In a realm where Gods once ruled and monsters lurk in the shadows, fate has chosen its queen… whether she wants the crown or not.
Morrigan has spent her life imprisoned—watched, groomed, and trained for a future she never chose. On her twenty-first birthday, she is delivered to the seven lords of Andonia, rulers whispered to be as dangerous as they are beautiful. Her task? Spend seven weeks with each Lord and choose one to ascend the throne beside her.
But power is a seductive poison, and not all the lords wish for peace. As Morrigan navigates a treacherous game of politics, desire, and betrayal, she uncovers secrets that could shatter the fragile balance of the realm. The Gods’ prophecy may promise salvation—but what if the truth hides damnation?
Lies will be told. Blood will be spilled. And in the end, Morrigan must will she bow to destiny…
Crystal Crist is a proud military spouse and a busy mom of three, adventurous, kids. As a self-published author, Crystal enjoys exploring various genres and connecting with her readers. Her journey is all about balancing love and creativity while also allowing her work to be a journey of healing for those with similar life experiences.
5⭐️ Courting sins is a dark fantasy that follows Morrigan who is promised to seven lords as the chosen one. The plot was 😘🤌🏻 The world building was so unique and unlike anything else I’ve read and it had me hooked from the first chapter. The pacing was PERFECT. I’m so emotionally invested in this story and its characters. Morrigan felt so real, she’s got a lot of complex childhood trauma but overtime she slowly becomes a fearless badass and I loved that for her 💖 she becomes everything I want in a FMC and she’s easily in my top 10. There’s multiple love interests but Dez is probably my favorite. I can’t help it I love a simp that will quite literally drop down on his knees and beg for it. 🤷🏻♀️ Kaiden is definitely another favorite so far, the banter between him and Morrigan was everything. ALL of the characters are so well written that you can’t help but love them(even the ones you hate) okay maybe except for Maeryn she pissed me off. Although there were tons of parts that had me kicking my feet, There’s definitely a couple(possibly a few) that had me sobbing. Overall, I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy. I literally haven’t been able to get this book off my mind and I CANNOT wait for the next book in this series.
this book encapsulated my love of slightly (very) morally skewed men and if it wasn’t for the childhood trauma i would absolutely be first in line to trade places with morrigan
I was given this bookas an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And might I just say- WHOA! It was SO unexpectedly good! I love the idea of the seven deadly sins being princes. Morrigan gives off bad ass Snow White vibes, and we’ve even got an evil queen and king in there too! There’s a lot going on In the story. I love how it sweeps you away though, there’s so much intrigue! So much heart ache- and now my own heart ache in realizing it isn’t completed! It’s hard to choose who to cheer for- you kind of fall in love with them all.
I really love how far Morrigan comes in this story. She starts out meek and mild, broken by her teacher. But she comes into her own strength, learns to overcome all the pain, and I just know book two she is gonna EXPLODE. I can’t wait!
Thank you Crystal Crist and team for giving me the opportunity to read this book! It was incredible
A Highly recommended read for those who are deeply invested in fantasy. And who wanna broken in the middle of the book… Tempo of the book for me 4/5 stars the first 8 chapters were not as fast as I wish they were tbh, Although from there on; every other chapter was consistently more engaging and straightforward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kept me wanting to keep reading all day. Definitely gives off S Maas vibes but with a little bit of a darker aura. All the twists and turns, I never saw them coming. The grief and descriptions were very powerful. And the spice was a great touch. Overall it was a very well told story and very creative. All the characters were well portayed. I enjoyed the FMCs growth through the story. Kaiden... love him and hate him. That cliff hanger tho. Now I will be counting down the days til I can continue the story. I never reread books or keep them unless they are great. And this is one I ordered and will be adding to my favorites collection.
Courting Sin is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. This dark fantasy features Morrigan, Cain, Cassius, Dez, Dormius, Eris, Kaiden, and Naaz.
