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Sins #1
Sins of a King
Flynn Campbell is a king among men.
He plays Manhattan’s elite like pawns on a chessboard.
He’s a man you don’t cross, but that’s exactly what my brother has done.
Debts must be repaid.
But it’s not money Flynn wants…
It’s me.
Suddenly I’m thrust into a criminal underworld, full of seduction and lies.
Ensnared by danger and power, foreign desires burn within me.
It’s time to embrace the darkness…
And become a queen.
He plays Manhattan’s elite like pawns on a chessboard.
He’s a man you don’t cross, but that’s exactly what my brother has done.
Debts must be repaid.
But it’s not money Flynn wants…
It’s me.
Suddenly I’m thrust into a criminal underworld, full of seduction and lies.
Ensnared by danger and power, foreign desires burn within me.
It’s time to embrace the darkness…
And become a queen.
420 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2016
1403 people are currently reading
6905 people want to read
About the author
Emma Slate
32 books2,071 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 - 30 of 204 reviews
September 27, 2020
Terrible terrible terrible. What did every one else see in this book that I didn't? Unrealistic "love". No woman in their right mind would let it slide with all the secrets this guy had... Or at least not so easily or after what a week of dating??! Oh, you have a illegal casino and brothel? That's okay. Oh, you have a Russian mob after? That's okay too!! Oh, the FBI wants you? The crazy b***** still stays with him! With zero arguments or convincing after hearing all of that. I would have ran for the hills!! This book is just very dull and the only parts there is even details is obviously the sex scenes. Oh yeah, I almost forgot they are running off to Vegas to get married. This book makes me LOL at how stupid it is. I tried to finish it but once I read about the marriage and the reason he wanted to get married, I was done. 58% into it in hopes it would get better. I wouldn't recommend at all. Run, run faaaaar away from this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2018
I knew there was a risk being with him. I hated his secrets, hated that he kept a part of himself tucked away from me, yet when I was with him, I never felt more alive. --Barrett
THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. I came across this one randomly on KU and ended up buying a subscription purely to read this book and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!
I normally don't read dark mobster romances, but I absolutely was taken and enthralled by this one! Barrett is a historical scholar who is offered up as payment for her brother's debt to the notorious Scottish mob leader, Flynn Campbell. Flynn is King of the Rex Hotel Empire and also has illegal enterprises that only members of upper society are privy to. Someone has been peddling drugs into his hotel and drugging his clients and, in exchange for Barrett's help discovering the culprit, Flynn offers to forgive her brother's enormous debt. She accepts as she is oddly intrigued (and turned on) by Flynn and is then thrust into his world of secrets, danger, and undeniable lust and is ultimately forced to make decisions that will change her life forever.
Guys this book was amazing!! The beginning of this novel was fairly light and intriguing and so unique that I was immediately pulled in and did not let go. Even though there was some instalust brewing between Flynn and Barrett, Barrett remained a strong heroine in the face of Flynn's flirtations and she did not let him bulldoze over her and call all the shots, and I LOVED THAT ABOUT HER. Even as the story progresses and Barrett is forced into Flynn's world of deceit and murder more and more, she remains strong and determined and does not let Flynn make her feel guilty for the choices she has to make. The ending was a little rough to read through as things get messy and darker, but I still could not stop reading as I just had to know what happened next.
Overall, I had really high expectations for this novel and it did not disappoint in the least! The chemistry and ultimately the love that blooms between Flynn and Barrett was so sexy and lovely to read, especially how despite all of the obstacles forcing them apart they always chose the love they have for each other in the end. I'm trepidatious about continuing on in this series as I have a feeling it's going to get even DARKER, but I was so blown away by this one that I have to know how it all ends. Definitely recommend this one!!
My Flynn Campbell, owner of the Rex Hotel, with gorgeous blue eyes and always dapper in a suit :)
January 19, 2021
Uncomfortable Reading For A Brit
I’d probably give this book 3.5 ⭐️ if I could.
It’s well written but I have reasons for my lower score and the reasons are given below as.........
*********SPOILERS*********
Be warned that this about a woman who falls in love with a man who runs a criminal organisation in the US in order to funnel guns to the Scottish equivalent of the IRA. Now someone doesn’t have a problem with really dark romance will probably laugh at my discomfort around this subject matter but I don’t like my MMC to be really really awful. I like them to have some redeeming qualities before the MFC falls for them. I thought this was the case with this character because he seems kind for a ‘bad boy’. He runs a brothel and casino but his brothel workers are dubbed courtesans and have a choice about their clients who are very carefully vetted and monitored. Both these things are illegal but it isn’t like he’s selling drugs to kids or taking part in human trafficking.
However, as you get pulled into the story you become aware that essentially the MMC is a terrorist. In the US the IRA might be considered a group of freedom fighters, who have fought for peace. However in the UK if you are over a certain age the initials IRA conjures up a chill. The IRA were at war with the rest of the UK and they had no qualms about killing men, woman and children indiscriminately. Anyone who travelled through London in the 1980s and early 1990s (as I did as a teenager) will remember the low-level fear of not making it to your destination. No bins in train stations, signs about unidentified packages, does this sound familiar? It’s because in the UK we dealt with terror threats before the USA even knew what one was and it came from the IRA.
To have an author choose to make their MMC the member of an organisation like that for a country that has been part of the UK since 1707, nearly 70 years before the Declaration of Independence was written may seem like a good idea because of course, Scotland would never try to seek independence from Great Britain using violent means, but for a Brit who lived under the threat of the IRA, this does not make for a comfortable read. I don’t find terrorists heroic, no matter how much of a freedom fighter they are meant to be.
However, if you can distance yourself from that it’s a pretty well-written book. The characters are engaging, provided you ignore the fact they are terrorists. The characters are interesting and you can enjoy watching the way a fairly normal woman becomes the head of a crime syndicate as she tries to reconcile the actions she must take in order to stay alive and free.
It’s not incredibly violent, or it doesn’t dwell with glee on the violent incidents that occur. It’s still pretty dark in places though, even if it doesn’t start off that way. It’s a cleverly constructed descent into a murky world.
You may have guessed though that I won’t be reading the rest of this series.
I’d probably give this book 3.5 ⭐️ if I could.
It’s well written but I have reasons for my lower score and the reasons are given below as.........
*********SPOILERS*********
Be warned that this about a woman who falls in love with a man who runs a criminal organisation in the US in order to funnel guns to the Scottish equivalent of the IRA. Now someone doesn’t have a problem with really dark romance will probably laugh at my discomfort around this subject matter but I don’t like my MMC to be really really awful. I like them to have some redeeming qualities before the MFC falls for them. I thought this was the case with this character because he seems kind for a ‘bad boy’. He runs a brothel and casino but his brothel workers are dubbed courtesans and have a choice about their clients who are very carefully vetted and monitored. Both these things are illegal but it isn’t like he’s selling drugs to kids or taking part in human trafficking.
