Marriage of Sin

by Kristen Luciani

This is the first book in my brand-new dark mafia romance series which I'm SO excited about. If you love arranged marriage, reverse age gap, touch her and die, older FMC/younger MMC, super spicy vibes, then you're going to want to check this out! The release date is a placeholder. <3

Genres: Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Mafia Romance

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2026

About the author

Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling romance author, momtrepreneur, and a beauty product junkie with a penchant for stilettos, Silicon Valley, plunging necklines and grapefruit martinis. As a deep-rooted romantic who prefers juicy drama to fill the lives of anyone other than her, she tried her hand at creating a world of enchantment, sensuality, and intrigue, finally uncovering her true passion. No pun intended…

***FREE BOOK OFFER!*** Click here to get a free copy of my MAYHEM!
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Reviews

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of Sin is a dark, emotionally intense romantic suspense that blends high-stakes danger with deeply complicated characters. Luciani leans into the darker edges of desire and obsession while still giving the romance room to breathe, creating a story that’s equal parts tension and intimacy. The chemistry between the leads is raw and combustible, and the novel doesn’t shy away from morally grey choices that keep the reader invested and a little unsettled—in a good way.

What stands out is Luciani’s ability to build atmosphere and emotional depth. The protagonists carry messy pasts and complex motivations, and the narrative gives them space to confront those wounds rather than paper them over. Romance develops through fraught, authentic interactions—moments of vulnerability are earned, and the characters’ shifting power dynamics feel dangerous and plausible. Secondary characters and the darker plot threads add texture and raise the stakes without overwhelming the central relationship.

Pacing is deliberate: Luciani alternates between simmering character work and sharp bursts of suspense, which mostly keeps momentum strong. A few plot beats lean on familiar romantic-suspense tropes, and some readers may find parts of the protagonist’s behavior troubling rather than romantic—this is intentional in the story’s exploration of morally ambiguous attraction. Still, the emotional payoff and the depth of character growth make the book compelling.

Overall, Marriage of Sin is a solid four-star read for readers who like their romance with an edge—dark, complicated, and emotionally resonant. Kristin Luciani delivers an engrossing, imperfectly thrilling story that lingers after the last page.

[The Rampant Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Grey’s Promo for the gifted copy.

“Someone has their hands on my wife. And that someone is gonna die a very slow, very excruciating death.”

This is absolutely the type of couple I want to read about! A strong successful woman who doesn’t take any crap and the man who is absolutely obsessed with her and supports his queen. This was a new to me author and the book is a first in a new series.

Vibes: danger, power, high-stakes

Tropes:
Badass FMC
Reverse Age Gap
Touch Her & Perish
Misogyny
Warring Syndicates
Arranged Marriage

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author

This book absolutely owned me from the very first chapter.

If you love a powerful heroine who refuses to bow to anyone and a younger hero who’s completely obsessed with proving she’s his equal, this book delivers in every possible way. Adriana is the definition of an ice queen. At forty, she’s intelligent, ruthless, and unapologetically in control. Then Lochlan storms into her life with golden retriever determination wrapped in mafia-level possessiveness, and the chemistry between them is explosive.

The reverse age gap was handled so well. Instead of making it the entire story, it became another layer that made their relationship even more compelling. Lochlan never tries to diminish Adriana’s strength. He admires it, falls first, falls hard, and spends every page showing that loving a powerful woman is his greatest privilege.

The arranged marriage and forced proximity kept the tension sky-high, while the mafia backdrop added danger, betrayal, and plenty of pulse-pounding moments. And if you’re a fan of “touch her and die” heroes… Lochlan belongs in the hall of fame. His unwavering devotion had me swooning just as much as the spicy scenes had me blushing.

Kristen Luciani perfectly balances emotional vulnerability, sizzling romance, and high-stakes mafia drama. By the end, I was completely invested in Adriana and Lochlan’s journey, cheering for every hard-earned moment they shared.

✨ Tropes you’ll love:
🖤 Reverse age gap
💍 Arranged marriage
🔫 Mafia romance
❤️ He falls first
🔥 Touch her and die
🧊 Ice queen × golden retriever
🏡 Forced proximity
👑 Powerful heroine
💘 Obsessed hero
💖 Only soft for her

This was addictive, emotional, and impossible to put down. If morally gray mafia men and fiercely independent heroines are your thing, then this book deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.

[Zainab Alhaitham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Grey's Promo for the review copy.

Marriage of Sin – Kristen Luciani
⭐ 4.75/5


Vibes: danger, power, high-stakes

Tropes:
Badass FMC
Reverse Age Gap
Touch Her & Perish
Misogyny
Warring Syndicates
Arranged Marriage

Breathtaking. Captivating. Stunning.

Three words that don't do it justice, but they're all that comes out when you finish the last page and sit in that strange emptiness mixed with joy, wondering how one novel managed to do all of this.
I read it in three days, and for three days I couldn't stop thinking about the characters, about what was happening to them, about what would happen next. Three days charged with anticipation in a way I hadn't felt in a long time.

About the Book
In a world built on blood, betrayal, and secrets, where love seems like a luxury no one can afford, Adriana, a forty-year-old woman who built her empire from nothing and erected high walls to protect herself from all of it, meets Lochlan Molloy, the second eldest in a mafia family you can't help but love. The father excluded, obviously.
What brings them together is not a fleeting love story. It's a slow burn of the most delicious kind, one where you live through every tension, every moment of anticipation, every step built with care and a logic you rarely find. Not too slow, not too fast, and that alone is an achievement.

What Makes It ✨🌈❤️🥹 ?

