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Priest #4
Devil
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26Birdie Cooper has nothing left.
Just one moment of weakness seven years ago—and she lost her job, her church, her only friend. Now she's working nights at a gas station to scrape together a living and a way to care for her sister, completely alone and separated even from the art that gave her life meaning.
Ryan Bell has never forgotten his first obsession.
He's been trying to find the tremblingly shy lecturer from his senior year of college after she abruptly disappeared after their first and only kiss. So when he comes upon a statue of Lucifer carved in Ryan's own likeness, two things become starkly apparent.
One: he knows how to find her now. And two: he's been haunting Birdie Cooper's memory as much as she's been haunting his.
Ryan can't offer love—or even an apology—but he can offer her a bargain, one crafted first and foremost to free him from his punishing obsession with her. If Birdie agrees to be his in every way for a single year, then he'll pay for her mother's care for as long as she's alive. And what does Birdie have left to lose anyway? The forbidden fruit is her only chance at salvation.
Unfortunately for Birdie, she might just be the only chance for his...
Just one moment of weakness seven years ago—and she lost her job, her church, her only friend. Now she's working nights at a gas station to scrape together a living and a way to care for her sister, completely alone and separated even from the art that gave her life meaning.
Ryan Bell has never forgotten his first obsession.
He's been trying to find the tremblingly shy lecturer from his senior year of college after she abruptly disappeared after their first and only kiss. So when he comes upon a statue of Lucifer carved in Ryan's own likeness, two things become starkly apparent.
One: he knows how to find her now. And two: he's been haunting Birdie Cooper's memory as much as she's been haunting his.
Ryan can't offer love—or even an apology—but he can offer her a bargain, one crafted first and foremost to free him from his punishing obsession with her. If Birdie agrees to be his in every way for a single year, then he'll pay for her mother's care for as long as she's alive. And what does Birdie have left to lose anyway? The forbidden fruit is her only chance at salvation.
Unfortunately for Birdie, she might just be the only chance for his...
528 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Want to Read
February 23, 2026On my knees for whatever this is 🛐
ITS A DARK MM ROMANCE?? QUEEN I HAVEN’T EVEN MOVED ON FROM SAINT YET 🥹 (but I am soo ready)
Edit:
It’s not an MM, I am crying and disappointed. But that’s alright. The “MM romance” tag needs to be removed from Goodreads though 🥲
ITS A DARK MM ROMANCE?? QUEEN I HAVEN’T EVEN MOVED ON FROM SAINT YET 🥹 (but I am soo ready)
Edit:
It’s not an MM, I am crying and disappointed. But that’s alright. The “MM romance” tag needs to be removed from Goodreads though 🥲
October 23, 2025
we have been waiting patiently for ryans book .. its coming dont panic dont panic .. im panicking 🤭🤭🤣🤣🫠🫠🫠🤤🤤🫣🫣
Want to Read
December 29, 2025last time i read a sierra simone i fell into a never-ending spiral... i'm ready for it to happen again
preordered
March 12, 2026This is not a review but a suggestion to pre-order directly from the author's website instead of going through Amazon or other third party resellers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Devil: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Sierra Simone
I'm bedeviled by you.
After making a mistake with the devil, it would be a bad idea to make a deal. Oops.
Tropes:
– Dark romance
– Older woman/younger man
– Forced proximity
– Dubious consent
– Boy obsessed
– It's always been you
– Second chance(ish)
This book was the easiest five stars of my life. It is absolutely sensational, unbelievably exhilarating and utterly delectable. This is Sierra Simone at her finest—the absolute pinnacle.
Ryan Bell, you are the worst thing and the best thing.
Sierra Simone
I'm bedeviled by you.
After making a mistake with the devil, it would be a bad idea to make a deal. Oops.
Tropes:
– Dark romance
– Older woman/younger man
– Forced proximity
– Dubious consent
– Boy obsessed
– It's always been you
– Second chance(ish)
This book was the easiest five stars of my life. It is absolutely sensational, unbelievably exhilarating and utterly delectable. This is Sierra Simone at her finest—the absolute pinnacle.
Ryan Bell, you are the worst thing and the best thing.
May 27, 2026
Title: Devil
Author: Sierra Simone
Series: Priest, 4
Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Birdie (FMC) & Ryan (MMC)
What to expect:
*Artist FMC x OBSESSED MMC
*Reverse age gap
*Religious guilt & trauma
Safety:
Mentions of suicidal thoughts. Loss of parents. No OW/OM drama. Slight third act separation.
Review:
No one writes a book based on religious trauma better than Sierra Simone!
Birdie has been suffering her entire life, one event after another leaves her feeling like she will never be enough for this world. Little does she know that an obsessed devil is about to change her entire world. Read the trigger warnings, this book gets dark for Birdie. Take care of your mental health.
Ryan Bell sees Birdie one time at an art event and becomes obsessed!! He follows her, has her for a brief encounter, loses her for seven years, and does everything he can to find and keep her forever. Obsession has never been so hot!! Believe him when he says that he is the Devil, and he is there to take what belongs to him.
All of the Bell brothers make appearances throughout this book. It is nice to have closure for each of the couples.
Author: Sierra Simone
Series: Priest, 4
Format: Edelweiss ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Birdie (FMC) & Ryan (MMC)
What to expect:
*Artist FMC x OBSESSED MMC
*Reverse age gap
*Religious guilt & trauma
Safety:
Mentions of suicidal thoughts. Loss of parents. No OW/OM drama. Slight third act separation.
Review:
No one writes a book based on religious trauma better than Sierra Simone!
Birdie has been suffering her entire life, one event after another leaves her feeling like she will never be enough for this world. Little does she know that an obsessed devil is about to change her entire world. Read the trigger warnings, this book gets dark for Birdie. Take care of your mental health.
Ryan Bell sees Birdie one time at an art event and becomes obsessed!! He follows her, has her for a brief encounter, loses her for seven years, and does everything he can to find and keep her forever. Obsession has never been so hot!! Believe him when he says that he is the Devil, and he is there to take what belongs to him.
All of the Bell brothers make appearances throughout this book. It is nice to have closure for each of the couples.
May 23, 2026
“who do you think you are?”
“i’m the rest of your life.”
i knew i was in for a ride when i read those lines (and the warnings), and it was exactly everything i wanted. and more. i was in a year long reading slump and this book just kick started my love for reading again. ryan bell is exactly who he thinks he is.
“i’m the rest of your life.”
i knew i was in for a ride when i read those lines (and the warnings), and it was exactly everything i wanted. and more. i was in a year long reading slump and this book just kick started my love for reading again. ryan bell is exactly who he thinks he is.
Want to Read
October 14, 2025Oh, Hell Yes!!!
Want to Read
December 2, 2025Is Baby Bell's book MM? I'm hoping for another MMF from Mother 🙏
June 2, 2026
I’m definitely going to hell, but only if Ryan Bell is there waiting for me.
At one point, I think I nearly fainted reading this book, because I forgot to breathe. I’m still shaking. Who needs oxygen anyway, it’s for lightweights.
I once promised Sierra Simone that I would give her my next born child in return for her writing something I wanted - it was in the days of New Camelot, when she was hurting my beautiful Embry. My baby days are over, but I was thinking maybe I could offer up a grandchild; I haven’t got any yet, but I was quite prepared to put the offer in writing at one particular part in the book, but then she gave me just what I wanted without having to sacrifice a child. I clapped joyfully and cheered so loud that I think she could have heard me all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. That scene is why I think I might be consigned to hell. Don’t care though #worthit.
I’m forever in awe of the mastery of her writing. I didn’t just love Ryan Bell and Birdie Cooper, I worshipped them.
PS Please can we have a bonus chapter on what happened in London? I might re-offer that grandchild.
At one point, I think I nearly fainted reading this book, because I forgot to breathe. I’m still shaking. Who needs oxygen anyway, it’s for lightweights.
