Sins in Sunlight

Of Courts and Desires #2

by Rachel Hailey

The Sunfire Queen, Sierra, has waited for her chance to rule, thinking life would be better with her mother dead. She was wrong. The Court of Light is in Shambles. Her people are terrified and despise her. She has no friends, no love, and no hope. When a new war hovers on the horizon, Sierra must find the lost beastkyn Mikhail or her court will perish, and she'll lose her shot at redemption.

Quick to grin and quicker to kill, Mikhail has made his share of mistakes–being imprisoned has given him time to ponder each poor decision. But when Sierra frees him, he earns the opportunity to make some more. She's gorgeous and despite her fiery nature, as cold as the snow-capped mountains of Russia. He can't wait to see how fast he can make her melt.

Unknown Binding

Published January 18, 2021

Reviews

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Awe-Inducing Paranormal Steamy romance with Mysteries, Secrets, LOTS (Like So much😍) of Action & Bloodshed, Banters, Emotions, Prince & Princess, Magic, War, Happiness, Everything for Love, Finding the inner Strength, Love & HEA.
I stumbled upon this in Netgalley & had so much fun Reading this! I loved Sierra, Mikhail & Some other characters. I DEVOURED this story in 8hrs.
#My 1st by Rachel, I'm sure gonna check out the 1st book in this series.

~~ This Story is placed in the modern World, but Where 'Kyns' rule the world (Like: Vampires are called 'BloodKyn', Shifters being 'Beastkyn', etc). Every Kyn have different 'Courts' in most cities. This book was Semi Standalone, I felt that we see the aftermath Of Things happened in the 1st book. There were many characters, Of Multi-Skin-Color too (Like Sierra's Pink!), I most liked Callie, Ash (Hero-Heroine of previous book) & Diana (The Ard Ri I.e. Queen of all). The World Building is Quite awesome! ~~

Sierra's A lightkyn & the Sunfire Queen. Her mom was Bloodthirsty for Power & Did many bad things, even abused her own daughter (& Callie). After the war with Demonkyn (Callie's Court), she's dead & Sierra's left to pick up the pieces. I loved seeing her open up from the Shy soft-spoken girl to a Fierce queen her people needed, Mikhail helped to make her see that sometimes being Strict & Stubborn is Required.
"No one would follow a weeping monarch to the grocery store, let alone to war." ~Sierra

Mikhail's a Russian BeastKyn. He's also many other things, like A Prince, Arms Dealer (To fuck with His Family), White Bear, Golden Dragon, A Single Dad (His Kid is Grown). These are *some* of his Secrets, this maybe a spoiler but The real Fun is how we (& Sierra) find all out! He experienced a lot of Pain in his life, mostly due to his Family. He's Callie's Friend.

The Book Starts with us Seeing Mikhail in Captivity & Finding how he got there. Later, Callie comes to Sierra's Court accusing her of Keeping Mikhail for 8 weeks, she hasn't. But After Callie's gone, Sierra's Suspicions are confirmed When she finds a Starved Mikhail, Her mom Did it *Bitch*. Sierra's Cautious & though Mikhail is a playboy, He feels a Deep connection with her. She intrigues him.
~I adored Blitz, her Guard!

A Series of Bloody Events reveal that Releasing Mikhail had released Sierra's mom's Other captives...And Now they're out for Revenge.
Gladly, other Royals Will Help. During these events, Mikhail & Sierra grow close, their sparks blaze.
"She was beauty and grace. Sunshine and fire. Innocence and purity. She was everything he wanted to possess. If only for a night." ~Mikhail
Their Supposed to be 1 night becomes so much more. He's Protective of & Cares for her BUT Had reasons to not start a relationship, so they Remained Friends with Benefits. But Love couldn't be stopped. Even as his Secrets Surprise her, when he's honest with his Reasons, she takes it all well! And when his dear Daughter is Targeted, she protects her! Seeing the girls who mean Everything to him Bond, warms his heart.

BUT The Rogues are FAR more dangerous than they thought. For Power, they want to Complete Her mom's Plan & For that..They need Sierra's Blood.
Sierra finds her strength here & Mik does everything to protect his girls. Through it all, Mik+Sierra Realize their Feelings for eachother..But he HAVE to go back to Russia..
The Last Fight with Rogues had my Heart racing, it was Bloody Fierce!!! The end gladly is in our favor❤.