When Morrigan was born, she was believed to be the subject of a long awaited prophecy. She never knew her parents and was raised in an extremely sheltered environment by two woman - Lady Guinevere and Priestess Maeryn. She was being groomed to fulfill the prophecy and was to be handed over to the seven lords of Andonia on her 21st birthday. While Lady Guinevere did her best to act as a warm and loving mother to Morrigan, Priestess Maeryn was more of a cold, strict, hard headmistress who firmly believed in corporal punishment. Morrigan did not have an easy childhood and repeatedly tried to flee to discover the world on the outside of the walls which kept her imprisoned.
On her 21st birthday, when she was wrapped up like a gift and hand delivered to the lords, she was certain she was going to die. She had heard the rumours of their beast-like nature. She was surprised to learn that she was to spend seven weeks with each lord, and at the end of that time, choose one to become king and rule beside her.
While Morrigan starts out as a meek maiden, she blossoms and grows into herself, finding her own power. Her time with each lord reveals more about them, and they aren't always as they seem.
This book was an unexpected delight. The author's writing quickly captivated me and I loved every minute. Morrigan is a strong, believable, female lead and it was easy to love her and cheer her on in her own self-discovery as well as her path towards, what I'm convinced will be, greatness. She has a big heart and is kind, considerate, and caring towards others even when her upbringing was less than ideal. She quickly learns to stand her ground and push back when needed. It was wonderful to watch her growth. Her interactions with each of the lords changes as she comes into herself, and sees them for who they are.
I loved some of the secondary characters including Lyra, who is definitely a bad-a$$ and helps Morrigan grow into the woman she is meant to be. I also appreciated Shae and Eowyn, both offering her kindness and friendship.
I highly recommend checking this one out but be forewarned... it ends on a cliffhanger. It is going to feel like an unbearable wait for the next installment but I will be eagerly waiting.
A dark romantasy that will break your heart, heal it, and then shatter it all over again. And again.
Morrigan has been offered to seven (seven, yes seven 👀) powerful lords as the Chosen One. She’s strong, emotional, and beautifully human. What I loved most is how real she feels. Unlike some FMCs I’ve read of, Morrigan questions, feels, and reacts in ways that make total sense. It makes the story hit so much harder.
Lyra 🖤 I think Lyra is the love of my life… she’s in the king’s guard and total badass muscle mommy. I have the biggest crush, no shame 🥵🖤
The plot gripped me from start to finish. It’s emotional, dark, and layered, the kind of book that keeps breaking you just to piece you back together again. And then shatter you even more than before 😭 the plot twist, and that cliffhanger? I have beef with Crystal over the next book not being out ALREADY. It’s so different from anything I’ve read before in the best way possible!
Crystal Crist has created something incredible!! a story that’s equal parts heartache, mystery, and power. Easily a 5-star read for me.
All I can say is wow and that you absolutely need to read this book!! The world building was incredible. Experiencing Morrigan's story and growth has you experiencing all of the emotions including heartbreak, grief, and resilience. The concept of the 7 lords representing the 7 deadly sins was executed so well and it was interesting to learn about each of their personalities and discover the sin that they represented (Team Kaiden over here). Every character in this book had layers to unravel and was well developed. I can't wait to continue to learn more about them as the series continues.
Now for the story, the PLOT TWISTS omg. I am a suspicious reader so I can usually see a plot twist coming but not with this book. I was taken by surprise several times including the ENDING!!! Talk about a cliffhanger?!?! I will definitely be impatiently waiting for the second book let me tell you because I need MORE!
Courting sin is a well paced story with a unique world building that has me hooked from the first page.
I felt emotionally invested in the characters and their story! Morrisons character growth was just phenomenal from dealing with complex childhood trauma to becoming a fearless badass who grows into her own strength!
The whole story is an emotional rollercoaster from the starts that just keeps dragging you back in when you get off. It is the type of book that’s ready to break you instantly after putting the pieces back together.