I once promised Sierra Simone that I would give her my next born child in return for her writing something I wanted - it was in the days of New Camelot, when she was hurting my beautiful Embry. My baby days are over, but I was thinking maybe I could offer up a grandchild; I haven’t got any yet, but I was quite prepared to put the offer in writing at one particular part in the book, but then she gave me just what I wanted without having to sacrifice a child. I clapped joyfully and cheered so loud that I think she could have heard me all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. That scene is why I think I might be consigned to hell. Don’t care though #worthit.
I’m forever in awe of the mastery of her writing. I didn’t just love Ryan Bell and Birdie Cooper, I worshipped them.
PS Please can we have a bonus chapter on what happened in London? I might re-offer that grandchild.
May 10, 2026
Now THATS a book. OMG. Perhaps my favorite Sierra Simone yet.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Receieved an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars.
I soooooo very badly wanted to give this 5 stars, and it was so very close.
I want to prefice this before I go any further: This was such an emotional ride. I LOVED the content warnings and the way Sierra Simone addressed the topics she tackles in this book. I have never read a book of hers before but found her writing and messages to be so intriguing and beautiful.
This book is DARK. She means it. It touches on religion, grief, anxiety, loneliness, depression, and then GUILT. Religious guilt especially! But Sierra does it with such a true understanding to christianity and its lore and messaging that I think it's done so well. And she places her message of what she wanted to tell with this story explicitly for us at the end: that we can be selfish.
It is not just romance and spice. And, well, while that's also done incredibly well, my main praise stems from the tone and messaging of Birdie and Ryan. Birdie, especially, just needs a freaking hug. Everytime you think it can't get worse for her and then it DOES. She symbolizes so much of what is wrong with christianity (I am allowed to say that, I grew up in the church the same way Birdie did), and how much they have harmed her. She stands by the idea that suffering is what it means to be a good christian. And Ryan tells her: fuck that.
Their love story is so beautiful because of this. It's not so much "come with me over to the dark side", because at the end Birdie and Ryan are still "good" people, but people who do not let others, in the name of religious piety, walk all over them anymore. Her growth was phenomal to read.
The only reason why I couldnt give it 5 stars is because I am a picky mofo. I loved the spice, but felt it was a bit too much at times. I was like, yes, thanks for the steam, but let me cry just a lil more.
4.5 stars.
I soooooo very badly wanted to give this 5 stars, and it was so very close.
I want to prefice this before I go any further: This was such an emotional ride. I LOVED the content warnings and the way Sierra Simone addressed the topics she tackles in this book. I have never read a book of hers before but found her writing and messages to be so intriguing and beautiful.
This book is DARK. She means it. It touches on religion, grief, anxiety, loneliness, depression, and then GUILT. Religious guilt especially! But Sierra does it with such a true understanding to christianity and its lore and messaging that I think it's done so well. And she places her message of what she wanted to tell with this story explicitly for us at the end: that we can be selfish.
It is not just romance and spice. And, well, while that's also done incredibly well, my main praise stems from the tone and messaging of Birdie and Ryan. Birdie, especially, just needs a freaking hug. Everytime you think it can't get worse for her and then it DOES. She symbolizes so much of what is wrong with christianity (I am allowed to say that, I grew up in the church the same way Birdie did), and how much they have harmed her. She stands by the idea that suffering is what it means to be a good christian. And Ryan tells her: fuck that.
Their love story is so beautiful because of this. It's not so much "come with me over to the dark side", because at the end Birdie and Ryan are still "good" people, but people who do not let others, in the name of religious piety, walk all over them anymore. Her growth was phenomal to read.
The only reason why I couldnt give it 5 stars is because I am a picky mofo. I loved the spice, but felt it was a bit too much at times. I was like, yes, thanks for the steam, but let me cry just a lil more.
May 31, 2026
Easy 5 stars. 6 stars? 10? Incredible, magnificent, transcendent writing from Sierra Simone. She has yet to write something I don’t like. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year (might take top spot) and boy it did not disappoint. Something about her writing is so lyrical and engaging that I’m always sucked in and addicted immediately to the story and the characters. The language she uses is phenomenal, and adds an inherent beauty to the characters and the plot line that just elevates the story.