However, as you get pulled into the story you become aware that essentially the MMC is a terrorist. In the US the IRA might be considered a group of freedom fighters, who have fought for peace. However in the UK if you are over a certain age the initials IRA conjures up a chill. The IRA were at war with the rest of the UK and they had no qualms about killing men, woman and children indiscriminately. Anyone who travelled through London in the 1980s and early 1990s (as I did as a teenager) will remember the low-level fear of not making it to your destination. No bins in train stations, signs about unidentified packages, does this sound familiar? It’s because in the UK we dealt with terror threats before the USA even knew what one was and it came from the IRA.
To have an author choose to make their MMC the member of an organisation like that for a country that has been part of the UK since 1707, nearly 70 years before the Declaration of Independence was written may seem like a good idea because of course, Scotland would never try to seek independence from Great Britain using violent means, but for a Brit who lived under the threat of the IRA, this does not make for a comfortable read. I don’t find terrorists heroic, no matter how much of a freedom fighter they are meant to be.
However, if you can distance yourself from that it’s a pretty well-written book. The characters are engaging, provided you ignore the fact they are terrorists. The characters are interesting and you can enjoy watching the way a fairly normal woman becomes the head of a crime syndicate as she tries to reconcile the actions she must take in order to stay alive and free.
It’s not incredibly violent, or it doesn’t dwell with glee on the violent incidents that occur. It’s still pretty dark in places though, even if it doesn’t start off that way. It’s a cleverly constructed descent into a murky world.
You may have guessed though that I won’t be reading the rest of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2022
As much as I root for the underdog book, I cannot this time.
Flynn and Barret meet under pressing circumstances of owed debt and grinning smiles. Barret starts working at Flynn’s club, but sook his overprotectiveness and untrue ways get the best of him and Barret is left to save him.
This book was an atrocious mess, the main character was a mess, the chemistry between them was there in the beginning but it didn’t last. The book was predictable and the issues and plot lines came expected and really just not well played out.
The plot line in the beginning of the drugs scoop was interesting and it didn’t need to expand into everything that it became, I would’ve enjoyed seeing that through.
FLYNN
He was a mess, even more than her. He was too much, he just really didn’t trust her with anything, like if you can’t trust someone with basic things can you trust them at all.
BARRET
She was a mess, lost in her own life, and she was a shitty friend.
Flynn and Barret meet under pressing circumstances of owed debt and grinning smiles. Barret starts working at Flynn’s club, but sook his overprotectiveness and untrue ways get the best of him and Barret is left to save him.
This book was an atrocious mess, the main character was a mess, the chemistry between them was there in the beginning but it didn’t last. The book was predictable and the issues and plot lines came expected and really just not well played out.
The plot line in the beginning of the drugs scoop was interesting and it didn’t need to expand into everything that it became, I would’ve enjoyed seeing that through.
FLYNN
He was a mess, even more than her. He was too much, he just really didn’t trust her with anything, like if you can’t trust someone with basic things can you trust them at all.
BARRET
She was a mess, lost in her own life, and she was a shitty friend.
Want to read
May 13, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (5/13/2021)!🎁
May 1, 2023
This is not my first book by Emma Slate. It is, however, the first that is not a five-star read and has confused me about the style.
At some point, I noticed that each book part (this one has 4 or 5) has at least one paragraph mentioning past events, as if it was a new book. I went and investigated: this book was indeed originally published as a collection of novellas or “episodes”. This explained why the plot flow and style were different from what I am used to by this author.
This book follows the story of Flynn and Barret. I’ve met them in several of Emma’s later published books and I was curious about their story. And here is where I should separate the good from the bad.
The good first:
- I loved Barret!!! She started as a scholar with no idea of the world and ended up a badasss mafia queen! She was smart and didn’t let small things like being traded by her brother or kidnapped by a psychopath get her down. She thrived!
- I really liked Flynn and all the secondary characters.
- The plot was AWESOME and full of “adventure”. This is good and bad (on the latter later).
The bad:
- Up until 60%, everything felt rushed: there were many plots and so much happening (I usually love this) but nothing was deepened enough. It was as if the many plot lines were just touched and not used. This whole book could have been a duet or trilogy.
- Even after 60%, the conclusion of the remaining plot lines was rushed and some very important things (how did Barret and Sasha plot the kidnapping end? When did they even talk bout it? Why?) were left unanswered.
- Because of the lack of depth, most of the chemistry between the MC’s was severely lacking. Even the romance was rushed in a sense that after the first or second kiss, the author seems to have stopped caring about feelings between them and the chemistry was gone.
- Due to the said lack of chemistry, the smexy times were meh. Very meh.
This book ends in a HFN.
Will I read the next few books of Flynn and Barret’s story? Not sure. Maybe.
Will I read other couple’s books in this series? Most probably, especially because those were written more recently and I guess in more of the author’s current style.
At some point, I noticed that each book part (this one has 4 or 5) has at least one paragraph mentioning past events, as if it was a new book. I went and investigated: this book was indeed originally published as a collection of novellas or “episodes”. This explained why the plot flow and style were different from what I am used to by this author.
This book follows the story of Flynn and Barret. I’ve met them in several of Emma’s later published books and I was curious about their story. And here is where I should separate the good from the bad.
The good first:
- I loved Barret!!! She started as a scholar with no idea of the world and ended up a badasss mafia queen! She was smart and didn’t let small things like being traded by her brother or kidnapped by a psychopath get her down. She thrived!
- I really liked Flynn and all the secondary characters.
- The plot was AWESOME and full of “adventure”. This is good and bad (on the latter later).
The bad:
- Up until 60%, everything felt rushed: there were many plots and so much happening (I usually love this) but nothing was deepened enough. It was as if the many plot lines were just touched and not used. This whole book could have been a duet or trilogy.
- Even after 60%, the conclusion of the remaining plot lines was rushed and some very important things (how did Barret and Sasha plot the kidnapping end? When did they even talk bout it? Why?) were left unanswered.
- Because of the lack of depth, most of the chemistry between the MC’s was severely lacking. Even the romance was rushed in a sense that after the first or second kiss, the author seems to have stopped caring about feelings between them and the chemistry was gone.
- Due to the said lack of chemistry, the smexy times were meh. Very meh.
This book ends in a HFN.
Will I read the next few books of Flynn and Barret’s story? Not sure. Maybe.
Will I read other couple’s books in this series? Most probably, especially because those were written more recently and I guess in more of the author’s current style.
Read
April 20, 2020NEWSLETTER - Sign up and receive a FREE short story as a thank you! ♕ https://dl.bookfunnel.com/br1c9npx5b
The SINS Series: Books 1-4 are now FREE for a LIMITED TIME on Amazon! (Sale ends Tuesday, December 3 at midnight.)
This is your chance to fall in love with Barrett and Flynn Campbell, a power-couple that rules over New York City's dark underworld.
If you're already a fan of The SINS Series you may recognize some of your favorite characters when Wreck & Ruin releases. Pre-Order Wreck & Ruin here: https://geni.us/wreckandruin
Share your love of all things Scottish, bad arse and brogue with a friend or family member who looooooves the dirty stuff!
https://geni.us/barrettandflynn
The SINS Series: Books 1-4 are now FREE for a LIMITED TIME on Amazon! (Sale ends Tuesday, December 3 at midnight.)
This is your chance to fall in love with Barrett and Flynn Campbell, a power-couple that rules over New York City's dark underworld.
If you're already a fan of The SINS Series you may recognize some of your favorite characters when Wreck & Ruin releases. Pre-Order Wreck & Ruin here: https://geni.us/wreckandruin
Share your love of all things Scottish, bad arse and brogue with a friend or family member who looooooves the dirty stuff!
https://geni.us/barrettandflynn
July 30, 2024
The book was okay. She really threw away points when she used the pregnancy trope
February 18, 2021
I wanted to like this book
I was really disappointed in this book. I really wanted to like it. The pretense was so good it really could have been good. But..... It really really bugs me when authors write in the past tense. I can't even keep going when I realize it. It's a total book killer. I tried to ignore it here because i really did try to hang on I wanted so badly to like this book. I wanted more emotional connection. Less of the skipping thru the days. Another book killer for me, when the characters have been apart for a long time, their life in danger and so forth, the reunion where they fall back into each others arms and that's it? Slips on to the next day......what? I want all the juicy details of that reunion. They both thought they would likely never see each other again and it's just lightly brushed over that they're back together now oh well on to the day of week or whatever. This book pretty much sucked but had good potential with the story and likeable characters. If I was this author I'd rewrite this one and poor my heart into it. With way more depth and feeling. Less skipping thru the days, focus on the characters more. I would want read it then.
I was really disappointed in this book. I really wanted to like it. The pretense was so good it really could have been good. But..... It really really bugs me when authors write in the past tense. I can't even keep going when I realize it. It's a total book killer. I tried to ignore it here because i really did try to hang on I wanted so badly to like this book. I wanted more emotional connection. Less of the skipping thru the days. Another book killer for me, when the characters have been apart for a long time, their life in danger and so forth, the reunion where they fall back into each others arms and that's it? Slips on to the next day......what? I want all the juicy details of that reunion. They both thought they would likely never see each other again and it's just lightly brushed over that they're back together now oh well on to the day of week or whatever. This book pretty much sucked but had good potential with the story and likeable characters. If I was this author I'd rewrite this one and poor my heart into it. With way more depth and feeling. Less skipping thru the days, focus on the characters more. I would want read it then.
August 12, 2022
overly misogynistic and i honestly preferred the villain as a lover, not the actual love interest
July 31, 2022
This book was a wild ride. If you can get past the absurdly fast pacing, the whiplash from the quickly changing characterizations, and the many, many, MANY different plot lines, this is actually a good book. It was intriguing and despite the things I had to overlook, I enjoyed reading it.
When her estranged brother does the unthinkable and barters her off to settle a debt, a usually mundane Barrett finds herself at the mercy of an imposing crime boss whose rugged good looks and surprisingly caring personality threatens to distract her from the truth of her new situation. Flynn isn’t what she initially thought, however, when he explains what it’ll take to settle the debt and return to her regular life: infiltrate his burlesque club, get close to the workers there, and weed out who’s responsible for selling drugs.
Despite her initial hesitation, Barrett agrees to work for Flynn, and as they grow closer the more time they spend together, they agree to keep their feelings locked away so they don’t jeopardize the mission. As complication after complication arise that causes unforeseen issues within both the club and their personal lives, Barrett and Flynn realize they’re stronger as a team, and even with being constantly thrown into dangerous situations that test them at every turn, they’re willing to do what it takes to stay together.
Though it’s risky, Barrett agrees with Flynn’s intent to take a more offensive approach to their problems, but when their plan falls to pieces and they’re ripped apart, Barrett has a decision to make—does she do what’s expected of her and play the fragile damsel until she’s rescued, or does she use what she’s learned in her time with Flynn and do what he does best: scheme?
This book covered a lot of ground plot-wise and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, the pacing of it all was hard for me to get into. New things were constantly brought up without much time to grasp what was still happening in the plot, making the book seem rushed. Although it’s common in these types of fast-paced books, the introduction of new problems happened without completely resolving the previous ones, so because of that, the plot felt too full most of the time and forced readers to jump around from one thing to another without rest or reflection between them. This offset the importance of certain plot points; even if something was central to the plot of the entire book, not enough time was devoted to it to make an actual impact on readers.
Oddly enough, about 70% into the book, several plot points happened that were so interesting, I was frustrated with the author for waiting so long to bring them up. If the author slowed down, edited some unnecessary plot points out, and created a story around only those problems, the book could’ve been amazing. (Spoiler: I’m talking about Barrett’s kidnapping, the time she spent getting back to Flynn, and the FBI investigation that was happening during it all. If the story centred around the MCs getting together, then being forced apart by a rival mob all while dodging the FBI—and leaving out most of the unnecessary things that happened in between—I think the book could’ve been a lot better.) Regardless of my feelings on cleaning out some of the filler plot points, 70% into this book and onward was the best part in my opinion, and even then, it still had its problems.
Because of the overly fast pacing, I think the character arcs occurred too quickly, and the character growth happened without readers being aware of it. From the very beginning, everything happened too quickly for any real backstory to be given on the characters, so readers had to make assumptions based on what little information was given. Without that insight into the MCs, their actions didn’t make sense most of the time and I felt like I was missing part of the story because of the holes in their characterizations. If more time was spent getting to know the MCs before they were brought together I think it would’ve been easier to accept their actions, but as it is now, I was just along for the ride as things were happening instead of anticipating choices based on the characters’ personalities.
The rapid pacing meant that instead of taking time to work through a situation and develop their character arc, the characters would be thrown into something new and readers were expected to keep up with barely any inner dialogue to help explain the decisions being made. I lost count of the amount of times I got whiplash from the quickly formed choices that seemed to come out of nowhere to readers, yet seemed to be “in character” decisions according to the plot. Nothing was explained well in regards to the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and backstories so the impact was lost when big decisions were made. (Spoiler: For example, Barrett didn’t want children but it was never explained why. Readers had to assume it was because of her own childhood, but without her inner monologue to explain that, it was never confirmed. When Barrett later decided to keep her baby, it was supposed to be a big moment for her character growth, but because her actual feelings on children were never given more than a surface level glimpse, it wasn’t as impactful as the author was hoping.)
All this came together to make a group of characters that I didn’t really care about because I didn’t actually know them. Readers can’t connect with characters if they aren’t given the tools to do so, whether that be a backstory to put their current actions into perspective, inner dialogue to better understand the “whys” of their choices, or something else to make sure characters are given depth. Unfortunately, this book lacked all of those things, so while I was still able to enjoy it, it wasn’t as good as it could’ve been.
All my personal issues with this book aside, the story was suspenseful and interesting enough to keep me reading. I don’t think I’ll read any other books in this series, but I don’t regret giving this one a shot.
When her estranged brother does the unthinkable and barters her off to settle a debt, a usually mundane Barrett finds herself at the mercy of an imposing crime boss whose rugged good looks and surprisingly caring personality threatens to distract her from the truth of her new situation. Flynn isn’t what she initially thought, however, when he explains what it’ll take to settle the debt and return to her regular life: infiltrate his burlesque club, get close to the workers there, and weed out who’s responsible for selling drugs.
Despite her initial hesitation, Barrett agrees to work for Flynn, and as they grow closer the more time they spend together, they agree to keep their feelings locked away so they don’t jeopardize the mission. As complication after complication arise that causes unforeseen issues within both the club and their personal lives, Barrett and Flynn realize they’re stronger as a team, and even with being constantly thrown into dangerous situations that test them at every turn, they’re willing to do what it takes to stay together.
Though it’s risky, Barrett agrees with Flynn’s intent to take a more offensive approach to their problems, but when their plan falls to pieces and they’re ripped apart, Barrett has a decision to make—does she do what’s expected of her and play the fragile damsel until she’s rescued, or does she use what she’s learned in her time with Flynn and do what he does best: scheme?
This book covered a lot of ground plot-wise and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, the pacing of it all was hard for me to get into. New things were constantly brought up without much time to grasp what was still happening in the plot, making the book seem rushed. Although it’s common in these types of fast-paced books, the introduction of new problems happened without completely resolving the previous ones, so because of that, the plot felt too full most of the time and forced readers to jump around from one thing to another without rest or reflection between them. This offset the importance of certain plot points; even if something was central to the plot of the entire book, not enough time was devoted to it to make an actual impact on readers.
Oddly enough, about 70% into the book, several plot points happened that were so interesting, I was frustrated with the author for waiting so long to bring them up. If the author slowed down, edited some unnecessary plot points out, and created a story around only those problems, the book could’ve been amazing. (Spoiler: I’m talking about Barrett’s kidnapping, the time she spent getting back to Flynn, and the FBI investigation that was happening during it all. If the story centred around the MCs getting together, then being forced apart by a rival mob all while dodging the FBI—and leaving out most of the unnecessary things that happened in between—I think the book could’ve been a lot better.) Regardless of my feelings on cleaning out some of the filler plot points, 70% into this book and onward was the best part in my opinion, and even then, it still had its problems.
Because of the overly fast pacing, I think the character arcs occurred too quickly, and the character growth happened without readers being aware of it. From the very beginning, everything happened too quickly for any real backstory to be given on the characters, so readers had to make assumptions based on what little information was given. Without that insight into the MCs, their actions didn’t make sense most of the time and I felt like I was missing part of the story because of the holes in their characterizations. If more time was spent getting to know the MCs before they were brought together I think it would’ve been easier to accept their actions, but as it is now, I was just along for the ride as things were happening instead of anticipating choices based on the characters’ personalities.
The rapid pacing meant that instead of taking time to work through a situation and develop their character arc, the characters would be thrown into something new and readers were expected to keep up with barely any inner dialogue to help explain the decisions being made. I lost count of the amount of times I got whiplash from the quickly formed choices that seemed to come out of nowhere to readers, yet seemed to be “in character” decisions according to the plot. Nothing was explained well in regards to the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and backstories so the impact was lost when big decisions were made. (Spoiler: For example, Barrett didn’t want children but it was never explained why. Readers had to assume it was because of her own childhood, but without her inner monologue to explain that, it was never confirmed. When Barrett later decided to keep her baby, it was supposed to be a big moment for her character growth, but because her actual feelings on children were never given more than a surface level glimpse, it wasn’t as impactful as the author was hoping.)
All this came together to make a group of characters that I didn’t really care about because I didn’t actually know them. Readers can’t connect with characters if they aren’t given the tools to do so, whether that be a backstory to put their current actions into perspective, inner dialogue to better understand the “whys” of their choices, or something else to make sure characters are given depth. Unfortunately, this book lacked all of those things, so while I was still able to enjoy it, it wasn’t as good as it could’ve been.
All my personal issues with this book aside, the story was suspenseful and interesting enough to keep me reading. I don’t think I’ll read any other books in this series, but I don’t regret giving this one a shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
1.5/5 stars
I had high high hopes for this book. I read the synopsis and I was like oh babbbbyyy this is right up my alley! Turns out it was not, in fact, up my alley.
I did not really enjoy any of the characters in this book, if I’m being honest I was annoyed with them most of the time. I didn’t connect with any of them. I also thought the plot had no rhyme or reason. The plot like kept going and going and new things would happen and then wrap up and then we would just time warp into another plot point.
At a point it felt like I was reading a list of things happening to these characters for 600 pages and that was it. I truly cannot recommend this one, I just didn’t enjoy it all that much. However, I am open to reading other books by this author!
I had high high hopes for this book. I read the synopsis and I was like oh babbbbyyy this is right up my alley! Turns out it was not, in fact, up my alley.
I did not really enjoy any of the characters in this book, if I’m being honest I was annoyed with them most of the time. I didn’t connect with any of them. I also thought the plot had no rhyme or reason. The plot like kept going and going and new things would happen and then wrap up and then we would just time warp into another plot point.
At a point it felt like I was reading a list of things happening to these characters for 600 pages and that was it. I truly cannot recommend this one, I just didn’t enjoy it all that much. However, I am open to reading other books by this author!
December 3, 2019
This is my favorite!
I honestly had no idea this wasn't actually reviewed yet. Sorry! Okay I rrad this last year but just realized I kinda suck at reviewing on Amazon. This book is amazing. It's not your typical mafia book. If you're looking for a dainty little heroine that needs the big bad mafia king, find a different book. If you're looking for a woman who is a mfkn Queen and can handle her own, look no further. Seriously I love them so much. The entire story has so many twists and turns and just when you think you know what's coming, you're wrong. This story will have you begging Emma for more of their world.
I honestly had no idea this wasn't actually reviewed yet. Sorry! Okay I rrad this last year but just realized I kinda suck at reviewing on Amazon. This book is amazing. It's not your typical mafia book. If you're looking for a dainty little heroine that needs the big bad mafia king, find a different book. If you're looking for a woman who is a mfkn Queen and can handle her own, look no further. Seriously I love them so much. The entire story has so many twists and turns and just when you think you know what's coming, you're wrong. This story will have you begging Emma for more of their world.
December 29, 2019
3.5 stars
I liked it but parts were just so unrealistic. I felt the pull and attraction of Barrett and Flynn at the start, but then I got to the point where I didn’t really want them together. She keeps taking him back no matter what and him questioning her loyalty to him after everything she did really made me mad. They seem so distant just business partners not really in love. Then how can the biggest crime lord in the city not find his woman after she had been taken. I didn’t buy his reason for that at all. If anyone should have questioned loyalties it should have been Barrett . I will read the next though
I liked it but parts were just so unrealistic. I felt the pull and attraction of Barrett and Flynn at the start, but then I got to the point where I didn’t really want them together. She keeps taking him back no matter what and him questioning her loyalty to him after everything she did really made me mad. They seem so distant just business partners not really in love. Then how can the biggest crime lord in the city not find his woman after she had been taken. I didn’t buy his reason for that at all. If anyone should have questioned loyalties it should have been Barrett . I will read the next though
June 1, 2018
Flynn is a likable bad guy and Barrett is loyal to a fault...a quality that always works when you’re in a relationship with a mob boss.
It was an enjoyable read. The only thing I would have changed is Sasha falling in love with Barrett. The story is already drama filled enough without this add to it. Plus, not every male that comes in contact with Barrett needs to fall for her, they could just really care about her and have more of a brotherly love.
I will be continuing on to book 2, so let’s see how that plays out.
It was an enjoyable read. The only thing I would have changed is Sasha falling in love with Barrett. The story is already drama filled enough without this add to it. Plus, not every male that comes in contact with Barrett needs to fall for her, they could just really care about her and have more of a brotherly love.
I will be continuing on to book 2, so let’s see how that plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2020
The book wasn’t bad, but I didn’t like the heroine’s best friend.
She was nosy and loved to give her two sense. She’s also a hypocrite. I hated her and the fact the this is another book where the bff’s get together irked me. Honestly, this book would’ve at least been a 4 without her. Not sure if I’m going to continue with the series.
She was nosy and loved to give her two sense. She’s also a hypocrite. I hated her and the fact the this is another book where the bff’s get together irked me. Honestly, this book would’ve at least been a 4 without her. Not sure if I’m going to continue with the series.
November 22, 2017
a wonderful read. had a strong heroine which is mostly lacking in mafia romances and such. the storyline is almost the same but it's the heroines perspective which keeps you hooked. a different and wonderful take
March 16, 2017
sins of the rex
A adult read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but long still a enjoyable read
A adult read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but long still a enjoyable read
July 11, 2018
Love love it! Plan to follow this author for sure. This story is so much more complicated than I ever would have thought. Couldn’t put it down. Half way through book 2 now!
July 6, 2020
Good story , Great characters, lots of intrigue!
I 'met' Flynn and Barret while reading Wreck and Ruin (which I loved) from Emma Slates "Blue Angels Series". I'd read the synopsis of this book, as well as a few blurbs from it, before I'd read Wreck and Ruin. The characters intrigued me so took the bait and bought the book.
I have a couple of issues with this story. First and foremost I felt like there was a layer missing from Flynn. I would have liked to get inside his head more, but the fact that the story is told entirely in Barret's point of view means you only get inside her head. You never really know what's going on in Flynn's. Maybe the author did that purposely to keep some air of mystery about him, but I think I would have 'felt' this story more, and known Flynn better, if it had been told in dual points of view. Even so, Flynn is vocal about, and his actions give away, some of his feelings about Barret so he's not a complete mystery, just would have liked to know more of his thoughts and history, because I really did like the character.
The other issue I had, but not as major for me was Barret's transition from history scholar to crime queen. It just seemed a little too quick and easy. However, it was kind of obvious that there was always a lot more to her but that she had always confined herself to what was considered normal standards. Additionally, she was placed in circumstances and situations, some of her own choosing for reasons explained in the book, but others, more extreme, we're forced on her and she had to adapt to survive and ultimately, she was a survivor. Purist might think the transition too quick and unbelievable, others won't care. As for me, I think the circumstances warranted the quick transition but maybe a little more internal conflict as she went through it would have made it more believable. Ultimately, it didn't detract from the story.
In the end, there is a lot of intrigue, action and great characters that holds your interest and keeps you reading and I really liked this book. Sins of a King is the first book in Flynn and Barret's story (part of the Sins series). However, it can be read as a stand alone as it does have an ending, no cliff hanger, but you can revisit what's going on in their lives as their story continues in the next two books of the Sins series. The 4th book is kind of a prequel novella that takes place before Flynn and Barret meet and is Igor Dolinsky's story, one of the villains in this book. Dolinsky's story ends in this book...so kind of "bass ackwards"! The last 3 books in the series (books 5-7) are Sasha Petrovs story...He becomes a major player in this book, as well as friend and ally of Barret. I don't think I'll bother with Dolinsky's story (pointless now) but will likely follow Flynn and Barret's story (and probably even Sasha's), maybe not tomorrow, but soon. Because, who knows....I might get more of what I wanted of Flynn in the next book!
I 'met' Flynn and Barret while reading Wreck and Ruin (which I loved) from Emma Slates "Blue Angels Series". I'd read the synopsis of this book, as well as a few blurbs from it, before I'd read Wreck and Ruin. The characters intrigued me so took the bait and bought the book.
I have a couple of issues with this story. First and foremost I felt like there was a layer missing from Flynn. I would have liked to get inside his head more, but the fact that the story is told entirely in Barret's point of view means you only get inside her head. You never really know what's going on in Flynn's. Maybe the author did that purposely to keep some air of mystery about him, but I think I would have 'felt' this story more, and known Flynn better, if it had been told in dual points of view. Even so, Flynn is vocal about, and his actions give away, some of his feelings about Barret so he's not a complete mystery, just would have liked to know more of his thoughts and history, because I really did like the character.
The other issue I had, but not as major for me was Barret's transition from history scholar to crime queen. It just seemed a little too quick and easy. However, it was kind of obvious that there was always a lot more to her but that she had always confined herself to what was considered normal standards. Additionally, she was placed in circumstances and situations, some of her own choosing for reasons explained in the book, but others, more extreme, we're forced on her and she had to adapt to survive and ultimately, she was a survivor. Purist might think the transition too quick and unbelievable, others won't care. As for me, I think the circumstances warranted the quick transition but maybe a little more internal conflict as she went through it would have made it more believable. Ultimately, it didn't detract from the story.
In the end, there is a lot of intrigue, action and great characters that holds your interest and keeps you reading and I really liked this book. Sins of a King is the first book in Flynn and Barret's story (part of the Sins series). However, it can be read as a stand alone as it does have an ending, no cliff hanger, but you can revisit what's going on in their lives as their story continues in the next two books of the Sins series. The 4th book is kind of a prequel novella that takes place before Flynn and Barret meet and is Igor Dolinsky's story, one of the villains in this book. Dolinsky's story ends in this book...so kind of "bass ackwards"! The last 3 books in the series (books 5-7) are Sasha Petrovs story...He becomes a major player in this book, as well as friend and ally of Barret. I don't think I'll bother with Dolinsky's story (pointless now) but will likely follow Flynn and Barret's story (and probably even Sasha's), maybe not tomorrow, but soon. Because, who knows....I might get more of what I wanted of Flynn in the next book!
December 28, 2021
Barrett leads a relatively normal life until Flynn crosses her path.
Flynn is a brothel and casino owner and Barrett's brother owes him a lot of money. But Flynn offers to forgive Barrett for her brother's feud if she drops everything and starts working for him as he needs someone to infiltrate and find out which member of his staff is selling drugs.
What started as a deal soon turns into a steamy love story.
But when another mob boss and an FBI agent threaten Barrett's safety, Flynn marries her. And although they love each other very much, they have serious communication and trust problems.
The story is not bad but the characters do not quite convince me. Barrett goes from normal girl to murderer to crime queen in a matter of weeks? Besides, her relationship with Flynn has serious problems and they seem to fix everything with sex and with more secrets.
I will still read the other books in the series as I feel like reading the stories of Sasha and Duncan.
“I’m a selfish bastard,” he said, his hands continuing to roam my body, washing off all traces of the night. “I wanted you. From the moment I saw you in that French restaurant, I wanted you. I was willing to do anything to have you.” A shiver raced up and down my spine. He paused, obviously weighing his words. “But I never expected you to come to mean something to me. And now you do—and I’ve dragged you into all of this. And I just—” “You’re breaking up with me, aren’t you?” I tried to push his hands away, but his fingers tightened on my hips. “You don’t want me to go to London with you anymore.” “Did you not hear me when I said I was a selfish bastard?” he demanded, his breath hot on my ear. “I should’ve let you go while you still had a chance, but you’re in this now. Whether you want to be or not. Dolinsky went after you to get to me. Because he knows.” “Knows what?”“Knows that you’re mine.” He maneuvered me to face him. He gently touched my chin, and his mouth came down on mine, hungry, unstoppable. I kissed him back, grasping at him, wanting him closer, wanting to feel him inside me. Needing it. Needing him. “If I’m yours,” I panted against his mouth, “then you’re mine.” “Aye,” he agreed roughly.
Flynn is a brothel and casino owner and Barrett's brother owes him a lot of money. But Flynn offers to forgive Barrett for her brother's feud if she drops everything and starts working for him as he needs someone to infiltrate and find out which member of his staff is selling drugs.
What started as a deal soon turns into a steamy love story.
But when another mob boss and an FBI agent threaten Barrett's safety, Flynn marries her. And although they love each other very much, they have serious communication and trust problems.
The story is not bad but the characters do not quite convince me. Barrett goes from normal girl to murderer to crime queen in a matter of weeks? Besides, her relationship with Flynn has serious problems and they seem to fix everything with sex and with more secrets.
I will still read the other books in the series as I feel like reading the stories of Sasha and Duncan.
“I’m a selfish bastard,” he said, his hands continuing to roam my body, washing off all traces of the night. “I wanted you. From the moment I saw you in that French restaurant, I wanted you. I was willing to do anything to have you.” A shiver raced up and down my spine. He paused, obviously weighing his words. “But I never expected you to come to mean something to me. And now you do—and I’ve dragged you into all of this. And I just—” “You’re breaking up with me, aren’t you?” I tried to push his hands away, but his fingers tightened on my hips. “You don’t want me to go to London with you anymore.” “Did you not hear me when I said I was a selfish bastard?” he demanded, his breath hot on my ear. “I should’ve let you go while you still had a chance, but you’re in this now. Whether you want to be or not. Dolinsky went after you to get to me. Because he knows.” “Knows what?”“Knows that you’re mine.” He maneuvered me to face him. He gently touched my chin, and his mouth came down on mine, hungry, unstoppable. I kissed him back, grasping at him, wanting him closer, wanting to feel him inside me. Needing it. Needing him. “If I’m yours,” I panted against his mouth, “then you’re mine.” “Aye,” he agreed roughly.
August 26, 2022
Honestly, I am only giving this book 4 stars for two reasons. The first is that the conflict was so frustrating in this story. Flynn seemed like he was never honest with Barrett even after she goes through so much to get back to him after being kidnapped. Second is that this is only the first of 3 books about this one couple. This book was so intense and I just wanted a happy resolution to the romance but it seems like the couple is about to be thrown into turmoil for two more books! I think that I am done here though, because I am fine with taking the “happy for now” ending as a happily ever after.
Barrett is just a regular woman with a normal job working on research at a university until her half brother bargains her “services” in exchange for a debt he has incurred. Flynn is the holder of that debt and instead of taking what Barrett’s brother expects, he asks Barrett to work in his club for a year or until she finds out who is dealing drugs, whichever comes first. There is instant attraction between the two but Flynn has secrets and Barrett has to decide if she is willing to put up with them.
This book was fun, if a little convoluted with all of the connections at times. I understand how the story and characters developed but I’m not sure that I really believed that the characters were capable of going through the changes that they did from who they were at the beginning of the story. I did really enjoy how kick-ass Barrett became throughout this story but I didn’t really enjoy any facet of Flynn’s character change. Flynn went from being incredibly secretive with Barrett (even though he did have an inner circle that contained both men and women and he claimed to trust Barrett) to becoming someone that I saw as weak and really unable to support Barrett and the woman she is becoming.
I did enjoy the book though. It was sexy and exciting and I was able to suspend by disbelief throughout the twists and turns enough to not let it diminish my enjoyment of the story.
I honestly don’t know if I would read this story again. I think that there are definitely better examples of this genre/trope out there so I might stick to those.
Barrett is just a regular woman with a normal job working on research at a university until her half brother bargains her “services” in exchange for a debt he has incurred. Flynn is the holder of that debt and instead of taking what Barrett’s brother expects, he asks Barrett to work in his club for a year or until she finds out who is dealing drugs, whichever comes first. There is instant attraction between the two but Flynn has secrets and Barrett has to decide if she is willing to put up with them.
This book was fun, if a little convoluted with all of the connections at times. I understand how the story and characters developed but I’m not sure that I really believed that the characters were capable of going through the changes that they did from who they were at the beginning of the story. I did really enjoy how kick-ass Barrett became throughout this story but I didn’t really enjoy any facet of Flynn’s character change. Flynn went from being incredibly secretive with Barrett (even though he did have an inner circle that contained both men and women and he claimed to trust Barrett) to becoming someone that I saw as weak and really unable to support Barrett and the woman she is becoming.
I did enjoy the book though. It was sexy and exciting and I was able to suspend by disbelief throughout the twists and turns enough to not let it diminish my enjoyment of the story.
I honestly don’t know if I would read this story again. I think that there are definitely better examples of this genre/trope out there so I might stick to those.
June 21, 2021
I’m always a fan of a free intro book to a series, and didn’t really know what I was about to get myself into here. We don’t know much about what’s looming on the horizon when we meet our main character Barrett. She’s going to meet her brother who doesn’t seem like much of a good brother and we quickly learn why. He became her guardian when her parents passed away and as a result, he’s resented her. Now he needs something from her and this is what changes everything that she knew, and everything that she wanted.
Flynn Campbell is the man who changes everything for her. He owns several businesses, one of which is how he’s come to know Barrett and her brother, and as a means of paying off her brother’s debt to Flynn, Barrett now has to work off what he owes to Flynn. You would likely imagine something quite nefarious however Flynn needs to find out who’s bringing drugs into one of his clubs, so she’s working on the up and up.
As we all can imagine, we watch the chemistry that they had from the very first moment grow into something that they try to stop and can’t. There’s heat and something deeper there, however Barrett wants to solve his problems before going down that path. Unfortunately, this story seems deep into the mob underbelly and we watch how anything you want will be taken away.
Barrett figures out who’s behind the drugs, but in the same breath, she’s also kidnapped from Flynn. There are attempts on people’s lives, plans devised in the hopes of escape, murder….and to top it all off, an FBI inquest.
so, we’re left at the end of this first book with a power struggle, an attempt to right some wrongs and make the future into something different, something perhaps a bit more legit, however that’s got to be impossible, and we don’t know where that will leave us.
Relationships are developing, solidified and forged. There are a few that we hope for and a few that we are uncertain about. One that brings us heartbreak because it’s so pure. So, on that note, i’m off to find out more about Barrett becoming a queen
Flynn Campbell is the man who changes everything for her. He owns several businesses, one of which is how he’s come to know Barrett and her brother, and as a means of paying off her brother’s debt to Flynn, Barrett now has to work off what he owes to Flynn. You would likely imagine something quite nefarious however Flynn needs to find out who’s bringing drugs into one of his clubs, so she’s working on the up and up.
As we all can imagine, we watch the chemistry that they had from the very first moment grow into something that they try to stop and can’t. There’s heat and something deeper there, however Barrett wants to solve his problems before going down that path. Unfortunately, this story seems deep into the mob underbelly and we watch how anything you want will be taken away.
Barrett figures out who’s behind the drugs, but in the same breath, she’s also kidnapped from Flynn. There are attempts on people’s lives, plans devised in the hopes of escape, murder….and to top it all off, an FBI inquest.
so, we’re left at the end of this first book with a power struggle, an attempt to right some wrongs and make the future into something different, something perhaps a bit more legit, however that’s got to be impossible, and we don’t know where that will leave us.
Relationships are developing, solidified and forged. There are a few that we hope for and a few that we are uncertain about. One that brings us heartbreak because it’s so pure. So, on that note, i’m off to find out more about Barrett becoming a queen
March 16, 2021
Will devour any and all things Flynn
I found the SINS series box set after reading Wrecked & Ruin by the same author (great book btw, you should read it).
The SINS world is an epic roller coaster that begins with Barrett falling victim to her brothers sins. From there, her life is irrecoverably changed.
This series aligns with a couple tropes (mafia, dark, forced-ish relationship), but somehow stands alone among all others.
Barrett has the wool pulled from her eyes and although she’s new to the sins of the underground, she adapts quickly and captivates more than just Flynn with her strength and will.
“..I used to see nothing but a beautiful woman. Smart, yes. But I didn’t understand what Igor and Campbell saw in you. They knew you were special. It took me longer to see it, but once I did… I’m grateful you’re my friend. And you shouldn’t be afraid of who you are, who you’re becoming.”
And Flynn, ooooooweee. Flynn is the epitome of a book boyfriend and the heartbreaking feeling you get knowing he’s not real.
“...Barrett. I can’t lose you.”
“What if I’m already lost?” Flynn turned to look at me, his face harsh in the moonlight, like the wild beauty surrounding us.
“If you’re lost, then I’ll find you.”
Gahhh 🔥🔥
He’s dangerous, demanding, and powerful, yet it’s not overly done and cringeworthy. Hes 100% these things in his business, but when it comes to Barrett.. he’s just the right amount of everything. He pushes her when she needs to be pushed & pulls at the exact moment she’s begins to unravel. And let’s not forget the sexy accent 🤤. There’s no way you can read this series and not feel these characters and their connection on a deeper level.
Barrett & Flynn’s story is packed full of action, danger, really REALLY close calls, & sexyness all wrapped up with a big ol love bow on top.
I dare you to read it and not fall in love 😏
I found the SINS series box set after reading Wrecked & Ruin by the same author (great book btw, you should read it).
The SINS world is an epic roller coaster that begins with Barrett falling victim to her brothers sins. From there, her life is irrecoverably changed.
This series aligns with a couple tropes (mafia, dark, forced-ish relationship), but somehow stands alone among all others.
Barrett has the wool pulled from her eyes and although she’s new to the sins of the underground, she adapts quickly and captivates more than just Flynn with her strength and will.
“..I used to see nothing but a beautiful woman. Smart, yes. But I didn’t understand what Igor and Campbell saw in you. They knew you were special. It took me longer to see it, but once I did… I’m grateful you’re my friend. And you shouldn’t be afraid of who you are, who you’re becoming.”
And Flynn, ooooooweee. Flynn is the epitome of a book boyfriend and the heartbreaking feeling you get knowing he’s not real.
“...Barrett. I can’t lose you.”
“What if I’m already lost?” Flynn turned to look at me, his face harsh in the moonlight, like the wild beauty surrounding us.
“If you’re lost, then I’ll find you.”
Gahhh 🔥🔥
He’s dangerous, demanding, and powerful, yet it’s not overly done and cringeworthy. Hes 100% these things in his business, but when it comes to Barrett.. he’s just the right amount of everything. He pushes her when she needs to be pushed & pulls at the exact moment she’s begins to unravel. And let’s not forget the sexy accent 🤤. There’s no way you can read this series and not feel these characters and their connection on a deeper level.
Barrett & Flynn’s story is packed full of action, danger, really REALLY close calls, & sexyness all wrapped up with a big ol love bow on top.
I dare you to read it and not fall in love 😏
February 12, 2023
I really tried with this book. I couldn’t even finish it. Not going to lie, I was first intrigued by tik tok but then soon realized that the overall plot made no sense. The writing is all over the place.
Basically, her brother offers her off to some random mafia guy (Flynn) because of his debt. The mafia guy doesn’t even force her, and she just willing says okay even tho she made it a big deal at the beginning. She put no fight into it. She also hates her brother and when Flynn asked her why she agreed. She thought this would be the last nice thing she will do for him and not feel guilty for cutting him out of her life after this. Literally made no sense, they hate each other so why voluntarily say yes to the Flynn. The only interesting twist was Flynn offer. Asking her to work as a cocktail waitress at his club to find out who is dealing drugs at his club. Which is a different take from other books. But the plot doesn’t line up, I couldn’t even finish it. The other waiters even notice Flynn eyeing her, so how was she suppose to find out who the dealer was if the staff see her and Flynn sending heart eyes to each other across the room like teenagers.
To be honest, I made the mistake to reading it based off one video and didn’t bother checking the reviews. I had to read the other spolier reviews to just see their take on this book was and how it ended.
Basically, her brother offers her off to some random mafia guy (Flynn) because of his debt. The mafia guy doesn’t even force her, and she just willing says okay even tho she made it a big deal at the beginning. She put no fight into it. She also hates her brother and when Flynn asked her why she agreed. She thought this would be the last nice thing she will do for him and not feel guilty for cutting him out of her life after this. Literally made no sense, they hate each other so why voluntarily say yes to the Flynn. The only interesting twist was Flynn offer. Asking her to work as a cocktail waitress at his club to find out who is dealing drugs at his club. Which is a different take from other books. But the plot doesn’t line up, I couldn’t even finish it. The other waiters even notice Flynn eyeing her, so how was she suppose to find out who the dealer was if the staff see her and Flynn sending heart eyes to each other across the room like teenagers.
To be honest, I made the mistake to reading it based off one video and didn’t bother checking the reviews. I had to read the other spolier reviews to just see their take on this book was and how it ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2021
Love the whole series. I read this awhile ago and never posted my review. And just recently reread the series for who knows what time(yes I know that’s crazy) but it’s a great series. On the edge of you’re seat throughout the series and each of the books on their own. I originally read the first 4 individually then reread them as the 1-4 set. These books suck you in until the last page. This book starts with her estranged sibling essentially ‘selling’ her to Flynn for a debt he can’t pay. This begun their relationship where she helps him search for someone out to harm his club and his employees. Barest is drawn into the crazy work of The Rex and Flynn and the SINS. She knows nothing good can come of falling for him but is powerless to his draw. He you learn is similar in obsession of Barrett and her brilliance and beauty. This book and the whole series is full of twists, turns, edge of your seat moments, SINS, secrets and steam!! Must read!!
March 17, 2021
I was drawn to this series after reading Wreck and Ruin by Emma Slate and first meeting the characters of Barrett and Flynn. I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t to be so completely drawn in by all the different people you meet throughout the first book Sins of a King.
The book took me through a range of emotions from the very beginning. Anger at her brother, some skepticism for how Barrett responded at the beginning and how Flynn responded to her; but I then saw Barrett growing into the person (or “queen”) she would become. I soon became invested in her journey and completely immersed in the SINS world. There were a lot of unexpected twists and raw emotional moments in the book that made me need to learn more and more. Although a stand alone book, it would be a travesty to not read the rest of the series and learn more about this world Emma Slate has created.
The book took me through a range of emotions from the very beginning. Anger at her brother, some skepticism for how Barrett responded at the beginning and how Flynn responded to her; but I then saw Barrett growing into the person (or “queen”) she would become. I soon became invested in her journey and completely immersed in the SINS world. There were a lot of unexpected twists and raw emotional moments in the book that made me need to learn more and more. Although a stand alone book, it would be a travesty to not read the rest of the series and learn more about this world Emma Slate has created.
July 9, 2024
I found this book on TikTok so of course I downloaded it. It turns out I actually purchased it in 2016 before I had KU… so when I went to re-downloaded it, it was at my last stopping point which was about 60%, so that wasn’t too promising.
Overall, I did like the book. The writing good and I did enjoy the characters. However, everything felt so rushed, and there was so much going on that It didn’t feel like this book was just about main people. I saw that there are more books in the series. I’m not sure if I’ll attempt to read those or not. A lot of the plot in this book just didn’t make sense as in the lead to it. I feel like so much was left out and underdeveloped.
I will say the main character gets kidnapped and speaks of Stockholm syndrome and I felt like I had it lol I really liked the kidnapper was sad to see him, for a bit there wasn’t sure what was going to play out and if it was twist and turn.
Overall, I did like the book. The writing good and I did enjoy the characters. However, everything felt so rushed, and there was so much going on that It didn’t feel like this book was just about main people. I saw that there are more books in the series. I’m not sure if I’ll attempt to read those or not. A lot of the plot in this book just didn’t make sense as in the lead to it. I feel like so much was left out and underdeveloped.
I will say the main character gets kidnapped and speaks of Stockholm syndrome and I felt like I had it lol I really liked the kidnapper was sad to see him, for a bit there wasn’t sure what was going to play out and if it was twist and turn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
So this was bad, like super bad.
The interactions between the characters (and not just the main characters, but also the sides) was so terribly juvenile. These were adults but my goodness, they bickered and whined and talked to each other like high schoolers. Add in some insta-lust and badly done "banter" and instead of intriguing story-telling you end up with an irritating mess.
Additionally, how a book can both feel like it's speeding through the plot and story-line way too fast and also dragging way too slow through everything is a scientific mystery. It was a painful slog and a true test to my resolve.
Beyond these jarring issues, there were just several instances that were just so beyond the realm of realism that I could not suspend my belief any further. I know it's fiction but damnit, let's make the characters at least a smidgeon believable, if only so I'm not hoping that this is a romance to end with the death of all the involved parties.
The interactions between the characters (and not just the main characters, but also the sides) was so terribly juvenile. These were adults but my goodness, they bickered and whined and talked to each other like high schoolers. Add in some insta-lust and badly done "banter" and instead of intriguing story-telling you end up with an irritating mess.
Additionally, how a book can both feel like it's speeding through the plot and story-line way too fast and also dragging way too slow through everything is a scientific mystery. It was a painful slog and a true test to my resolve.
Beyond these jarring issues, there were just several instances that were just so beyond the realm of realism that I could not suspend my belief any further. I know it's fiction but damnit, let's make the characters at least a smidgeon believable, if only so I'm not hoping that this is a romance to end with the death of all the involved parties.
June 8, 2021
I loved this book, it has become one of my favorites. I loved the story and how Flynn was with Barrett, how he said that she was the only one who could see him, I also loved his need to be in control and keep her safe, and of course how he was possessive of her. When she wanted space, he gave it to her but later went to her room and stayed with her. I loved how he asked her to be his girlfriend and she said no, also how he told her at the gala that if she was offering to marry him. But most importantly how she never wanted kids but when she found out that she was pregnant she wanted it with all of her hearth as well as he did.
What shocked me was how Dolinsky wanted her for himself and wanted to make her his queen and how she felt comfortable with Igor.
What shocked me was how Dolinsky wanted her for himself and wanted to make her his queen and how she felt comfortable with Igor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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