First: The Molloy Family.
The five brothers are the salt of this novel and its beating heart. The eldest, Ronan, who you begin hating, and end up watching take his place among his brothers in a way you never expected. And the rest, who carry this dark world with genuine love for one another.
Honestly, I have never read a brotherly bond like this before. And I've read a lot of mafia romance. But these five were the most beautiful thing you could possibly read about brothers in a world made of blood and bullshit. Their bond is what truly moves you, what makes you attach yourself to this world despite its cruelty. The family atmosphere that dominated the novel was what surprised me most — from the Molloy family to Adriana's own, her mother, her father, her sister Luna. Both families together gave a feeling of love, warmth, and tenderness I didn't expect to find in a novel like this.

Second: Lochlan Himself.

A man who raised my standards in ways I never anticipated. Not even Mikhail from Redeeming Love by
Francine Rivers, not even Aaron Blackford from The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas, came close to what I felt here. Lochlan is an entire forest of green flags. His attentiveness is unbelievable, his stubbornness for love is irresistible, and his love for Adriana is built on something real, with no pretense and no performance.
The moments of care and tenderness from him are the ones that stay with me most, because they weren't grand dramatic scenes. They were small moments that revealed exactly who he is. I don't blame him for falling madly in love with Adriana, because she is genuinely impressive. A woman in her forties standing tall, having pulled herself out of this filthy world, a natural-born leader, a top-tier CEO who built a massive empire from the ground up.

Third: The Plot.
I thought I had predicted every betrayal. The author hit me exactly where I wasn't looking, and that alone deserves applause, because a seasoned mafia reader is not easily surprised.

Fourth: The Writing.

Good, even excellent. The phrases scattered in Irish and Gaelic gave the text a soul, and the terms of endearment the characters use with each other were a small detail that made you smile without quite knowing why. All these little things create something you don't find in many novels in this genre.

The One Thing That Cost It a Quarter Star:
The repetition of certain sentences word-for-word across different chapters. It didn't ruin the experience, but it was noticeable, and I wished the author had reached for synonyms rather than exact repetition.

Who Is It For?
Anyone who wants a dark mafia romance with forced proximity, a reverse age gap where the heroine is older, and a strong female lead who doesn't break. And for anyone who wants to read about real men — here they are, in this novel.


"In a world built on blood, Lochlan Molloy chose to build on something else entirely."

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

👑🖤 A Mafia Romance Built on Trust, Not Fear 🖤👑
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

From the very first chapter, Marriage of Sin felt different from the mafia romances I've read before. Yes, it has the danger, betrayals, arranged marriage, and high-stakes family politics you'd expect from the genre, but at its heart, this is a story about trust, respect, and two people learning that love doesn't have to mean giving up who they are. Kristen Luciani created a world that completely pulled me in, and I found myself thinking about these characters long after I turned the final page.

Adriana was everything I want in a heroine. Intelligent, confident, and fiercely capable, she spent years building a life outside the world she was born into, only to be pulled back when her father's death changed everything. She never allowed herself to be overshadowed, even when surrounded by powerful men, and I loved that her strength wasn't something she ever had to apologize for. Watching her slowly lower the walls she'd built over the years while still remaining true to herself made her journey incredibly rewarding.

Then there's Lochlan.

He quickly became one of my favorite mafia heroes. While everyone expected him to be ruthless, what stood out most was his patience, quiet confidence, and unwavering devotion to Adriana. He never saw her strength as something to challenge or control. Instead, he admired it and did everything he could to stand beside her rather than in front of her. Watching him fall first, fall hard, and continually prove through his actions that she was his equal made their relationship feel incredibly genuine. He reminded me that sometimes the strongest heroes are the ones who know they don't have to be the loudest person in the room.

Together, Adriana and Lochlan were impossible not to love. Their arranged marriage slowly transformed into a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and vulnerability. Every step of their relationship felt earned, making the emotional moments hit even harder. Beyond the romance, I completely fell in love with the Molloy family. Their loyalty, humor, and unwavering support for one another brought so much warmth to a world built on violence and betrayal. The family dynamics added another layer to the story that made me even more excited for the rest of the series.

While I noticed a few repeated phrases throughout the book, it was a very small distraction in what was otherwise an incredibly immersive reading experience. Marriage of Sin delivered suspense, emotional depth, unexpected twists, and one of the healthiest relationships I've read in a mafia romance. If you enjoy powerful heroines, protective heroes who admire rather than overpower their partners, and stories where family is just as important as the romance, this is one I can't recommend enough.

Thank you to Kristen Luciani and Greys Promotions for providing me with a gifted advanced reader copy. I am so grateful for the opportunity to read and review this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forty-year-old Adriana DiMicheli thought she’d left the mafia world behind years ago. Now a successful businesswoman, the last thing she wanted was to be forced back into it after her father is shot. But to secure an alliance between her Italian crime family and the infamous Irish Molloys, she reluctantly agreed to marry Lochlan Molloy, a man twelve years her junior. Like Adriana, Lochlan had distanced himself from the ‘family business,’ but when his family needed him, there was never any question where his loyalty lay and their union was designed to strengthen the alliance between two powerful crime families as they united to face the dangerous common enemy threatening both their territories.

Marriage of Sin is the first book in Kristen Luciani’s new Deadly Sins series, centred around the five Molloy brothers, and what a way to kick things off! This reverse age-gap arranged marriage mafia romance had me hooked from the very first chapter. It had everything I want from a mafia romance - twists, secrets, betrayal, family drama, and plenty of tension. I flew through it because there was always something happening to keep me turning the pages. Adriana and Lochlan were a great match. I loved that they were both strong and fiercely loyal to their families, willing to make difficult sacrifices. While others saw Adriana as cold and untouchable, Lochlan saw the fire beneath her composed exterior, making their chemistry sizzle and, although I’m not usually a fan of reverse age-gap romances (I know it’s a double standard!), it honestly doesn’t matter here. Once I was invested in them as a couple, the age difference became a complete non-issue. There was still plenty of conflict between Adriana and Lochlan, especially after she discovered he’d been keeping secrets from her, but who doesn’t love a hero who has to work to earn his happily ever after. His grovelling was satisfying, and I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a hero whispering sweet endearments in Irish Gaelic.

