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City of Sinners #1
King of Vegas
I witness a crime I have no business seeing. Now I’m in the clutches of a powerful and deadly mafia boss.
From the moment he comes into the Dollhouse, he won’t take his eyes off me.
He might be just what I need. A big spender to help me with my money issues.
But there’s just one problem.
This is no average man. This is Giovanni Sorrentino, the new King of Vegas.
And when I stumble on something I shouldn’t, I realize I’m in big trouble.
Now it’s more than just money on the line.
I’m a goner unless I accept his deal—vow to be his, and I get to live.
But how long will it be before this savage King tires of his new toy?
King of Vegas is book 1 of 3 in the City of Sinner's dark mafia romance series. It is not suitable for readers under 18 due to violent and sexual content.
From the moment he comes into the Dollhouse, he won’t take his eyes off me.
He might be just what I need. A big spender to help me with my money issues.
But there’s just one problem.
This is no average man. This is Giovanni Sorrentino, the new King of Vegas.
And when I stumble on something I shouldn’t, I realize I’m in big trouble.
Now it’s more than just money on the line.
I’m a goner unless I accept his deal—vow to be his, and I get to live.
But how long will it be before this savage King tires of his new toy?
King of Vegas is book 1 of 3 in the City of Sinner's dark mafia romance series. It is not suitable for readers under 18 due to violent and sexual content.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2022
352 people are currently reading
1833 people want to read
About the author
Sienne Vega
49 books362 followersSienne has a thing for dark and brooding alphas and the diverse women who love them.
She enjoys writing stories where lines are blurred and the romance is dark and delicious.
In her spare time, she unwinds with a nice glass of wine and Netflix binge.
****ALL of my books have trigger warnings. Please take a sec to either visit siennevega.com for a list OR read the front of the book labeled "Content Warnings".****
She enjoys writing stories where lines are blurred and the romance is dark and delicious.
In her spare time, she unwinds with a nice glass of wine and Netflix binge.
****ALL of my books have trigger warnings. Please take a sec to either visit siennevega.com for a list OR read the front of the book labeled "Content Warnings".****
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 24, 2022
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Mafia Romance (IR)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy & Possessive
Series: Book 1
Pages: 318
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
WHAT I LIKED:
So not going to lie, I like reading a change that the heroine isn’t from a rival family and that she is a stripper, I’ve seen stripper heroines before, but not often. Yes, it’s a profession as old as time-ish and is always questionable but I liked it. Falynn is just trying to make money to pay off debts and the only way to do this, stripping, amongst other things. She was likable and gave nice energy that mesh well with Giovanni’s character at times. Giovanni was becoming obsessed and enthralled with Faylnn. I liked that he couldn’t get enough of her. When the story started, and that intense stare down and moment in the VIP room it was really inviting me into the story. It became ok after, but it’s a story that started to become interesting as it continues.
WHAT WAS SO SO:
Intensity, I wanted more from Giovanni. Yes, he had a temper when he got angry and threw out orders, but he lack intensity for me personally, can’t speak for anyone else. Apart of that, is the way he handle the kidnapping or holding of Faylnn when she witness a murder in the beginning. Faylnn was likable for me, but not all the way lovable. Their coming together was too quickly down. I needed that intense build up a little bit more based on their chemistry in the beginning and I don’t feel like I got that. I remember thinking when they got together, it was too easy and my interest faded a bit. Faylnn tried to escape once, but she so readily accepted what ever Giovanni offer. The secondary plot and traitor, was easy to pin point but still interesting for me. The story noted to be continued, however, it really didn’t end on a cliffhanger-ish, granted there seems to be a tiny bit of unanswered questions with Gio becoming a Don. Also, this wasn’t hardcore dark, but wouldn’t put it in the sweet and nice aisle either, so for me it was mild.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
Of course with a possessive man in charge, their sex scenes were good. I have no issues there as they couldn’t get enough of each other. (Not going to lie, I thought she was going to become pregnant)
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I liked Louis, one of Giovanni’s enforcer, give him to Tasha, I like her as well. Now Giovanni has a twin, Giancarlo. We heard of him but never actually read about him, so maybe he will make a grand entrance in book 2.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Yes.
Did I like the story? Yes, with a few buts.
Would I read the other book in the series? Yes, but depending also were it takes us as there are 3 books in the series.
TRIGGERS: Faylnn describing her past/childhood before leaving home. Violence.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Mafia Romance (IR)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy & Possessive
Series: Book 1
Pages: 318
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
WHAT I LIKED:
So not going to lie, I like reading a change that the heroine isn’t from a rival family and that she is a stripper, I’ve seen stripper heroines before, but not often. Yes, it’s a profession as old as time-ish and is always questionable but I liked it. Falynn is just trying to make money to pay off debts and the only way to do this, stripping, amongst other things. She was likable and gave nice energy that mesh well with Giovanni’s character at times. Giovanni was becoming obsessed and enthralled with Faylnn. I liked that he couldn’t get enough of her. When the story started, and that intense stare down and moment in the VIP room it was really inviting me into the story. It became ok after, but it’s a story that started to become interesting as it continues.
WHAT WAS SO SO:
Intensity, I wanted more from Giovanni. Yes, he had a temper when he got angry and threw out orders, but he lack intensity for me personally, can’t speak for anyone else. Apart of that, is the way he handle the kidnapping or holding of Faylnn when she witness a murder in the beginning. Faylnn was likable for me, but not all the way lovable. Their coming together was too quickly down. I needed that intense build up a little bit more based on their chemistry in the beginning and I don’t feel like I got that. I remember thinking when they got together, it was too easy and my interest faded a bit. Faylnn tried to escape once, but she so readily accepted what ever Giovanni offer. The secondary plot and traitor, was easy to pin point but still interesting for me. The story noted to be continued, however, it really didn’t end on a cliffhanger-ish, granted there seems to be a tiny bit of unanswered questions with Gio becoming a Don. Also, this wasn’t hardcore dark, but wouldn’t put it in the sweet and nice aisle either, so for me it was mild.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
Of course with a possessive man in charge, their sex scenes were good. I have no issues there as they couldn’t get enough of each other. (Not going to lie, I thought she was going to become pregnant)
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I liked Louis, one of Giovanni’s enforcer, give him to Tasha, I like her as well. Now Giovanni has a twin, Giancarlo. We heard of him but never actually read about him, so maybe he will make a grand entrance in book 2.
OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Yes.
Did I like the story? Yes, with a few buts.
Would I read the other book in the series? Yes, but depending also were it takes us as there are 3 books in the series.
TRIGGERS: Faylnn describing her past/childhood before leaving home. Violence.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
March 23, 2022
I love a good mafia romance, and I’ve read quite a few of them. I must say this was neither good or bad for me, just fine. Part of it is because I REALLY do not like stories where black heroines are strippers, escorts, etc. I decided to try and push through and see if I was being irrational…I wasn’t.
Besides that the story was fine your typical mafia story with a monster who is supposed to be scary but really is a big softie and heroine who makes silly decisions from time to time.
Not my favorite, but not bad. I’ll probably check out the sequel when it comes out because I’m a completionist.
Besides that the story was fine your typical mafia story with a monster who is supposed to be scary but really is a big softie and heroine who makes silly decisions from time to time.
Not my favorite, but not bad. I’ll probably check out the sequel when it comes out because I’m a completionist.
February 18, 2022
Loved our hero Gio! A jealous/possessive mafia leader obsessed with our heroine ❤️❤️He was pretty ruthless with everyone but was obsessed to distraction with the heroine. Sex scenes were pretty hot.
Falynn was not the best heroine to root for. She had numerous TSTL moments which was odd given her background. I wanted her to either be a bit more “innocent” or tougher. Her in between personality came off a bit blahhhh.
The “rat” was easy to spot from the beginning 🙄
HFN✅ Story will continue in book 2. I think it will be a continuation of this couple.
Falynn was not the best heroine to root for. She had numerous TSTL moments which was odd given her background. I wanted her to either be a bit more “innocent” or tougher. Her in between personality came off a bit blahhhh.
The “rat” was easy to spot from the beginning 🙄
HFN✅ Story will continue in book 2. I think it will be a continuation of this couple.
February 24, 2022
Buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha personified, possessive, oh, so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a deliciously dark story . There will be betrayal, danger, revenge, suspense, threats and so much more. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Falynn is a dancer at the Dollhouse who needs money noticing who walks through the door hoping that she can make enough money in this one night but what she didn’t realize is this one night would forever change her. Gio sexy as all get out mob boss with a reputation that proceeds him, he does things without feeling or so they say until the moment he meets the feisty dancer who changes him in so many ways on so many levels that he isn’t yet ready to acknowledge. So, when his little dancer witness something she shouldn’t have he decides to keep her landing her right where he wants her in the clutches of the King of Vegas . She wants to fight him every step of the way but her body has a mind of its own and so she is at his mercy with the will to run yet something about him keeps her from running to far although he has put a little fear in her will she stay or will she try to escape, will he admit that she has changed him, can he make it through the betrayal, and can the King and his dancer get their own HEA?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Falynn is a dancer at the Dollhouse who needs money noticing who walks through the door hoping that she can make enough money in this one night but what she didn’t realize is this one night would forever change her. Gio sexy as all get out mob boss with a reputation that proceeds him, he does things without feeling or so they say until the moment he meets the feisty dancer who changes him in so many ways on so many levels that he isn’t yet ready to acknowledge. So, when his little dancer witness something she shouldn’t have he decides to keep her landing her right where he wants her in the clutches of the King of Vegas . She wants to fight him every step of the way but her body has a mind of its own and so she is at his mercy with the will to run yet something about him keeps her from running to far although he has put a little fear in her will she stay or will she try to escape, will he admit that she has changed him, can he make it through the betrayal, and can the King and his dancer get their own HEA?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2022
This book was honestly one of my top 10 reads of the year and after I finished it I had to buy the paperback. I could not put it down and I did not want it to end. This book was sexy, angry, dramatic, intense, and everything you need to take your heart on the best kind of emotional ride. It is an enchanting dirty and dark ride in which boy meets girl and they do not know if they are meant to be together or forever apart. The characters in this book had me fighting with them, crying with them, feeling their anger, and rooting for their love.
Falynn and Giovanni could not fight what they felt and could not stay away from each other. Falynn was no innocent girl nor the girl next door. She was sexy, smart, charming, and sweetly down to earth. Despite being looked at as the girl from the wrong side of the tracks she was loyal and had heart. When a meeting with her sleazy boss makes her a witness to his murder it puts her at the mercy and the home of Giovanni. Giovanni is 100% the possessive, jealous, sexy, and very bossy Alpha. Gio is currently trying to become the next Kind of the Mafia empire, and Falynn is a distraction he does not need but can't stay away from. Hands and hearts all in the journey for these 2 is steamy yet heartfelt, and a testament to how far a King goes for his Queen. The push and pull between them is spicy and sweet all in one! Book 2 can't get here soon enough!
Falynn and Giovanni could not fight what they felt and could not stay away from each other. Falynn was no innocent girl nor the girl next door. She was sexy, smart, charming, and sweetly down to earth. Despite being looked at as the girl from the wrong side of the tracks she was loyal and had heart. When a meeting with her sleazy boss makes her a witness to his murder it puts her at the mercy and the home of Giovanni. Giovanni is 100% the possessive, jealous, sexy, and very bossy Alpha. Gio is currently trying to become the next Kind of the Mafia empire, and Falynn is a distraction he does not need but can't stay away from. Hands and hearts all in the journey for these 2 is steamy yet heartfelt, and a testament to how far a King goes for his Queen. The push and pull between them is spicy and sweet all in one! Book 2 can't get here soon enough!
March 4, 2022
This was not a good book, the characters were so unlikeable and there is no real love story it’s mostly lust. The main girl is a stripper who want to start escorting and the main dude sees her and likes her. Then she wittiness him murder someone and he kidnaps her to his 5 star hotel. He should kill her but he also want to really sleep with her. 60% of the book is them sleeping together and there is no real story. I couldn’t stand the main girl, one moment she would say one thing then do something else the next. The main guy is supposed to be this big bad mafia dude, but he just felt like someone who was trying to be the big bad wolf. Anyway in my opinion don’t wast your time on this.
July 17, 2022
I think it's fairly well written, with my only complaints being the female lead's naiveté and repetitive inner monologue.
Characters tend to be written in one place or scene, such as the penthouse or the casino, most of the time.
There is no doubt that the characters and writing are easy to read, but the writing is, in truth, childish. Most of the prose feels trite and lacks complexity.
Even though this wasn't my favorite read, it was enjoyable and I want to find out what happens in the sequel.
Characters tend to be written in one place or scene, such as the penthouse or the casino, most of the time.
There is no doubt that the characters and writing are easy to read, but the writing is, in truth, childish. Most of the prose feels trite and lacks complexity.
Even though this wasn't my favorite read, it was enjoyable and I want to find out what happens in the sequel.
November 30, 2023
2.5 stars
This was neither good nor bad. Aside from the writing style (too many exclamation marks for me) the story is very fast paced and half of the plot is sex (again, nothing new and fast paced so I ended up skipping the long paragraphs towards the end).
I don't like The miscommunication trope, though if it's well done I can go with it. But this one, once again since it's so fast paced, its an absurd conflict that could totally be prevented and offers nothing new to the plot.
I'm not engaged enough to read the rest of the trilogy, maybe another time
This was neither good nor bad. Aside from the writing style (too many exclamation marks for me) the story is very fast paced and half of the plot is sex (again, nothing new and fast paced so I ended up skipping the long paragraphs towards the end).
I don't like The miscommunication trope, though if it's well done I can go with it. But this one, once again since it's so fast paced, its an absurd conflict that could totally be prevented and offers nothing new to the plot.
I'm not engaged enough to read the rest of the trilogy, maybe another time
February 25, 2022
Great start to a new trilogy. Falynn sees something she shouldn’t have and Gio shows up at the gentleman’s club she works at and sparks fly. He won’t let her leave the club to keep her safe but will she become more than just a toy? Fast-paced mafia read with loads of drama, suspense and sizzling scenes. Entertaining story, I liked it.
July 17, 2022
An exciting mobster romance. Gio is an unapologetic mafia capo with a healthy bloodlust. Falynn is a stripper who’s faced with mounting debt made by her boyfriend’s street dealings. The night Falynn decides to offer clients more than a dance she meets Gio and witnesses a murder. Gio now has a decision to make. He either kills her or keeps her and he knows that either choice will change him.
April 3, 2024
Quite an easy read but there wasn't much to the plot.
It wasn't overwhelming so that's great and it does leave room for curiosity as to what is to take place in the next book. I wish there was more brutality showcased from the male protagonists side when it comes to his line of work. Having the character be the one say it, instead of his story tell it only makes it feel like more of a biteless bark.
It wasn't overwhelming so that's great and it does leave room for curiosity as to what is to take place in the next book. I wish there was more brutality showcased from the male protagonists side when it comes to his line of work. Having the character be the one say it, instead of his story tell it only makes it feel like more of a biteless bark.
December 7, 2022
Soooooo camp it was a hit I fear
February 23, 2022
Wow this book will throw you for loops and make you squirm. The characters will leave a lasting impression and make you wonder what is next. The twists, the betrayal you don't see coming, the emotion that is unexpected makes this story as good as it is!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2023
Meh...2 1/2
New author to me. Not sure what the rave reviews were about. Gio and Falynn was a typical straight forward read and storyline, the mob man that meets the stripper that he is not suppose to falls for. Another h that is a damsel in distress but shes a survivor. She makes SOOOO many bad decisions all her life, never seems to learn from them. She is clueless to all of the danger she constantly is involved in but she has street smarts???? And the H who has all the qualities of toxic masculinity and is toxic and abusive in other ways, but he doesnt hit women??? He's do to be the king of the world, but you fall for the dansel stripper with no street smarts or real survival skills but stripping??? Even the sexy time was there, but also skimmed over. Ok if you have nothing more to read, but I wasn't impressed at all. Kind of annoying because I kept waiting to find the hidden treasures of the H/H and never found anything.
New author to me. Not sure what the rave reviews were about. Gio and Falynn was a typical straight forward read and storyline, the mob man that meets the stripper that he is not suppose to falls for. Another h that is a damsel in distress but shes a survivor. She makes SOOOO many bad decisions all her life, never seems to learn from them. She is clueless to all of the danger she constantly is involved in but she has street smarts???? And the H who has all the qualities of toxic masculinity and is toxic and abusive in other ways, but he doesnt hit women??? He's do to be the king of the world, but you fall for the dansel stripper with no street smarts or real survival skills but stripping??? Even the sexy time was there, but also skimmed over. Ok if you have nothing more to read, but I wasn't impressed at all. Kind of annoying because I kept waiting to find the hidden treasures of the H/H and never found anything.
February 22, 2022
Woweee… I didn’t know I needed this book as much as it turned out I did - literally feel like having a post coital cigarette after reading some of the steamy scenes between these two! I love a good “wrong place at the wrong time” power dynamic and this story does not disappoint. Get a glass of wine and enjoy a long read in a snuggly bed with this one.
October 9, 2023
DNF at 36%. It’s like a thesaurus vomited on the pages.
March 12, 2024
Book 1 in the City of Sinners series follows Giovanni Sorrentino as he fights for his place as the rightful heir to the Sorrentino Mafia empire in Las Vegas. He will let nobody and nothing get in the way of his destiny as the next king to ascend the throne that his father is due to leave vacant due to his deteriorating health. The, one day, Gio and his men visit The Dollhouse for some business. And all goes according to plan, until a slight disturbance occurs and all their lives change, especially Gio's.
Enter: Faylynn Carter, a dancer at the club who's in a pinch for money following the arrest of her good-for-nothing boyfriend, who's also left her marooned on a mountain of debt. Faylynn actually starts considering adding to her services at the club apart from just the dancing. And right when she's got her eyes on the man she's certain will help free her from this hold she finds herself in, things couldn't take a turn for the worst any faster. What was meant to be her big break ends up getting her into even more trouble and her life is never the same after that; she's literally in the middle of a mafia war at some point and that has long lasting effects.
This was well written, I just had a feeling that better-sounding/fitting words/phrases could've been made use of here and there. But overall, I enjoyed the story. Also would've appreciated more passion from Gio. Yes, he's obsessed with the love interest and they have all this explosive sex everywhere but I felt that the passion was a bit lacking. I needed to see him open up more, be more vulnerable with Faylynn and show her exactly what she means to him. Granted, there's moments where I expected a bit more from Faylynn as well but as the main driver of this story, Gio is the one I had more of my focus on.
Also also, not sure how many people enjoy being reminded EVERY SINGLE TIME that Gio is this ripped god of sex, macho, alpha male that has all these muscles everywhere on his body and this long and thick dick that- sigh. Come on. Not every description attributed to him has to remind us of what we've been getting told this whole time. It got too repetitive for my liking. The same applies to Faylynn's character as well; she has curves for dayzzzz, we heard it the first 500 times. I just think, if not kept to a minimum, these types of descriptions/word choices just reduce the characters to their physical appearances.
Enter: Faylynn Carter, a dancer at the club who's in a pinch for money following the arrest of her good-for-nothing boyfriend, who's also left her marooned on a mountain of debt. Faylynn actually starts considering adding to her services at the club apart from just the dancing. And right when she's got her eyes on the man she's certain will help free her from this hold she finds herself in, things couldn't take a turn for the worst any faster. What was meant to be her big break ends up getting her into even more trouble and her life is never the same after that; she's literally in the middle of a mafia war at some point and that has long lasting effects.
This was well written, I just had a feeling that better-sounding/fitting words/phrases could've been made use of here and there. But overall, I enjoyed the story. Also would've appreciated more passion from Gio. Yes, he's obsessed with the love interest and they have all this explosive sex everywhere but I felt that the passion was a bit lacking. I needed to see him open up more, be more vulnerable with Faylynn and show her exactly what she means to him. Granted, there's moments where I expected a bit more from Faylynn as well but as the main driver of this story, Gio is the one I had more of my focus on.
Also also, not sure how many people enjoy being reminded EVERY SINGLE TIME that Gio is this ripped god of sex, macho, alpha male that has all these muscles everywhere on his body and this long and thick dick that- sigh. Come on. Not every description attributed to him has to remind us of what we've been getting told this whole time. It got too repetitive for my liking. The same applies to Faylynn's character as well; she has curves for dayzzzz, we heard it the first 500 times. I just think, if not kept to a minimum, these types of descriptions/word choices just reduce the characters to their physical appearances.
January 28, 2023
4.5 Stars
Sometimes, people are victims of circumstance(s) and see no way out of their situation other than the path they choose—rightly or wrongly. I'm ambivalent about the heroine's choice of occupation given that she is relying on a skill set (dancing) that she has that will allow her to make fast money to cover her jailbird boyfriend's outstanding debt. As mentioned in another review, why on earth would she be responsible for HIS debt?! Still, I rode with it.
Getting back to it ...
Falynn Carter is a dancer at the Dollhouse where from the stage she meets the eyes of Giovanni Sorrentino. This is the night that she decides to cross the line into uncharted territory by making herself available for special patrons.
Of course, when Gio requests private time with Falynn, we know that things are going to cross a line—and of course, predictably they are interrupted. When Falynn goes to meet with her boss Jerry, she sees his dead body and she is forced by Giovanni to be his special guest, without her consent. She's determined to find a way out of his clutches and Gio is both annoyed and intrigued by her fearlessness and sassy mouth.
Eventually, they find common ground and Gio decides he needs a pretend girlfriend (yes, the story goes there) for the sake of his father and for his end goal—King of Vegas! Of course, Gio's girlfriend must have the best of the best, so Gio takes her on a shopping spree, reminiscent of Pretty Woman, Falynn is practically in love—at least she is with the designer clothing she models for Gio; Valentino, La Perla, Givenchy and Jimmy Choo, just to name a few—plus jewelry from Cartier—seriously, who doesn't love Cartier and NO spending limit.
The more time they spend together, the more Falynn shares parts of herself while Gio shares very little. Despite his lack of sharing, Gio starts to experience real emotions for Falynn and dares anybody to look at her wrong or harm a hair on her head. Gio's attention becomes divided as he focuses more on Falynn while running his Mafia Empire, complete with enemies that will stop at nothing to bring him down. His success will determine if his father will officially hand him the reins or his failure will give an opportunity to his identical twin brother who is waiting in the wings to oust Gio from his rightful place on the throne. Highly Recommended: Read It!
Book One of Three + Spin-off Story (Book 4)
Next Up: Queen of Hearts (Book 2)
Sometimes, people are victims of circumstance(s) and see no way out of their situation other than the path they choose—rightly or wrongly. I'm ambivalent about the heroine's choice of occupation given that she is relying on a skill set (dancing) that she has that will allow her to make fast money to cover her jailbird boyfriend's outstanding debt. As mentioned in another review, why on earth would she be responsible for HIS debt?! Still, I rode with it.
Getting back to it ...
Falynn Carter is a dancer at the Dollhouse where from the stage she meets the eyes of Giovanni Sorrentino. This is the night that she decides to cross the line into uncharted territory by making herself available for special patrons.
Of course, when Gio requests private time with Falynn, we know that things are going to cross a line—and of course, predictably they are interrupted. When Falynn goes to meet with her boss Jerry, she sees his dead body and she is forced by Giovanni to be his special guest, without her consent. She's determined to find a way out of his clutches and Gio is both annoyed and intrigued by her fearlessness and sassy mouth.
Eventually, they find common ground and Gio decides he needs a pretend girlfriend (yes, the story goes there) for the sake of his father and for his end goal—King of Vegas! Of course, Gio's girlfriend must have the best of the best, so Gio takes her on a shopping spree, reminiscent of Pretty Woman, Falynn is practically in love—at least she is with the designer clothing she models for Gio; Valentino, La Perla, Givenchy and Jimmy Choo, just to name a few—plus jewelry from Cartier—seriously, who doesn't love Cartier and NO spending limit.
The more time they spend together, the more Falynn shares parts of herself while Gio shares very little. Despite his lack of sharing, Gio starts to experience real emotions for Falynn and dares anybody to look at her wrong or harm a hair on her head. Gio's attention becomes divided as he focuses more on Falynn while running his Mafia Empire, complete with enemies that will stop at nothing to bring him down. His success will determine if his father will officially hand him the reins or his failure will give an opportunity to his identical twin brother who is waiting in the wings to oust Gio from his rightful place on the throne. Highly Recommended: Read It!
Book One of Three + Spin-off Story (Book 4)
Next Up: Queen of Hearts (Book 2)
October 17, 2023
Non Spoiler Review:
It was fine. I’ve read quite a few mafia romances and I’ve even read some that had Black heroines but to be honest, this one is fairly lackluster. I would barely consider this a mafia romance. The positives are that the spicy scenes were pretty medium spicy and the book is a pretty easy read. However, because it’s a easy read, that’s also one of its pitfalls. The structure of the plot line itself is not very complex, nor is the actual writing itself so it’s not the most engaging book. The story is quite predictable and does not have any of the exciting elements that make me want to read a mafia romance (hence why I barely consider it a mafia romance). I think overall I don’t feel a huge sense of danger or urgency with the plot. The stakes feel very low, and almost seems to be an afterthought so much. Overall, I think the elements are there however, the connection to them seems disjointed and it almost feels like you’re reading two different books. Again overall the book was fine. I did have to push through the remaining 20% of the book but it was enjoyable in the beginning.
SPOILERS!!!!!!!!
The FMC is both naïve while also being aware of “Street rules“. And many of her decisions lack any real sense. I also hate that the bulk of her story and personality is boiled down to be a stripper that turns into an escort. Now I have read urban romances where the FMC is a stripper however, I have an issue when that becomes 80% of the plot to the point where her background is focus more on her terrible choices in men and occupation.
Now Gio is my least favorite mafia prince that I’ve read in a while. For someone who is supposed to be the heir to this empire, it seems that he is too green and often makes stupid decisions. At the very least, he does not seem to be cunning or strategic enough to make him a believable mafia prince. After being with Faylyn for a little bit, he goes from being “ calm, and collected” to a loose cannon, throwing violent tantrums (he never hits her, but he destroys rooms and offices for no reason) mostly out of nowhere. Also, I don’t love how the author phrases this change in a way that blames the FMC’s presence. It felt like a cop out, I don’t think there was enough groundwork to make that believable.
It was fine. I’ve read quite a few mafia romances and I’ve even read some that had Black heroines but to be honest, this one is fairly lackluster. I would barely consider this a mafia romance. The positives are that the spicy scenes were pretty medium spicy and the book is a pretty easy read. However, because it’s a easy read, that’s also one of its pitfalls. The structure of the plot line itself is not very complex, nor is the actual writing itself so it’s not the most engaging book. The story is quite predictable and does not have any of the exciting elements that make me want to read a mafia romance (hence why I barely consider it a mafia romance). I think overall I don’t feel a huge sense of danger or urgency with the plot. The stakes feel very low, and almost seems to be an afterthought so much. Overall, I think the elements are there however, the connection to them seems disjointed and it almost feels like you’re reading two different books. Again overall the book was fine. I did have to push through the remaining 20% of the book but it was enjoyable in the beginning.
SPOILERS!!!!!!!!
The FMC is both naïve while also being aware of “Street rules“. And many of her decisions lack any real sense. I also hate that the bulk of her story and personality is boiled down to be a stripper that turns into an escort. Now I have read urban romances where the FMC is a stripper however, I have an issue when that becomes 80% of the plot to the point where her background is focus more on her terrible choices in men and occupation.
Now Gio is my least favorite mafia prince that I’ve read in a while. For someone who is supposed to be the heir to this empire, it seems that he is too green and often makes stupid decisions. At the very least, he does not seem to be cunning or strategic enough to make him a believable mafia prince. After being with Faylyn for a little bit, he goes from being “ calm, and collected” to a loose cannon, throwing violent tantrums (he never hits her, but he destroys rooms and offices for no reason) mostly out of nowhere. Also, I don’t love how the author phrases this change in a way that blames the FMC’s presence. It felt like a cop out, I don’t think there was enough groundwork to make that believable.
July 29, 2022
Wait What?
*****Spoilers*****
Falynn is a stripper looking for a comeup. On the night she decides to go from just stripping to doing other favors in the back rooms, Giovanni is visiting the strip club and sees her. He's the son of a mob boss, waiting in the wings along with his brother for their father to choose a successor. Italian and loaded which is exactly what Falynn is looking for. Gio books her for a private session which gets interrupted. From there, she sees his men wrapping the dead club manager in a rug and Gio takes her. The develop a relationship, there's some family angst for Gio along with a turf war and Falynn is involved since she's sharing her life with Gio.
The book was written well and for most of the book I was fully engaged. It's written well and I couldn't help wanting things to work out between Falynn and Gio. What made it not so great were certain things that didn't quite the ring true. Gio's inner dialogue was less polished than I would've expected, Falynn with the running away from Gio, Falynn with the poor decision making, Gio all of a sudden losing his cool, everything happens in a few weeks, Gio's best friend turning out to be a traitor, the fact that said friend TELLS Gio randomly when he was getting away with it, the turf war, etc. I could go on but there were just so many things. There's a lot of sex but it's just kind of on the pages without the feelings to make it sexy.
*****Spoilers*****
Falynn is a stripper looking for a comeup. On the night she decides to go from just stripping to doing other favors in the back rooms, Giovanni is visiting the strip club and sees her. He's the son of a mob boss, waiting in the wings along with his brother for their father to choose a successor. Italian and loaded which is exactly what Falynn is looking for. Gio books her for a private session which gets interrupted. From there, she sees his men wrapping the dead club manager in a rug and Gio takes her. The develop a relationship, there's some family angst for Gio along with a turf war and Falynn is involved since she's sharing her life with Gio.
The book was written well and for most of the book I was fully engaged. It's written well and I couldn't help wanting things to work out between Falynn and Gio. What made it not so great were certain things that didn't quite the ring true. Gio's inner dialogue was less polished than I would've expected, Falynn with the running away from Gio, Falynn with the poor decision making, Gio all of a sudden losing his cool, everything happens in a few weeks, Gio's best friend turning out to be a traitor, the fact that said friend TELLS Gio randomly when he was getting away with it, the turf war, etc. I could go on but there were just so many things. There's a lot of sex but it's just kind of on the pages without the feelings to make it sexy.
February 26, 2022
Shame (contains spoilers)
The book started well, although the premise of the mafia Prince and the stripper is not a new one. At the beginning Gio fit the bill of the dominant mafia man, however he lost his way. The petulant destruction of property, not seing the red flags around him were not fitting of a dominant mafia man. There was a lot of telling how cold and calculated he was but the facts didn’t show these traits. Letting Fallyn slap him more than once, letting her get away with lying about Enzo, apologizing to her while she’s the one who betrayed him by leaving were a few examples of inconsistencies.
As for Fallyn, I realize she was young, however I wish she would have been smarter and more ambitious. For instance I was stunned that she would defend someone who saddled her with lots of debts and put her life in danger so much so that she protected Enzo from Gio while supposedly being in love with him. I got frustrated with the whining about Gio’s dedication to his business instead of taking the opportunity to continue her studies while she’s in a penthouse on her own. But what really took the cake was her trusting Robby whilst she knew he hated her, leaving without a word, continuing using the fake ID and worse going back to stripping. Basically painting a target on her back.
The book started well, although the premise of the mafia Prince and the stripper is not a new one. At the beginning Gio fit the bill of the dominant mafia man, however he lost his way. The petulant destruction of property, not seing the red flags around him were not fitting of a dominant mafia man. There was a lot of telling how cold and calculated he was but the facts didn’t show these traits. Letting Fallyn slap him more than once, letting her get away with lying about Enzo, apologizing to her while she’s the one who betrayed him by leaving were a few examples of inconsistencies.
As for Fallyn, I realize she was young, however I wish she would have been smarter and more ambitious. For instance I was stunned that she would defend someone who saddled her with lots of debts and put her life in danger so much so that she protected Enzo from Gio while supposedly being in love with him. I got frustrated with the whining about Gio’s dedication to his business instead of taking the opportunity to continue her studies while she’s in a penthouse on her own. But what really took the cake was her trusting Robby whilst she knew he hated her, leaving without a word, continuing using the fake ID and worse going back to stripping. Basically painting a target on her back.
December 18, 2023
Dnf-ed at 35%.
I picked this book after seeing it suggested on Instagram as the description reminded me of another book that I'd read and loved.
The story had a lot of potential but the way it was executed it was horrible.
The main characters were very unlikable.
Some of the bits that made me laugh😂
"An actual joke from the cold, mysterious man who is holding me captive?"
So far the guy had been anything but cold 😂 mysterious neither. Hell, even I wouldn't have been afraid of him, even tho I knew he was a mobster.
"Maybe I can distract him with sexy cleavage while I pretend his piercing stare doesn’t make my vagina dance"
No, stop please! I cringed so hard when I read this.
"I tease him with a small smile. “I’m still not sleeping with you.” Who am I kidding? This is almost certainly a lie."
So just because he bought you clothes, you're now going to sleep with him? *insert facepalm *
And the last part "Not only is she gorgeous, but she’s charming and smart"
Yeah, I don't know about smart 😂 tip for the author: you need to convince us that she's smart, not tell us.
Up to that part I had witnessed absolutely nothing that showed she was smart. Same thing for the male character. I just couldn't go on reading...
I hate not finishing books but life is too short to be spent reading books you don't enjoy! I already lost time reading this one.
I picked this book after seeing it suggested on Instagram as the description reminded me of another book that I'd read and loved.
The story had a lot of potential but the way it was executed it was horrible.
The main characters were very unlikable.
Some of the bits that made me laugh😂
"An actual joke from the cold, mysterious man who is holding me captive?"
So far the guy had been anything but cold 😂 mysterious neither. Hell, even I wouldn't have been afraid of him, even tho I knew he was a mobster.
"Maybe I can distract him with sexy cleavage while I pretend his piercing stare doesn’t make my vagina dance"
No, stop please! I cringed so hard when I read this.
"I tease him with a small smile. “I’m still not sleeping with you.” Who am I kidding? This is almost certainly a lie."
So just because he bought you clothes, you're now going to sleep with him? *insert facepalm *
And the last part "Not only is she gorgeous, but she’s charming and smart"
Yeah, I don't know about smart 😂 tip for the author: you need to convince us that she's smart, not tell us.
Up to that part I had witnessed absolutely nothing that showed she was smart. Same thing for the male character. I just couldn't go on reading...
I hate not finishing books but life is too short to be spent reading books you don't enjoy! I already lost time reading this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2024
its alright. i think there’s just too much smut, like at times its okay but its so repetitive. there’s also a sequel but i dont really care for it, especially since the preview in this one was just them getting off again. i thought it was gonna be from the pov of the brother, since he is gonna be a main character, but nope. I guess sex really sells.
The characters are okay. I like Honey(forgot how to spell her name). Gio has his moments. That one bodyguard is funny. The other one can smd. I do however think the pace changes a bit too fast once Honey and Gio has sex for the first time. I didnt like it but i finished it so oh well.
Other than that tho… its kind of cute sometimes, i wish there was more cute moments like them watching movies on the couch. Alot of stuff just comes down to sex really. theres also like two times when he “punishes her”. kind of r*pey but maybe thats just how i view it. I skimmed through those because its really uncomfortable. The 3rd act was actually entertaining then most book, but was dragging at times. yeah thats all i have to say.
wait a moment that stood out to be was the aunt ignorant comment, it was pretty funny.
The characters are okay. I like Honey(forgot how to spell her name). Gio has his moments. That one bodyguard is funny. The other one can smd. I do however think the pace changes a bit too fast once Honey and Gio has sex for the first time. I didnt like it but i finished it so oh well.
Other than that tho… its kind of cute sometimes, i wish there was more cute moments like them watching movies on the couch. Alot of stuff just comes down to sex really. theres also like two times when he “punishes her”. kind of r*pey but maybe thats just how i view it. I skimmed through those because its really uncomfortable. The 3rd act was actually entertaining then most book, but was dragging at times. yeah thats all i have to say.
wait a moment that stood out to be was the aunt ignorant comment, it was pretty funny.
December 20, 2023
Loved it
Giovanni is hell-bent on inheriting his father's place as head of the Sorrentino crime family. After years of discipline & hard work, he's on track to do it, despite opposition from rival crime families and even members of his own blood.
Gio is tall, handsome, well built & well endowed- he could have any woman he wanted. Falynn, a beautiful dancer with a killer body who's down on her luck should be easy enough to satisfy his baser needs, right? Instead, she unexpectedly becomes his obsession... and his one weakness.
This story about a ruthless, violent mafioso with eyes for only one woman hits all the spots:
Realistic characters? Check
Steamy? Check
Steamy with a touch of rough, head-spinning loving? Check, check!
The story was entertaining without being complicated; enough action, humor & steam to keep the reader wanting more, I had a hard time putting it down!
Giovanni is hell-bent on inheriting his father's place as head of the Sorrentino crime family. After years of discipline & hard work, he's on track to do it, despite opposition from rival crime families and even members of his own blood.
Gio is tall, handsome, well built & well endowed- he could have any woman he wanted. Falynn, a beautiful dancer with a killer body who's down on her luck should be easy enough to satisfy his baser needs, right? Instead, she unexpectedly becomes his obsession... and his one weakness.
This story about a ruthless, violent mafioso with eyes for only one woman hits all the spots:
Realistic characters? Check
Steamy? Check
Steamy with a touch of rough, head-spinning loving? Check, check!
The story was entertaining without being complicated; enough action, humor & steam to keep the reader wanting more, I had a hard time putting it down!
July 3, 2024
I love a good stripper romance for real life reasons, so I just knew Ms. Vega was going to do her thing.
I was also a wee bit nervous because so many authors fail at writing romance books were the FMC is a stripper. This book did not disappoint.
I wasn't a huge fan of how they met, but I had to remember that these characters are morally grey, so I need to get over that. Once I did, the book was smooth sailing.
Gio didn't give me alpha, but he did give me beta-alpha. I still fucks with him regardless. I enjoyed how much he enjoy Falynn. I loved the way he loved her. It was a natural transition into love and not some forced thing.
Falynn was just a sweet girl who never really knew love and was searching for someone to care for her completely and I'm glad she found that in Gio. She was a loyal chic who could keep a secret, which is my kind of girl.
I look forward to continuing this series!
I was also a wee bit nervous because so many authors fail at writing romance books were the FMC is a stripper. This book did not disappoint.
I wasn't a huge fan of how they met, but I had to remember that these characters are morally grey, so I need to get over that. Once I did, the book was smooth sailing.
Gio didn't give me alpha, but he did give me beta-alpha. I still fucks with him regardless. I enjoyed how much he enjoy Falynn. I loved the way he loved her. It was a natural transition into love and not some forced thing.
Falynn was just a sweet girl who never really knew love and was searching for someone to care for her completely and I'm glad she found that in Gio. She was a loyal chic who could keep a secret, which is my kind of girl.
I look forward to continuing this series!
April 4, 2022
Amazingly Good
Book 1 in Ms. Vega’s City of Sinners Series set a high bar and I can’t wait to read the next story. This story had tropes: mafia, fake relationship and kidnapping, written so crisply and fresh. When dancer Falynn witnesses a hit instead of killing her mob boss Gio takes her with him. He finds himself drawn to her and against the advice of his right hand man starts to fall deeper. The story is hot and so complex…..whew, I loved it. They have conflict and end on a happy for now note but we know there is going to be lots more fallout and I for one will be happy to tag along. I am going to purchase this book and any others in this series. Great story….dark romance but sweet. Gio is a beast with a soul and Falynn is funny and cute…my new favorite couple.
Book 1 in Ms. Vega’s City of Sinners Series set a high bar and I can’t wait to read the next story. This story had tropes: mafia, fake relationship and kidnapping, written so crisply and fresh. When dancer Falynn witnesses a hit instead of killing her mob boss Gio takes her with him. He finds himself drawn to her and against the advice of his right hand man starts to fall deeper. The story is hot and so complex…..whew, I loved it. They have conflict and end on a happy for now note but we know there is going to be lots more fallout and I for one will be happy to tag along. I am going to purchase this book and any others in this series. Great story….dark romance but sweet. Gio is a beast with a soul and Falynn is funny and cute…my new favorite couple.
September 10, 2024
welp it’s official this is the best book i’ve ever read… some may have their opinions but i’ll give my reasoning. basically my dumbass has been searching for this exact book for years all my favorite things in 1
-strippers
-mafia king/don
-pretty women vibes
-BLACK WOMEN MAIN CHARACTER
This folks was something i was continuously searching for on tiktok and could never find … happened to stumble upon it on KU and its official it’s the best book ever. ANOTHER big thing i focus on is how the word are articulated…so basically is the writing good?? YEAHHHH BROTHERR this writing was phenomenal perfect description, nothing to repetitive, not to many corny words, and big words. Im officially in love with this book and author thank you I love you I love you GIO AND FAYLYN MARRY MEEEE
(longest review i’ve ever made)
-strippers
-mafia king/don
-pretty women vibes
-BLACK WOMEN MAIN CHARACTER
This folks was something i was continuously searching for on tiktok and could never find … happened to stumble upon it on KU and its official it’s the best book ever. ANOTHER big thing i focus on is how the word are articulated…so basically is the writing good?? YEAHHHH BROTHERR this writing was phenomenal perfect description, nothing to repetitive, not to many corny words, and big words. Im officially in love with this book and author thank you I love you I love you GIO AND FAYLYN MARRY MEEEE
(longest review i’ve ever made)
September 11, 2025
“King of Vegas” pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go until the end. Sienne Vega has crafted a gripping dark mafia romance that is equal parts dangerous, thrilling, and utterly addictive. Giovanni Sorrentino is the perfect anti-hero—ruthless, powerful, yet magnetic in a way that makes it impossible not to be drawn to him.
The chemistry between the characters is intense and filled with tension, making every interaction electric. The writing is sharp and fast-paced, balancing the dark, gritty world of Vegas with moments of vulnerability and raw emotion. I found myself completely invested in the story, flipping pages late into the night just to see what would happen next.
If you love mafia romance with high stakes, passion, and a touch of danger, this book delivers it all. I can’t wait to continue the City of Sinners series!
The chemistry between the characters is intense and filled with tension, making every interaction electric. The writing is sharp and fast-paced, balancing the dark, gritty world of Vegas with moments of vulnerability and raw emotion. I found myself completely invested in the story, flipping pages late into the night just to see what would happen next.
If you love mafia romance with high stakes, passion, and a touch of danger, this book delivers it all. I can’t wait to continue the City of Sinners series!
February 25, 2022
This is the 1st book in the City of Sinners series featuring Giovanni and Falynn's dark and sexy story. Falynn's problems start when she sees something that she shouldn't have seen. This leads to Gio coming to see her at the gentleman's club that she works at and talk about sparks I thought that the VIP room was going to catch fire from their sparks. Gio is keeping her at the club for her own safety and Falynn can't decide if she wants to kiss him or kick him. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this dark and steamy story. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2022
This is Book 1 in the City of Sinners Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is a suspenseful romance between mob boss Giovanni and stripper Falynn. These flawed but likeable characters and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. It is a wild ride with drama, murder, secrets, lies, betrayal, danger, action, steam, frustrating moments, unexpected twists, and passion, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. The main characters share an undeniable chemistry and connection. A good start to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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