Rating: 4.5/5
Book Blurb:
**SPECIAL DELUXE EDITION WITH STAINED EDGES, CHARACTER ART, AND MORE.**
He's the most beautiful man I've ever seen…and the most dangerous. Eternally young and full of a brilliant passion that may ultimately be the end of me: my perfect Dorian Gray.
The painting that's kept Dorian Gray flawless for over a century is beginning to fall apart, rotted by his life of reckless decadence. Desperate, he seeks out the only person who might be able to save him: a talented young painter descended from Dorian's first love.
Baz may have the same magical gift as her ancestor, but she's vowed never to paint anyone's likeness again. Haunted by the memory of the terrible price her talent can exact, she swears she will not be swayed—not even by the seductive words dripping like venom from the lips of the most beautiful man she's ever met.
Yet as Dorian tries to persuade Baz by any means possible, they become aware of a darker, deadlier magic awakening around them. Dangerous forces, long dormant, have been stirred by Baz's presence…and are determined to have her no matter the cost. As tensions rise and desire flares ever-hotter, Baz and Dorian become trapped in a complex web of conflicting motives, messy emotions, and a growing, desperate passion that may well consume them both.
An addictive and truly original spicy New Adult retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray with a magical twist.
RICH BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE:
Sprayed edges
Gorgeous b&w interior art
Additional scenes
And more!
Review:
A modern day retelling of Dorian Gray featuring a hot goth artist who has the ability to connect souls to whatever she paints... and a devilish Dorian Gray who will do anything to get her to save his portrait. Dorian Gray has lived for centuries... immersing himself in sin, pleasures, and every drug he can get his hands on. He's handsome, wealthy, and knows it. Yet his vices are connected to his portrait and after so many years of sins... his painting is coming to an end and he needs to find someone to make him a new painting, otherwise he will die. Then there is Basil "Baz" a brilliant small time artist with a "no portraits" policy. Baz has a secret, she has vowed never to paint another portrait because of what happened to her father... and how she painted his portrait and killed him. Baz has kept her powers hidden all her life but when Dorian shows up at her door with offers of money, things, and even himself... Baz is almost tempted... almost. She refuses at first but he begs her to give him 2 weeks to convince her... and Baz tells him the only way to convince her to paint his portrait is if he can prove to her that he is "good" that he still has a soul worth saving... and even then Baz will only paint his portrait to the point where his soul is put back into his body... leading him to age and become regular. Dorian knows he'll have to trick and seduce Baz to get what he wants, yet the more time he spends with her the more human he's beginning to feel... and for the first time in a long time... he's falling in love... the only problem is if he's willing to let himself be weak or if his too long gone to ever change. I am a sucker for a classic retelling, especially where the villain gets the girl. I loved the modern twist on this and how it still kept elements of the classic character but put a whole new spin to the story. Dorian and Baz had such an interesting relationship and I loved the way they fell for one another. Yes they were immediately attracted to each other but they both had different motives and wants... and in the end they were perfect for one another. I've loved reading Rebecca's Villains series so much and can't wait to see the next book she's doing (hello, Wuthering Heights?! I can't wait!!!).
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)
*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