THEN Its Time for Goodbye..
Being away from eachother, both Sierra & Mik were Miserable. Though Sierra's Relation with Callie & Diana do grow here.
Mikhail did this for his girls' safety from his Family, but they're Fucked up & now still after their lives. AND Diana finds it out & She+Sierra goes to Save him & his daughter! My heart ached seeing how hurt they were, but Gladly They got Revenge! Mikhail's heart is With Sierra, his mate, his love. He won't ever leave her again.
I adored when they Confessed their feelings & I loved the ending! Cue HEA❤.

P.S. I'm so excited to see what's Planned next for this series!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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[Lacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A- freaking- mazing! Fantastic! Read in one sitting. Thought I'd wind down and read a chapter after a late night at work. Ended up reading the entire book before I was able to go to bed. I thought Ashe and Callie's book was wonderful. Mikhail and Sierra take the cake. Sierra finally got the family she deserved after her not so picturesque childhood and Mikhail became who he was always meant to be without compromising himself as a whole. One powerful Queen who grows into her right under the guidance of black sheep beastkyn Prince just trying to protect his own. She learned to be the Queen her mother never was and I think she went above and beyond creating alliances with kyn that she never knew she needed. Hands down best book that cleared my senses as coffee clears the olfactory glad. Rekindled my need to devour books as they are meant to be. Thank you!

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In a futuristic world, many different fae, called "kyn" have conquered the human world and live openly among them. Newly risen to the crown and trying to reforge alliances destroyed by her abuse mother and former queen, Sierra is trying to prove her worth to a nervous court. Mikhail, recently freed from imprisonment trapped as a bear, seeks revenge against the assassin who double-crossed him. Someone is trying to rekindle a war between the Light and Dark kyn courts, while allies draw close to try and overcome.

I tried really hard to finish this book, but ugh!, it was just too painful. I got about 30% of the way through before I was crying at the thought of continuing. Not even that beautiful, beautiful cover could make me soldier on. Nothing about how the characters interacted with each other or their situations made any sense. The inanity of these choices are fitting to the genre, but it made it so hard to take seriously.

-- Did my mother keep someone as a prisoner? Let me check the bedroom!
-- I want to be taken seriously and seen as a force to be reckoned with! Step aside my queen, let the men talk. Oh, thank you for caring!
-- I am the most badass fighter and I need to lead my troops. At the first sign of danger: throw her in an isolated room she can't get out of and don't let her know what's going on! Oh, thank you for caring!
-- I am hell-bent on revenge and obsessed with catching the woman who betrayed me. Ooo, but the damsel heroine is so pretty, I must put all that aside and instantly mansplain everything to dote on her.
-- Etc.

Mikhail was supposed to be a romantic bad boy, but he was just derogatory towards all "females" and a violent criminal "because it's fun." I must not have a single, civilized conversation with any other "male" until they've admitted mine is bigger. That's not romantic, that's vile.

The many different types of kyn was just confusing - it would have been much easier to call them by their more common names (vampires, shapeshifters, witches, etc) - especially since they're more background information, as opposed to actual characters who make a difference in the plot. This book made my brain work to remember all the trivial information like this, in an effort to exhaust it into not noticing every single plot hole.

[Ida Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looking for a book with Crescent City vibes? Look no further.

I didn't read the first book in the series, but came across this as something people thought I would like and therefore recommended to me. Clearly, people do not know me.
I will give it to them though, it did sound like something I might enjoy. I am a sucker for shape-shifters, dark boys with secrets, protective protagonists, kick-ass females that have a throne to claim or defend (or both. or something completely different, but along those lines). This book did have all of it, and yet it wasn't truly for me and that's mostly because it is PAIRED WITH OUR/FUTURISTIC MODERN WORLD. Nooooo :-( I was led to believe this was a more authentic medieval set or something. That my shape-shifter guy is more of a standard party-animal, naturally skipping lines to get into the mega hot club...ugh. I did not see that coming and yet...here it was. And I wasn't prepared for that. The blurb did not suggest any of it.
There are vampires and other creatures and....Crescent City vibes. ALL THE WAY. Not for me.
Sadly, the writing style also didn't blow my mind. It's standard at best with a bitter taste of mediocre. If I would have taken a shot every time a male character in this book "chuckles darkly" and "glares" around the room or at another person I would not have been sober for most of this book. Probably would have been better.

There were some good lines though. One of my favourite: "No one would follow a weeping monarch to the grocery store, let alone to war."

