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Sin Demons #1

Playing with Hellfire

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Demons are real.

They say never enter into a deal with them, but what if I had no choice?

What if they are three of the most gorgeous men I’ve seen my entire life?

And what if my lesson to learn here is that no matter how attracted I am to them, how much I yearn to kiss them, I’m in danger.

But my life’s never been the easiest. I’ve bounced from house to house, living in foster care, with no true place to call home. And there’s an ancient darkness that follows me around where I go.

They may be demons, but I’m no angel, and this darkness craves the Hell they give.

Or maybe I’ve just been damned from the start.

312 pages, ebook

First published September 24, 2020

1799 people are currently reading
3765 people want to read

About the author

Mila Young

154 books2,085 followers
Mila Young tackles everything with the zeal and bravado of the fairytale heroes she grew up reading about. She slays monsters, real and imaginary, like there's no tomorrow. By day she rocks a keyboard as a marketing extraordinaire. At night she battles with her mighty pen-sword, creating fairytale retellings, and sexy ever after tales.

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5 stars
1,167 (40%)
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950 (32%)
3 stars
577 (19%)
2 stars
135 (4%)
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76 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
67 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2020
Whatever

There might be a story in here somewhere, but whatever it is, it's just an excuse for the sex scenes. I couldn't finish it. If you basically want to read barely legal aged porn, you are in luck with this. I prefer the sex scenes to enhance the story, not be the story.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,088 reviews118 followers
January 13, 2021
Sad

Dnf at 36% . Why are all these books practically the same? Kidnapped by hot men ( ✔ ).. Hot and bothered by said kidnappers who manhandle you (✔). They are literally using you and treating you like crap ( ✔) I mean well duh!! Your their dang prisoner! And as much as our H is upset she can't hold her fire and anger with them! Example: she is manipulated by one, who she lets defile her ( yes her kidnapper) then when shown what he was up to the vet into it, argue, and one the way home he talks her in to fingering herself???? I have no patience for women portrayed like wanton women with no brain activity. And her being very young makes it really gross to be just manipulated and taken advantage of.
Profile Image for Shelley.
528 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2020
DNF 29%

This should bear the tag line “Underage girl sold to demons as slave but it’s ok because they’re all hot” or “underage girls trafficked (there’s more than one) by demons”

So the barely legal heroine is sold by her foster father. Then, the pervy demons lust all over her and declare they “own” her. They make her dress provocatively against her will. It’s sad and uncomfortable. However, she turns 18 the day she is sold so I guess being barely legal makes is less gross? Ugh.

Also there’s a 13 year old maid who entered into eternal servitude in exchange for her soul.

And this is all too bad because the mystery seemed like a cool one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BeautyAndTheBooks.
301 reviews96 followers
March 23, 2025
I don’t know if it is wise to broadcast my love for demons, but how can I not?? Cause these demons can own my soul too if they’d like😽

Sometimes you can’t help but love a book that is flawed, and this is it for me!
This isn’t necessarily a literary masterpiece, but it’s just so good! I can’t explain it.

I have read this so many times. And it is such a comfort read, which is a little odd since she is kidnapped by three demons, but truly, they are all sweethearts.
Eventually.

This book could have both been longer, and have more backstory on all the characters.
It could have been clearer on how the characters felt.
To shortly explain, one of them could be furious with Aria one second, and then be worried and wanting her to be unharmed and safe the next. And she could try to escape to get away from them, and then make out with one of them the second she is caught.
Did I mind this. Not really. Like I said, it’s a comfort read.

There were a lot of spicy scenes. If I am being truthful I sort of skip over most of them whenever I am rereading. Not because they are written poorly. They are actually quite good, but because I am more interested in the plot, and the development of their relationship.

Now, this is a why choose, and I read it at a time where I was obsessed with this trope, but quickly learned a lot of those books are shit. This is one of three “why choose” book series I actually love.

You can clearly tell the difference between the guys, and the relationship they have with Aria.
They never tried to define what they were to one another, which I love. Cause it is always so cringe when they have a conversation being all “what is this between us”, you know?

They were all so possessive, and protective, and a little rude and demanding, but really, isn’t it just glorious when they come to the realisation that she cannot be controlled by them cause she is a strong and independent woman that they end up loving and adoring.
You definitely have to keep reading to get to that point though.

And I know it is wrong to choose favourites.
But Cain.

There is also a plot in this book, but also a bigger plot within the entire series, which I also love when happens. Some books just don’t have plots, or work on the same exact thing though all of the books, never diverting from the path.
Profile Image for Andréa.
813 reviews
February 5, 2022
3.5 ⭐️

Good plot with an interesting mystery surrounding Aria but I guess it’s a me problem. I don’t really have anything to complain about I just also have nothing to rave about.

An okay read only but with potential.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
October 1, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

OMG this book is totally fantastic!! I am a huge fan of both authors so when I saw they were writing a series together I got uber excited. Aria is in foster care when the book starts with less then 24 hours until she turns 18. Before that happens though her horrid foster father trades her as payment for his debt to not one but three demons. Aria may be able to hold her own but I'm not sure anyone could actually escape from this group. Taken pretty much as prisoner she is forced to interact with them in an effort to earn there trust. Over time they start to grow on her though whether she wants them to or not. Overall a phenomenal start to a new series that is truly a must read. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Sadie June.
17 reviews
November 19, 2023
Hellfire is right this book was 🔥💥🔥 The plot was honestly really well written and kept me hooked from the start. It has the perfect amount of fantasy mixed with some realistic Heaven v Hell aspects. The spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ AND PERSPECTIVES FROM ALL 4?!?!? I’m a hoe for that💅

Honestly? 5/5 zero complaints or critiques. I sprinted to book 2 because there is so much suspense and action going on😝
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
September 19, 2020
This is the start of another new series that takes us to a whole new Supernatural world.
Aria has been looking forward to get away from the life she has, but when someone shows up on her foster dad's doorstep, those dreams are crushed, forcing her to live with 3 (insanely attractive) demons.

As the story progresses we get glimpses of the main characters' history, yet still building up suspense and mystery as we go. And then there's Aria's shadow powers sending her on a treasure hunt, collecting the very items 'her' three demons are after. But... They're not the only ones looking for it.

This was definitely an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Breana.
49 reviews
October 8, 2020
Not a bad book.. just underwhelming. Almost DNF a few times out of boredom. The ending was the most exciting part with a cliffhanger but I’m not intrigued enough to care to read the next book when it comes out.
The heroine was annoying. Just like always, authors either make heroines doormats, or flighty with extreme trust issues. This time it was the latter. I’d prefer a doormat. Couldn’t get into the relationships enough to make feelings between any of them, other then lust, believable. She fought every little thing. The only true “vulnerable” moment that could’ve been part of relationship building was when Dorian was consoling her when she was grieving a shitty foster dad and she wanted him to have sex with her, he didn’t want to take advantage of her in an emotional state, even told her this and she got mad and told him “fuck you” 🤦🏻‍♀️
Another opportunity missed on relationship building was the fact Elias was sleepwalking to her bed to sleep with her every night but she just got mad then eventually stopped bringing it up. That had the makings of a really cute relationship building.
There were also missed relationship building opportunity with Cain, after he killed to protect her and pledged to protect her and basically be her monster. She shockingly didn’t object but hardly responded at all either.
Just missed opportunity after missed opportunity to get me to feel any kind of investment into their relationships at all.
Also the fact that she stole from them. Lied to Cains face about it, while knowing he knew she lied. Instead of them having a conversation about it, they kiss? I get it could have something to do with the heart relic for that but still🙄
After she’s taken, her inner monologue is all “I hope they save me and the time we spent together meant something” of course they do come to save her BUT it’s like.. girl you’ve made no move to open up to them, and have stolen from them and ran at every opportunity. I don’t know why they did, honestly. All she did was give them hell, steal, run, suck one guys dick, have sex with another, and kiss the third. That’s the extent of the relationships in 300 pages.
Steam scenes were good though. It had a lot of potential but fell flat in my opinion.

Give it a go though, may be someone else’s cup of a tea🤷🏻‍♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
616 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2021
I disliked this book a lot. I didn't like the guys and Aria was not a strong female character. She constantly showed that she was weak. I felt like the plot went nowhere. The sex scenes were garbage but maybe that's because I disliked the guys. I read 70% of it and then took a break for a few weeks and then I picked it back up and I read until 85% until I just had to skim. When Cain assumed that Aria stole the string I wanted to throw my ipad. There was no angst and absolutely no chemistry. Yeah, this just was not it.
665 reviews6 followers
June 25, 2021
3.5 stars. Decent enough plot where Aria finds herself under three demon’s control to pay off a debt. Of course there’s something special about her and she doesn’t really know why. The demons are all captivated by her and are working to figure things out. Throw in a mystery surrounding some relics and you’ve got the start of this series.

The characters are well written. There’s just nothing overly special about this one compared to others..
Profile Image for Main Energy.
654 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2023
4.5 stars

Predictable but still a great storyline. Honestly i forgot about this book as soon as i finished reading it.
Profile Image for Zoe.
421 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2021
I can't tell you how happy I am when I see Paranormal Romance by the side of a title, because I love paranormal and I love romance. This is a recipe to make my heart happy and this book didn't disappoint.

"I'm not Wonder Woman by any means, and I can't conjure up fireballs or predict your future, but I've never met anyone else who can detect magic so easily. - Objects are my specialty, and the darker the magic, the better. The evil stuff just likes me I guess."

This book starts with our girl Aria breaking into an antique shop to steal an item. The Orb of Chaos, an item she has been told hold the waters of the River Styx within it. Believing that once she can sell it for enough money she will be able to start a new life. Away from her Warlock foster father, away from poverty, away from everything. But for Aria nothing is that simple.
The next day Aria wakes up to find that she has been traded by her foster father to pay off his debts and she is being dragged away and knocked unconscious.

She wakes to find herself captive and the first person she meets just happens to be a demon. Not exactly the new life she expected to begin on her 18th birthday.

The demon she meets is Cain, and he isn't an ordinary demon. No, he is the son of Lucifer and he is all kinds of hot. I have a weakness for men like this, bigger weakness when they're actually demons from Hell.

"Cain, Dorian, and Elias. The three Hell demons who think they own me." oh sweetie but they do 😆

We then meet Dorian, a sex demon and a hell hound called Elias. Let me tell you I fell hard for these four characters. Aria included because she is fierce, even facing captivity, violence and every thing that has bought her to this moment in her life, she is never the damsel and I can't tell you how much I love that in female characters.

Every interaction between these characters had me on fire, the tension, the suspense between everybody was so good, that they left me breathless and I adore that in romance. When each character makes my heart pound from page one to the final page, I know I'm hooked. Hooked enough that after finishing this book, I went and bought book two.

After that ending, I needed to know what the HELL happened next.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,299 reviews130 followers
August 24, 2022
What's your sin?


Mila Young and Harper Brooks have come together to co-author the Sin Demons series and if Playing with Hellfire is anything to go by then it's gonna be great!


This multiple-perspective story centers around Aria, a woman who refuses to be beaten down. Cain, the sexy alpha-hole with control issues and Lucifer's son, Dorian, an incubus with a heart, and Elias a gruff hellhound. I love Aria, she's sassy and of the "fake till you make" mantra type person. She has this dual personality thing going on, an innocent seductress, caring but brutal, really smart but makes stupid decisions. It goes on and on, including the fact that she's a supernatural but doesn't know what kind (and appears human) but that doesn’t really matter because she's determined to survive however she can.


Cain has this dominant, call me daddy, vibe and is way too uptight for everyone's good. Dorian has a bigger heart than any incubus has the right to be, he understands human feelings and I think he has the potential to be these big softies. While Elias is a brooding loner and most definitely has these alpha vibes and is leaning into his instincts more than he realizes. All of the guys are a little hard-core but they all have a soft spot for a little raven head thief.


Loved the story, the sexual chemistry between Aria and the guys is unstoppable. Seeing how they react to each other and the situations they find themselves in is very entertaining. Then there's the hunt for the relics that are the solution to all the guys' problems and it seems Aria has a connection to relics as well. Then add in the history of political upheaval (in Hell), a sex club, and interesting characters, and it was all very entertaining.


Playing with Hellfire was an absolutely fabulous read. Sexy as sin demons, a feisty heroine, a hunt for magical items, demonic politics, a bunch of supernaturals, and an interesting plot all make for a great read. The story ended on a cliffy and I can't wait to dive right into the next book.
Profile Image for FluffPandas.
305 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2020
Steamy, steamy, steamy. I was in one of the hottest saunas reading this one!

This super (and I mean super) steamy first book in the series is jam-packed with action of both the sexy and fighting kind!

I am blown away by the world-building and the plot which progresses seamlessly; managing to enlighten you and keep you in the dark at the same time.

The heroine is a great combination of strong and submissive, witty and a little bit violent (because who doesn't love a heroine who can kick butt.

This is a unique concept from the heroine herself (her abilities are awesome and of unknown origin) to the backstory of the guys and the new take on demons and the supernatural world.

I just need more! I need to know Aria's backstory! I need to know more about the guys! And boy, that cliff at the end left me in oblivion.

Book 2 when? Because I need it right now.

An amazing start to what promises to be a brilliant series full of all the best things: great plot, amazing characters, a little bit of violence and most importantly all the good sexy times.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,881 reviews63 followers
September 24, 2020
Aria (FMC) eyes get opened to the Supernatural world when her foster father & warlock sells her to 3 Demons - Cain, Elias and Dorian to repay a debt he owes. Except they seem to rub each other up the wrong way. Trust being a major factor for all of them. Oh boy Aria and these guys certainly steamed up my kindle!! So Hot!! I loved Aria. Shes quick witted and strong willed. It made for a brilliant read. Flaming hell though that ending was knockout! This book was one damn fine read & i loved reading it
Profile Image for Victoria (nocturnalintimacy).
2,256 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2021
Kindle Unlimited.

Medium burn RH. Aria is an interesting mix of innocent and vixen, and so it's hard to get a feel for her. She's had a rough upbringing, and a lot of fight in her, but she's still able to blush and be self conscious.

I was more interested in the mystery of her background and her shadow then I was in the romance/steam aspect of the story. I wasn't totally invested in their relationships, even with the added chapters from the males point of view.

I'm picking up book two for answers.
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,938 reviews24 followers
November 4, 2020
3.5-4 stars

Dang this was the first book that I read from this author and I really enjoyed it. I will say that this is a SLOW BURN. I feel like the romantic relationship didn't happen, there were sexy times don't get me wrong but they didn't establish that they were in a relationship.

This was a great start to a series and I loved all of the characters! Now have to wait a month before the next book... idk why I do this to myself.. but I obviously love to torture myself.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,807 reviews112 followers
September 27, 2020
This is one hell of a read! It’s well written with a fiery addictive storyline full of mystery, danger, intrigue, suspense, scorching hot steamy scenes and action! With a strong and fierce female mc , this collaboration is one you will not be able to put down! Can’t wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
486 reviews26 followers
October 29, 2020
This was a really good read! I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish! The characters were fun and interesting, the story kept me hooked, and the world was well thought out. I’m excited to see where book 2 goes! Can’t wait!
Profile Image for Alaina Grimando.
47 reviews
March 1, 2025
This book was a little wattpaddy for my liking. The plot was interesting, although maybe lacked in the delivery. 4 POVs so that definitely helped. Borderline grooming so overall there definitely wasn’t enough of the good to balance out the bad.
Profile Image for Awena Trd.
302 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2021
4,5/5. I liked it. I think it's fast-paced, there's a plot and interesting characters.

Yes, our main character is underage for a few hours when she gets sold by her pathetic foster father. But she's like eighteen minus 13h or something and I see a lot of people saying this book is about an underage girl being lusted over (that's not English but u understand). And I think it's pushing it too far. I mean, the demons are clearly interested in her but she's not 13 or anything and they're not really disrespectful or too obvious with her about it, at first. And you can sense that there's more like maybe a mate link or something. I mean, I've read darker or more cringy stories before, this is almost innocent. As I said, this might be a bit of a captive romance but it's soft. You're making a fuss out of nothing in my opinion.

And I also saw that there's a supposedly 15 yo servant in the demons house and if she's their, it's because she traded her life on earth for an eternity not in Hell. And I mean, we don't know if she's 15, Aria never asked, she's being treated like a maid, not like a sexual slave or anything and maybe she did something wrong and she's living the consequences for it. Not all 15 yo are innocent, some are evil even before that, it's not because they're underage that they're not responsible for their actions. I admit it's a little odd but that's no reason to DNF a book and put a 1 star rating.

There's also a plot, maybe a classic one, but I don't get why you're saying that it's only smut. There are 3 scenes at most. And (minor spoiler) she had sex, once. ONCE. HOW IS THIS ONLY ABOUT SMUT ?

And there're mysteries : what is she? Where does she come from? Why is she finding the relics? Are they important to her? What is Sayah? Who is Serena and what did she do?

And then there's a political intrigue with Hell's throne succession. Is one of Cain's sibling will be doing a coup? Will Lucifer take matters in his hands?

And there's a love intrigue. Why are the demons attracted to her? Why can't she seem to say no to them? Why does she want them even though they took her as payment? Why is she confident in her sexual ways with them?

WHAT DO U NEED ? I mean, there are books that are only for smut and the plot is just there to disguise that, like Trained for their pleasure by L.V Lane (great book for spice btw) but this is not the case for this book. Please stop rating a book that is not your style one star with shitty justification. When a book is not my style because too dark or too slow paced, I DNF it and don't write a comment because there is nothing wrong with the book, it is just not my style but other people will like it. I only write a review when there's something really wrong with it like the story is all over the place or the dialogues are uninteresting because those are kind of objective things. And I always say that I didn't like that, not that the book is shitty.

Sorry, went a bit over my head here but I mean, stop fussing over nothing please, it's hard enough to be an author and seeing that your work is smashed on the internet is heartbreaking. Especially when the critics aren't constructive. If you're going to write a bad review, have some arguments. It'll help future readers and the author...

Thanks if you read all of this. Have a great day!
Profile Image for Lauren the Book Slayer.
395 reviews68 followers
November 16, 2020
I thought Playing with Hellfire was an okay read. Sure, there’s a few typos, including a character’s name that’s spelt two different ways more than once. But overall the writing was pretty good and the story was interesting.

My biggest problem with this book may just be because of personal preference. I’m not a huge fan of smut, especially when it drives a substantial chunk of the story. I think I would have given this book up to at least another star if there had been more world-building and more scenes that didn’t have to do with a character’s libido. I honestly found myself bored during some of the dirty scenes and had to force myself to power through them. The story definitely got better once our FMC Aria started waitressing at a club called purgatory. At least then there were more things going on for Aria than just smut, thinking about smut, and sitting around her bedroom being bored.

If the next book in the series was already out when I finished Playing with Hellfire, I’m sure I would have started reading it because of the huge cliffhanger at the end of book one. As it stands at the time of this review being written, there’s a few weeks before the sequel is released, and it’s doubtful that I’ll still be interested enough to pick it up by then.

Also (and this didn’t affect my rating), even though the book cover for Playing with Hellfire is visually appealing, I didn’t care much for it. Not once has it been alluded to that Aria might have some type of ability that lets her shoot power out of her hands. So either the book cover is spoiling a surprise in an upcoming book, or it just doesn’t match the character it portrays.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,057 reviews81 followers
September 23, 2020
The first thing I must say is that while I read RH, it isn’t my favorite genre. I’ve never been a huge fan of books where the main plot is romance-related, but I do really enjoy suspense/mystery/urban fantasy with a little bit of romance. I have been pulling away from more romancy books as I don’t have as much time, but when these two authors teamed up, I knew it would be a great book. I was right. There is romance, but there is also a mystery/suspense plot woven in. Aria is a strong character who can stand up to just about anyone including the demons who are running her life now, and this was a wild ride to the end of the book. And, wow, that ending was spectacular. I can’t wait to read more. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Noemi.
1,273 reviews
April 1, 2022
I need to stop starting a new series before going to bed... it kept me awake past may bedtime because I couldn't put it down. It hooked me into its world since the first page. Aria is amazing and a badass. She's strong and independent, but also sweet at times. I'm so curious to see what she ends up being and how her connection with her three hot demons develops. I can't wait for the next book to come out!

I was kindly provided with an ARC by the author, but I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,086 reviews32 followers
September 30, 2020
Playing with Fire is Harper A. Brooks and Mila Young's latest collab, and this book is truly delicious. These two authors introduce readers to a feisty female character who is about to find herself in more than one predicament - one based on her own choices and decisions and another that is completely out of her control.
Playing with Fire is a page-turner of a novel and irresistible to put down. Aria is looking forward to being free from her foster father. Just a few more hours and she's 18 and out the door! But first...a little B&E. Too bad she doesn't make herself scarce for a few hours to avoid being sold off by her foster father in an attempt to save his own neck from the debts that he's amassed. Well, let the games begin!
Three sexy demons, one 18-year-old woman who thinks that if she denies enough the thing that makes her so unique that they'll let her go...wishful thinking. lol Aria is already in over her head with these men, and denial just doesn't suit her. She's trying to hide her shadow, but for how long? The men have already caught glimpses of it, so it's just a matter of time. Could she be the key to helping them return to Hell? Trouble is brewing on all sides for them all and it's only a matter of time before it all comes to a head.
My only issue with this book...is Aria's fits. I get it. She's been taken against her will for a debt that she never made. But that's what happens when one is basically..." sold" in another's place. But does it really do her any good to act like a petulant child because the demons are collecting a debt owed them? The person she should be upset with and stay focused on...is the foster father who had little to no qualms saying "here take her instead." I know that she's young, but I don't like the immaturity of some of her actions.
This book is one that captivated me from the beginning and kept me page-turning throughout. I love the steamy scenes! They are absolutely delicious! The attraction between the characters is undeniable and I love the tension throughout. This book is irresistible from beginning to end. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. The ending had me chomping the bit for what comes next. I can't wait to find out what happens!
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