Sweet, timid Birdie is the pinnacle of innocence and naivety and Ryan is truly the devil incarnate. He’s possessive and greedy and a stalker, and lovable all the same. He’s a beautiful demon, and is completely besotted with Birdie and brings her out of her shell. It’s such a wondrous thing being so in love and so terrified of someone at the same time, but leave it to Sierra to make that happen. I firmly believe he has some light deep within him, and it takes a good writer to make that light shine through the hard, cold exterior. He wears his heart on the outside, in the form of Birdie.
This is definitely a slightly different vibe than Sierra’s other books in the Priest series. There are some heavy themes centering around trauma, mental health, and abuse, but it is far from a depressing vibe, and beautifully written. Thank you also to Sierra for including social anxiety rep as such a big part of Birdie’s story as it helps to normalize this experience so many people (myself included) deal with every day.
It took me longer to read this one since I forced myself to savor it and not binge it in one go, but it was worth it. God I just love her stories so much and will never stop recommending them to anyone who will listen. I’m not sure what drugs she puts in her books that make me so happy they just do. Go read them all.
Thank you thank you thank you Sierra & Team for sending me this early copy, I’m the happiest and luckiest girl to have received it. ❤️
Sweet, timid Birdie is the pinnacle of innocence and naivety and Ryan is truly the devil incarnate. He’s possessive and greedy and a stalker, and lovable all the same. He’s a beautiful demon, and is completely besotted with Birdie and brings her out of her shell. It’s such a wondrous thing being so in love and so terrified of someone at the same time, but leave it to Sierra to make that happen. I firmly believe he has some light deep within him, and it takes a good writer to make that light shine through the hard, cold exterior. He wears his heart on the outside, in the form of Birdie.
This is definitely a slightly different vibe than Sierra’s other books in the Priest series. There are some heavy themes centering around trauma, mental health, and abuse, but it is far from a depressing vibe, and beautifully written. Thank you also to Sierra for including social anxiety rep as such a big part of Birdie’s story as it helps to normalize this experience so many people (myself included) deal with every day.
It took me longer to read this one since I forced myself to savor it and not binge it in one go, but it was worth it. God I just love her stories so much and will never stop recommending them to anyone who will listen. I’m not sure what drugs she puts in her books that make me so happy they just do. Go read them all.
Thank you thank you thank you Sierra & Team for sending me this early copy, I’m the happiest and luckiest girl to have received it. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m still processing. But I will say this - a lot of warnings that this is darker than usual, and Ryan isn’t a good dude…..and now that I’m done, I’m thinking not so bad??
I need to reflect on this. I’m not someone who gravitates to dark romance. I have read some, and the ones I have read are uncomfortably over the top. I typically avoid bully and stalker romances, because I can’t see how’s that’s romantic.
But the slow unraveling of Ryan’s obsession and Birdie’s martyrdom balance. Yes he is a stalker. Yes he did crime. It seems right somehow. And I think that is in large part to the way the time and attention is given to each’s thoughts and emotions. The writing is haunting and beautiful.
I also enjoy the continued lore of the Bell family. And I have to say, I would be a willing victim to the Bell brother charm offensive anytime.
I need to reflect on this. I’m not someone who gravitates to dark romance. I have read some, and the ones I have read are uncomfortably over the top. I typically avoid bully and stalker romances, because I can’t see how’s that’s romantic.
But the slow unraveling of Ryan’s obsession and Birdie’s martyrdom balance. Yes he is a stalker. Yes he did crime. It seems right somehow. And I think that is in large part to the way the time and attention is given to each’s thoughts and emotions. The writing is haunting and beautiful.
I also enjoy the continued lore of the Bell family. And I have to say, I would be a willing victim to the Bell brother charm offensive anytime.
May 31, 2026
ARC review. ARC Read
Book truth: Obsession, stalking is sexy ONLY when it happens in books.
Of all the obsessed stalker books I’ve read, Tyler Bell is my choice for book boyfriend! He is the exact kind of obsessed, love-sick, ‘I will do literally anything for you’, man.