Also- why does the lady on the cover have red hair? According to the book she has brown hair. That was actually something I liked! (Why do all "bad ass" female characters have to be red-heads these days? Nothing against red hair..just..it seems like the female fictional world, with somewhat feminist agendas, consists mostly of them)

[CanditheBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second installment of the series. Fell madly in love with Mikhail and Sierra’s story. Great character development, loved the mixing of the characters from the first book, and there was some more detailed explanation of the different kyn. I still have questions about their history and function, but I’m expecting more to be revealed in the next installment.

Definitely an easy, enjoyable read, steamy, humorous, and fun. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book of the series.

ARC received for an honest review. Thanks to Booksirens and the author.

[CK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in a series; semi-standalone, paranormal romance with plenty of adventure.

Trigger warnings:
Death
Murder (including mass murder/terror attack)
Abuse
Torture
Violence
Hints of what amounts to rape
Mind control
Corruption
Alcohol misuse
Recreational drug use
Dubious consent

These characters have been through such suffering. That they remain capable of compassion is what truly stands out, in the very best way.

Characters of Colour?

The main cast all have slightly unnatural skin tones, but are all white-coded. There are secondary characters explicitly black though! Yay!

GLITTFAB/Queer characters?

Sadly not. There’s a drunken moment, but everyone is straight & when some of these characters are supposed to be literal manifestations of Chaos, that makes very little sense. There’s also a strange recurring thing where the terms “male” & “female” are used where “man” & “woman” would make more sense, which creates a whole big bundle of issues - especially when the MC is called “my sweet girl” by the lover.

Disabled characters?

We have a cast full of able bodied abuse victims, with the timeline beginning a mere 8 weeks after the removal of a key abuser.
The MC’s major character growth is predicated on how she’s recovering from that abuse.
Yeah.
Yeah, we got disabled characters.
They’re treated with compassion by the author, & they treat others compassionately - while also taking zero BS from those who would do more harm.
H*ck. Yes.

Worth my time?

At just over 8 hours, spread across 4 days, this is a big read! I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this world, & would be keen to read the previous book. I’m interested in where the cast will go from here, too. Things aren’t tied up neatly enough for this to be the end!
Oh, I haven’t even mentioned the sex!
Y’all are in for a TREAT.
Take one womaniser, add one non-virgin but never orgasmed, add a touch of alcohol to lower inhibitions & watch the sparks catch the whole thing alight to burn your fingers through the pages.
It’s an old trope used incredibly well.

Re-read?

Oh h*ck YES. Especially as a series re-read, but even by itself. It got the balance of action (pew pew) & action (bow chicka bow wow) right on the nose.

Recommend?

To anyone who enjoys a good Paranormal romance, especially about the Fae, & who has girded their loins after reading the trigger warnings.

I received this ARC through BookSirens in exchange for my honest views.

[Lissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is amazing. I did not put it down once I started it. If you thought the first one was good, this one is better. It was funnier, steamier, and better written.

After the death of her mother, the Sunfire Queen, Sierra must step into her new role. She struggles to find balance between asserting her power and becoming a doormat in fear of become just like her mother who had a long history of brutality. When we last heard of Mikhail in Sleeping with Shadows, he had disappeared. He was kidnapped and imprisoned by the old queen. Once freed he is one a mission to destroy those responsible. Along the way it’s discovered the plan the previous queen had to take of all kyn kind did not stop once she was dead. Sierra and Mikhail along with Callie, Ashe, and Daina must fight to prevent total chaos.

The humor was a great mix of sarcasm, innuendos, and plain ridiculous. At one point I was was rolling I was laughing so hard. The tinsel scene was... I can’t explain how funny it was.

I won’t get into details about the steam but oh man... just that.

Don’t get me wrong the first one was great too (also a 5 star read) but there were times in the first one that made me feel like a missed something or was vague on details. This time the author took more time to explain the finer details. I love how some of the explanations were as simple as lightkyn are soul eaters or bloodkyn are like vampires. It gave the author more time to explain the wildly different things like the beastkyn hierarchy. It made it so you didn’t get overwhelmed with background information so you could focus on the plot. Not just that but the drama of the story was fantastic. I really get into a story when I read. There may have been a few swear words and I almost threw my phone but we made it through unscathed.

The character development for Sierra was huge. To go from such meek personality to the no nonsense she ended up at was fantastic. It wasn’t just that she went from point A to point B. You got feel her emotions and watch her struggle to get to where she ended up. I don’t think Mikhail had the same growth but as more of his past came to light it felt like he changed too.

