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Sins #4
Dawn of an Empire
He was the heir to the Russian mob. She was the woman he wanted by his side. They came from two different worlds. Did they stand a chance?
Igor Dolinsky knows violence. It's his past, present, and future. His legacy. It's lonely at the top, but he wouldn't dare admit it.
When he meets Maryruth, a fearless woman who puts him in his place, Igor dares to hope for something different.
Leave the world he was born into. Marry the girl. Live happily ever after.
Family trumps heart. Loyalties are tested. And when you're heir to the Russian mob, walking away isn't an option.
The only way out is death.
Igor Dolinsky knows violence. It's his past, present, and future. His legacy. It's lonely at the top, but he wouldn't dare admit it.
When he meets Maryruth, a fearless woman who puts him in his place, Igor dares to hope for something different.
Leave the world he was born into. Marry the girl. Live happily ever after.
Family trumps heart. Loyalties are tested. And when you're heir to the Russian mob, walking away isn't an option.
The only way out is death.
Unknown Binding
First published March 28, 2017
161 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Emma Slate
30 books2,057 followersWall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author Emma Slate writes romance with heart and heat.
Called “the dialogue queen” by her college playwriting professor, Emma writes love stories that range from romance-for-your-pants to action-flicks-for-chicks.
When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up under a heating blanket with a steamy romance novel and her two beagles—unless her outdoorsy husband can convince her to go on a hike.
Called “the dialogue queen” by her college playwriting professor, Emma writes love stories that range from romance-for-your-pants to action-flicks-for-chicks.
When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up under a heating blanket with a steamy romance novel and her two beagles—unless her outdoorsy husband can convince her to go on a hike.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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November 29, 2019🎁 SINS Series: Books 1-4 by Emma Slate is FREE on Amazon today (11/29/2019)! 🎁
April 10, 2025
This was depressing AF
November 26, 2017
Really good worth reading
It is unusual for a romance story to have sad, instead of happy, ending but I suppose there is a reason for that. Both main characters are strong and well described, maybe little more Igor, but it's necessary, I think, due to the complexity of his character and his background. The story pace is very good and it unravels steadily until the time of the tragic event, making the reader wanting more. I really enjoyed the book and the variety of emotions it stirred while reading it.
I have not read the whole series yet but I'm intrigued and will be definitely giving it a go. I hope Igor is not forgotten there as I'd love to see what happened to him six years later after the tragic events. I hope the author doesn't disappoint and gives some conclusions to his story.
It is unusual for a romance story to have sad, instead of happy, ending but I suppose there is a reason for that. Both main characters are strong and well described, maybe little more Igor, but it's necessary, I think, due to the complexity of his character and his background. The story pace is very good and it unravels steadily until the time of the tragic event, making the reader wanting more. I really enjoyed the book and the variety of emotions it stirred while reading it.
I have not read the whole series yet but I'm intrigued and will be definitely giving it a go. I hope Igor is not forgotten there as I'd love to see what happened to him six years later after the tragic events. I hope the author doesn't disappoint and gives some conclusions to his story.
January 11, 2021
I’m so confused. This is so backwards. This is what I was taking about in my other reviews. Missing holes about characters well in my opinion this should have been before the ignore and Barrett because it makes that book make way more sense reading this. I think I have to stop this series now. This is frustrating no matter how well it’s written. I just can’t.
December 2, 2019
OMG I want more Igor! I can’t say anything else except this is when I fell in love with Sasha even more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2021
I love a good side novella and this one really gave us some color and context that we never got from the big series. We are focused on Igor Dolinsky – the head of the Russian Mafia and how he kidnaps Barrett and some how manages to make her develop some weird emotions towards him. Its through Igor that we met Sasha as well and we see what their relationship was as well.
There’s so much more to Igor than we got from the first book, and the story that made the man into who he became was one that makes you wish that things were different. We knew that he played the viola and in this novella we get the story how it was passed down from his great great grandfather and how on his mother’s deathbed, he played for her and it was their bond. There are strong memories that are brought up each time he plays and that shows us that how he felt towards Barrett was real and not based on revenge.
Throughout this story, we see that Igor was put into a position that he wasn’t happy about and that he actually wanted to change the way things were done. He had more support than his farther who ran the mafia, and he had a vision on how to make things better. He was more sensitive than hard, yet he knew how to play that game. When his father pushed him against walls, he found ways to push back.
