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!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Charming Devil by Rebecca Kenney is a first person dual-POV contemporary fantasy romance reimagining of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Baz is an artist struggling to make a name for herself and refuses to draw portraits because it will trap the soul of the person she drew. Dorian Gray finds her and asks her to make another portrait due to his original finally starting to decay. When Baz refuses, Dorian convinces her to give him a week to change her mind.

Because this is set in the present day, the dialogue and descriptions are all more modern, including Dorian’s dialogue and thoughts. Dorian does retain a lot of his baggage in regards to aging and being beautiful but he doesn’t keep a lot of the attitudes from his original time. He has lovers of all genders and a previous lover of his was Basil Hallward, who is also Baz’s ancestor and one of two loves of Dorian’s life. The assumption is that Dorian has kept up with how conversation and word choice have changed and has, over the course of time, worked to unlearn a lot of prejudices he might have been raised around.

The prose leans more towards erotica for its descriptions of Dorian’s body, in particular, and some of the dialogue. I’d put it at maybe a 3.5 on a 5 point heat scale as there isn’t a lot of kink present, but there’s several erotic scenes and they are fairly descriptive. There is very clear consent between Baz and Dorian

Baz has a very complicated relationship with Dorian partially because of his relationship with her ancestor. Basil was the original painter of Dorian’s portrait and the one who created the picture that holds all of the decay in Dorian’s soul. Baz’s mother was told to name Baz ‘Basil’ by a sort of psychic, making it even weirder for Dorian that he has such deep feelings for her because her own name is identical to the one that got away. She rejects being Basil’s reincarnation several times, which Dorian accepts, but you can tell that she doesn’t totally believe that Dorian thinks she’s a whole new person.

I would recommend this to fans of The Picture of Dorian Gray looking for a contemporary fantasy romance reimagining and those looking for a erotica with a fantastical element

I really enjoyed the start of the book and I was really invested in learning about Baz's ability. I thought Dorian was cool at first but he soon became annoying and I just found him such a horrible person that I wasn't really rooting for them. I kinda wanted Baz to just tell him to pi** off. I still enjoyed the book but I found it hard to enjoy towards the end. This is a retelling of the painting of Dorian Gray and I haven't actually read the book so I'm not sure if that's why I struggled with it. The book is very spicy 🔥 I'd like to read the other books in the series and give them a try because I think the plot was quite interesting and different.

2025 is the year of trying brand new authors to find some gems,

“Charming devil” was a fun read! I’m always skeptical about retellings (especially hades and Persephone because we have one too many of those thank yeewww),
However the gothic vibes to the Dorian Gray story has always intrigued me so I wanted to take a chance on this one and it payed off!

The characters were fun, I liked how Baz character had a bit of a gender reversal feel to her character with her independent and boss lady style whilst keeping her anonymity amongst the majority of the art scene with her unusual naming.

Dorian was of course arrogant and charming and I couldn’t help like him from the start 🫠😂

I also enjoyed the concept or magic abilities and beings in the modern day world it had a nice contrast to the everyday mundane of first world problems.

If you want fun reading experience vibes I’d recommend giving this a try!

**I actually didn’t realize this was book number 2 in a series so upon looking back this can definitely be read as a stand-alone and I believe entails a total different storyline and set of characters**
Thank you to sourcebooks and Rebecca Kenney for the EARC!

Publish date - February 11th 2025

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a somewhat dark and spicy retelling of the Dorian Gray painting, with all the debauchery as the original with the exception of this being a straight version. Yes, Dorian talks about his past with Basil and a few other men, but in this book, the only spice we get is with Baz. I will not spoil any more.
Told in first person from Baz's POV with the occasional chapter told from Dorian's POV. Dorian's painting is starting to deteriorate; all of the things he has done to his body is causing it. He needs to find a descendant of the original painter, Basil Hallward, to make him a new painting and bind his soul to the new one before the original is completely torn. Baz is a struggling artist living in Charleston in a house she inherited from a distant aunt, and refuses to draw portraits thanks to an accident from her past. When she meets Dorian and he makes his demands, she outright refuses. Dorian gives her two weeks to change her mind, all while spoiling her with the things she could have in this world if she were to say yes. During this time, they (of course, slight spoiler) develop feelings for each other, even though they know it's wrong. Baz wants to show Dorian the meaning of living and that he should get rid of immortality, while Dorian is showing her what fun can be had while being immortal and why he wants to stay immortal. There's some supernatural things that occur and bring them closer.

A great retelling, even if I've never read the original. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The spicy scenes were great. It was a slow burn with a little dirty talk thrown in. There was some deep conversations in there, which makes it different from your usual paranormal romance with spice. Worth a read. Guess that means I need to read the first in this series about Gatsby. He is mentioned in this story a couple times. But I wasn't confused or lost even though I haven't read the first book.

This was 4 stars for me!

I had no idea what to expect with a Dorian Gray retelling and I will say I was all here for this one. I have always been fascinated by the story of Dorian Gray so reading this twist on the story was fun and compelling.

Dorian and Baz are characters that I enjoyed reading and experiencing their hardships and seeing their inner demons but I also didn't expect to love their chemistry. From the start the name Baz threw me off, thinking I was getting into a MM, which I was looking forward to but was shocked when Baz was short for Basil.

Overall, Dorian's character was wicked and full of flaws but I loved his outcome and the way he grew with Baz in his life. I love the twists of the story and the characters that were introduced, as they helped better understand the characters and their backstory. The ending was a bit of a cliffy, so I'm looking forward to continuing this storyline.

This is a great book that breathes new life into the iconic story of Dorian Gray. From the very first page, I was captivated by the rich, atmospheric prose and the compelling characters. The book delves into the dark and seductive world of Dorian Gray, whose portrait has kept him flawless for over a century but is now deteriorating due to his life of reckless decadence. The storytelling shines in this novel, weaving together themes of art, magic, and desire with finesse. Baz's internal struggle and the haunting past that drives her reluctance to use her gift add depth and complexity to her character. The tension between Baz and Dorian is amazing, and their chemistry electric. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and the intricate web of conflicting motives and emotions left me eagerly turning the pages.

This is a must-read for fans of dark, romantic fantasy, and Rebecca Kenney has truly created a mesmerizing masterpiece that will stay with me long after the final page.

CWs: lots of violence, sex, anything with dark romance, mentions of parental death, gruesome, bloody death, body horror, homophobia/biphobia (on page and in characterization).

So, I will give credit in this having a male character who is shown to have sexual attraction to multiple genders. As well as the FMC. However, the good part ends there, in the same breath, Dorian is promiscuous and flagrant with his partners, until super-special-FMC of course. I’m not against sex at all, but to have promiscuity in a bisexual character kind of fulfills a negative stereotype about queer people, especially bisexual and pansexual people. And Baz’s bisexuality is pretty minuscule and offhandedly mentioned. I don’t think she needs to date women on page, or at all, to be queer, but this is just felt tacked on and half-assed/

The writing was very readable/consumable, but Anne Rice and Rachel Harrison are two examples off the top of my head that write the same atmosphere but with better representation and more bearable characters.

This book wasn’t awful, or the worst book I’ve read (that honor belongs to the Scarlett Letter) but it isn’t the best, far from it. I wouldn’t have continued this book except well, it’s kind of like really trashy reality TV. It’s fun to read.

Dorian’s an ass, Baz is very NLOG/pick me coded. She reminds me of someone who would roll her eyes every time she sees teenagers squealing over One Direction, she just comes off as holier-than-thou to me. Dorian comes off as the guy who thinks every woman in the room wants to be with him (within the first few chapters, this guy hounds Baz for a date, and when she turns him down, he just says “see you at seven!”).

Maybe it’s a genre thing, dark romance really isn’t my thing, I prefer cuter things and I think this really fits the dark romance genre really well. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, it’s just not to my taste. For people who like that genre, this book is perfect.

The plot and magic system isn’t generic at all, it’s inventive, not totally unique but pretty inventive. In its outline, it’s good, but it just fell to too many clichés for me. I didn’t like it.

The concept in this book was an extremely clever take on Dorian Gray. I liked the idea that his sins in life would reflect upon his portrait, so “timeless” he might be but still he is affected within life.

Desperate to “fix” his portrait and longevity, he seeks out Baz, a talented artist with the magical ability the original artist had (family relations). Baz takes some convincing to help Dorian, which was to be expected. Baz doesn’t trust easy, a complicated past taught her to be careful. Yet, she is still unable to fully block out the charm that Dorian presents,

The main storyline flows nicely and organically but I can’t like the underlying plot is just as captivating. The characters balance each other well, Baz can be a bit headstrong with her thoughts and ideas which comes off as closed minded at times but I felt like towards the end, she did have some growth. Dorian, is wealthy, influential and of course charming, he has used that to his advantage in the past and it shows,

Their imperfections balanced and they were capable of showing them in time. It’s an easy and fun read,

Ohhh Dorian. Who could ever deny you?!?
This is a fun take on the infamous painting of the one and only Dorian Grey. He’s lived for so long, so wrongly, that he finds his life in actual danger. He must find an ancestor of his original artist and convince them to save him…all while coming head to head with some supernatural stick dogs.

Thank you net galley and source books Casablanca for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

When I think of a retailing of Dorian Grey this is not what I expect, but I loved it. I could not put it down! I read it in under 24 hours. The pacing and the characters were great and couldn’t help but to want the, to win!

An Absolutely phenomenal continuation to a great series. Who doesn’t love a morally gray hunk? I really loved the concept of this book. It’s not super often you find people willing to take classical literature and do something amazing with it.