grey. It is a quick read, but full action, paranormal incidents, and heart wrenching aspects from both Dorian and Basil's perspectives.

Book Name: Charming Devil
Author: Rebecca Kennedy

ARC
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Cassablanca for an ARC

Stars: 5
Spice: 3

ANTHOLOGY Series: (I didn't read the first before this and I wasn’t lost)
Fast Paced
DUAL POV
Contemporary Dark Fantasy



- Thoughts.
- Brutal Depictions of Past Trauma and Violence
- CHECK TRIGGERS
- Stunning Character Development
- Make you feel deeply for her characters
- ANGSTY
- I Couldn't Stop Reading
- Toxic but Romantic Love
- I DID NOT Feel GOOD reading this book…. but I couldn’t stop reading it though
- Gave me nightmares oddly
- LOVE FMC .. like I want to get coffee and hang out kinda love her
- Dorian was an ass and he doesn't deserve her

ok this author made me feel things.. which is a win

but I felt it ALL .. it was traumatic and true and I don't know how she did it. I even had nightmares about that poor FMC’s trauma but when my husband said to stop reading I was like no she needs me… they felt SO real. I love that in a fantasy novel. The story was unputdownable engaging and if you have ever been in a truly toxic relationship VERY triggering. It was such a deep character study but at the same time, SO plot-driven…. I didn't feel good reading it…but it's not a feel-good read. OVERALL 10/10 for the way you won't forget it you will linger in this but be WARNED it is ALOT

This book was amazing!!! I really loved both Dorian and Baz and thought their characterizations were perfect. I also really appreciated the call back to Gatsby and his story as well. This was such an amazing retelling and that ending was honestly so satisfying. I’m really excited for the next book in this series!

What if you could live forever? Charming Devil by Rebecca Kenney is a spin on the Dorian Gray tale. Our FMC, Baz, is a descendent of the original artist that painted Dorian’s portrait. She’s strong, artistic, and independent. She’s also afraid of her talents when it comes to portraits. Dorian seeks her out due to his portrait decaying. He’s lived a life full of decadence and debauchery. He has a bad boy persona with a soft spot for her. And she definitely pushes him to do better.

I enjoyed the chemistry between these two main characters. I loved the tension that the author created. I also enjoyed the character growth that Dorian went through.

Charming Devil is a dark romance mixed with a magical mystery, and a modern retelling of a classic tale, it’s worth a read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I have been salivating for this book since I read Beautiful Villain earlier this year and I was not disappointed. Charming Devil gives us even more insight into the world that Rebecca Kenney started building in her Gatsby retelling building more into the Irish pagan folklore that she dangled in front of us and I love it. I will be honest I've never read The Picture of Dorian Grey so I can't make any comparisons to the original but I loved Dorian in this one. He is exactly the kind of person I imagine a gorgeous immortal would become after so many years. While reading about Dorian I couldn't help but conjure up and compare him to images of Lestat, indulging in anything and everything to excess and acting very much as the devil on everyone's shoulder. And in the same vein as you keep reading the deeper you find the character to be. Unfortunately I didn't quite click as well with our FMC, Baz, but I can't quite put my finger on why. Whatever the case it wasn't anything that kept me from enjoying the story. I'm hooked on the larger world scope that is forming in this series and I can't wait to see the next two books come into play.

Charming Devil was amazing! From beginning to end I loved getting to know Baz and falling for her regardless of her being "outside the norm" of my usual FMC's. She was witty, sweet yet strong and courageous and had awesome hair. Although I was unsure about Dorian at first, Kenney pulled through with creating a character that you couldn't help but feel for in the end! There was action, romance, suspense, a bit of a mystery and the book just left me wanting more and more! I can't wait until the next installment of the Gilded Monsters books!

Rebecca Kenney's "Charming Devil" is a seductive modern telling of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray". This story has a blend of magic, desire, and love.

The story focuses on Baz, a talented young artist descended from Dorian Gray's original painter. When the immortal Dorian Gray himself seeks her out, desperate to preserve his beauty and youth, Baz is drawn into a dangerous game of seduction and power. Dorian, with his mesmerizing charm and eternal youth, offers Baz a world of luxury and pleasure, but at a terrible cost.