I’m glad we got to see Callie and Ashe again. I love to see a happily ever after. I love the book that are a series but change the character focus. It makes them feel like stand alone books but they get to tie together.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sierra is the new Sunfire Queen and she steps up to take on the role and assert her power. But the catch is - she must do it without becoming like her just mother who was an unjust ruler. This book is kind of a standalone just so people are aware. There is a book one that comes before this but it isn't really required as it focuses on two separate characters - Sierra and Mikhail. And if you're big on character-driven stories, it's huge in this book. Sierra is just a character you really root for and she transitions perfectly from this timid woman to one who is fierce but still compassionate.

The story is humorous in many aspects which I just loved! It's rare a story makes me laugh out loud and even more so - the people around me want to know what I'm laughing about. I will also be frank here and just say that the smut was hot! It was unexpected and welcomed! It's kind of like a friends with benefits thing at first, but the growth is there. So if you're looking for a steamier read as well - this is it right here and you will surely like the dynamic between Sierra and Mikhail.

My only little nitpick would probably be that the story doesn't give you a lot with the world-building and you have to figure it out as you read. I was able to start figuring out what was happening, like the fact that it takes place in a modern setting almost with different names for different types of creatures. For example, bloodkyns are basically like vampires. Mikhail is also something called a Beastkyn just as Sierra is a lightkyn. It's a pretty intriguing concept combined with the fact that it was a fast-paced read. I just really enjoyed it and will definitely continue with the series starting with book one so I can read about Callie and Ashe.

I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the aftermath of her mother's death, Sierra is trying to find her way as the new Sunfire Queen. Her mother was an evil person who ruled with an iron fist and Sierra vows not to be the same, but is having a hard time demanding respect with her more submissive nature. But first there's the issue of the handsome beastykin she found locked in her mother's garden.....

Sins in Sunlight is the second book in the Of Courts and Desire Series by Rachel Hailey. I had not read the first book, but I was able to follow along without too much trouble.

I really liked this book! It was my first by this author and wasn't sure what to expect. She didn't explain too much of the world she created and let you figure it out as you went along. It made it a little confusing at times, but honestly, it was much better than having to read 50 pages of explanation before getting to the good stuff. The character development was great, I really enjoyed and liked both the main characters as well as the side characters. The sex was super hot and while there weren't any big plot twists, it had more of an overarching adventure.

I received an ARC for my free and fair review.

[Ashley Dang · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Sunfire Queen trying to repair the damage of her mother’s deranged rule and a beastkyn Mikhail on the haunt for the same woman who had imprisoned him are both brought together in search of the monsters that entwine them. Sierra is now the queen of the sunfire court and is trying to repair all the damages done by her mother, including trying to endure the abuse and pain her mother had done to her. Mikhail is banished and is looking for the woman who did this to him in order to exact revenge but when Sierra appears before him and breaking the banishment, he suddenly finds that maybe theres more than just revenge for him. Throw in some mischievous kings and queens, crazy relatives, and lots of murder plots, and well a bit of an angsty romance and heres what you got. The story was a fun one to read and getting read from both perspectives was a nice touch. Overall an interesting fantasy romance book, you can read the book as a standalone or part of the series, I read it as a standalone and didn’t find it hard to catch up to the story at all.

*Thanks Netgalley and FyreSyde Publishing for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[Tabytha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was the second book in this amazing new series by Rachel Hailey. I loved that she brought back all the previous characters from the first book. The interaction between Dana, Sierra and Callie. The relationship between Sierra and Mikhail develops throughout the book and in the end they are an awesome power couple. I love how the villain in this series seems to consistently change and you never know who may or may not be on your side. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one as I want to see Bella Sarah get hers. I also love books with badass heroines and Sierra develops into one with during the book.

[Tabytha L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was the second book in this amazing new series by Rachel Hailey. I loved that she brought back all the previous characters from the first book. The interaction between Dana, Sierra and Callie is hilarious. The relationship between Sierra and Mikhail develops throughout the book and in the end they are an awesome power couple. I love how the villain in this series seems to consistently change and you never know who may or may not be on your side. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one as I want to see Bella Sarah get hers. I also love books with badass heroines and Sierra develops into one with during the book.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Haiely has great attention to detail and makes everything from the setting, to the characters feel very real. It makes for a wonderfully written and very authentic novel.
Hailey manages to take the reader through a barrage of other emotions besides the typical and they will find themselves submerged in the world and feeling every single things that happens to the characters who were charismatic and drew the reader in.