It was a well paced book and I cannot wait to read the next one. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book and hope I fortunate enough agin for the next book!
What an amazing story, I couldn’t put it down! Morrigan’s growth from being a meek, mousy little girl just looking for a way out of the situation she was in to being a bad ass at the end of the book was so amazing to read. Out of all the Lords I think Kaiden and his broody attitude made me love him more than the rest. The love he shows Morrigan and the calming effect he has on her is beautiful. The ending though…WHAT THE HECK! I need book 2 NOW!
I'm very surprised how good this book was It wasn't really talked about no 1 suggested I read it but I picked it up 1 day seeing that it had a lot of 5 star reviews although not very many reviews. Let's just say I am so very happy I did this book was extremely well written Twist and turns although a very long book it seemed to go by quickly with how good it was All I've got to say is you need to read it.
Expect the unexpected in this well-written, imaginative and moving start to a series.
It didn't take long to become more and more captivated by the story. The narration weaves with glimpses into the underlying plot and second POVs, but mainly it is the POV of Morrigan (interesting choice of a name of legend). It is interesting not only to discover the lords' plans and betrayals, but how each of them arrives to unexpected feelings while she grows and matures with each heartbreak, each wound, each friendship and discovery.
I'm hooked, can't wait to see what's next after this hard cliffhanger.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CRYSTAL CRIST does it again! The way she effortlessly tells stories that captivate you. I swear in a past life she was some famous author and literary agents need to jump on her quick! Her talent is next level. The way I am hooked and need book two in my hands.
Oml 🤯 This was sooooo AMAZING!!! I was captivated throughout the whole book...it's exciting, gripping, twisty and the cliffhanger! ♡ Definitely a favorite read for 2025....I seriously can not wait for the next book! This has everything a Romantasy book should have and so much more!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Amazing. Nothing else to say. Devoured it. Very well written. Beautiful world building. Complex characters. Love and betrayal, pain, discovery and plot twists.
Was given the chance to be an ARC reader and I was not disappointed! This story is well written, flows well and is enrapturing right from the start! Also: that ending!! 😱
Courting Sin by Crystal Crist: I had the pleasure to be an ARC and like Crystals other books she keeps getting better 🥵 🌶️ The central conflict revolves around Morrison, the resilient protagonist who is forced into a dangerous political game. Her fate is tied to the Seven Lords of Andonia, powerful rulers who are both alluring and terrifying. This book establishes a Reverse Harem dynamic, requiring Morrigan to navigate the treacherous desires and political maneuvers of these distinct, morally gray anti-heroes. Her journey is about moving from being a pawn to gaining agency within this dangerous court. *This is a Dark Fantasy Romance that excels at creating high tension and deep political stakes. Readers who enjoy complex world-building, where ancient prophecy meets deadly court intrigue, will be quickly immersed. The pacing is designed to be addictive, as Morrigan's seven-week cycles with the different Lords move the plot and the romantic tension forward quickly. ***Be warned: it embraces dark romance tropes, featuring intense situations and a strong cliffhanger leading into the rest of the series. ⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
this book gives you all the feels. morrigan starts off as meek and scarred. but, through various loves and heartbreakes, ends up turning into this strong, determined badass. kaiden is the moody broody morally Grey man who would kill for her. and that ending .......
Wow wow wow!! Clear your calender, ignore all responsibilities and read this book NOW!!
I was lucky enough to get accepted as an arc reader for this book and it totally blew me away!! The world building was rich, the plot- fantastic, the suspense-edge of my seat and the character development of the FMC? Phenomenal!! I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, I just couldn't put it down! I cannot wait for the next book !!
Courting Sin by Crystal Crist is a dark fantasy romance filled with gods, curses, and perilous secrets. The narrative centers on Morrigan as she becomes entangled in a realm of power, temptation, and betrayal, where each decision could cost her dearly.