Kenney tells a tale of forbidden love and the consequences of unchecked desire. The tension between Baz and Dorian is palpable. Kenney provides vivid descriptions to create a mesmerizing atmosphere that pulls the reader into the story. While the novel explores themes of beauty, aging, and the corrupting influence of power, it also delves into the complexities of human relationships and the nature of love. The characters are flawed, each with their own secrets and desires. Baz's internal struggle between her artistic aspirations and her growing infatuation with Dorian adds depth to the story.

"Charming Devil" is a captivating read for fans of dark romance and modern retellings. It can feel a bit corny at times but this genre is a bit different than what I typically read so that was my take on parts. I feel this book could turn into a series though as I want to know more about the gods and magic system.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. Charming Devil is the second book in the Gilded Monsters series. The first book in this series was about Jay Gatsby and Daisy. If you loved the first book you will also love the second. These books can also be read as stand alone. This book is a retelling of Dorian Gray. This book has quite the twist on the story of Dorian Gray. Once I started reading I did not want to put this book down. Also the ending left me wanting so much more. This book does have some spice but it is a slow burn. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Received the NetGalley ARC for Charming Devil and I absolutely couldn't put it down. I love me some morally grey and this Dorian Gray retelling was delicious.
I enjoyed the paths both main characters trudged thru, seeing each POV and how they each dealt with their own trauma while the story intertwined them hooked me. Rebecca penned so many layers of magic and emotions. Can't wait for books 3 and 4! I'm here for the gothic vibes!

The idea of this book was quite clever. Dorian Gray has done so many bad things that his portrait is deteriorating: so he needs Baz to use her magical abilities to paint a new portrait that is bound to his soul. They strike an agreement that he has two weeks to convince her to do it, and of course, feelings start to get in the way of

There’s a subplot that at times feels almost like it is more important than the main plot, and the end is almost entirely dedicated to this subplot. This is a standalone with connections to other standalones, and for the final, official resolution, it seems like you might need to read another book in the series. That being said, this book does have a conclusion, so you don’t need to read multiple books in the series to get just about everything you need.

I both liked and hated Baz and Dorian. Dorian is Dorian, so he’s exactly as expressed for him. Baz, however, can be a little annoying because she tries to force her ideas on other people while simultaneously beint disgusted when other people try to force their ideas on her.

Theres some supernatural elements involved in this story aside from the magic of Dorian Gray’s painting.

If you really liked The Picture of Dorian Gray, you might not like this book, but if you’re a fan of fantasy romance, supernatural beings, and a dark love story, this one is for you.

Thank you very much to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Rebecca Kenney for an ARC of this book.

Rebecca Kenney did a excellent twist on the classic Dorian Gray!!! She is a fantastic storyteller who pulls you in and lets you see the world through one of literatures most morally gray characters of all time! I have read so many versions of his story and this has been my absolute favorite! Dorian Gray is a very complex character and his hedonistic lifestyle and attitude make him very unredeemable. But I have always felt a sadness for this bad boy! And what went into making him so closed down. Rebecca Kenney let us take a peek into Dorian's past and it was heartbreaking! To love someone with all your heart and to be rejected is never easy and What Dorian felt for Basil was deep! When Dorian finds Baz a beautiful artist and descendant of Basil, who has the same gift of painting people and giving them immortality he has a chance to start over! But Baz made a vow after her drawing as a child killed her father never to draw anyone again. Dorian is handsome and mesmerizing and used to getting his own way because of youth,beautiful and money. He doesn't care about using anyone including those who are in his inner circle. So when he sets out to charm Baz into painting him by getting her foot into the right doors of the art world and two weeks of luxury he thinks it will be a piece of cake! But Baz is not only smart and tough and out spoken she calls him on his shit and how he treats others and little by little she gets under his skin. The chemistry between Dorian and Baz is fabulous and the steamy scenes will leave you breathless! This book had all kinds of twists and turns with some awesome mythology added in and amazing secondary characters and a shadowy villian who operates from the shadows while calling himself a close friend of Dorian. I love the classic tales and when a writer twists them all up and does such a amazing job as Rebecca Kenney does it gives me the feels!!! Bravo Rebecca you did one of my favorite twists of all time! And this Dorian will always stand out as my favorite. Until Next time Luv's😉💋

I really enjoyed this Picture of Dorian Gray retelling! This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author, but I will definitely track down her other books now. Charming Devil is a really interesting retelling of one of the great gothic classics, and it was so well done. I loved how she presented Dorian; she stayed true to Wilde’s original character, while also bringing a modern twist and further character growth and development. I hope she continues this series with further literary retellings! I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy spicy romance and retellings of the classics.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the arc!

I loved this book so much! I swear anything Rebecca Kenney writes is gold!!
I was obsessed with the tension between the characters Dorian and Baz! I loved that Baz was gender bent too I think it put a nice spin on the story, Dorian was still Dorian - bisexual, conceited and afraid of growing old.
I also liked the use of paranormal creatures that Baz was actually making come to life from using her powers and that there is an explanation as to where her powers came from, and what the can really do.
I honestly cannot wait to reread this when I get my paperback copy in 2025 and I’m excited for the eventual audio book and I feel like I need this book in all forms

A truly haunting tale of horror and romance that's so visceral it's guaranteed to get under your skin.

A Dorian Gray retelling like no other this is the latest book in Rebecca F Kenneys gilded monsters series that takes the classics twists them into something darkly beautiful.

Due to his life of extreme excess and hedonism Dorian has noticed that his life saving painting is starring to crumble. In a bid to save himself he tracks down the ancestor of the original artist so the painting can be re-made. Baz a struggling artist doesn't not under any circumstances do portraits. Not even when the most beautiful man she has ever seen offers her money, art connections and everything that money can buy. While they dance around each other something darker and ancient lurks in the shadows threatening everything.

This story delves deep into the joys and darkness of human excess. The fear of aging and all that intails is so honestly written that it leaves you feeling uncomfortable with that same type of fear. This is no easy love story, it is difficult, it is hard and it is raw.
It is also clearly the best thing Rebecca F Kenney has written to date.
5 stars

I absolutely devoured this! Rebecca Kenney puts a cool and unique spin on this story, and honestly, it was healing for the HAE lover in me after the OG story left me feeling sad as all heck as a kid. The spice was fantastic- and the characterisation of Dorian was SO great! I just couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next installment in this standalone series! RFK never disappoints, I’m so beyond honoured to have been able to read and review this one before release!

I absolutely devoured this book! Such a great mix of emotions throughout the entire book. The back and forth pull of Dorian and Baz, the mystery of the paranormal "things" happening around them, and all the Beautiful Villain Easter eggs were top notch. I loved how the story setup the interconnected storyline of the series and I cannot wait to see what's next.

I'm such a fan of Rebecca Kenney's story telling and this book still proves she has the creativity to write. I haven't read The Picture of Dorian Gray but after reading Charming Devil, I want to.
I liked the world building, the descriptive writing, and the moral dilemmas faced by the FMC Baz and even Dorian himself. The spice was, as always, the perfect amount that didn't take away from the story.
I would recommend this book to others. I received this free ARC from netgalley for an honest review.

"ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀ ᴄʜᴏɪᴄᴇ ᴀᴛ ᴀʟʟ, ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ. ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ɢᴏ ɢᴇɴᴛʟʏ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ɴɪɢʜᴛ ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ."

Dorian Grey has been one of my favorite classic pieces of literature and I've loved every rendition of it so when Rebecca said she was doing a retelling - I was sat and ready.

Rebecca is one of my favorite retelling authors and I also love how she does genderbending of characters for some of them. Basil aka Baz is our fmc in this book and I adored her. She's pagan, she's artsy, she's unapologetically herself, she's gothy, but she's got this heart of gold and an innate sense of doing the right thing. She spoke to my very soul and every time we learned more about her I was like "she is me" ?! (seriously she also loves Marianas Trench - MY FAVORITE BAND! I squaled a little at this). Then we have Dorian who is as you'd expect if you know anything about the classic - narcissistic, vain, selfish and doesn't truly care about anyone or anything other than himself, his portrait and pleasure. He approaches Baz because of the ability that was passed down to her from the ancestor who originally painted Dorian and he spends the book trying to convince her to repaint him because his current painting so disfigured it's starting to corrode with holes which will destroy the entire thing thus killing him. She's very against doing this but, along the way they find friendship, love and safety in one another. She makes Dorian want to BE better, DO better and realize he is deserving of love.

There were twists thrown in to keep you on your toes and I loved the crossovers with Gatsby/Daisy. I'm curious to see if we hear more about everyone during other books she has planned in the series cause there was definitely some open ended things between Dorian and Baz that happen.