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Toxic Paradise #2
Syndicate of Sins
The problem with caging a predator, someday, they may get out…
Scarletta
Bastard, daughter of a traitor.
To the Italian Don of New York, I’m nothing more than a tool to be wielded. My obedience was the price I had to pay for the sins of my father. But Dominick Romano should have worked on gaining my loyalty because the chains he shackled me with have been undone.
The Four Families have always run New York.
Italian Mafia, Irish Mob, Russian Bratva, and the Jirocho Yakuza Clan.
An alliance cloaked in proclamations of peace while they hold knives to one another’s backs. But a new player has emerged, The Syndicate. Three men born of the same blood as those whose kingdoms they’ve come to conquer.
They think they can use me the same way my uncle did, but they’re in for a rude awakening when they realize I’m not a damsel in distress. There’s been a blade in my hand this whole time, and I’ve been waiting to land the blow that starts the bloodbath.
I will not bow at their feet.
But soon, all of New York, and those who think they can rule it, will kneel at mine.
Scarletta
Bastard, daughter of a traitor.
To the Italian Don of New York, I’m nothing more than a tool to be wielded. My obedience was the price I had to pay for the sins of my father. But Dominick Romano should have worked on gaining my loyalty because the chains he shackled me with have been undone.
The Four Families have always run New York.
Italian Mafia, Irish Mob, Russian Bratva, and the Jirocho Yakuza Clan.
An alliance cloaked in proclamations of peace while they hold knives to one another’s backs. But a new player has emerged, The Syndicate. Three men born of the same blood as those whose kingdoms they’ve come to conquer.
They think they can use me the same way my uncle did, but they’re in for a rude awakening when they realize I’m not a damsel in distress. There’s been a blade in my hand this whole time, and I’ve been waiting to land the blow that starts the bloodbath.
I will not bow at their feet.
But soon, all of New York, and those who think they can rule it, will kneel at mine.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
About the author
Marie Maravilla
3 books428 followersThey say to write these things in 3rd person, but it feels weird. So, I'm not. Clearly. I'm a baby author who deiced it was finally time to purge the stories living in my head. I currently live in California with my two babies and husband. My life is a wonderful cycle of working, writing, mom-ing, and consuming questionable amounts of caffeine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
January 30, 2023
“I thought about slitting all your throats in your sleep,” I said nonchalantly. Caleb stiffened at my back. “I’m more concerned about why the first thing I thought when you admitted that was that’s hot,” he responded, kissing me.
I knew that was going to be fantastic when on the first page appeared a freaking legend of a woman covered in blood and holding a gun. These four characters were insanity, revenge, power, and magnitude manifested in human beings. They didn’t only create their own family but forged such a complex, vigorous union. The plot was an exploration of the characters and their inner relationships while offering luscious suspense, bloody action, and intense spice.
The plot was unique for a mafia romance. We had these beautiful but monstrous outcasts from all four mafia families bringing hell on their world.
In RHs, I usually have an affinity for one of the mmcs but… who could compare even in the slightest to the dazzling terror that was Scarletta Romano? Scar was the definition of a strong fmc. Raised by her own hands and forged by the horrors and pain of her past, she had creaher own silent empire and her web of secrets. She wasn’t a damsel in distress, more like the reason men prayed to their gods for salvation. Although her past, Scar retained a soft side with insecurities and fears, as well as strong confidence and sexuality, making her so fun to read. She was gorgeous and deadly and I am infuriated with her as much as her boys are.
As for her boys, Caleb, Niko, and Kenji. They were so diverse in personalities, appearance, and attitudes. All three of them were obviously deranged, strained with the need for revenge. However, they all developed different dynamics with Scar. From charged banter to lustful attraction, they grew an entangled web of interactions that varied from hate to lust and finally bloomed into fully blown obsession and love. Although I thought I would fall from the grumpy one the most, which was Caleb, Kenji was the one that owned a bigger part of my heart. The combination of funny, bloodthirsty, and unhinged while holding his katana or riding his bike was too much of a temptation.
From the scorchingly hot smut to the intense action, various povs, and great writing, this book had it all. I didn’t want to escape from its pages.
PS. The chapter titles were the funniest to read. Kudos for those.
ARC Review
Did I like it? A bloody yes.
Would I reread it? Certainly.
5/5⭐
4.5/5🌶️
I knew that was going to be fantastic when on the first page appeared a freaking legend of a woman covered in blood and holding a gun. These four characters were insanity, revenge, power, and magnitude manifested in human beings. They didn’t only create their own family but forged such a complex, vigorous union. The plot was an exploration of the characters and their inner relationships while offering luscious suspense, bloody action, and intense spice.
The plot was unique for a mafia romance. We had these beautiful but monstrous outcasts from all four mafia families bringing hell on their world.
In RHs, I usually have an affinity for one of the mmcs but… who could compare even in the slightest to the dazzling terror that was Scarletta Romano? Scar was the definition of a strong fmc. Raised by her own hands and forged by the horrors and pain of her past, she had creaher own silent empire and her web of secrets. She wasn’t a damsel in distress, more like the reason men prayed to their gods for salvation. Although her past, Scar retained a soft side with insecurities and fears, as well as strong confidence and sexuality, making her so fun to read. She was gorgeous and deadly and I am infuriated with her as much as her boys are.
As for her boys, Caleb, Niko, and Kenji. They were so diverse in personalities, appearance, and attitudes. All three of them were obviously deranged, strained with the need for revenge. However, they all developed different dynamics with Scar. From charged banter to lustful attraction, they grew an entangled web of interactions that varied from hate to lust and finally bloomed into fully blown obsession and love. Although I thought I would fall from the grumpy one the most, which was Caleb, Kenji was the one that owned a bigger part of my heart. The combination of funny, bloodthirsty, and unhinged while holding his katana or riding his bike was too much of a temptation.
From the scorchingly hot smut to the intense action, various povs, and great writing, this book had it all. I didn’t want to escape from its pages.
PS. The chapter titles were the funniest to read. Kudos for those.
ARC Review
Did I like it? A bloody yes.
Would I reread it? Certainly.
5/5⭐
4.5/5🌶️
January 24, 2023
Wow Marie really did come out swinging with her second installment of the Toxic Paradise series, during a time in her life where I can only imagine how difficult it was to show up. Skeletons of Society (Book 1) introduced me to this incredible Author and her refreshing, no-holding-back style of writing. I was wow'ed with Book 1 and not only am I wow'ed with Book 2, Syndicate of Sins, but I'm left with feelings of such female satisfaction of how creative and unique these books are.
The sexual representation in here was fucking amazing! This book is filthy good. It wasn't presented in an "over-the-top look at me!" type of way, but in such a real way that had me completely in the moments. Also....I have to give credit where credit is due. There is a group scene, that I feel has to be one of the greatest group scenes I have personally read. Bravo Mrs. Maravilla for not backing down and mic dropping on all my expectations.