The worldbuilding is intricate and enigmatic, and the character dynamics create a thrilling atmosphere. It has a touch of darkness, a hint of steaminess, and is ideal for those who enjoy morally ambiguous heroes and high-stakes fantasy.
Some sections progress slowly, and it concludes with a cliffhanger, but in general, it’s a captivating beginning to a new fantasy series. I can't wait to read book 2!
Courting sin keeps you on your toes. You'll experience loss, lust, a woman finding herself. After being completely isolated for 21 years. Friendships, and romantic relationships are cultivated. Then it'll leave you on the biggest cliffhanger. Craving more. Amazing.
Such a good story!!Ends on the worst cliffhanger imaginable 😭 what happened to poor little Azrael. I absolutely loved this book! This author is definitely becoming one of my favourites 😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was 💯 a 6+ star read for me! Everything you could want in a dark fantasy book! 7 cursed Lords, resilient FMC, Gods, Vampyre esque, Mystery, plot twists and don’t get me started on the spice! 🔥
I gasped, kicked my feet, melted, cried and wanted to throw my kindle multiple times! This book is so well written and was an incredibly smooth read for me.
As always please check your triggers, your mental health matters.
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This book starts off with a god’s betrayal. Which leads to all of the gods leaving, a terrible war and assigning 7 lords to rule the divided land…Cursed HAWT lords might I add… with a promise of being given a chosen one of pure blood to invoke peace.
This is where the story begins, Morrigan, the chosen one, our FMC. This poor girl and her trauma. She just wants out of her life and to be free but instead she is given to all 7 of the lords where she must court them and choose ONLY one to be king and rule beside her.
“How did you survive it?” … “Some days, I’m not even sure that I have.”
“Why did they have to choose me? So many people are born every day, but they had chosen me. I wasn’t strong enough for this.”
I loved Morrigan. She is so resilient and I loved watching her grow and find her own strength throughout the book. And the MEN, I can’t begin to describe! Crystal gave us it all! A shadow daddy, our grumpy x sunshine, and mysterious characters with every perfect spicy moment that comes along with it!
"Then let the castle fall in flames. I gave you plenty of chances to tell me no, little dove... now? You're mine"
“Get on your knees… and beg.”
You just have to read this book! And once you think you know what’s going on or what’s going to happen next, THINK AGAIN. The twists and turns left me on the edge of my seat and contemplating everything!
This book ends on a cliffhanger that absolutely annihilated me! This entire book will be living rent free in my head while I patiently…impatiently…wait on the next!
Thank you Crystal Crist for the opportunity to ARC read this one! It’s definitely made it into my top 10 reads! As always my reviews are honest and 100% my own! 🖤
THIS. BOOK. DESTROYED. ME. (In the best way possible)
If you are a fan of dark fantasy, "Why Choose" romance, or just elite-tier world-building, stop what you are doing and read Courting Sin immediately.
Crystal Crist has absolutely outdone herself with the start of the Seven Deadly Sins series.
Imagine the Seven Deadly Sins personified as dangerously attractive Lords of a dark kingdom. Now imagine you are the "Chosen One" gifted to them on your 21st birthday and forced to spend seven weeks with each of them to choose a King. It is The Bachelor meets Game of Thrones but with way more spice and higher stakes.
I am so tired of "Chosen One" heroines who have no backbone. Morrigan is incredible. Watching her go from a captive raised in isolation to a resilient, badass queen-in-the-making was so satisfying. Her trauma felt real, but her growth felt earned.
The Lords: Oh my god. The chemistry? Off the charts. The tension? Palpable. I love that each Lord has a distinct personality (representing their Sin), but they are complex characters, not just caricatures. Specifically, the "Enemies-to-Lovers" subplot with the Lord who initially hates her? Chef’s kiss. The angst was delicious!
This book hooks you from chapter one. There is political intrigue, "faceless bandit" attacks, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages until 3 AM.