It took falling in love with a woman who wasn’t available to make change really take shape. He no longer accepted the arranged marriage put in front of him and he no longer accepted that he could wait until the right moment to over throw his father. He needed to take a stand at that moment.
His father has eyes everywhere and sought out ways to hurt and embarrass Igor.
His father has more power than Igor gave him credit for, and used those who Igor felt were allies to hurt him and bring him to his knees.
His father therefore underestimated the end result, and that’s where our story leaves us.
The side bit about Sasha though – is that we learn that he and Igor knew each other from a young age and truly were the best of friends. We saw how in the first installments, Sasha had Igors back until he couldn’t support Barrett’s treatment and then helped Barrett overthrow him. So there’s definitely redeeming qualities that stemmed from even before Barrett and i’m excited to see his story take shape in Ember – the next novella installment
There’s so much more to Igor than we got from the first book, and the story that made the man into who he became was one that makes you wish that things were different. We knew that he played the viola and in this novella we get the story how it was passed down from his great great grandfather and how on his mother’s deathbed, he played for her and it was their bond. There are strong memories that are brought up each time he plays and that shows us that how he felt towards Barrett was real and not based on revenge.
Throughout this story, we see that Igor was put into a position that he wasn’t happy about and that he actually wanted to change the way things were done. He had more support than his farther who ran the mafia, and he had a vision on how to make things better. He was more sensitive than hard, yet he knew how to play that game. When his father pushed him against walls, he found ways to push back.
It took falling in love with a woman who wasn’t available to make change really take shape. He no longer accepted the arranged marriage put in front of him and he no longer accepted that he could wait until the right moment to over throw his father. He needed to take a stand at that moment.
His father has eyes everywhere and sought out ways to hurt and embarrass Igor.
His father has more power than Igor gave him credit for, and used those who Igor felt were allies to hurt him and bring him to his knees.
His father therefore underestimated the end result, and that’s where our story leaves us.
The side bit about Sasha though – is that we learn that he and Igor knew each other from a young age and truly were the best of friends. We saw how in the first installments, Sasha had Igors back until he couldn’t support Barrett’s treatment and then helped Barrett overthrow him. So there’s definitely redeeming qualities that stemmed from even before Barrett and i’m excited to see his story take shape in Ember – the next novella installment
January 24, 2019
Phew! Gotta catch my breath! I read this in the complete box set, really REALLY enjoyable read, couldn’t put it down, loved all the characters, really liked how they interacted and the story! wow talk about twists and turns, got a little bit on my nerves that it seemed Barret who started out as nothing unusual all of a sudden was this absolutely amazingly beautiful woman that NO man could resist? Pushing reality a bit here, BUT apart from that Very enjoyable read. I did find book 4 a bit sad though, Igor apart from being a mob boss didn’t come over any worse than any of the others in the earlier books but I found his story really sad 😞 would’ve been good to know how his and Saschas deep friendship fell apart? Just was hoping it was more than the ‘devastating beauty Barret 🤨’ because Igor’s story deserved a bit more. Couldn’t help but feel for him 😢
May 20, 2017
***** SPOILERS**********
I've NEVER read a book where the one of main characters die. I'm so heartbroken and SUPER PISSED that I will NEVER read another one of Emma Slate's book's. I don't CARE if he meets someone else six years later, she ruined what was turning out to be an outstanding book. I REGRET WASTING my time getting emotionally attached and invested only to be SHAT on by the author. I truly am upset over this. NO HEA!
I've NEVER read a book where the one of main characters die. I'm so heartbroken and SUPER PISSED that I will NEVER read another one of Emma Slate's book's. I don't CARE if he meets someone else six years later, she ruined what was turning out to be an outstanding book. I REGRET WASTING my time getting emotionally attached and invested only to be SHAT on by the author. I truly am upset over this. NO HEA!
January 10, 2020
I guess seeing what made Igor, Igor was an eye opener. However once I have a charters character in place it's hard to think of him any other way. It was also hard to imagine ****possible spoiler if you haven't read the other books, stop reading**** Sasha turning on Igor, siding with Barrett. WTF?!? He is Igor's best friend, right hand man! No way would he help someone against Igor! I think if anything, you should read this book prior to the rest that way you have a chance of liking Igor.
October 26, 2018
Dawn of an Empire by Emma Slate is phenomenal! If you’ve read the SINS of the Rex box set you will really be blown away. Slate works her magic and has you feeling for the one guy you thought you could never have feels for. Pure wicked genius!
I loved this book and will be diving right into her Empire series next
5 Huge Stars
I loved this book and will be diving right into her Empire series next
5 Huge Stars
March 15, 2021
After everything you go through in the previous books. This one actually makes you take a step back and feel for the villain!! Gahhh. You know you have found an amazing writer when the character you love to hate and plot his downfall you also now feel sorry for and have a new understanding for the man he became. Wow. Great story
October 28, 2024
I mean, is there nothing she can't do? Just when you think it can't get any crazier. I need a movie for this amazing series. Drama, action, angst, sexy and plenty of WTF. I need to keep reading cause this is a page turner.
Read
December 26, 2024I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this one. The story was slow. It felt like there was a cloud above the whole time. I’m not sure if I feel anything for any of the characters anymore, besides Sasha.
October 13, 2017
BEAUTIFUL!
You've done it again! I enjoyed reading this book but I must admit I didn't want it to end. Emma Slate Thank you!
You've done it again! I enjoyed reading this book but I must admit I didn't want it to end. Emma Slate Thank you!
August 10, 2018
Igor ... loved him. Read the Sins series before reading this in which he had a brief mention. Would have loved to have read more about his complexities from his POV in Sins.
June 11, 2022
LOVE IT.
July 30, 2023
Great back story - starting to interconnect the web of the series and brings depth to the characters.
Not very spicy but still a worthy addition.
Not very spicy but still a worthy addition.
January 10, 2024
I was NOT PREPARED for this story. My heart is broken for the character I thought I knew.
July 2, 2024
insightful
This book gave the back story to Igor and added a whole new perspective to why he treated Barrett the way he did when he kidnapped her! Such a great quick read!
This book gave the back story to Igor and added a whole new perspective to why he treated Barrett the way he did when he kidnapped her! Such a great quick read!
March 28, 2017
Wow - Just Wow
So much to this story - Maryruth and Igor have the kind of love that fairytales are made of, perfect and so sinfully beautiful.
It was so hard for me to turn the final page - I did not want to let go.
Maryruth
She is his everything -
Her smile, the little tinkle to her laughter - she was the heat that slowly melted the ice around his heart
She became his life , his reason for being
For her he would conquer the world.
Igor
Forged by the spark of innate greed and the simple twitch of a finger
He was vengeance, revenge and retribution
Nothing and no one would stop him from painting the streets with the blood of those who betrayed him
This is the story of how the monster was created -
There is no Hope and there is no Mercy there is only Retribution
An absolute must read for any Sins of the Rex fans -
"I received an ARC at no cost from the author."
So much to this story - Maryruth and Igor have the kind of love that fairytales are made of, perfect and so sinfully beautiful.
It was so hard for me to turn the final page - I did not want to let go.
Maryruth
She is his everything -
Her smile, the little tinkle to her laughter - she was the heat that slowly melted the ice around his heart
She became his life , his reason for being
For her he would conquer the world.
Igor
Forged by the spark of innate greed and the simple twitch of a finger
He was vengeance, revenge and retribution
Nothing and no one would stop him from painting the streets with the blood of those who betrayed him
This is the story of how the monster was created -
There is no Hope and there is no Mercy there is only Retribution
An absolute must read for any Sins of the Rex fans -
"I received an ARC at no cost from the author."
March 28, 2017
I just want to say that I don't usually read mafia themed books but I took a chance with one. The book was gripping as the tale between Igor and Maryruth grew from the minute Igor played eyes on Maryruth, he was captivated by her. Beneath all the mafia plot lays a true romance novel. Igor found himself going for a ride on a emotional rollercoaster and actually believed himself as becoming a different man. You will, cry, scream, and fall in love while reading this book. I would recommend reading this book if you love romance and terror at the same time!
I received a free copy of this book as a ARC and voluntarily chose to review itI received a free copy of this book as a ARC and voluntarily chose to review it
I received a free copy of this book as a ARC and voluntarily chose to review itI received a free copy of this book as a ARC and voluntarily chose to review it
April 2, 2017
Igor and Marybeth, perfectly matched together , love all around. A fantastic story that keeps your attention until the end. I love mafia themed stories and this one is definitely no disappointment. Received an ARC and a pleasure to review
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