I did feel there were some parts of this book that I felt could have had slightly more depth, but in all honesty. Taking a step back and reliving this story as a whole, I had the BEST time and this book is going to have a nice spot on my shelf. I did happen to have a favorite guy, that I felt outshined the others; as I had the opportunity to receive an arc, I won't be name dropping though.
My final thoughts on this book are: leave your judgements at the door and bring a few extra pairs of panties. Because this book was so damn good and those last few chapters???? They'll leave you sweating with anxiety, lust, fear, and just such a satisfying wrap up to this second installment. To say that I am over the moon excited that this series hasn't lost it's steam is an understatement. With the little sneak into Book 3, Marie has me salivating on what she has up her sleeve next!
January 28, 2024
Holllyyyyyyy shsishkaak, this book was freaking delicious!! I loved every single character in this book, even if some annoyed me for 2.5 seconds!! But it was a great book.
Let's talk about Scar hands down. we saw her in book one, and I couldn't wait to see how she ended up with her men. She's crafty, sneaky, strong with an IDGAF attitude, which I love! Heck, her first meeting with one of the guys she hogtied him!! That's a true badass, Bish!! She knew what she brought to the table, and whenever someone questioned her, she showed she doesn't need a man to stand in front of her she wants an equal partner or partner. Few times she did have insecure moments, but who wouldn't. And the men!! Idk which one I love!! They all brought something for Scar. Caleb the "leader" who has this hate/love relationship with her he won't bend because who she is and they fight like cats and dogs and I love it, Niko he was a softie to her I swear down right scary to others but he had a soft spot for Scar. HE COOKED FOR HER MY BEATING HEART!!
AND KENJI!!! the playful one who you just love and crack up at his jokes.
Them together they were excellent they had their ups and downs, but they always stood by each other even when some secerts were still hidden by Scar. Loved every second of it. I can't wait for the next one.
No ow/om drama (had some ex drama but not really and one H grab an ass), No cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins (all had sexual past)
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Slowburnish
Push away from H
MFMM MF tiny bits of MM MFM
Sharing
Degradation
Torture
Praise kink
Death
Mentions of human trafficking
Mentions of child abuse
Assult
Misogyny
Abuse
Praise kink
Knife kink
No condoms
Hea
Epilogue
Let's talk about Scar hands down. we saw her in book one, and I couldn't wait to see how she ended up with her men. She's crafty, sneaky, strong with an IDGAF attitude, which I love! Heck, her first meeting with one of the guys she hogtied him!! That's a true badass, Bish!! She knew what she brought to the table, and whenever someone questioned her, she showed she doesn't need a man to stand in front of her she wants an equal partner or partner. Few times she did have insecure moments, but who wouldn't. And the men!! Idk which one I love!! They all brought something for Scar. Caleb the "leader" who has this hate/love relationship with her he won't bend because who she is and they fight like cats and dogs and I love it, Niko he was a softie to her I swear down right scary to others but he had a soft spot for Scar. HE COOKED FOR HER MY BEATING HEART!!
AND KENJI!!! the playful one who you just love and crack up at his jokes.
Them together they were excellent they had their ups and downs, but they always stood by each other even when some secerts were still hidden by Scar. Loved every second of it. I can't wait for the next one.
No ow/om drama (had some ex drama but not really and one H grab an ass), No cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins (all had sexual past)
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶.5
Slowburnish
Push away from H
MFMM MF tiny bits of MM MFM
Sharing
Degradation
Torture
Praise kink
Death
Mentions of human trafficking
Mentions of child abuse
Assult
Misogyny
Abuse
Praise kink
Knife kink
No condoms
Hea
Epilogue
February 3, 2024
Just when I thought Ryan from the first book was the biggest baddie in town, Scar comes in and says girl, HOLD MY GUN! I am obsessed with this book HOLLYYYYY SHITTTT. And boy was it smoking hot. I also laughed so much more than I expected?! I love it when a FMC is extremely underestimated & then she comes back with a vegence & the men who thought nothing of her are like uhhh what?! how could this possibly be!!?!? *eye roll* GO GET EMMMMMM TIGER!!!
I also really enjoy when a book is a part of series, especially ones like this because we get to see different POVs of scenes back from book 1, and get so much more of the backstory! And of course getting to see some of our favorite characters from the previous books never hurts ❤️
Now let’s get to it. I loved everything about this book. Learning more about Scar’s background, the tension between her & her men, the revenge plot & the overall violence bc at this points it’s honestly a neeeeeed. Also we get not one, not two, BUT THREE LOVE INTERESTS!? All who come from various mafia family’s & are so unique but hot in their own way. YES PLEASEEEE. A broody alphahole, a big softie teddy bear & a psychotic good boy (he’s my favorite).
KENJI >>>> ALL THE WAY!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Why choose
Marriage of convenience
Mafia
Dark
Enemies to lovers
I also really enjoy when a book is a part of series, especially ones like this because we get to see different POVs of scenes back from book 1, and get so much more of the backstory! And of course getting to see some of our favorite characters from the previous books never hurts ❤️
Now let’s get to it. I loved everything about this book. Learning more about Scar’s background, the tension between her & her men, the revenge plot & the overall violence bc at this points it’s honestly a neeeeeed. Also we get not one, not two, BUT THREE LOVE INTERESTS!? All who come from various mafia family’s & are so unique but hot in their own way. YES PLEASEEEE. A broody alphahole, a big softie teddy bear & a psychotic good boy (he’s my favorite).
KENJI >>>> ALL THE WAY!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Why choose
Marriage of convenience
Mafia
Dark
Enemies to lovers
February 12, 2023
Loved it
January 12, 2024
4.25✨ this brotherhood is absolutely everything.
scar is such a fucking queen. she’s a thief, a hacker, a badass sought after assassin. she’s literally just so cool. the way she’s been born & bred and what she became is epic. like ryan, she doesn’t give a fuck and will cut you down if you get in her way. the way she thaws for these men and would kill and die for them is stunning. also they’re all just filthy together and i adore it.
the men. the brotherhood. god i love them so much. caleb is macho man who hates everything and refuses to feel. niko is quite and deadly but feels so much. kenji is a fluffy goofball who will murder you if you look at his brothers or his girl the wrong way. the way they all protect and love and defend each other. the way they would die for each other. the way they bring scar into their family. the fact that they finally found someone who could handle them (together hehe) and the world they live in and how grateful they are for that is so evident.
while i liked the plot and skeletons a bit better in general, I loved the twists in this and the mafia ties and how the plot came together with that of skeletons of society. again fast paced but maybe a little too fast on the relationship front but also i ate it up so i didn’t even care. again i saw some similarities to hannaford between scar & her guys and lips & her guys and i loved it. just eating this series up, love it so much.
"A lot of lessons were learned that day. The most important one was that I didn't need a hero. I'd rather be the villain. A walking nightmare for those who got in my way."
“The string she’d wrapped around my heart pulled tighter. I wanted to crawl inside her, body, mind, and soul, and never leave. Bury myself so deep she couldn’t leave even if she wanted.”
“Exactly, little one. You don’t want a white knight. You want someone whose soul is as twisted as your own.”
“I love you so much it scares me, because losing you, any of you, will feel like a crucial part of me is missing.”
• arranged marriage
• forced proximity
• mafia with a twist
• organized crime
• she unalives people
• found family
• why choose
*first time read*
4.25⭐️ this was delicious. My god this was good. Blew me away. The spice, the men, the authority, the obsession, the possession, the fiercely badass fmc, everything about this was so good. I could not stop reading. Again. Everything about this was enticing. A great twist on a mafia story. Found family, arranged marriage, forced proximity, and rh rolled into one? Hi, I’m sold. And the bloodthirstiness. Give it to me. This series should not be overlooked, it’s amazing.
*ARC for honest review*
scar is such a fucking queen. she’s a thief, a hacker, a badass sought after assassin. she’s literally just so cool. the way she’s been born & bred and what she became is epic. like ryan, she doesn’t give a fuck and will cut you down if you get in her way. the way she thaws for these men and would kill and die for them is stunning. also they’re all just filthy together and i adore it.
the men. the brotherhood. god i love them so much. caleb is macho man who hates everything and refuses to feel. niko is quite and deadly but feels so much. kenji is a fluffy goofball who will murder you if you look at his brothers or his girl the wrong way. the way they all protect and love and defend each other. the way they would die for each other. the way they bring scar into their family. the fact that they finally found someone who could handle them (together hehe) and the world they live in and how grateful they are for that is so evident.
while i liked the plot and skeletons a bit better in general, I loved the twists in this and the mafia ties and how the plot came together with that of skeletons of society. again fast paced but maybe a little too fast on the relationship front but also i ate it up so i didn’t even care. again i saw some similarities to hannaford between scar & her guys and lips & her guys and i loved it. just eating this series up, love it so much.
"A lot of lessons were learned that day. The most important one was that I didn't need a hero. I'd rather be the villain. A walking nightmare for those who got in my way."
“The string she’d wrapped around my heart pulled tighter. I wanted to crawl inside her, body, mind, and soul, and never leave. Bury myself so deep she couldn’t leave even if she wanted.”
“Exactly, little one. You don’t want a white knight. You want someone whose soul is as twisted as your own.”
“I love you so much it scares me, because losing you, any of you, will feel like a crucial part of me is missing.”
• arranged marriage
• forced proximity
• mafia with a twist
• organized crime
• she unalives people
• found family
• why choose
*first time read*
4.25⭐️ this was delicious. My god this was good. Blew me away. The spice, the men, the authority, the obsession, the possession, the fiercely badass fmc, everything about this was so good. I could not stop reading. Again. Everything about this was enticing. A great twist on a mafia story. Found family, arranged marriage, forced proximity, and rh rolled into one? Hi, I’m sold. And the bloodthirstiness. Give it to me. This series should not be overlooked, it’s amazing.
*ARC for honest review*
October 2, 2023
This was so fucking hot I’ll never recover 🫠 MARIE YOU WILD WOMAN
February 23, 2023
If I could give this 10 stars, I would 👏🏻
Plot 5/5⭐️
Spice 4/5🌶️
Vibes 5/5👏🏻
Multi-1st person POV (all MCs)
~this is a spoiler free review~
Tropes: mafia, morally grey FMC, why choose, enemies to lovers, secret identity, forced proximity, forced marriage, J/P & OTT H's ("don't talk about my wife like that if you want to keep your tongue"), great tension, and fucking hot as sin spice 🔥
I didn’t need a hero. I’d rather be the villain. A walking nightmare for those who got in my way.
Guys, I cannot explain how much I loved this book. It's the second standalone in the Toxic Paradise series (Book 1: Skeletons of Society review) and it was just as good as the first book - which was the author's debut novel btw! 🤯
Our FMC, Scar is a take-no-prisoners badass secret hitwoman who's internationally known in the underground world for her clean yet brutal hits. After she's strong-armed into a marriage with one of our MMCs, Caleb, they find their mutual goals align more than they originally would've thought. The tension between the 4 of them was palpable and I loved how shocked they were each time they underestimated her 😈
The pacing was perfect, the banter was fun, the sex was kinky and so hot... I also loved the tie-in to the first book - we finally get to see who this mystery woman is that helped Ryan out in her story and their POV to the sudden meeting between them. I also loved that each of the men were so different from each other and each of their personalities jumped off the page. Kenji was playful and matched Scar's crazy. Niko was enamored and showed Scar what it meant to love someone. And Caleb was hesitant but an unmovable rock once he handed over his loyalty. Each of these men healed a part of Scar and it was so rewarding (& hot🥵) to see her accept them into her heart (& body😉).
Both books are available through KU but I will absolutely be buying paperbacks of each because the covers are gorgeous and I need them on my bookshelves. I also can't wait for book 3, another standalone featuring a side character shown in both books. The fact that these are the first books this author has published astounds me. Make this your next read!! You won't regret it. 🥰
Plot 5/5⭐️
Spice 4/5🌶️
Vibes 5/5👏🏻
Multi-1st person POV (all MCs)
~this is a spoiler free review~
Tropes: mafia, morally grey FMC, why choose, enemies to lovers, secret identity, forced proximity, forced marriage, J/P & OTT H's ("don't talk about my wife like that if you want to keep your tongue"), great tension, and fucking hot as sin spice 🔥
I didn’t need a hero. I’d rather be the villain. A walking nightmare for those who got in my way.
Guys, I cannot explain how much I loved this book. It's the second standalone in the Toxic Paradise series (Book 1: Skeletons of Society review) and it was just as good as the first book - which was the author's debut novel btw! 🤯
Our FMC, Scar is a take-no-prisoners badass secret hitwoman who's internationally known in the underground world for her clean yet brutal hits. After she's strong-armed into a marriage with one of our MMCs, Caleb, they find their mutual goals align more than they originally would've thought. The tension between the 4 of them was palpable and I loved how shocked they were each time they underestimated her 😈
The pacing was perfect, the banter was fun, the sex was kinky and so hot... I also loved the tie-in to the first book - we finally get to see who this mystery woman is that helped Ryan out in her story and their POV to the sudden meeting between them. I also loved that each of the men were so different from each other and each of their personalities jumped off the page. Kenji was playful and matched Scar's crazy. Niko was enamored and showed Scar what it meant to love someone. And Caleb was hesitant but an unmovable rock once he handed over his loyalty. Each of these men healed a part of Scar and it was so rewarding (& hot🥵) to see her accept them into her heart (& body😉).
Both books are available through KU but I will absolutely be buying paperbacks of each because the covers are gorgeous and I need them on my bookshelves. I also can't wait for book 3, another standalone featuring a side character shown in both books. The fact that these are the first books this author has published astounds me. Make this your next read!! You won't regret it. 🥰
March 8, 2023
“I love you so much it scares me, because losing you, any of you, will feel like a crucial part of me is missing.”
Marie Maravilla, Syndicate of Sins
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Y’all, I had to sit with my thoughts on this one for a minute because it was just SO GOOD I couldn’t properly review. Marie did it again with another AMAZING book. I seriously cannot get over how mind-blowing it is that these are her first two books ever. If you want a bloodthirsty, violent, bada$$ AND sexy FMC, look no further because Scar is that and more. Her sass & inner monologue killed me, and I loved when she was putting men in their place. Why choose is one of my fav types of romance ever, so the fact that this was violent, sexy, unhinged, funny, AND why choose really knocked it out of the park for me. The men were hot, unhinged, and violent which is honestly the trifecta. Then there were the MM moments in the group scenes with Kenji being a good boy and I just🫠 All in all, if you want a really epic mafia why choose with a powerful woman, READ. THE. BOOK. 😩💖
Features:
-🩸 play
-unhinged men
-why choose
-bada$$ fmc
-forced marriage
-mafia
-“my wife”
-enemies to lovers
-✨TENSION✨
-possessive mmc
-MMF action
-degradation & praise
-violent fmc🔪
-spit scenes
-multiple POV
✨Fav Quotes✨
“Wow. Good-fvcking-morning to you too, sunshine. Glad to see you took some happiness up the a$$ this morning.”
“I’ve never had a woman use talk of murder as foreplay, but I like it,” he said, his tongue swiping across his lips. “Then you haven’t had a real woman.”
“His words were like a prayer on his lips. Yet I was the one on my knees in worship.”
“I’m going to use you like a wh0re, but that’s because you’re my pretty little wh0re.”
“Kenji, be a good boy and get on your f*cking knees. I want you to push Niko’s cvm back where it belongs before you add your own.”
“There was something so satisfying about watching men show their whole a$$es as they dug themselves into holes with their mansplaining.”
“Open your fvcking mouth, Scar.” “That’s a good f*cking girl. I’m going to coat that throat in cvm.”
“Of course, professions of violence turned me on.”
Marie Maravilla, Syndicate of Sins
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Y’all, I had to sit with my thoughts on this one for a minute because it was just SO GOOD I couldn’t properly review. Marie did it again with another AMAZING book. I seriously cannot get over how mind-blowing it is that these are her first two books ever. If you want a bloodthirsty, violent, bada$$ AND sexy FMC, look no further because Scar is that and more. Her sass & inner monologue killed me, and I loved when she was putting men in their place. Why choose is one of my fav types of romance ever, so the fact that this was violent, sexy, unhinged, funny, AND why choose really knocked it out of the park for me. The men were hot, unhinged, and violent which is honestly the trifecta. Then there were the MM moments in the group scenes with Kenji being a good boy and I just🫠 All in all, if you want a really epic mafia why choose with a powerful woman, READ. THE. BOOK. 😩💖
Features:
-🩸 play
-unhinged men
-why choose
-bada$$ fmc
-forced marriage
-mafia
-“my wife”
-enemies to lovers
-✨TENSION✨
-possessive mmc
-MMF action
-degradation & praise
-violent fmc🔪
-spit scenes
-multiple POV
✨Fav Quotes✨
“Wow. Good-fvcking-morning to you too, sunshine. Glad to see you took some happiness up the a$$ this morning.”
“I’ve never had a woman use talk of murder as foreplay, but I like it,” he said, his tongue swiping across his lips. “Then you haven’t had a real woman.”
“His words were like a prayer on his lips. Yet I was the one on my knees in worship.”
“I’m going to use you like a wh0re, but that’s because you’re my pretty little wh0re.”
“Kenji, be a good boy and get on your f*cking knees. I want you to push Niko’s cvm back where it belongs before you add your own.”
“There was something so satisfying about watching men show their whole a$$es as they dug themselves into holes with their mansplaining.”
“Open your fvcking mouth, Scar.” “That’s a good f*cking girl. I’m going to coat that throat in cvm.”
“Of course, professions of violence turned me on.”
January 29, 2023
I SIMPLY CANNOT PICK JUST ONE QUOTE SO I GIVE YOU MULTIPLE QUOTES 🥰
"A lot of lessons were learned that day. The most important one was that I didn't need a hero. I'd rather be the villain. A walking nightmare for those who got in my way."
"Men. If you're not sucking their dick, they'll be a dick."
"If you want me to sit on your lap, Caleb, ask me like a good boy."
"I respectfully, but firmly, disagreed with anyone who felt being on your knees in front of a man was a position of weakness. I'd argue that someone with that opinion had never had a dick in their mouth before, because on my knees was when I was my most powerful."
🖤 BADASS FMC with a murderous feminine rage and a hot sexual energy
🖤 Why Choose with 3 men in the mob (OH and you get their POVs)
🖤 Forced marriage
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Self pleasure video from one of the guys
HOLYYYYYYYY FUCKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!! I don't think I have the WORDS to describe how much I devoured and loved this book!!!! I thought I loved Skeletons of Society but Marie really decided to be like, "Hey bitch, watch this" SCAR AND HER MEN HELD MY MOUTH OPEN, SPIT IN MY MOUTH, SHOVED THIS BOOK DOWN MY THROAT, AND CALLED ME A GOOD GIRL.
If you want to read a book that'll give you all the coochie twinches.... this is it. This is the one.
SCARLETTA. FUCKING. ROMANO.
She's an absolute badass and honestly, if she stabbed my heart with a heel, I'd probably get on my knees and thank her. She was fierce and bold throughout this entire book. She's everything I wish to be. SHE is the energy we need in 2023. She took NO SHIT. She's a stab and ask questions later kind of girl, and I'm here for it.
AND THE GUYS???? KENJI??? CALEB???? NIKO????
I want to lick and bite kenji's legs and ass. (Oh yes, he has 2 LEG SLEEVES. And yes those tattoos reach up to his ass.) I want Caleb to wrap his hands around my throat. I want Niko to call me a good little whore and then make my breakfast after.
I LOVE THEM ALL. AND I SIMPLY CANNOT PICK A FAVORITE SO DON'T EVEN ASK. They're all perfect, and sinfully delicious. These boys with Scarletta?? FUCKKKKKKKK. I'm pretty sure I died during the spicy scenes and I'm just a ghost now. Those scenes had me SWEATING... and reaching for the vibrators, of course.
My new life quote is, "what would Scar do?" Don't ask questions.
I also HIGHLY recommend to read and/or re-read Skeletons of Society before diving in this one, as the timeline is the same as SoS!!! ❤️❤️ IF YOU'RE STILL READING THIS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?! GO GET SYNDICATE OF SINS RIGHT NOW!!!! (just make sure you have your best vibrating boyfriends and holy water on stand by)
"A lot of lessons were learned that day. The most important one was that I didn't need a hero. I'd rather be the villain. A walking nightmare for those who got in my way."
"Men. If you're not sucking their dick, they'll be a dick."
"If you want me to sit on your lap, Caleb, ask me like a good boy."
"I respectfully, but firmly, disagreed with anyone who felt being on your knees in front of a man was a position of weakness. I'd argue that someone with that opinion had never had a dick in their mouth before, because on my knees was when I was my most powerful."
🖤 BADASS FMC with a murderous feminine rage and a hot sexual energy
🖤 Why Choose with 3 men in the mob (OH and you get their POVs)
🖤 Forced marriage
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Self pleasure video from one of the guys
HOLYYYYYYYY FUCKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!! I don't think I have the WORDS to describe how much I devoured and loved this book!!!! I thought I loved Skeletons of Society but Marie really decided to be like, "Hey bitch, watch this" SCAR AND HER MEN HELD MY MOUTH OPEN, SPIT IN MY MOUTH, SHOVED THIS BOOK DOWN MY THROAT, AND CALLED ME A GOOD GIRL.
If you want to read a book that'll give you all the coochie twinches.... this is it. This is the one.
SCARLETTA. FUCKING. ROMANO.
She's an absolute badass and honestly, if she stabbed my heart with a heel, I'd probably get on my knees and thank her. She was fierce and bold throughout this entire book. She's everything I wish to be. SHE is the energy we need in 2023. She took NO SHIT. She's a stab and ask questions later kind of girl, and I'm here for it.
AND THE GUYS???? KENJI??? CALEB???? NIKO????
I want to lick and bite kenji's legs and ass. (Oh yes, he has 2 LEG SLEEVES. And yes those tattoos reach up to his ass.) I want Caleb to wrap his hands around my throat. I want Niko to call me a good little whore and then make my breakfast after.
I LOVE THEM ALL. AND I SIMPLY CANNOT PICK A FAVORITE SO DON'T EVEN ASK. They're all perfect, and sinfully delicious. These boys with Scarletta?? FUCKKKKKKKK. I'm pretty sure I died during the spicy scenes and I'm just a ghost now. Those scenes had me SWEATING... and reaching for the vibrators, of course.
My new life quote is, "what would Scar do?" Don't ask questions.
I also HIGHLY recommend to read and/or re-read Skeletons of Society before diving in this one, as the timeline is the same as SoS!!! ❤️❤️ IF YOU'RE STILL READING THIS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?! GO GET SYNDICATE OF SINS RIGHT NOW!!!! (just make sure you have your best vibrating boyfriends and holy water on stand by)
January 26, 2023
“when did you get married? and can it be annulled? because it’s hard to find a bloodthirsty woman like you. not everyone is man enough to recognize the power in having a murderous woman by their side.”
it's no secret i'm not a fan of reverse harem, the trope raises too many issues for me personally. but if there's an author i trust to do it right is marie maravilla; the way she wrote women and female friendships in the first book in this series spoke of her character and i appreciated the sex positive, female empowering authenticity in her writing. going into this, scar was so different from the typical fmc in a why choose romance, she's not a damsel in distress, doesn't need protecting, least of all from men, so the power imbalance wasn't there. she wasn't prey but rather another predator, topping from the top, no the botttom. the different dynamics between her and each man made sense, they complemented each other as individuals (and between the band of brothers) and as a team; sharing something in common not only between them but as a whole – the boys and their found family and the girl who always longed for her own.
* i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for an honest review
it's no secret i'm not a fan of reverse harem, the trope raises too many issues for me personally. but if there's an author i trust to do it right is marie maravilla; the way she wrote women and female friendships in the first book in this series spoke of her character and i appreciated the sex positive, female empowering authenticity in her writing. going into this, scar was so different from the typical fmc in a why choose romance, she's not a damsel in distress, doesn't need protecting, least of all from men, so the power imbalance wasn't there. she wasn't prey but rather another predator, topping from the top, no the botttom. the different dynamics between her and each man made sense, they complemented each other as individuals (and between the band of brothers) and as a team; sharing something in common not only between them but as a whole – the boys and their found family and the girl who always longed for her own.
* i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for an honest review
January 30, 2023
A four star dark romance!
I really enjoyed the guys in this, I liked how each one was different and played a different role. I found that Scar tip toed the line of cringy and bad ass. She had some moments where I was like….what. The combo of them was super fiery and passionate but like I said, a few things tip toed the line for me.
One thing I really liked was the action in this. Constantly entertaining!
Overall, I really liked it and I’m very curious to see where she goes with the next book!
4/5⭐️
3.75/5🔥
I really enjoyed the guys in this, I liked how each one was different and played a different role. I found that Scar tip toed the line of cringy and bad ass. She had some moments where I was like….what. The combo of them was super fiery and passionate but like I said, a few things tip toed the line for me.
One thing I really liked was the action in this. Constantly entertaining!
Overall, I really liked it and I’m very curious to see where she goes with the next book!
4/5⭐️
3.75/5🔥
Read
March 23, 2023soft dnf @60%. i'm not in the mood & will return to finish later... maybe.
February 28, 2023
This was a stay up most the night reading it. I loved this it was exactly what I wanted when I read it.
Full RTC maybe 😂
Full RTC maybe 😂
January 24, 2023
As a self proclaimed small town/contemporary/sports romance connoisseur, it’s not often that I am excited to step out of my bubble for a dark romance. But Marie’s books are the exception. Not only did I willingly leave my fluffy romance bubble, but I couldn’t put this book down. The humor and banter that Marie puts into her books really helps with the heavy subject matter, and makes you fall in love with the characters.
We were introduced to Scarletta and her band of misfits in Skeletons of Society, but Syndicate of Sins really gave us all the details we were looking for. Marie has the distinction of writing the first why choose romance where I didn’t have a clear favorite guy. She made all of them have such big personalities that I ended up really liking them all. And Scar is so strong and such a baddie. She doesn’t take any shit from (almost) anyone and I freaking loved her.
Syndicate of Sins starts before Skeletons of Society, however you should read that book first. I’m so excited for book 3! I love this chaotic/insane world that Marie has created. If you like dark romance, or even if you typically don’t, I absolutely recommend checking out Syndicate of Sins by Marie Maravilla, releasing January 30, 2023.
We were introduced to Scarletta and her band of misfits in Skeletons of Society, but Syndicate of Sins really gave us all the details we were looking for. Marie has the distinction of writing the first why choose romance where I didn’t have a clear favorite guy. She made all of them have such big personalities that I ended up really liking them all. And Scar is so strong and such a baddie. She doesn’t take any shit from (almost) anyone and I freaking loved her.
Syndicate of Sins starts before Skeletons of Society, however you should read that book first. I’m so excited for book 3! I love this chaotic/insane world that Marie has created. If you like dark romance, or even if you typically don’t, I absolutely recommend checking out Syndicate of Sins by Marie Maravilla, releasing January 30, 2023.
January 22, 2023
Syndicate of Sins is a mafia romance and is book two in the Toxic Paradise Series. Each book features different couples, all in the same world. Scar’s abusive past shaped her to be a badaśś female who does not take no for an answer or shït from anyone. After an engagement dinner, she teams up with Nikos, the Russian boogeyman; Kenji, the interrogator for the Jirocho Yakuza Clan and Caleb, the Irish aśśhole extraordinaire to take down the four families.
I love everything about this book from the spice to the character’s banter, and the plot. Highly recommend reading this series.
TW/Tropes
mafia and criminal organizations, torture/death, mentions of human trafficking, mentions of childhood abuse (Not sexual), assault, manipulation, misogyny, and abuse.
I love everything about this book from the spice to the character’s banter, and the plot. Highly recommend reading this series.
TW/Tropes
mafia and criminal organizations, torture/death, mentions of human trafficking, mentions of childhood abuse (Not sexual), assault, manipulation, misogyny, and abuse.
January 30, 2023
“You don’t care what my last name was. Because I’m now a Callahan.”
If you want a sure of herself, kickass FMC then here she is. Scar is my spirit animal. The only way her romantic life could go is with multiple men. She is too much women for one man and I am so here for it 🖤
Niko: Sweet & caring but oh so dirty and dominating. Kenji: Golden retriever energy but ruthless. Their banter is my favorite. Caleb: Alpha, dickhead, possessive. The four of them fit together perfectly, like the pieces of a puzzle.
These men and their dirty talk will be the death of me and I’ll welcome it. This book is perfection, right down to the chapter titles.
And let me just bow down to Marie for including spitting in her books 🥵
If you want a sure of herself, kickass FMC then here she is. Scar is my spirit animal. The only way her romantic life could go is with multiple men. She is too much women for one man and I am so here for it 🖤
Niko: Sweet & caring but oh so dirty and dominating. Kenji: Golden retriever energy but ruthless. Their banter is my favorite. Caleb: Alpha, dickhead, possessive. The four of them fit together perfectly, like the pieces of a puzzle.
These men and their dirty talk will be the death of me and I’ll welcome it. This book is perfection, right down to the chapter titles.
And let me just bow down to Marie for including spitting in her books 🥵
April 10, 2024
omg im obsessed!!!!!! i to be honest had the time of my life reading this, way better than the first one but equally good and fun and intriguing and so interesting aaa caleb and niko and kenji being all different but oh the same then scar being their match was magical and so good!!! i had so much fun truly I couldn't stop reading!! niko is my fave for sure tho i do love them all!! i want to see them in book 3 🤭
overall is a fast paced book with romance and some action, again with a badass killer woman who can kill you with her eyes period, and badass men who will do anything in their power to protect their woman and also destroy the world if they have to ehehe really liked it!!
overall is a fast paced book with romance and some action, again with a badass killer woman who can kill you with her eyes period, and badass men who will do anything in their power to protect their woman and also destroy the world if they have to ehehe really liked it!!
January 30, 2023
Syndicate of Sins - Marie Maravilla
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
"Thick thighs should suffocate faces"
LISTEN...I think the chapter titles ALONE are enough of a review if we are being honest. I was SO lucky to receive am ARC of Scars book and I was NOT disappointed it. Scar is TOP tier bad ass female. Holy Crap. The SASS is impeccable.
"The smile he threw me over his shoulder was breathtaking. It looked so carefree. It was borderline innocent, which was the complete opposite of his body. Covered in tattoos and chiseled muscles - a woman's wet dream"
I don't want to give too much away because honestly this is an absolute must read. If you love unhinged, possessive men and an IDGAF attitude FMC then look no further. Marie outdid herself with Scar and the boys. I can NOT wait for Nikki and Dex. I have no doubt she will blow us away again with those two!
"Fighting was foreplay to us. I didn't think there'd ever be a time when we weren't at each others throats - followed by being in each other's pants."
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
"Thick thighs should suffocate faces"
LISTEN...I think the chapter titles ALONE are enough of a review if we are being honest. I was SO lucky to receive am ARC of Scars book and I was NOT disappointed it. Scar is TOP tier bad ass female. Holy Crap. The SASS is impeccable.
"The smile he threw me over his shoulder was breathtaking. It looked so carefree. It was borderline innocent, which was the complete opposite of his body. Covered in tattoos and chiseled muscles - a woman's wet dream"
I don't want to give too much away because honestly this is an absolute must read. If you love unhinged, possessive men and an IDGAF attitude FMC then look no further. Marie outdid herself with Scar and the boys. I can NOT wait for Nikki and Dex. I have no doubt she will blow us away again with those two!
"Fighting was foreplay to us. I didn't think there'd ever be a time when we weren't at each others throats - followed by being in each other's pants."
January 30, 2023
I had the ABSOLUTE HONOR of beta reading this book. Let me tell you… if you loved that Ryan was a bad ass female who was independent and didn’t take shit from anyone then you’ll LOVE Scar!
Scar is seeking that stability and independence she wasn’t really afforded as a child and these men give her the independence she wants while still supporting her through it all. Niko, Kenji, and Caleb are all incredible. Sometimes in why choose books the men are all the same. You have the mean one, the goofy one and then the others fade into the background. That’s not the case here. These guys have their own personalities and relationships with Scar and the banter is EVERYTHINGGG.
Five stars and I cannot wait for you all to read it!
Scar is seeking that stability and independence she wasn’t really afforded as a child and these men give her the independence she wants while still supporting her through it all. Niko, Kenji, and Caleb are all incredible. Sometimes in why choose books the men are all the same. You have the mean one, the goofy one and then the others fade into the background. That’s not the case here. These guys have their own personalities and relationships with Scar and the banter is EVERYTHINGGG.
Five stars and I cannot wait for you all to read it!
January 30, 2023
✨𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘✨
IMMACULATE!!!
I absolutely adored Scar, Kenji, Niko & Caleb. Blood thirsty FMCs are a personal favorite of mine. Something about Rivals to Lovers is absolute elite. The men were filthy but Scar was even nastier.. I love her so much. Of course, there's suspense and the plot to take down some super a-hole families.
The events in this book are sort of Parallel to book 1 (Skeletons of Society), so while each book are technically standalone, I'd encourage you to pick up book 1 for better understanding. (Plus Ryan & Gunner are soooo hot🥵).
also, CHAPTER TITLES- YESSS, let's keep trying to bring this back.
Tropes:
Mafia
Whychoose
Forced Marriage
Rivals to Lovers
PRAISE / Degradation
Snowballing
Group Scenes
𝘵𝘸: 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘈, 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨
IMMACULATE!!!
I absolutely adored Scar, Kenji, Niko & Caleb. Blood thirsty FMCs are a personal favorite of mine. Something about Rivals to Lovers is absolute elite. The men were filthy but Scar was even nastier.. I love her so much. Of course, there's suspense and the plot to take down some super a-hole families.
The events in this book are sort of Parallel to book 1 (Skeletons of Society), so while each book are technically standalone, I'd encourage you to pick up book 1 for better understanding. (Plus Ryan & Gunner are soooo hot🥵).
also, CHAPTER TITLES- YESSS, let's keep trying to bring this back.
Tropes:
Mafia
Whychoose
Forced Marriage
Rivals to Lovers
PRAISE / Degradation
Snowballing
Group Scenes
𝘵𝘸: 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘈, 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨
February 21, 2023
I had been really looking forward to this sequel after liking the first book. This story started off really good and seemed promising, but ended up falling a little flat. This book tried to do quite a lot and ran out of time. The ending was very anticlimactic and rushed. There were many plot points that were underdeveloped. The relationships in this RH weren’t especially strong. The character development was lacking and the 3 dudes didn’t stand out too much from each other. There was insta lust that very quickly turned into insta love. Everything, and I do mean everything, turned the FMC on. There was plenty of spice. Some of it was good and some was meh. What really killed this story for me was all the MMC’s calling the FMC “Little One”. Can that nickname die already?! I liked the forced proximity/fake marriage/kidnapping tropes. I liked the FMC’s feminist rage. This book was a little messy, but I enjoyed it overall. On KU.
December 7, 2023
This series is soooooo good omfg. The plot is fast paced, well thought out and executed perfectly, and the smut?? It’s so hot. Wow.
You have to read this series in order because of the plot, and it’s SO worth it.
Spice:
You have to read this series in order because of the plot, and it’s SO worth it.
Spice:
January 31, 2023
”Men, honestly, caused so many problems in the world with their inflated egos and pissing contests.”
HOLY SHIT.
Marie, what have you written?? 😩
I was completely blessed in receiving an early copy of Syndicate of Sins and I don’t think I will ever recover.
This book was fucking. CRACK.
If you loved Ryan in Skeletons of Society, then I know you will love Scar. This book instantly grabs your attention from the first page.
”Nothing itched quite like dried blood. Well, dried cum was a bitch too.” Ma’am, I— 🧎🏾♀️
You know, I always question how authors will write out a RH or Why choose book, but Marie did it wonderfully and masterfully. The plot was there but the SPICE???? ❤️🔥
Anyways, I loved, LOVED all three of the men but Caleb? Yeah, he can get me ANYTIME and ANYWAY he wants. Literally, the bantering, the groveling, the ANGST between Scar and Caleb had me wanting to cry and then clench my thighs together. He was a major dick, but man that made me love him so much.
KENJI? This man’s was WILD throughout the book. But nothing will ever make me forget that spit scene. IYKYK.
Niko was the sweetest and the fact that he loves to cook??? Ughhhhh 😩😩😩😩😩😩
Compared to the first book, I do think this book had a ton more spice (not complaining) but also was a nice mixture of the events that happened in the first book. I loved Scar’s fierceness and how I love when she made every male who doubted her shut the fuck up.
A real page turner, I can’t recommend enough!!!
-eARC for honest thoughts and opinions.
HOLY SHIT.
Marie, what have you written?? 😩
I was completely blessed in receiving an early copy of Syndicate of Sins and I don’t think I will ever recover.
This book was fucking. CRACK.
If you loved Ryan in Skeletons of Society, then I know you will love Scar. This book instantly grabs your attention from the first page.
”Nothing itched quite like dried blood. Well, dried cum was a bitch too.” Ma’am, I— 🧎🏾♀️
You know, I always question how authors will write out a RH or Why choose book, but Marie did it wonderfully and masterfully. The plot was there but the SPICE???? ❤️🔥
Anyways, I loved, LOVED all three of the men but Caleb? Yeah, he can get me ANYTIME and ANYWAY he wants. Literally, the bantering, the groveling, the ANGST between Scar and Caleb had me wanting to cry and then clench my thighs together. He was a major dick, but man that made me love him so much.
KENJI? This man’s was WILD throughout the book. But nothing will ever make me forget that spit scene. IYKYK.
Niko was the sweetest and the fact that he loves to cook??? Ughhhhh 😩😩😩😩😩😩
Compared to the first book, I do think this book had a ton more spice (not complaining) but also was a nice mixture of the events that happened in the first book. I loved Scar’s fierceness and how I love when she made every male who doubted her shut the fuck up.
A real page turner, I can’t recommend enough!!!
-eARC for honest thoughts and opinions.
December 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Everything about this series is 🔥🔥🔥
The plot and action in SOS was so fitting since it tied into book 1, Marie knows how to keep you hooked!!
I loved Ryan and Gunner but I LOVE A WHY CHOOSE 😈
Scars first interaction with Caleb was just the beginning of this chaotic love story🤭
Scar didn’t let anyone, especially a man give her shit. She became a weapon that pushed for chaos. I loved watching her get crazy!
She also lowkey has an obsession with pointing a gun at Caleb’s junk or a blade or setting them on fire hahaha😂
Now since this is a why choose there’s always a favorite 😏
Caleb and scar are twin flames
Kenji and scar are chaos
Niko and scar are obsession at its finest
Caleb is a grumpy broody man that just needed a knife to the balls to figure out he loved her. Niko was utterly obsessed since the the fridge encounter but Kenji is MY MANNNN. He is absolutely the funniest one, he has no filter and the way he loves to live life in the edge is hot. Also he carries his Katana with him at all times 🔥😏
I loved the ending!! Ryan and Scar really love making their men go feral💋💋
I NEED DEX AND NIKKI, their book is almost out (01/18/2024) 💚💚💚
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Everything about this series is 🔥🔥🔥
The plot and action in SOS was so fitting since it tied into book 1, Marie knows how to keep you hooked!!
I loved Ryan and Gunner but I LOVE A WHY CHOOSE 😈
Scars first interaction with Caleb was just the beginning of this chaotic love story🤭
Scar didn’t let anyone, especially a man give her shit. She became a weapon that pushed for chaos. I loved watching her get crazy!
She also lowkey has an obsession with pointing a gun at Caleb’s junk or a blade or setting them on fire hahaha😂
Now since this is a why choose there’s always a favorite 😏
Caleb and scar are twin flames
Kenji and scar are chaos
Niko and scar are obsession at its finest
Caleb is a grumpy broody man that just needed a knife to the balls to figure out he loved her. Niko was utterly obsessed since the the fridge encounter but Kenji is MY MANNNN. He is absolutely the funniest one, he has no filter and the way he loves to live life in the edge is hot. Also he carries his Katana with him at all times 🔥😏
I loved the ending!! Ryan and Scar really love making their men go feral💋💋
I NEED DEX AND NIKKI, their book is almost out (01/18/2024) 💚💚💚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
First, a huge thank you to Marie for providing me with the ARC. After finishing Skeletons of Society, I was salivating to learn more about Scar and I was not disappointed!
𝘽𝙚 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝. 𝙀𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
TL;DR: Have bottles of water ready and bring extra pair of panties before you start this; the blood thirst and the spice will definitely have its effects on you. Maybe even a handful of tissues, because you might tear up a couple times.
-
I’m always a little wary of standalones why choose, because it seems like something’s lacking. I didn’t feel this way with this book though! Marie managed to make the why choose aspect feel like it was a 500 page book - and I mean that as a compliment; it didn’t feel rushed and the chemistry/connection between Scar and all 3 of her men was palpable.
The spice was obviously great - I’ve been spoiled to hell and back with the snowball scenes. Chapters 23 and 32 earned permanent free rent in my head.
FEMALE RAGE!
This was definitely my favorite part. Scarletta Romano is one of the most badass FMCs I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet, and boy do I wish she was real and we could be friends. Or if she simply wanted to step on me and spit in my mouth and then leave, I wouldn’t complain either. In fact, I’d be thankful.
“𝙄 𝙗𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣.”
The guys are also hot af! Kenji, Caleb and Niko are all interesting in their own way. I did end up with a favorite, but I won’t name names because I’d feel bad haha They all complement each other personality-wise, making the group perfect.
And the guys WITH Scar? Explosive! JFC, whenever they were together, an actual choir of angels would sing Take Me to Church by Hozier, while wishing they could fall from grace just for the chance of experiencing a relationship like that as well.
“𝙁𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙪𝙨. 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙨—𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨.”
And now, for something that could have its own separate review: THE CHAPTER NAMES! 10/10 for every single one. Once you read the book, you’ll understand. Also, side note for that opening line. Will go down as one of my favorites of all time!
The plot was amazing, but I won’t talk about it for obvious reasons. Just trust that it’s a good one! And the ending left me already hungry for the third book.
Syndicate of Sins is an absolute must if you like why choose, mafia, forced marriages and foreign pet names 🥹
First, a huge thank you to Marie for providing me with the ARC. After finishing Skeletons of Society, I was salivating to learn more about Scar and I was not disappointed!
𝘽𝙚 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝. 𝙀𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
TL;DR: Have bottles of water ready and bring extra pair of panties before you start this; the blood thirst and the spice will definitely have its effects on you. Maybe even a handful of tissues, because you might tear up a couple times.
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I’m always a little wary of standalones why choose, because it seems like something’s lacking. I didn’t feel this way with this book though! Marie managed to make the why choose aspect feel like it was a 500 page book - and I mean that as a compliment; it didn’t feel rushed and the chemistry/connection between Scar and all 3 of her men was palpable.
The spice was obviously great - I’ve been spoiled to hell and back with the snowball scenes. Chapters 23 and 32 earned permanent free rent in my head.
FEMALE RAGE!
This was definitely my favorite part. Scarletta Romano is one of the most badass FMCs I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet, and boy do I wish she was real and we could be friends. Or if she simply wanted to step on me and spit in my mouth and then leave, I wouldn’t complain either. In fact, I’d be thankful.
“𝙄 𝙗𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣.”
The guys are also hot af! Kenji, Caleb and Niko are all interesting in their own way. I did end up with a favorite, but I won’t name names because I’d feel bad haha They all complement each other personality-wise, making the group perfect.
And the guys WITH Scar? Explosive! JFC, whenever they were together, an actual choir of angels would sing Take Me to Church by Hozier, while wishing they could fall from grace just for the chance of experiencing a relationship like that as well.
“𝙁𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙪𝙨. 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙨—𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨.”
And now, for something that could have its own separate review: THE CHAPTER NAMES! 10/10 for every single one. Once you read the book, you’ll understand. Also, side note for that opening line. Will go down as one of my favorites of all time!
The plot was amazing, but I won’t talk about it for obvious reasons. Just trust that it’s a good one! And the ending left me already hungry for the third book.
Syndicate of Sins is an absolute must if you like why choose, mafia, forced marriages and foreign pet names 🥹
February 2, 2023
Marie, you truly outdone yourself. Syndicate of Sins is my top read for January. I loved them all maybe Niko and Caleb the most.
Now we briefly met Scar in Society of Skeltons. I knew I would like her. She is a mother flipping baddie. Not only that she is smart woman. I love that about a strong female character.
Now for the men. This is a why choose/reverse harem. These men are just as unhinged as she is. Their mouths are beyond filthy. I’m so thankful for that. Like thank you Marie. There was a lot of highlighting.
Can’t wait for the next book!
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Marriage, Badass FMC, Why Choose/Reverse Harem, Mafia
February 6, 2023
✨ Marie, Marie, Marie!! I absolutely loved Book 1, but you have truely outdone yourself with this one!
Syndicate of Sins brings us yet another one of Marie’s badass FMCs along with 3 delicious mafia men.
I was hooked from the most fabulous opening line right up until the end. And those chapter headings 👌🏻
I am a massive hoe for a good why choose book and this one is definitely sitting pretty amongst my top few.
I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next. I know it’s going to be a wild ride! ✨
Syndicate of Sins brings us yet another one of Marie’s badass FMCs along with 3 delicious mafia men.
I was hooked from the most fabulous opening line right up until the end. And those chapter headings 👌🏻
I am a massive hoe for a good why choose book and this one is definitely sitting pretty amongst my top few.
I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next. I know it’s going to be a wild ride! ✨
February 4, 2023
Maybe I’ll revise up to 5 star but definitely a solid, entertaining read that I’d recommend. Scar is a self possessed, badass. Love the dynamic with the MMCs. The book nicely ties in events from the 1st book but could probably be read as a stand-alone, though I’d recommend reading the first since it’s freaking good too. The book delivers on all its promises from my perspective and it’s hottt. Trust the book. If there’s something that nit picky or tension lasting longer than comfortable, the book comes though and makes it right.
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