MIDNIGHT WITH THE DEVIL is a standalone romance by Emma Castle. Lucien Star aka Lucifer is the ultimate bad boy. When Diana Kingston makes a deal with the devil to save her father, she finds how delicious it is to be in Lucien's clutches. Although heaven and hell are referred to for obvious reasons in MIDNIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, this is more erotic fantasy done exceptionally well, rather than any type of morality play. There is something about Diana that draws Lucien to her and, although he insists she is just a novelty for him to enjoy, it is he who becomes entranced by Diana. Her devil's bargain entails that for every Friday for three months, Diana must be tempted and tormented by Lucien's sensual assault on her senses and forfeit her soul to him when she dies.

Lucien is a complicated character -- somewhere between a straight-up villain and anti-hero, depending on how far into the story the reader gets to. I love the idea of the Devil becoming bewitched and intrigued by a human woman. It's not that Diana is any paragon of goodness, but it's her ability to be self-sacrificing for someone she loves that initially reels Lucien in. For Diana, Lucien is hard to resist in spite of all her good intentions. Lucien doesn't need to browbeat Diana into his arms but uses his silken words, devilishly good looks, and irreverent charm. To have all of Lucien's intensity and seductive powers focused on her proves to be a highly potent cocktail for Diana. The longer their arrangement goes on, Diana develops tender feelings for Lucien while remaining uncorrupted by him, and a little of her goodness unexpectedly transfers onto him. A white witch, Diana's guardian angel, and Lucien's BFF Andras are witness to the unexpected and unlikely romance play out and try to influence things. The scintillating encounters between Lucien and Diana will take your breath away as their passion burns bright.

MIDNIGHT WITH THE DEVIL is an erotic invitation that romance fans must accept. Emma Castle weaves together a story of sacrifice and love while throwing in a few laughs and a whole lot of holy-wow-hot. As Lucien and Diana's relationship progresses, the level of eroticism is still there, but Emma Castle injects a playfulness and some domesticity as well without totally transforming the bad boy character. Lucien keeps the things Diana and the reader enjoy most about him, while still giving him greater depth and have him go through some changes as well. This book has made me an Emma Castle fan and I eagerly await her next book.