One of my favourite parts of the book, though, was the Molloy family dynamics. The brothers clearly have each other’s backs, and I loved seeing them step in to help Lochlan win Adriana over. Their banter, loyalty, and close family bond have me really excited to read the rest of the series. Overall, Marriage of Sin is a strong start to the Deadly Sins series. If you love arranged marriages, mafia romance, reverse age-gap couples, protective “touch her and die” heroes, and strong, capable heroines, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting to read one of Kristen Luciani’s books for a while now... and well, she exceeded my expectations with this book. You just know when a book is going to captivate you from the first page, and that’s exactly what happened here. Yet, this isn’t your normal dark mafia romance book.

First of all, the reverse age gap, which I discovered I love, especially here. Adriana doesn’t use their age difference to dominate Lochlan or control him. No. At first, she treats him with indifference and caution, but later she lets him take some of that control from her. She’s a forty-year-old CEO, twelve years older than him, but he doesn’t need to feel dominant or take charge. He lets her do what she does best because he knows his self-worth, and he knows exactly how strong she is.

A perfect couple, if you ask me. She’s never weak, yet she’s happy to have him next to her (or behind her), not to take charge, but for support and later for advice. They start sharing secrets and stories they’ve never told anyone else. Even his dog, Reaper, chose her, and they say animals know a good person.

The chemistry is hot. Steamy hot. Sizzling!!! I was happy for them. Lochlan looks at Adriana as if she’s the only person in the room. He makes her feel like she can handle the impossible job she’s been thrust into, juggling both her company and her mafia family. The marriage starts as an arrangement, a business deal... but they stop caring about contracts and territories. They just don’t want to lose each other. The problem is that Lochlan is hiding a secret, and it may break what they have.

Adriana has spent years keeping people away because she knows that when they get too close, they’ll find a way to use it against her. Lochlan makes her believe she’s safe with him. He protects her when danger comes and stands beside her when she needs him most. That's why she's hurt when the truth is revealed...

Marriage of Sin is a mix of danger, family loyalty, betrayal, hurt, and sizzling chemistry. The reverse age-gap and arranged-marriage tropes were executed perfectly, creating a slow-burn romance filled with tension, emotion, and mutual respect. Add in the Irish and Italian mafia dynamics, incredible family relationships, shocking twists, and a hero willing to burn the world for his wife... A fantastic start to the Deadly Sins series. I loved the Molloy brothers and can't wait for Wolfe's story!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars-MARRIAGE OF SIN is the first instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult DEADLY SINS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is forty year old CEO Adriana DiMicheli Colonna, and twenty-eight year old, security advisor Lochlan Malloy’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lochlan and Adriana) MARRIAGE OF SIN follows in the wake of the attempted assassination of Francesco DiMicheli. Adriana and Lochlan were about to discover a prearranged contract should anything have happened, our couple were to be married, uniting two warring crime world factions, as a prelude to war but Lochlan never expected to fall in love with our story line heroine, a woman who is facing a fight for power and control, and a betrayal that comes from within.

The world building focuses on an imbalance of power. Adriana is a power unto herself but the men in the crime families refuse to take orders from our story line heroine, and with a target on her back, Adriana quickly discovers that no body can be trusted including the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Adriana and Lochlan begins as a rescue then quickly turns into an arranged marriage. Neither one was aware of the contract uniting the families in marriage, a contract to be manipulated for power and control but all does not go according to plan-Adriana struggles to trust, and Lochlan is keeping secrets that threaten any chance at a happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable and persistent secondary and supporting characters including several members of the DiMicheli crime family. We are introduced to Lochlan’s brothers Ronan, Cillian, Gavin and Wolfe, as well as their father Eamon; Adriana’s parents Francesco and Maria, and her sister Luna: Adriana’s uncle Vincenzo and cousin Riccardo. The requisite evil has many faces.

MARRIAGE OF SIN is a fast paced, character driven story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family values, forgiveness and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the characters are broken, determined, desperate and charismatic; the romance is provocative and intense.

copy supplied for review

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage of Sin is the first book in Kristen Luciani's latest series. You can count on
❤️‍🔥Reverse age gap
🖤Arranged marriage
❤️‍🔥Mafia romance
🖤Touch her and die
❤️‍🔥He falls first
🖤Powerful heroine
❤️‍🔥Ice queen meets golden retriever
🖤Only soft for her
❤️‍🔥Forced proximity
🖤Older woman/younger man
❤️‍🔥Obsessed hero

One of the things I loved most about this book was how different it felt from her previous work while still delivering everything I love about her writing. Her heroes are usually the quintessential alpha antiheroes—possessive, obsessive, jealous, emotionally volatile, and fueled by equal parts rage and angst. I enjoy those characters, but Lochlan was such a refreshing change of pace.

From the moment he stepped onto the page, he completely stole my heart. He's intelligent, patient, methodical, compassionate, and endlessly devoted. Somehow he's both a protective Doberman and a lovable golden retriever wrapped up in one irresistible cinnamon roll of a man. Yes, he's obsessed, but in a way that feels unwavering rather than suffocating. He knows exactly what he wants, and what he wants is Adriana.

And speaking of Adriana, I absolutely adored her. A powerful, successful woman who has spent her life building walls around herself, she isn't looking for love and certainly isn't interested in a younger man telling her what she needs. Watching her slowly unravel under Lochlan's relentless devotion was one of my favorite parts of the story. Their chemistry was incredible, but it was the emotional journey between them that really hooked me.

