💥ARC review 💥
Original Sinner @kait.ballenger

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Oh boy did I devour this book. I am hooked. I want more originals and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Small cliffhanger to set the mood for the next book. Lucifer is everything you would want in an MMC. He’s tall dark and handsome, plus brooding and the ultimate villain who will do anything for the one he loves✨ I hope I can read the next books in the series because this one seriously left me thinking about the next one

This book was a WHIRLWIND! I couldn't put the book down! It was absolutely incredible and I need more yesterday! The entire time it kept me fully on my toes!

I really enjoyed this one! I loved the idea of the sins being people and them taking control of the world. I loved the romance and how messed up, but cute it was in it's own way. I liked how Lucifer realized things in the end of the book. I liked seeing the other sins and how they play a part in everyone's lives. I enjoyed this!

This was such a fun book! The MFC gets a job as an assistant at the work place of the Devil. After a frustrating meeting, she journals on her laptop her feelings about her boss and the next thing she knows it somehow gets published to the media. In order for her to fix it she now must become her bosses fake fiancé. It definitely doesn’t take long for it to get spicy.
Also didn’t see that ending coming and how Lucifer was involved the whole time.

Who ever thought sin would feel so good with the prince of darkness!? This book spicy level is off the charts! Let’s just say don’t drink anything with ice while reading this book, it’ll be melted.
This book is about a woman named Charlotte who finds herself in the city that never sleeps. She finds herself sticking out like a sore thumb until her boss, Lucifer is enchanted by her. This is where the story picks up. It’s a quick read and the scenes were spicy 🌶️. I love the anticipation and the build up with the book. The characters in the book were all relatable and realistic which is always a positive in any book. The chemistry between the two characters is very electric so much I felt the chemistry while reading. You should definitely read this book!
Spicy level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Explicit scenes 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Kait Ballenger, Montlake and NetGalley for providing me with an Arc! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#OriginalSinner #NetGalley

Thank you to Kait Bellenger and her team for the ARC of Original Sinner. Dark romantasy is a newer genre for me, and Original Sinner did not disappoint. I was expecting a retelling on the 7 deadly sins upon reading the introduction to the book, however the way this is spun into a modern, complex family gave it a different feel. The FMC has a traumatic past with her ultra-religious upbringing, so landing a job for Lucifer is about as far away from her past as she can possibly get. There is a nice mix of steam, drama, and a hint of mystery as you read through this book.
I am interested in seeing where this series leads with the Original Sinners lives and look forward to reading what Kait Ballenger has in store next!

Kate Ballenger, the amazing author you are! Now let’s talk about her book ‘Original Sinner,’ the first book in a seven-book series. This book is not short of a wild wild ride that will keep you hooked. Charlotte, a small-town girl, escapes her super strict religious background and ends up working PR for Satan himself in NYC!

Lucifer is the hot, filthy-rich CEO with a wicked sense of humor and an ego the size of Manhattan. But instead of the same typical brooding bad boy, this devil’s got some personality- not without some daddy issues. I mean, if God is your dad… what do you expect?)

The best part? Charlotte somehow ends up fake dating Lucifer (Yes, the devil himself!)

The chemistry between the characters is off the charts. We are talking spicy scenes that will make you fan yourself- don’t worry, it’s all consensual, just spicy! The story moves quick, and before you know it you are few hundred pages deep at 3 AM wondering where the time went!

The book has so much going on like the Seven Deadly Sins walking topside, living the modern and happening lives in NYC for… (no spoilers!) The evangelic side with the messy love story is just amazing. The author also threw some awesome diversity in the mix with many characters, which was quite refreshing. I love the blend of the side characters in the story and the right amount of attention without them overshadowing the narrative.

Sure, there were some hiccups as well, like Charlotte can be a bit slow to uptake for a reader, and the enemies-to-lover transition feels a tiny bit rushed. The plot gets chaotic at the end, but you know what... you’ll be too hooked to care!

All in all, I would give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The book is not perfect, but perfectly entertaining and sometimes it’s exactly what you need!

The book has beautiful tropes like:

-Fake dating

-Paranormal romance

-Billionaire talk, dark and handsome vibes

-Crazy/Stalker ex

-Innocent FMC

- Touch her and you….

Heads up: Now I am obsessed and I am waiting for the next book in the series. The wait is going to be torture!!!!!!!!

 Thank you NetGallery for the ARC!

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Firstly I want to say a huge thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for an eARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

I initially requested this book based on the concept of the 7 deadly sins and was really curious about how the plot would unfold based on the blurb, and I have to say that I was amazed! While at some points the plot felt very much like Fifty Shades of Grey, I loved the world-building surrounding the lore of the 7 sins, even if sometimes I felt lost in the plot - I felt like the plot became very rushed towards the end of the book (I was on the edge of my seat at all the twists!).

