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!

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.