The reverse age-gap dynamic, arranged marriage setup, forced proximity, and "he falls first" energy all worked beautifully together. But what truly elevated this book for me was the character development. Seeing Adriana learn to trust and allow herself to be loved while Lochlan patiently proved himself over and over again made every page worth it.

This is hands-down one of my favorite heroes this author has written. If you've loved her books before, don't go into this expecting the same type of MMC you've gotten in the past. Lochlan is something entirely different—and for me, that made this story even better.


I received a free ARC copy of this book, and my review is only my opinion

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

In this first book in the new Deadly Sins series, Adriana and Lochlan are the lead characters. Two people from similar worlds yet very different at the same time.

Adriana is a forty-year old woman who is independent with her own business she doggedly fought to build from the ground up to the success it is now. Lochlan is twenty-eight and also an independent businessman who left his father’s underworld lifestyle to create his own security business. Both recognise their father’s mob lifestyle but strive to live outside of it—until they can’t anymore. I like both characters but I think Lochlan intrigued me a bit more—and his brothers. The brothers in the Molloy family show what a brotherly bond really means.

Adriana and Lachlan tried hard to stay on their sides of the contractual marital line. However, life has a tendency to get in the way. 🤣 I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes where they were getting to know each other and testing boundaries at times. I think I fell ‘in love’ with Lachlan as he slowly won over Adriana with his persistent care and genuine love for her.

The descriptions in this book are fabulous, clearly illustrating the scenes, characters, and emotions. I love the way this author expresses things with wit while accurately depicting the person, situation, or place. For example when Adriana thinks of her cousin Riccardo…
“…and a mouth that writes checks his brain can’t cash.” 🤣 I love it.

What a delight readers are in for when reading this terrific book as you encounter each secret, and at times, betrayal. The way the author subtly slips surprises in that pack a punch is brilliant. All I can add is I am ready for book two!

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Brit Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage of Sin completely pulled me in and refused to let go.

Lochlan and Adriana’s story delivered everything I love in a romance: emotional tension, undeniable chemistry, high stakes, and two characters who challenged each other at every turn.

Lochlan was the perfect blend of powerful, possessive, and protective. On the surface, he appears controlled and untouchable, but watching the cracks form in that armor as his feelings for Adriana grew was one of my favorite parts of the book. Every glimpse beneath the facade made me love his character even more.

Adriana was exactly the kind of heroine I root for. She was strong without being reckless, vulnerable without being weak, and refused to lose herself despite the circumstances surrounding her marriage. She brought a balance to Lochlan that made their relationship feel authentic and compelling.

The tension between them was incredible. Every interaction felt layered with attraction, distrust, longing, and emotion. Kristin Luciani did an amazing job building their relationship gradually, making every breakthrough feel earned. By the time Lochlan and Adriana finally let their guards down, I was completely invested in their happiness.

What stood out most was the emotional depth. Beneath the chemistry and drama is a story about trust, sacrifice, healing, and finding love where neither person expected it. The character growth throughout the story made the romance even more satisfying.

Lochlan may have started as my favorite character, but watching Adriana make him work for every inch of her trust is what made this story unforgettable.

Marriage of Sin is the kind of book that keeps you saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re emotionally attached to fictional people.

If you love marriage of convenience, possessive heroes, strong heroines, emotional tension, and a romance that delivers both heart and heat, Lochlan and Adriana’s story is one you don’t want to miss.

Kristin Luciani created a couple I’ll be thinking about long after turning the final page.

[Little monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of Sin – Obsessed hero, ruthless heroine, and enough tension to set the world on fire.


Marriage of Sin completely flipped the usual mafia romance dynamic in the best way possible. Adriana is not your typical heroine—she’s forty, powerful, emotionally locked down, and has spent years building a life where she never has to depend on anyone. Watching her get dragged back into a world she fought to escape and then thrown into an arranged marriage she never wanted made for such an addictive setup.......

And then there’s Lochlan. This man had absolutely no intention of being intimidated by her age, her walls, or the fact she could probably ruin him with a single look. The confidence, the devotion, the obsession—he falls first and falls hard. Their dynamic was everything: ice queen meets golden retriever, except the golden retriever is slightly unhinged and fully prepared to burn down cities in her honour.


The reverse age gap was handled so well because it never felt like Adriana was being “saved.” She stays powerful, guarded, and difficult—and Lochlan doesn’t want to change her. He just refuses to stop showing up for her.
The chemistry was intense from the start but what really sold me was the emotional side underneath all the tension. Watching Adriana slowly realise she wants things she’s denied herself for years gave the romance actual weight beyond attraction. And of course, because this is mafia romance, there’s betrayal, secrets, power plays, possessiveness, and enough drama to keep the pages turning. Lochlan’s secret added exactly the kind of tension that made me both love and want to shake him.


If you love: 🖤 Reverse age gap
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Obsessed hero energy
🖤 Powerful, emotionally unavailable heroines
🖤 “Touch her and die” devotion
🖤 Forced proximity with ridiculous chemistry
then Marriage of Sin delivers.
A dangerously addictive romance where the heroine is the one holding the power… until she realises she might not mind giving a little of it away.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of Sin was a solid 4-star read for me. Kristen Luciani delivers a compelling mafia romance featuring two mature, successful characters who have worked hard to build lives outside of their powerful family legacies.

Adrianna Colonna DiMicheli and Lochlan Malloy may come from rival worlds, but they share one important trait: both stepped away from their families' businesses to create something of their own. At 40, Adrianna has built a thriving consulting firm from the ground up, while Lochlan has established a successful security company. Neither is interested in being defined solely by their family names.

When a growing turf war threatens both the Italian and Irish organizations, Adrianna and Lochlan find themselves forced into a marriage designed to unite their families and strengthen their position against a common enemy. While Adrianna is understandably reluctant to lower the walls she's built around herself, Lochlan proves to be patient, understanding, and impossible not to fall for.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. The chemistry was there from the beginning, but what stood out most was the respect and trust that slowly grew between them. Lochlan's willingness to give Adrianna the space she needed while still showing up for her made him an easy hero to root for.

The external conflict kept the story moving as Russian forces intensified their attacks against both the Italian and Irish families. The danger, betrayals, and political maneuvering added plenty of tension, especially when threats emerged from within their own ranks. Through it all, Adrianna and Lochlan stood together, proving they were stronger as partners than either could be alone.

If you enjoy mafia romances with mature characters, a marriage-of-convenience storyline, family loyalty, and plenty of action mixed with romance, Marriage of Sin is definitely worth picking up.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of Sin is the first book in the Deadly Sins series by Kristen Luciani. Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for introducing me to this author and for offering to read this ARC. Kristen Luciani is a new author to me, but has a large backlog that I want to dive into. This story was a great introduction though. I honestly could not put this new book down!

Adriana is a boss lady running her own successful business. I love a mafia romance with a woman who has a spine made of Steel. Then enters Lochlan. She has truly met her match with this one. Adriana has to make some tough decisions in the beginning and she does it with authority and grace. Give me a mafia romance with an arranged marriage, an age gap (reverse), and a touch of possessive behavior for his wife and I am completely gone. The chemistry between these two was insane. Lochlan showed his devotion to Adriana with each turn of the page. They are a mafia power couple. Neither one of them ever overshadowed the other. Even though it started as arranged, it quickly transitioned to love and support.

Lochlan is the type of man that can handle a woman like Adriana. The way the forced proximity was handled by the author was excellent. It built up the tension and electricity between them. Lochlan is morally grey in all the best ways. I am a sucker for a man who worships his wife. Adriana is a powerhouse that could not be deterred.

Kristen Luciani found a balance between suspense, danger, violence, power, and love. It is a dark and delicious storyline. The growth of the characters is intentional and clear. I felt the vulnerability and love growing in each chapter. The plot and relationships are captivating. The author created effective visuals to envelop the reader into this world. If the series continues in a similar fashion as Marriage of Sin, then sign me up. I don’t think it will be too long before I get wrapped up in these characters again.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Marriage of Sin was everything I love in a mafia romance and then some. Kristen Luciani delivered a story that was emotional, addictive, incredibly spicy, and impossible to put down. From the first chapter I was completely invested in Adriana and Lochlan's journey.

Adriana was such a refreshing heroine. She is powerful, successful, fiercely independent, and refuses to let anyone tell her how to live her life. I loved that she wasn't your typical mafia heroine. She was the one with the strength, the power, and the walls built sky high. Watching those walls slowly come down made every emotional moment hit even harder.

Lochlan completely stole my heart. I absolutely loved that he fell first and never once wavered. His obsession with Adriana was everything. The way he looked at her, protected her, challenged her, and refused to give up on her had me smiling through so many scenes. Yes, he's younger, but his maturity and unwavering devotion made their relationship feel so believable. He was sweet when it mattered, ruthless when he needed to be, and completely gone for his wife.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts. Every interaction was filled with tension, banter, and enough heat to keep the pages turning. The arranged marriage and forced proximity created so many unforgettable moments, but what really stood out was the emotional depth behind it all. This wasn't just about attraction. It was about trust, vulnerability, and finding someone who sees every broken piece of you and chooses to stay.

If you love mafia romance with a strong heroine, a younger obsessed hero, reverse age gap, arranged marriage, and a man who would burn the world down for the woman he loves, this book absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. Kristen Luciani has gained another fan, and I already can't wait to see what she writes next.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
In this first book in the new Deadly Sins series, Adriana and Lochlan are the lead characters. Two people from similar worlds yet very different at the same time.

Adriana is a forty-year old woman who is independent with her own business she doggedly fought to build from the ground up to the success it is now. Lochlan is twenty-eight and also an independent businessman who left his father’s underworld lifestyle to create his own security business. Both recognise their father’s mob lifestyle but strive to live outside of it—until they can’t anymore. I like both characters but I think Lochlan intrigued me a bit more—and his brothers. The brothers in the Molloy family show what a brotherly bond really means.

Adriana and Lachlan tried hard to stay on their sides of the contractual marital line. However, life has a tendency to get in the way. 🤣 I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes where they were getting to know each other and testing boundaries at times. I think I fell ‘in love’ with Lachlan as he slowly won over Adriana with his persistent care and genuine love for her.

The descriptions in this book are fabulous, clearly illustrating the scenes, characters, and emotions. I love the way this author expresses things with wit while accurately depicting the person, situation, or place. For example when Adriana thinks of her cousin Riccardo…
“…and a mouth that writes checks his brain can’t cash.” 🤣 I love it.

What a delight readers are in for when reading this terrific book as you encounter each secret, and at times, betrayal. The way the author subtly slips surprises in that pack a punch is brilliant. All I can add is I am ready for book two!

[Carmen Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those times where I saw the tropes and teasers and absolutely had to get my hands on this book. Despite the fact I haven’t read anything from this author previously, and I am not a huge mafia fan, I was right there waiting to get my grabby hands on this one.

And I have no regrets. The writing was good and I can absolutely see myself picking up more books from this author in the future, especially since I am pretty sure that this book is the first in the series and I am hoping the next book is Cillian, or any of the brothers really.

Adriana was such a great heroine. She absolutely knew who she was and where she fit in the world and that was on top, intimidating anyone who underestimated her. And Lochlan was an absolutely awesome hero. There was so much to love about their relationship and the way it grew and progressed so naturally.

Lochlan was the epitome of strength and yet he had no issue giving all the control to Adriana. And he was so comfortable in his own masculinity he had no issue showing his vulnerability and I couldn’t get enough of him as a hero. I loved how he owned his minor and honestly completely excusable (to me) mistake and then went so far to prove himself to Adriana.

Now the Mafia angle was a little off for me and I felt like it was mafia light but yet somehow seemed to be so much about them at the same time. Luckily I didn’t care about that too much because I was too busy caught up in the relationship and trying to figure out when and who was behind the upcoming dramas. The epilogue was cute and I felt like most of the strings were tied in nice little bows so I can walk away happy and dreaming about Lochlan (sorry honey)

[Ashley Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, my first book by Kristen and I’m blown away! She absolutely wrote a bomb of a book — one that delivered the drama, intensity, and undeniable chemistry that kept me intrigued and held my attention from the very start until the very last word! It has just the right amount of twists that kept me guessing and on my toes, but nothing that was too overwhelming or confusing. This book was fast paced, with the drama and suspense keeping me flipping the pages faster and faster.

Adriana and Lochlan are the perfect characters for this mafia style romance. Both are over their family’s “job” and want to make a name for themselves on their own. When a contract was signed by their father’s in order to provide extra protection for their families, it forced Adriana and Lochlan into a marriage. One that neither were happy about, but slowly turned into a true relationship, both for their family and for themselves. Adriana is a strong, determined woman who is unafraid of a challenge. She’s perfect for stepping into this new role and I loved seeing her “grab the bull by the horns” and face it head on. Lochlan was the complete dream partner, one who was quietly supportive and was there in anyway she needed him to be. These two had so many connections that allowed them to bond on a deeper level that was special to see. And besides, they had a natural attraction towards each other that made them into the perfect power couple.

Definitely check this book out if you’re looking for one that has the perfect amount of drama that kept things exciting, off the charts tension, and a plot that will keep you wondering what comes next! Plus two characters that marry for family, but fall in love with each other.

This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic start to this dark mafia romance series!!

Lochlan Molloy has to be one of my top 5 most favorite men from this talented author! He's a very effective Enforcer for his father Eamon, even if he's not totally in line with his manipulations. Having to marry Adriana DeMicheli to secure alliances should be more of an issue for him than it is, and I LOVED all of his golden retriever energies towards her!
Very welcome but unexpected!
Reaper certainly adds a cute side to this lethal man, and along with the loyal, sweet, OTT protective, super steamy behaviors, make him the perfect guy for her.

Adriana has built her empire on her own, and is quite resentful at the prospect of a marriage she doesn't want or need. For the sake of her family’s well being, she begrudgingly agrees. Before long, the sizzling chemistry and possessive respect between these two spin things into a mutually beneficial relationship that I just couldn't stop reading!! Ooooh, the things he says! Wowwww... I adore how he "allows" her to be the powerhouse she is, and makes no attempt to hide his devotion. Soo hot 🔥

This has all the mayhem, drama, dangers, bloodshed, violence, and betrayals we want and expect from this author, AND all the steamy attraction, brotherly banter and family emotions we need!
Definitely the full package!

I can't wait for the next part of this pulse-pounding, addictive storyline! I wonder which Molloy brother finds his forever next, and what new dangers await?!

I thank the author for my ARC, and happily leave my thoughts.

[Akku · Rating 5 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - June 26, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- mafia romance
- reverse age gap
- arranged marriage
- forced marriage
- Italian mafia × Irish mafia
- enemies to lovers
- family duty
- touch her and die
- slow burn romance
- obsessed MMC

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Adriana has spent her life staying away from the mafia world, but everything changes when an attack on her father forces her into an arranged marriage with Lochlan Molloy, the heir of a powerful Irish mafia family. What starts as a marriage of duty soon turns into something much deeper as they fight enemies, family secrets, and growing feelings for each other.
This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. The mafia world felt intense, dangerous, and addictive. There was always something happening, which made it impossible to stop reading. Every chapter had action, tension, betrayal, and secrets that kept me hooked.
Lochlan was everything I love in a mafia hero. Protective, powerful, and willing to do anything for his wife. Adriana was such a strong heroine and I loved watching her step into a world she never wanted while refusing to back down.
The chemistry between them was amazing and the slow burn made every moment feel worth it. The action scenes were incredible and the mafia politics added so much depth to the story. This is easily one of the best mafia romances I have read.
That ending left me needing more immediately and now I am so excited to read Wolfe's book.
Thank you author for the ARC! 🖤

[What Helen Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, 3 on the spice scale.

I enjoyed this so much. I had a great feeling about it from the start. The hero was absolutely charming and I fell for him immediately. His persistence and grovelling at the end was chef’s kiss.

Adriana is 40, a powerful CEO, and the reluctant heir to a mafia empire she’s kept at arm’s length for 22 years. Lochlan is twelve years younger, runs his own security firm, and would do anything for his four brothers. When Adriana’s father is shot at a gala and left in a coma, Lochlan gets her out, and then his father arrives with a contract stating that if her dad is incapacitated, she must marry Lochlan to protect the family’s power.

Neither of them wants it, but both are pragmatic. Expecting the worst of Lochlan, he surprises Adriana at every turn. He completely surprises her, and wins her over: he agrees to all her terms, he’s gentle, he’s charming, he makes it his mission to coax out her smiles… and his dog adores her. Their chemistry is electric, and the romance was 5 stars. They were adorable together.

But unfortunately it lost points because of the plot, which in my opinion, had a lot of holes and gaps. And the third act break-up (which was set up from the start) didn't really make sense in the full context of what was going on. And when we found out who the traitor was, I wasn't shocked in the least.

That said, I enjoyed this immensely, and I'm mainly here for the romance anyway, so will absolutely be reading more.

*Thank you to the author and Grey's Promotions for an ARC of this title.

[Seraphina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
POV: Dual

🌸Tropes: Reverse age gap, arranged marriage, mafia romance, he falls first, forced proximity, slow burn.

🌸My Review:
I feel like I need to say this first...I need more reverse age gap mafia romances RIGHT NOW. Like right now!

Now that I said that, let me start by adding that I loved that I could focus on the characters and their relationship without feeling overwhelmed by everything else going on. The plot and the characters were easy to follow, and Lochlan completely surprised me. He's such a golden retriever MMC, which isn't my go-to type of personality when it comes to MMC...but I'm giving Kristen a round of applause because I was hooked with his character. He completely won me over. He was sweet, respectful, protective, and just an all-around amazing MMC.

As for Adriana? I LOVED HER TOO MUCH. She was strong, confident, and refused to bow down to anyone. She wasn't afraid to stand her ground, and I loved that about her. Omg and the standing behind her?? Not giving spoilers, but I was so happy reading that! Kristen Luciani outdid herself! She wrote their personalities with so much depth, and every interaction and internal monologue felt genuine.

And to make it better, it's an arranged marriage, which I'm a sucker for. Additionally, what really got me was their relationship and how much Lochlan respected Adriana. He never pressured her or crossed her boundaries, and that made their relationship grow naturally. Which again, I enjoyed!

Lastly, going back to what I first said...we need more reverse age gap mafia romances? I don't see this trope nearly enough, and after reading this book, I need more. This was my first mafia romance with an older FMC, and I absolutely loved every second of it. I need more of that, so I'm hoping I get to see more of Kristen Luciani writing more with these types of tropes!

I want to thank Kristen Luciani and @GreyPromo for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book in exchange for an honest review

[Anitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advance reader copy of Marriage of Sin. All opinions are my own.

Marriage of Sin was dark, addictive, and impossible to put down. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into a world filled with secrets, temptation, power, and the kind of romance that keeps you questioning what’s going to happen next.

What I loved most was the tension. Every interaction felt charged with emotion, desire, and underlying danger. The chemistry between the main characters practically leaped off the page, creating the perfect balance of passion and conflict. Their relationship wasn’t easy or straightforward, which made every moment between them even more compelling.

Kristen Luciani does a wonderful job creating characters who are flawed, complex, and impossible to ignore. As their layers were revealed, I found myself becoming more invested in their journey and eager to uncover every secret hidden beneath the surface.

The atmosphere of the novel was another standout. There was a constant feeling that something explosive was waiting around the corner, and that suspense kept me turning pages well into the night. The emotional stakes felt high, and the twists kept me engaged from beginning to end.

If you enjoy dark romance filled with secrets, emotional tension, morally gray characters, and relationships that blur the line between danger and desire, Marriage of Sin deserves a place on your TBR.

A captivating romance that delivers angst, passion, and enough twists to keep you hooked until the very last page.

[Nickie Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of Sin by Kristen Luciani is the first book in the Deadly Sins series. It’s a reverse age gap, arranged mafia marriage. Adriana Russo is the Ice Queen who built her own empire, away from the mafia world. Lochlan Molloy is 12 years younger but has also built a life away from his family.

When Adriana’s father is shot, and she’s dragged back into the mafia world she escaped. The price of survival? An arranged marriage to Lochlan Molloy. Although Lochlan has built his business is away from his family, in typical mafia style, he is always family comes first. This marriage will secure an alliance between the two families. Lochlan is confident, relentless, and gorgeous, he’s a golden retriever personality wrapped in mafia danger but more to the point obsessed with Adriana from the moment he sees her.

Adriana and Lochlan’s journey is slow burn, but you will find yourself waiting in anticipation for that chemistry between them to ignite. Every interaction is a battle of wills and sexual tension. Lochlan is only soft for her, whilst Adriana hates how much she wants him. The twist? Lochlan is hiding a secret that could destroy everything. Between the inevitable danger of being part of the mafia brings, the secrets, lies, Lochlan goes full touch her and die, and Adriana realizes she trusts him more than anyone. She chooses him, not because she needs him, but because she wants him. Their marriage becomes real, powerful, equal, and deeply intimate. This is a good start to the series and I’m excited to see where it goes.

[WinkingReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You want me to stand next to you at public events and keep my mouth shut? Done. You want me to stay out of your way and let you run your business? Done. You want me to punch someone who’s giving you trouble? Also done. Happily.”

Imma just start with appreciating how Lochlan would lay down his life for the people he love.The way that man loves!!🥹❤️

Just don't get between him and his mint chocolate chip ice cream!

He was good and perfect for Adriana and God, impressing that girl is HARD. She's stubborn, her walls were so high, and i kept wondering how my poor Lochlan was going to be able to navigate that. And somehow he did it.

Both of them were strangers forced into a contract marriage they knew nothing about, a marriage that drags them back into the life they'd been trying to escape while building their own empires. But when it comes to protecting the people they love, they'll do anything including marrying someone you've known for less than six hours.

Now plot twist! I didn't see that coming, like THE HELL WAS THAT? THE BETRAYAL!! I'm still trying to wrap my head around it and process everything that happened.
I loved how everything turned out though. Forever Team Molloy brothers!

And the award for Shittiest Father of the Year goes to Eamon Molloy!! Like how evil do you have to be!

💛𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
Dark Mafia Romance
Arranged Marriage
Golden Retriever
Reverse Age-gap
Forced Proximity
Strong FMC
Touch Her & D!e
He falls first

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.3
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓵: 🌶🌶🌶.5

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could Kristen Luciani have got off to any better start with her brand-new Deadly Sins Mafia series? I honestly don’t think so.

Marriage of Sin delivers something we don’t see nearly enough in Mafia romance—a reverse age-gap romance—and I was here for every single second of it.

Adriana is a force to be reckoned with. A strong Mafia woman who walked away from that dangerous world twenty years ago to build her own successful business, only to find herself pulled right back into it. Now she’s not only stepping up to run the family business, but she’s also facing an arranged marriage to the younger son of the Irish mob.

And then there’s Lochlan…

Oh my. Fans self.

Like Adriana, he wanted nothing to do with the family business and chose his own path, but what I loved most about him was his unwavering loyalty to his brothers. He may have tried to leave that life behind, but when his family needs him, he’s always there. And the way he falls for Adriana? Completely swoon-worthy. He might be all puppy-dog devotion when it comes to her, but the second she’s in danger, that man turns into a lion ready to protect what’s his.

This story is a raw, heart-pounding ride filled with twists, turns, danger, and secrets. I devoured every page, desperate to see what would happen next. Of course, there comes a moment when Lochlan makes a mistake that could cost him the woman he loves but I absolutely loved seeing the brothers rally around him during those chapters to help him. The family dynamics were just as captivating as the romance.

For a first book in a brand-new series, Kristen Luciani has done an incredible job of introducing both families while giving us a fantastic insight into the brothers and the world they live in. There is so much still to come, and I already can’t wait for the next book and the next brother to fall.

Deadly Sins is off to one seriously addictive start.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice Queen + Mafia Prince = Devoured

As a certified mafia romance addict, 🤭 I went into "Marriage of Sin" excited to try a new-to-me author, and Besties... this one did not disappoint!

Adriana is the definition of a powerhouse heroine. She's successful, guarded, and possesses a quiet strength that made me admire her from the very beginning. Then there's Lochlan... whew... cocky, charming, relentless, and COMPLETELY obsessed with his future wife. Watching him slowly chip away at Adriana's icy walls was one of my favorite parts of the story. 🥰 Their chemistry is packed with tension, playful banter, and plenty of moments that had me grinning like a fool.

I also have to give a shoutout to Reaper, Lochlan's rescued German Shepherd, who absolutely stole every scene he appeared in. And the banter between Lochlan and his brothers? LOVED. IT!

While this is definitely on the lighter side of dark mafia romance, it still delivers family drama, dangerous secrets, emotional moments, and a protective hero who falls first and falls hard. Add in the reverse age gap, arranged marriage, and touch her & d!e vibes, and I was completely hooked.

This was an enjoyable start to the series, and I'm already looking forward to seeing what comes next! ☺️

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 3/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story!

I have always love Ms.Luciani's stories maybe because they are mafia like,I don't know.But we have Adriana, Ms.Boss lady,strong ,intense in a man's world but doing well on her own,owns her own company.But one night everything changes, she and her parents are at a gala where she notices a sexy man staring at her most of night,suddenly shots wing out her father goes done and the man who has been staring at her most of night saves her.Loclan is her angel who save her but she soon fines that her is from a rival family ,and while at the hospital where Adriana and her family wait on the the results about her father to come in that rival family come in tells her a story that her father and Lochlan's father sign agreement stating that Adriana must marry Lochlan to keep the futures at bay while waiting for her father to maybe wake up.She does marry Lochlan with a few rules.This story has a secerts,lies,coverups and surprises and heart break,but it causes Lochlan and Adriana to breakup,because he broke the number one rule of Adriana 's never lie to her and he does.But she puts him thru his paces before she finally takes him back.This story is also about four Molloy brothers where three are close and the fourth is too much like their father and the almost war came close for Lochlan to lose his brother Ronan but but Ronan finally took off the blinders and figured out which side to be on.So Good!

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow! I had the absolute pleasure of reading a new favorite romance with two unforgettable characters. Adriana and Lochlan are vibrant and bold as they navigate their way through gunfire and family loyalty to find a love like no other.

Lochlan is everything you could dream of—patient, charming, and protective with a soft spot for mint chocolate ice cream. Seriously, how much more can you swoon over a character? Watching him care for Adriana, who is anything but ordinary, is such a joy. He’s the kind of guy who trusts her to take charge of her family’s business while he’s right there supporting her without having to take over.

Adriana is a total badass—calm, cool, and the CEO of her own tech consulting firm, which she built from scratch. The struggle she faces taking the reins of a family business she can’t stand while being pushed into an arranged marriage is nothing short of awe-inspiring. But her journey isn’t without its obstacles. Her initial mistrust of Lochlan, whose family is the enemy, is so relatable, and watching her force him to prove himself at every turn is gripping.

Lochlan and Adriana are made for each other. The tension between them is stunning, and I could not put this book down until they had their happily-ever-after.

Ms. Luciani really raises the bar for mafia romance with this one. Her writing is engaging, and the emotional depth and character development are just off the charts. And with Lochlan’s supportive brothers and Adriana’s fiery sister, I’m itching to see what’s next in this series.

If you crave authentic and compelling romances with characters you can truly root for, you’ve got to check this book out. Trust me, once you start, you won’t want to put it down!

Thank you to Ms. Luciani for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and it's a great beginning to the Deadly Sins series. There are five brothers, so I expect to enjoy four more books in this series 🍿🥤🥰 just saying.

Tropes for this story:
💍Arranged marriage
😍Reverse age-gap
💕Obsesses hero who falls first
🧨Betrayal
🗡️Mafia Romance

What I liked:

Adriana - a very strong heroine, a powerhouse in her own right, that took the reins when her dad was incapacitated. She had periods of doubt, but she knew that she had to make the hard decisions to keep her family together and strong.

Lochlan - once he fell, he was all in. He struggled with the knowledge he kept from her because she told him she wanted no lies between them. And the longer he kept it from her, he knew the fall out would not be in his favor.

Traitors - the first one was obvious. The second one was obvious as well. The third one took me totally by surprise so that reflects how well the story was written. I'm usually able to guess possible twist and turns, but I had no inkling about this one.

Brothers - the obvious love between them, except for Ronan initially, was very heart warming. Locklan sums up their personalities perfectly -- "So you have the charming one, the reckless one, the hostile one, and the silent genius."

This book kept me engaged from the very beginning and I am looking forward to Wolfe's story next.