I really liked the FMC Charlotte, and was inspired by the strength she shows as the story developed, and how she overcame her deeply traumatic upbringing. Lucifer was 😍 - at the beginning he came across as a very cold character, with a deep dislike of humanity, but I loved to see that attitude change as he fell in love with Charlotte.

This book was spicier than I expected it to be (certainly not a complaint!) and contains BDSM elements that were definitely for fantasy entertainment purposes only and has quite a few trigger warnings that feature heavily around religion and abuse.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be checking out more of Kait Ballenger’s books in the future! 💖

Thank you to Montlake for the ARC!

A dark, modern romance fantasy adventure featuring a heavy focus on the Seven Deadly Sins, with Lucifer as the star of the show.

Lucifer is a dark and twisty character who is arguably more than a little morally grey but has a redemption arc. Charlotte is a previously sheltered, abuse survivor who is finding her feet and confidence in New York City.

I truthfully wasn’t expecting as much focus on the escape from highly religious, traumatic upbringing. But it definitely added to the plot and gave Charlotte’s storyline much more depth than just a starry eyed, naive FMC.

The spicy scenes are 🥵🫢🌶️, allowing Charlotte to shed some of her past while she discovers new preferences.

Super excited to see how the rest of the series plays out!

Absolutely loved this book! The pace was perfect, the story was perfect. That's Netahlley and to the publisher for the ARC.

This was a fun 7 deadly sins story with some awesome tropes. Thank you for the ARC. I love the action and drama and steam. So good!

I really couldn't put this one down. I was in the mood for a dark romance and I'm so glad I had this waiting on my virtual shelf. It's rare the plot itself holds my attention in these sort of books but cudos to the author because they managed to make this interesting even outside the romance. The plot/the mystery running through the story and the fact this definitely goes on to more books is great.
The thing that really bothered me was the missing opportunity of Lucifer as THE DEVIL. This was more of a morally grey billionaire romance/religious trauma from the FMC part. There was hardly anything supernatural. (view spoiler)
Charlotte was a bit... I felt like in spite of everything before the very end she was just a little girl in the adult world, playing with people she had no business playing with, considering she hardly seem to understand the weight of dealing with the Original Sinners. But the unhinged feminine rage at the end was *chef's kiss*
I really liked how the smut was more than just smut. It showed the state of the relationship between Charlotte and Lucifer and also Charlotte's mental's state at the time. I always appreciate cleverly used heated moments.
I liked the banter between Charlotte and Lucifer and that in spite of everything, she doesn't back down against him.

This was a great read and I'll be here for the next part for sure!

Original Sinner by Kait Ballenger is a delicious Lucifer story where Charlotte, Lucifer's newest employee, must withstand his alluring charms while being close to him because they have to fake date each other as a PR stunt. She's an innocent woman after being raised in the church while he behaves not only as his boss but also as her master. Along with all the drama from her past, she must navigate this new life where stakes are involved and the entire city is watching as well as Lucifer’s troubled siblings. In this hot, spicy new book we explore desire, and most of all resisting the temptations of the Prince of Darkness himself.

I truly enjoyed the dual narration which gives us an insight into the mind of both the protagonist and Lucifer himself. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes which made me love the story even more. I can see this book popping off once it is published and can see a lot of my friends loving it. In terms of the book itself, I loved the decorations or dividers on the pages. Would love to see the text messages on a sticky note on the final publishing to be able to find them easily.

You will love this if you love:

😈 Fake dating
😈 Forbidden Love
😈 Big city adventures
😈 Forced Proximity
😈 Touch her and you die

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake for this Advance Reader Copy of Original Sinners by Kait Ballenger.

This book was pretty good. I'm always excited to see a spin on religious figures. Especially those in the christian foundations. This book is dual POV following Lucifer and Charlotte.

I loved Charlotte's character. She overcame a lot especially with the oppressive religion that was forced upon her. It was interesting seeing her break away from all she's known and make her own opinions and build her own life while still trying to deal with the guilt of all she's grown up being taught. She's a strong character. Even in her weakest moments. Lucifer is pictured as pride in the seven deadly sins. His siblings and him have left hell and come to earth. All trying to reign supreme of NYC. We got to view a little of the other siblings but was heavily introduced to Lust and Greed.

I don't know about anyone else but I loved the fuck out of Lust aka Az. Other than Charlotte he was at the top of my favorite characters.

Anyway, back to Charlotte and Lucifer. Charlotte was introduced to a lot of kink through Lucifer and it fit her growth. Lucifer, however, I didn't really feel the same emotions from him. His emotions on the page felt forced. It unfortunately didn't translate so heavy on page for me.

The plot was interesting though. I was hooked by the constant mystery of who killed Paris Starr because with a family of deadly sins you never really know which one is pulling a fast one on you. So some of the twists came as a shock.

The ending had my heart. The character growth in Charlotte's strength was so beautiful. Lucifer's character also grew no matter how forced it felt. I'm hooked on this story. The newest mystery to be solved and some of the unanswered questions I still have, mainly involving Lilith. I can't wait for the next book to see who did it.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! Can't wait for the second book!

I truly could not stop reading this. It was simply phenomenal.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Lucifer and Charlotte, I could relate to Charlotte easily about her religious trauma and this was just a very healing and emotional experience.

I need more, I am desperate for the next one already.

Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.
I had difficulty to get through the beginning of this book.

The main character was too standard for my liking and I was afraid this book would be the same kind of book like all the other books with this setting. But after the beginning, the story and characters grew onto me and I started to like it. The ending was, like the beginning not much of my liking but overall this book was a solid 3,5* for me.

No one says screw you better than a girl who literally dances with the devil !!

Charlotte had grown up in a toxic religious environment. So what better way to tell your religious family screw you than to work for the devil himself!
That’s right the FMC lands a job at Lucifer’s company!

One PR crisis later and these two are fake dating!
I liked Charlotte and Lucifer’s banter and relationship. They brought out the good the bad and the ugly with one another. Oh and the spice was steamy.


Thank you NetGalley , Montlake publisher and author Kait Ballenger for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review

"Any good player knows that the Queen is the most powerful piece."

Rating: 3.25 stars.
If I have to describe the plot of Original Sinner in a line, it would be “a dramatic romance between a religiously traumatized girl and the literal King of Hell who has a forked tongue”. Emphasis on the Forked Tongue (yes, it is definitely an important plot point).

While the story itself is nothing ground breaking, it’s an entertaining read with moments that shine and others that fall a little flat. The plot also leans heavily on the classic “Powerful, brooding man falls for plain-but-pretty, down-on-her-luck woman” trope, but with angels, demons, and the Seven Deadly Sins thrown into the mix.

Lucifer, the embodiment of Pride, takes center stage, and Charlotte, the young woman desperately trying to get away from her old life, joins his company, and happens to be the first mortal to tempt The Tempter into falling for humanity. This may be a common trope – but I eat it up every time. I mean, what’s more entertaining than watch an immortal being fumble awkwardly with their newfound feelings for a human? Forked Tongues. Yes.

Talking about characterisation - the main characters are… fine. They’re not especially memorable, but I didn’t dislike them either. What did disappoint me, however, was the treatment of side characters - Imani, who pretty much carried the first half, is cut from the story with no explanation (justice for my girl), and Jax and Ian feel similarly discarded once the romance takes over.
Jax, who was supposed to be ‘Charlotte’s best friend’ and roommate is completely forgotten. Ian is there only to give a hint to who was the Betrayer, and that's it.

Maybe the whole thing about “friends are forgotten once you fall in love” thing is true.

The writing style is casual and easy to follow, which works for the tone of the book, though it does occasionally veer into fanfiction territory. Which is, of course, not a bad thing, but certain phrases—like Lucifer constantly saying “Shall we?”—were overused.

Themes of redemption and reclaiming power are central to the story, and I appreciated Charlotte’s journey of standing up to her abuser. However, some parts felt rushed or glossed over—like her past life beyond her father, what happened to her mother, the dream about Lilith, and the unborn child—which left me wishing for more depth. Also, the ending just had to have a cliff-hanger. Like. Why. Why must you do this to me?!

I felt pity for Charlotte with the way Lucifer treated her in the beginning. Public humiliation, manipulating her into getting into a relationship with him, rejecting her idea only to end up using it. I mean, it all worked out in the end, but it was hard to like him at first – which is the point. Well played, author.

On the positive side, the pacing is solid. The romance doesn’t take over completely (technically), and there’s a decent balance between plot and smut (though Lucifer and Charlotte’s… activities certainly get their fair share of attention).

I told you, the forked tongue is important to this review.

The most memorable moments for me would be Lucifer gifting Charlotte his Redemption, followed by them confessing their love for each other, as well as the scene where Charlotte mocks her abuser by laughing in his face. That was a lovely chapter.

Overall, Original Sinner was better than I expected but didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you enjoy demon romance with a touch of angst and empowerment, it’s worth a read. Just go in with the right expectations—it’s fun, but it’s not rewriting the genre.
Also, I must admit that I currently cannot remember what Charlotte even looks like as described in the novel (I pictured her as a brunette with brown eyes), but I DO know that she likes it when Lucifer uses his forked tongue….. (Okay, I’ll be exiting stage left now).

Thank you Netgalley, Kait Ballenger and Montlake for the ARC.

I loved everything about this book. The plot drew me in from the start. The Seven Original Sins return from Hell and take their place in New York, a girl recovering from her own religious trauma thrust into Lucifer’s (Pride) path and everything that ensues had me hooked.

I read this in one sitting and I couldn’t get enough of it. Charlotte wasn’t a wilting flower and despite her trauma she was build to handle the Prince of Darkness.

Plot, spice, character development, writing, everything about this was spot on!

Overall

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5