The ending left me screaming at my Kindle. That cliffhanger is illegal! I need Book 2 yesterday. If you like spicy fantasy with a plot that actually holds up, high-stakes court intrigue, and men who are morally grey (but obsessed with the FMC), pick this up.
“How did you survive it?” “Some days, I’m not even sure I have.”
“Especially when everything about her undoubtedly screams that the stars wrote her name for me.”
“Then let the castle fall in flames. I gave you plenty of chances to tell me no, little dove… now? You’re mine”
Slow clap 👏 that was a perfect blend of all the things I love. A heroine who overcomes so much, hot guys (really hot guys), heart ache, twist you don’t see coming, and of course you gotta have the girl besties. ♥️
You start with a history on the Gods. The gods once ruled but now they are gone and in their place are the lords and there is a prophecy of a girl that will be born with a special mark and bring peace. Then it jumps right into Morrigan’s story. She is trying to get away from her life that she has had zero choice in. But it doesn’t work out and she is sent to court the 7 lords and pick one to rule with. And that’s where the twist and turns start. It definitely kept me on my toes the entire time.
The writing style was executed perfectly. The world building was just the right amount. The characters were real and raw. There was laughing moments, crying moments, and moments of pure rage.
It ends on a cliffhanger that will leave you begging for the next book. So don’t mind me I’ll just be sitting here staring at the wall for the foreseeable future.
You know what they say don’t judge a book by its cover because even though it may not look like much it may be holding one of the best stories you could potentially ever read! AKA THIS BOOK!
Dive into Courting Sin written by Crystal Crist where in a realm that gods once ruled, a prophecy was told of fate choosing a mortal queen who would bear the mark. That it would be up to her to decide which out of the seven dangerous lords of Andonia would ascend the throne beside her.
We got to follow the FMC Morrigan, as she grew up living with the priestess as they kept her confined until on her twenty-first birthday she was delivered to the lords, where she learned she was to spend seven weeks with each before she had to choose between them. Cassius, Des, Cain, Eris, Kaiden, Naaz and Dormius (D), the seven lords… does she have to just pick one… who doesn’t love a why choose an I right? But I am also a stickler for the broody ones that’s for sure and so my heart got swooped up by Kaiden.
I enjoyed the way you got to see Morrigan one on one with the lords as well as them all together, it really opened the story up well. But that being said it did feel like some of the interactions between them came so quickly like they just didn’t have background and I was thinking wow that sure moved fast.
AND THEN the author Crystal certainly left me on the biggest cliff hanger possible with her ending… I may just die if I don’t get the answers I seek soon!! If you love dark romantasy then this is most definitely a book for you! I recommend!
Okay let me start off by saying this is the first book that I've read by Crystal Crist, but it certainly won't be my last! This book was so good it had me in its grip until four in the morning. I went into this story completely blind, having no idea what the story was about. I think it is a very interesting take on a RH or maybe a WC story line. Sometimes I find these kind of stories to be a little predictable but I assure you this one is not. There are seven Lords with seven very different personalities and gifts of magic and one Princess- Morrigan. Morrigan starts off as a very broken and damaged girl, but as she spends time with the different Lords she begins to grow stronger mentally and physically. Each Lord shows Morrigan how good life can be. Lord Cass, is kind and Morrigan trust him easily, Lord Dez - seems to sense exactly what Morrigan needs and is more than willing to give it to her, and my uttermost favorite Lord is Lord Kaiden. Lord Kaiden is a dark and ruthless Lord who seems to hate everything about Morrigan. Even though Lord Kaiden can be vile at times and emotionless I still found myself hoping he would find a heart in all the darkness that surrounds him. This story has many twist and turns in it and a couple of surprises I never seen coming and I loved it! The ending does leave you on a cliffhanger, so I am really hoping I don't have to wait too long for the next book. This was all in all a great time and had me kicking my feet and staying up way too late!