Fun, addictive, and full of surprises. There wasn’t any time to have my mind wandering. From the get go, there was lots of things happening at once. It was a full ride!

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Sierra and Mikhail! She opens up to him and learns how to be the Queen her court needs, when she continues to doubt herself. And Mikhail has a lot of secrets, but he can't help how he feels about Sierra, even if they can't be together long-term.

The supporting characters were great, too. I didn't realise this was book 2 in the series, so I missed Callie and Ashe's story, but I will definitely go back and read it at some stage.

I enjoyed reading this story - a paranormal romance, with action and magic.

[Susan Cornwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my normal type of book but I really enjoyed this.Well written and characters describe perfectly.Some chuckles and very dark scenes but as it's a fantasy and shifter story and includes different Courts it's to be expected.Sierra takes over the throne from her evil mother and has to prove to her people that she is able to reign.I would recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Madeleine Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a paranormal story. I liked the banter, adventure, secrets and it has a different couple to the first book. It follows on from the first book but you do not have to read it to enjoy this one (although I would recommend that you do). It is pretty action packed with some steamy scenes. I would not call this book dark, and there is plenty of humour. I cannot wait for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A magical tale full of deceit, betrayal, corruption, and love. The author brings her characters to life, with all their foibles and flaws in such an engaging way, that you can't help but love (or hate) them. Be prepared to laugh, cry, be angered, and love.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I wouldn't like the book once I started reading it he seemed a little sketchy. I kept reading and I actually liked the book and the characters. I liked the content in the book with the different queens and relms and how the background of each character was brought to life. I enjoyed the book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read the first book in the series and recieved this one as an ARC in return of my honest review.
The book had it all - the bad guys, the not so bright ones, the tough and alfa males, the protagonist that is a tough cookie but sometimes falls into insecurities. Shape shifters, vampires, fae and dragons
-the whole nine yards. Did it blow my mind - no. BUT it was enjoyable.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Rachel Hailey has really built on the world she has created. We are given new characters, with new issues. I loved that she has heightened the reader experience in this one.
Sucked in from the very beginning and connected to the characters made it that more addicting.
With both books, I have enjoyed the world the author created and cannot wait for more.s

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will definitely want to have plenty of allotted reading time before starting this one. It was hard to put down. I was so engrossed in the story that I put off many of my important things to do. Sins in Sunlight does a great job of creating a Plot that keeps the reader invested and guessing.

Sassy is a wonderful lead, she is fun to read about and easy to get behind as a lead character.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was an adventure I didn’t want to ever stop.

The characters wiggled under your skin and stayed there.

Enough action and adventure to keep me entertained.

Mikhail and Sierra were amazing together. Like fire and ice.

I need more.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into this book. There was a lot of confusing terms to me. And I just never connected with the main characters.
I just reviewed Sins In Sunlight by Rachel Hailey. #SinsInSunlight #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

[Sara (bookishfairytales) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Of Courts and Desire series and I really enjoyed this book. It has a little bit of everything, romance, paranormal, adventure and death. It covered all the bases for me and I can’t wait to see what the author comes out with next!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great paranormal/fantasy romance. Really enjoyed it! Fun to read and love the characters.. Wonderful drama!

[Cherisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to this world. Full of action and adventure, humour and steam, with a little bit of darkness and plenty of secrets thrown in. This book follows on nicely from Sleeping with Shadows and I would recommend that you read this before reading this book. It is not essential but it gives you a great background for this story, with a continuing storyline and reappearing characters. I really enjoyed both Mikhail and Sierra's story and I look forward to more from this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sierra is now Sunfire Queen, with her mother gone she thought things would be much better in the Court of Light, but instead she is confronted with chaos. To top it all off there is another war brewing, she has been ordered by the Ard Ri to find the missing beastkyn Mikhail hay have released from his captivity at the hands of the previous Sunfire Queen, but his reason for coming to this country hasn't changed. He must hunt down the deathkyn assassin Bella-Sarah and destroy her in order to protect the life of a young woman dear to him. Sierra and Mikhail will have their work cut out for them while helping to hunt down Mikhail will have their work cut out for them while helping to hunt down the group of kyn that would destroy them all. Sierra and Mikhail will fall hard and fast, but they will have to overcome brutal odds to have a life together.
Well written, and compelling characters that have to survive against all odds, and enemies that would never hesitate to end their lives. Engaging and fast paced plot with a lot off action, magical battles, supernatural creatures, and surprising twists that kept me engrossed in the pages of the books.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.