Birdie is going through it (heed the trigger warnings, this one hurts). I will do anything for her, too, Tyler, sign me up. She needs something, someone, and Tyler Bell has plans.
Birdie’s beginning narration of events reminds me very much of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein- gothic, waiting for a horror/monster, with lots of biblical/angel imagery.
Book truth: Obsession, stalking is sexy ONLY when it happens in books.
Of all the obsessed stalker books I’ve read, Tyler Bell is my choice for book boyfriend! He is the exact kind of obsessed, love-sick, ‘I will do literally anything for you’, man.
Birdie is going through it (heed the trigger warnings, this one hurts). I will do anything for her, too, Tyler, sign me up. She needs something, someone, and Tyler Bell has plans.
Birdie’s beginning narration of events reminds me very much of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein- gothic, waiting for a horror/monster, with lots of biblical/angel imagery.
June 2, 2026
⭐️ ARC review ⭐️
I enjoyed this so much! Ryan‘s personality made so much sense for him.
Loved the reverse age gap and the role reversal that came with that. Both characters were so flawed in their own ways but I’m a big dark romance lover so Ryan Bell was a yes from me!
Birdie was a great FMC, she was so complex and I was able to really get into the mindset and understand why she felt the way she did. She was dealt a horrible hand in life and it was nice to see her development in coming out of her shell.
Can’t wait for Jordan’s book!!
I enjoyed this so much! Ryan‘s personality made so much sense for him.
Loved the reverse age gap and the role reversal that came with that. Both characters were so flawed in their own ways but I’m a big dark romance lover so Ryan Bell was a yes from me!
Birdie was a great FMC, she was so complex and I was able to really get into the mindset and understand why she felt the way she did. She was dealt a horrible hand in life and it was nice to see her development in coming out of her shell.
Can’t wait for Jordan’s book!!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Ahhhhh. Ryan Bell. Birdie. Sierra Simone beautifully writes truly screwed characters who you just can’t help but love. I demolished this book once and then went back for a second time. The writing is top notch, the research deep and the story worth the time you take to read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Listen man ... it's giving Lana Del Rey's golden years ... it's giving fanatical Catholicism (but in a hot way) ... it's giving butt stuff .... it's giving "oh ho ho what a charming young ma—OH NO."
Amazing. Full review to come.
Amazing. Full review to come.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
AHHHH I just cannot get enough of these deranged Bell brothers!!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Genuinely have more feelings than I am able to articulate at this time
May 12, 2026
i want to crawl inside Sierra Simone’s brain and live there
Want to Read
May 18, 2026 Excuse tf out of me✋🏼! I am so here for this!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 ⭐️ ✨
June 1, 2026
Whew. Ryan Bell 👀
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
wow. and i mean that with all of my heart. sierra, you beautiful being, how did you make me fall in love with ryan bell. this book is spectacular and heartbreaking and perfect in every way.
June 1, 2026
I just finished (thank you Sierra and team for the arc!) and I am...besotted so i apologize for the rambling or the lack of coherent thought. I resonated with Ryan, almost as much as I did with Zenny. His fight with God, the love over guilt, the overwhelming sense of family over everyone made me fall in love with Ryan despite Sierra warning us he is not a good person..
He might not be a good person, the Devil was considered the wisest and the most beautiful so maybe goodness can be subjective here because, Mother, I love him 😂
I also saw myself in Birdie some. Mormonism/purity culture/Bible belt = guilt. Maybe thats why I dont think Ryan is a bad person. He might be her worst thing but also was the best and not everyone will have the best obsessively want to end their suffering.
He might not be a good person, the Devil was considered the wisest and the most beautiful so maybe goodness can be subjective here because, Mother, I love him 😂
I also saw myself in Birdie some. Mormonism/purity culture/Bible belt = guilt. Maybe thats why I dont think Ryan is a bad person. He might be her worst thing but also was the best and not everyone will have the best obsessively want to end their suffering.
03-not-released
March 22, 202628th Jul 2026 / Changed to 11th Aug 2026
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews