What do you think?
Rate this book
Liam
This little piggy bought a grenade. This little piggy used it to have some fun. And this little piggy went boom.
Quinn never planned on falling in love with her best friend’s brother. She also never planned on acting on it. And she definitely didn’t think he’d ever return her feelings.
But entering his world came with consequences. Yet Quinn refused to stay away. Even if it meant giving up everything to be with him.
Liam thought he had more time. More time with Quinn. More time to prolong his fate. More time before his life was no longer his own.
But then he became king of an empire and the thing most precious to him became his biggest weakness. He would do everything to make sure Quinn stayed safe. Even if it meant giving her up.
This is the first book in the Tainted Kings series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are story elements that weave through each book, so they are best enjoyed read in order.
Note from the My characters like to get it on and sometimes swear. Every book has a HEA and there’s no cheating.
Quinn never planned on falling in love with her best friend’s brother. She also never planned on acting on it. And she definitely didn’t think he’d ever return her feelings.
But entering his world came with consequences. Yet Quinn refused to stay away. Even if it meant giving up everything to be with him.
Liam thought he had more time. More time with Quinn. More time to prolong his fate. More time before his life was no longer his own.
But then he became king of an empire and the thing most precious to him became his biggest weakness. He would do everything to make sure Quinn stayed safe. Even if it meant giving her up.
This is the first book in the Tainted Kings series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are story elements that weave through each book, so they are best enjoyed read in order.
Note from the My characters like to get it on and sometimes swear. Every book has a HEA and there’s no cheating.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2022
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Peis
25 books98 followersI love the written word in all forms and shapes and if I'm not glued to a book I'm attempting to write one.
I’m a frequent blonde moment sufferer and still trying to figure out how to adult. I live in Melbourne, Australia, with my two little humans, the holder of my heart and two furry demons. I love to hear from readers so feel free to get in touch.
I’m a frequent blonde moment sufferer and still trying to figure out how to adult. I live in Melbourne, Australia, with my two little humans, the holder of my heart and two furry demons. I love to hear from readers so feel free to get in touch.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 30, 2022
Liam and Quinn is going to melt your heart. Their chemistry was off the charts you can tell they were each others soul mate. I loved how madly in love they both were. He was protective over her without being toxic.
There was a little mystery thrown in the story which is gonna keep u hooked it was well written. There was a lot of emotion, the family dynamic between the families was amazing. This book is gonna have you wanting to get ur hands on the next book asap!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was a little mystery thrown in the story which is gonna keep u hooked it was well written. There was a lot of emotion, the family dynamic between the families was amazing. This book is gonna have you wanting to get ur hands on the next book asap!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2023
The only sign that someone else was in her bedroom was the subtle scent of cigars. Quinn used to crinkle up her nose up at the smell but now she craved it. The smell of Liam. She never knew when he would break into her apartment and sit in the chair in the corner of her room. He never touched her or made a sound. Just sitting...watching. And she always pretended to be asleep never letting him know she knew he was there.
She needed to get over her obsession. Because not only was he her best friend Freya's brother he was the heir to their family business. One of the most feared crime families in Chicago.
Liam Olysses grew up in the life of the mafia being trained since childhood to take his father's place when the time came for him to retire from the life of crime, but losing a man never got easier. He was on the cusp of losing his humanity when he first met her. His sister's best friend. Her laughter soothed his soul and she would be horrified if she knew he bypassed the security system Gunner had set up. Like anything would keep him out.
He knew there would never be anything between them even though the more time he spent near her the harder it was to keep from touching. But she wasn't meant for his life and she was never part of the plan mapped out for him. But instead of doing the right thing and walking away he snuck in her bedroom when the pain became too much. Just watching her sleep soothed him.
I loved this story! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This series is a spin-off of the LOCKED SECURITY Series and I highly recommend that you read it first. We first meet Quinn in Freya & Gunner's story and it is an unforgettable occasion! Locked Security centers around Gunner and his security company, but Tainted Kings circles around Freya's brothers and some of the background story travels from series to series.
Quinn wanted to have something to call her own and moved from Ferguson, a small town outside Seattle, to open her own restaurant in San Francisco. Liam is keeping something major from Quinn knowing that she is going to go ballistic when she finds out, but he had no choice...or does he?
This book is action-packed, full of danger and suspense and smoking hot. I love these brothers! They are killers and not to be taken for granted, but they also love their family. Fists will be flying despite their age, pranks will be pulled and they will give each other hell, but they will do anything to protect those they call family.
Love all the interconnecting characters and how each of their stories are pulled together adding another puzzle piece to the underlying storyline. Highly recommend!
She needed to get over her obsession. Because not only was he her best friend Freya's brother he was the heir to their family business. One of the most feared crime families in Chicago.
Liam Olysses grew up in the life of the mafia being trained since childhood to take his father's place when the time came for him to retire from the life of crime, but losing a man never got easier. He was on the cusp of losing his humanity when he first met her. His sister's best friend. Her laughter soothed his soul and she would be horrified if she knew he bypassed the security system Gunner had set up. Like anything would keep him out.
He knew there would never be anything between them even though the more time he spent near her the harder it was to keep from touching. But she wasn't meant for his life and she was never part of the plan mapped out for him. But instead of doing the right thing and walking away he snuck in her bedroom when the pain became too much. Just watching her sleep soothed him.
I loved this story! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This series is a spin-off of the LOCKED SECURITY Series and I highly recommend that you read it first. We first meet Quinn in Freya & Gunner's story and it is an unforgettable occasion! Locked Security centers around Gunner and his security company, but Tainted Kings circles around Freya's brothers and some of the background story travels from series to series.
Quinn wanted to have something to call her own and moved from Ferguson, a small town outside Seattle, to open her own restaurant in San Francisco. Liam is keeping something major from Quinn knowing that she is going to go ballistic when she finds out, but he had no choice...or does he?
This book is action-packed, full of danger and suspense and smoking hot. I love these brothers! They are killers and not to be taken for granted, but they also love their family. Fists will be flying despite their age, pranks will be pulled and they will give each other hell, but they will do anything to protect those they call family.
Love all the interconnecting characters and how each of their stories are pulled together adding another puzzle piece to the underlying storyline. Highly recommend!
November 15, 2022
This is book #1 of The Tainted Kings series. Liam is set to take over as the head of his family’s Chicago crime family. One of the conditions of being the boss is that his marriage has already been arranged. There is no love there. It is a contract marriage. His world has he always known it is thrown into an uproar when he meets his sister Freya's best friend, Quinn. He cannot get Quinn out of his mind. He knows in his mind that they can never together, but his heart is telling him another story. In the case of the Olysses empire crime does pay. This book has plenty of romance and lots of action as someone has put a price on the head of family members.
As usual the Olysses brothers bring a little humor to the book. These guys would kill somebody for each other, but they sometimes act like they want to kill each other. The old saying that I can talk about my family if I want to, but you better keep your mouth shut is definitely true in this story and in this family. There is a cliffhanger at the end to set you up for the next book in this series. Although most of the characters are from a criminal empire, you cannot help but like them. There is good suspense and mystery, as well as romance.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters engagement is spot on. The chemistry between Liam and Quinn is evident. They seem to belong together.
Good mystery involved as well. Cliffhanger ending that is setting the scene for book #2 in this series
As usual the Olysses brothers bring a little humor to the book. These guys would kill somebody for each other, but they sometimes act like they want to kill each other. The old saying that I can talk about my family if I want to, but you better keep your mouth shut is definitely true in this story and in this family. There is a cliffhanger at the end to set you up for the next book in this series. Although most of the characters are from a criminal empire, you cannot help but like them. There is good suspense and mystery, as well as romance.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters engagement is spot on. The chemistry between Liam and Quinn is evident. They seem to belong together.
Good mystery involved as well. Cliffhanger ending that is setting the scene for book #2 in this series
November 17, 2022
Mystery, Suspense, and a Cliffhanger make this a Must Read.
This book has a lot to unpack in it and it definitely brings that Sarah Peis feel to it. I'm loving that she has moved into this more suspense and mystery genre but still has the witty banter you love from her woven in.
Liam and Quinn are off the charts hot together the chemistry is absolutely perfect! I loved the instant connection these two shared. So yes Liam might come off as a bit of a stalker at first with his need to break in and watch Quinn sleep, but once you see it's his coping mechanism for life's stressors it's not as creepy as it sounds lol. This book does end on a cliffhanger that sets up the next one, so be prepared for that. If you love mystery and mafia vibes this is a Must have book. Follow along with Liam and his family as he is setting out to become the head of his family and knows he shouldn't pursue Quinn but sometimes you just can't stop fate.
I definitely recommend this one if you love a mystery suspense with mafia vibes and a unique love story mixed in with some spicy moments. This was a definite page turner and I'm excited to see what happens next.
This book has a lot to unpack in it and it definitely brings that Sarah Peis feel to it. I'm loving that she has moved into this more suspense and mystery genre but still has the witty banter you love from her woven in.
Liam and Quinn are off the charts hot together the chemistry is absolutely perfect! I loved the instant connection these two shared. So yes Liam might come off as a bit of a stalker at first with his need to break in and watch Quinn sleep, but once you see it's his coping mechanism for life's stressors it's not as creepy as it sounds lol. This book does end on a cliffhanger that sets up the next one, so be prepared for that. If you love mystery and mafia vibes this is a Must have book. Follow along with Liam and his family as he is setting out to become the head of his family and knows he shouldn't pursue Quinn but sometimes you just can't stop fate.
I definitely recommend this one if you love a mystery suspense with mafia vibes and a unique love story mixed in with some spicy moments. This was a definite page turner and I'm excited to see what happens next.
November 21, 2022
~3.5 stars~
Liam was a great alpha male. I loved his possessive, protective, and obsessive nature. While he occasionally made some ill-advised decisions, he was wholeheartedly devoted to Quinn. Quinn wasn’t quite as interesting of a character, but I did enjoy her ambition and friendship with Vlad. Vlad and the other secondary characters were very well developed and added some emotional depth to the story.
However, there were some minor continuity issues, and the pacing was a bit off. The first half of the book was excellent, but the second half was much slower and not as compelling. The conflict resolution seemed unnecessarily convoluted, some scenes were too abrupt, and the ending was overly predictable. Despite this, I enjoyed watching Liam and Quinn’s romance develop, and I admired the sacrifices Liam was willing to make for her.
Overall, this was a dramatic and emotional romance. I recommend it to those who like books with alpha males and a touch of danger.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
Liam was a great alpha male. I loved his possessive, protective, and obsessive nature. While he occasionally made some ill-advised decisions, he was wholeheartedly devoted to Quinn. Quinn wasn’t quite as interesting of a character, but I did enjoy her ambition and friendship with Vlad. Vlad and the other secondary characters were very well developed and added some emotional depth to the story.
However, there were some minor continuity issues, and the pacing was a bit off. The first half of the book was excellent, but the second half was much slower and not as compelling. The conflict resolution seemed unnecessarily convoluted, some scenes were too abrupt, and the ending was overly predictable. Despite this, I enjoyed watching Liam and Quinn’s romance develop, and I admired the sacrifices Liam was willing to make for her.
Overall, this was a dramatic and emotional romance. I recommend it to those who like books with alpha males and a touch of danger.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
November 15, 2022
This is the first book in a new series by Sarah. I did feel a little lost in the beginning in regards to Quinn and Liam. It felt like I had missed how they met and his obsession started with her. He sneaks in and watches Quinn while she sleeps. Quinn is best friends with Liam’s sister Freya. Liam knows he should leave Quinn alone that they don’t have a future together. Not that he doesn’t want one just that he has obligations. Is there a way that he could have a future with Quinn? When someone sets Quinn’s restaurant on fire and attempts to kidnap her Liam can’t stay away. He will bring her closer to protect her and hope that everything works out. Liam and Quinn have an instant and wonderful connection. Will he be a figure out a way for them to be together? Will Quinn want to be with him after she finds out the secret he has been keeping? I really enjoyed this read. The characters are wonderful. I couldn’t put this book down once I started. I felt for Quinn because as the reader we know the secret. Reading about them falling for each other so much, you can’t help but want to help figure out a way for them to be together. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Great job Sarah.
November 20, 2022
This was such a fantastic book! Full of everything Mafia that makes it great.
It was about Liam the next in line for the head of the Mafia family and his almost obsession with his sisters best friend, and restaurant owner, Quinn.
Danger, drama, mystery and full on intensity coupled with a wonderful romance that was to be envied.
Liam truly loved her but he was stuck in a marriage contract till he worked it out. Their chemistry was strong but the relationship a complicated one. I did enjoy the selfishness of the connection between Liam and Quinn. He really wanted her, and her as much too.
Well written I really enjoyed reading this. It was totally involving and just a delight to read. Fantastic book!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
It was about Liam the next in line for the head of the Mafia family and his almost obsession with his sisters best friend, and restaurant owner, Quinn.
Danger, drama, mystery and full on intensity coupled with a wonderful romance that was to be envied.
Liam truly loved her but he was stuck in a marriage contract till he worked it out. Their chemistry was strong but the relationship a complicated one. I did enjoy the selfishness of the connection between Liam and Quinn. He really wanted her, and her as much too.
Well written I really enjoyed reading this. It was totally involving and just a delight to read. Fantastic book!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 17, 2022
Knew this couple was going to be hot when Liam couldn’t keep his eyes off of Quinn in Stealth. The more Liam fought to stay away from Quinn to keep her safe the more he wanted to be with her. Will an arranged engagement and his enemies help him succeed in pushing her away? Or will their love and attraction to each other give them their happily ever after? Great book with great characters. Love the family and the way they stick together and aggravate each other like a real family even though they are a part of the mob. Brothers are hilarious and can’t wait for their books. Definitely recommend this book. Was given this book for my honest opinion.
November 21, 2022
*****5 Surprise Stars*****
This is my first read by this author and I was completely amazed. I can’t wait to get more of this series. Quinn and Liam share little secrets that no one knows and they defiantly don’t talk about it either. Quin Liam’s sister best friend so Liam know she off limits but can’t deny the peace he feels in Quinn’s presence. When Quinn is in danger Liam doesn’t care that she off limit anymore her safety is his number one concern. Quinn finally getting what she want’s until she finds out Liam’s little secret. Gosh I loved this so much.
*****ARC from Book Siren for review*****
This is my first read by this author and I was completely amazed. I can’t wait to get more of this series. Quinn and Liam share little secrets that no one knows and they defiantly don’t talk about it either. Quin Liam’s sister best friend so Liam know she off limits but can’t deny the peace he feels in Quinn’s presence. When Quinn is in danger Liam doesn’t care that she off limit anymore her safety is his number one concern. Quinn finally getting what she want’s until she finds out Liam’s little secret. Gosh I loved this so much.
*****ARC from Book Siren for review*****
February 25, 2023
hen i first started this book, i thought it was pretty good. i didn't really have any issues with it and it seemed interesting enough. sadly, when i reached the halfway mark, i feel like it just started to get more boring, and i didnt really have any interest in the story as a whole. in the end, the book was fine. i felt it had a bit of an off writing style that made it feel clunky, but the characters were really interesting, and the plot was quite well developed. if you like mafia or rich ceo type romances, you could probably check this one out and youd enjoy it. this book was good for what it was, but i dont think i will read it again. check it out.
October 26, 2022
What a great story following Liam and his family. I quite enjoyed seeing his family with their friends and unique business situation revisited amidst a hot romance. Liam and Quinn had met previously, and it seemed to be love it first sight. I had to smile at all of the fun snarky comments and the typical sibling and best friend banter that was constantly flying around. This was an enjoyable and entertaining read right to the HEA end.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
May 14, 2023
What a great start to the Tainted Kings series. Liam is the story of Quinn and Liam. Liam had always been infatuated with Quinn, doing a little bit of a creepy thing but I won’t judge. One day, a tragedy brings them together. After that, higher powers better help anyone that wants to tear them apart.
Okay. I know this is serious Mafia stuff but some parts I SNORTED out laughter. The banter is great, the flexing or muscles is great endearing, and I wouldn’t want to have a better bestie than Freya.
Dig in and see what it’s all about. I’m off to read Gabriel.
Okay. I know this is serious Mafia stuff but some parts I SNORTED out laughter. The banter is great, the flexing or muscles is great endearing, and I wouldn’t want to have a better bestie than Freya.
Dig in and see what it’s all about. I’m off to read Gabriel.
November 16, 2022
All I can say is, trust the process.
At times this wasn't what I was expecting, and then others where it was everything and more.
Both characters and plot will surprise you.
I'm glad this series has a theme that runs throughout as it was very cleverly done and I couldn't put the book down once starting.
Was great seeing characters from the previous series and meeting new ones.
I can't wait to see what happens after that epilogue.
At times this wasn't what I was expecting, and then others where it was everything and more.
Both characters and plot will surprise you.
I'm glad this series has a theme that runs throughout as it was very cleverly done and I couldn't put the book down once starting.
Was great seeing characters from the previous series and meeting new ones.
I can't wait to see what happens after that epilogue.
November 20, 2022
I love this start to a new series; it’s great too that the characters are also in the Locked Security series that I’m enjoying. Liam and Quinn have an unconventional start to their relationship, so it definitely has a slow burn. There is a lot of excitement and some danger, and I really like that. I can definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next book in the series. I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.
November 28, 2022
Liam-Tainted Kings: Book 1 by Sarah Peis. This is a new author for me. After reading the blurb I was intrigued and after reading the story I was blown away. So much emotional and intense drama along with depth and complexity in the characters; I was smitten from the start with Liam and Quinn. I enjoyed the dual POV, the author’s writing style, and the heartfelt drama created in this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 12, 2022
I knew catching up with familiar characters from Stealth would be fun but I didn't expect the entire storyline to be awesome! No spoilers here though. Ms. Peis writes great romantic suspense and this book did not disappoint. The story is about a mafia family but to me it's more of a book about relationships, friendships, and family-whether blood related or not. It does have some mafia stuff but also has plenty of sweetness, steam, intense characters, and funny scenes.
November 2, 2022
Liam by Sarah Peis is a good, and enjoyable best friends brother's romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This is Liam and Quinn's story. You will be able to tell that they are each others soul mate. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2022
If enjoy reading stories with alpha males, and strong ladies mixed with the mob, with steamy and funny parts, this book is a must-read, as it has all of these and more. Liam is easy to read, well written, and left me with a big smile as some parts are just hilarious!
Thanks, Sarah Peis, for the ARC.
Thanks, Sarah Peis, for the ARC.
October 15, 2022
I have to say I liked her a lot. She was not a sniveling girl, but holding herself together even in bad situations. Liam gave up a lot, just to be with her. The secondary characters were funny too. Can’t wait to read Gabriel’s book. All in all a god solid story for a rainy afternoon.
November 5, 2022
Best friends brother romantic suspence story. I found this to be a fantastic read from start to finish. Sarah doesn't disappoint!! Loved it!! Had a great story line Liam and Quinn had amazing chemistry. Highly recommend!!
Received this as an ARC and this is my review.
Received this as an ARC and this is my review.
November 10, 2022
I enjoyed the story but felt like it started in the middle of a story already. I did not read the previous books in this series so I would suggest doing that. I also wanted some more depth to Quinn and Liam.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2022
This was my first read from this author. The story pulled me in from the first paragraph. It was very emotional and it really played with my nerves. I read it in one sitting. 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2022
Theirs was a good story. I loved a couple of the twists that were thrown at you. I appreciate that you don’t find out who is after them all. It leaves you wanting to read the next book.
November 17, 2022
4.5 Stars
ARC - RTC
ARC - RTC
October 13, 2022
Sarah Peis' "Liam" was an awesome read. The entertaining page-turning plot was filled with humor, romance, and some action. Although the plot focused mostly on the Greek, Russian, and Irish mafia and their hitmen, the scenes were filled with levity at times. I loved the author's sense of humor and her style of writing that used a lot of vivid details which created a lively tone. I enjoyed reading the narrative.
I received a copy for free. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received a copy for free. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews