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All the things I’d seen and done, the dangers I’d survived, and nothing terrified me more than loving her.

I’d gotten used to being alone. It was the only way to protect others from the beast inside of me. But then I met Nina, and little by little, she melted my frozen heart and made me feel again.

When she was taken and experimented on by evil men, I did whatever it took to get her back. I thought it was over, that I could go back to loving her from a distance while she charmed the rich and powerful.

I never said I was smart.

Not only do the men who turned her into a living artifact want her back, but my employers want her gone and the Archive wants to lock her up.

With enemies everywhere, and the power Nina was forced to absorb slowly killing her, we have to pretend to be lovers in order to find the one artifact that can save her life. It isn't long before the lines between guarding her and loving her begin to blur, and every moment I’m with her the beast inside is demanding that we claim her for our own.

I may be the only one that can protect Nina from the world, but who is going to protect her from me?

Sinner: An Orc Bodyguard Monster Romance is a stand-alone romance in the Monsters & Artifacts series. It has a guaranteed HEA, a spicy age-gap, hurt comfort, and a gruff Orc bodyguard that would do anything for her. It is intended for mature audiences. See authors website for CW’s.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2024

19 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

Trish Heinrich

34 books205 followers
Trish Heinrich’s steamy romance is fueled by caffeine and panic. When not daydreaming about the new book boyfriend she’s creating, Trish is geeking out with her two kids about superheroes, cuddling with her husband or bingeing Lucifer…again.
Devil’s Temptation is her first straight up romance and is the first book in her Celestial Superheroes Series. She writes Urban Fantasy under T.L. Heinrich because there are just too many stories in her brain for one pen name.
You can catch her on Instagram under @trishheinrich, or on Patreon as Trish Heinrich. She doesn’t promise to post every day, but she does promise weird, geeky fun with the occasion man chest thrown in for good measure.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,833 reviews515 followers
May 29, 2024
4.5 stars
This was an action packed age gap romance that dealt with a LOT of trauma. Nina was learning how to stretch her wings after surviving a horrendous ordeal and had a wonderful journey of learning to stand up for herself, even to Darius and his brand of overprotectiveness. Darius was a self-flagellating grouchy orc that needed someone to trust him the way Nina did, and learn to trust himself. Their relationship was tender and loving but still had its share of hiccups along the way. I’m enjoying the continuation of this universe!

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: torture, medical experimentation (off page), captivity, nightmares, violence, gore, murder, manslaughter (off page), death of family, grief, allusions to abusive parent, SA (low detail, mostly off page, flashback), home invasion
Profile Image for christy - pr0bablyreadingsmut.
407 reviews
May 30, 2024
DAAAAAMN ORC DADDY!!!! this book was so damn steamy while also touching on dark subjects. and the SLOW BURN WAS REALLLLLL!!!!! i was ready to push them together by the 30% mark LOL. minus one star bc darius was a little toooo over protective sometimes. let your woman be a badass, she can handle it!!!!! overall though, i loved this story.
Profile Image for Michelle Lebron.
251 reviews14 followers
May 31, 2024
This is my first book in the Monsters and Artifacts series, and I can definitely say that I will read the other books because I was delighted with this one. It has everything: lots of action, magic, banter, trauma, an age gap, and an overprotective sweet Orc. Darius is a cinnamon roll. The plot kept me hooked the whole time—super interesting and well executed, and the plot twists completely blew my mind. I didn't expect or suspect most of them. Nina and Darius are a super sweet couple who are both going through a lot of traumas and situations, but seeing how they support each other throughout the story to resolve those traumas is great, especially in building that trust. Darius overcomes his self-confidence issues thanks to Nina believing that he is not who he thinks he is after all the traumas he had to endure. The sexual tension between them in the book was tremendous and kept me on the edge, waiting for it to finally happen. I can't wait for the next one to see what happens in this universe.
Profile Image for BooksChaosandTea.
149 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2024
How do you express how much you enjoyed a book?
It has action,age gap, bodygaurd, becoming friends, the time line just kept giving. I don't know what other tropes you would give this. It was just giving all of the things and I call it amazing!!!!! From beginning to end, it had me wondering how everything would work out.
Nina's love for Darius, swoon worthy. Darius's devotion and love for Nina, the stress of it all.
Also it had a diverse group of characters. Loved it!!!! I especially loved that some of mystical beings, would use glamours to look like people of color. That really made me smile. As someone who has been reading fantasy for so long. It gave me joy that a being would choose to look like, someone like me.
This is the first book, I have read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. I loved every moment of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Biblio.
Author 8 books228 followers
May 28, 2024
Action, bodyguard, age gap, trauma... this had a little bit of everything that makes fantasy and monster romances SO GOOD. Nina and Darius's love was so special and sweet to read. Dark pasts and trauma may push them apart but it also pulls them together. The tension was SO GOOD. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what would happen next. And the ending, omg the ending. So freaking beautiful and sweet. Intense, delicious and so sweet.

*ARC Review
Profile Image for Meghan.
723 reviews114 followers
May 31, 2024
I go absolutely gaga for a good protector/bodyguard romance, and when combined with monster romance, well just cancel all my appointments for the day, I'm busy. While I had only read book one in this series, and reading the other two may have been helpful, enough context was given that you could read this as a standalone if you want to. This started off quite fast-paced, with the FMC (Nina) being rescued by our MMC (Darius) after she was held captive in a research facility that had experimented on her with magic. She became a dangerous being, with powers potentially beyond her control, so the rest of the story was figuring out how to keep her safe from others while also keeping others safe from her. It was very action-packed with lots of angst, since this is a romance and amidst all the drama the two MCs also had to deal with their feelings for each other.

There is an age gap of about 15 years between Darius and Nina, so it was interesting to see how Nina actually seemed to be a little more powerful in the relationship in many ways. She was more forward, more open with her feelings, and she drove the pace until Darius finally gave in. Poor Darius felt like he wasn't good enough for her, so it took some time before his lust for her led to explosive chemistry between them. Their scenes together were hot and steamy, with Darius having a natural Dom role in the bedroom, and sometimes I forgot how in danger they both were. I think they did too - ha! It was wonderful to see Nina opening up Darius to the possibility of being loved, and in turn, Darius supported Nina as she came to terms with her powers and her confidence in using them. They were really a very charismatic couple.

Although this book is about 300 pages, it moved quickly and could definitely be read over a weekend. Perfect summer read if you want to escape the heat outside...although you're definitely going to feel the heat on these pages!

**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
Profile Image for Maaren.
1,468 reviews10 followers
May 28, 2024
I received an ARC from the author and I am leaving a voluntary review.

**

Sinner is a story of Darius and Nina. They both have been through a horrible event when Nina was kidnapped and experimented on and Darius nearly died during the attack. He's determined to get her back but when he does find her, she's not the same anymore. Nina is now a living artifact and with the Archive at their heels, they will have to pretend to be dating to get their hands on the one artifact that can save her life. But is it really pretending as the lines begin to blur?

I really fell in love with Nina and she was my absolute favorite in the book. Despite having severe PTSD, she was strong and her sass was unmatched. She also knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to tell it to Darius, even if he took a lot longer to get onboard with everything despite having been in love with Nina for years. I also really loved how caring and kind to those around her, those traits really shone through.

Darius as a character has many layers and I was impressed with him several times during the book. He's very protective and possessive of Nina and he will go the distance to protect her, but he also worships the ground she walks on. I also love the fact that he is this big, menacing Orc who reads and fetches Nina's favorite things for her and that melted my heart.

I love the plot and how Trish weaves it, it's done wonderfully. There are so many twists in the book that'll leave your head spinning but in the best way possible and you will be kept guessing right into the last chapter. And trust me, you will want to read until that last chapter because you can't stop. And that ending is worth everything.

This is probably the darkest of the Monsters and Artifacts series and there were a couple of moments where the darkness is quite dark. But where there is darkness, there is also light and I love the balance the author was able to create here. If you are queasy with blood, please check the trigger warnings before entering the book. The same goes for spicy scenes as there is Dom/brat-action with the honorific "Sir" as well as spanking in there, it's quite intense but in true Trish Heinrich style, it's done really well.
Profile Image for Krissy Brinn.
681 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2024
Wow

This book had me hooked and the emotions I went through from start to finish. I'm going to start by saying this book may start with Angelica's pov but she is not the FMC so do not think there is OW drama. She will get her story, just not right now.

The emotions I went through were crazy, I was mad, I laughed so hard I snorted and I ugly cried but in the end I was happy and the ending is perfect for Nina and Darius.

I usually save quotes to go back and read but I was hooked and just read for as long as I could until life made me take a break.

This is a must read and don't forget the bonus epilogue link at the very end, it's spicy.
Profile Image for Tally Patton.
348 reviews14 followers
May 29, 2024
Adorably sweet and spicy!!!

This book was filled with tons of action, plenty of *feelings*, and oodles of sexy goodness!!! The story was super interesting, and filled with twists turns, doubles crosses, and a happy ever after.

While Nina didn't do much for me as a character, her story and the entity inside her made her super interesting to me. Darius, on the other hand, is an adorable broody bodyguard. His past and his berserker have him so twisted up in knots, that he would rather run away instead of untangle his feelings.

But, boy does that man have a kinky side!!!! He is a dirty-talking, brat taming, body worshipping Daddy!!! (Without the actual Daddy kink)
77 reviews
May 28, 2024
I really enjoyed the other books in this series so I was super excited to get my hands on this guy. Let me tell you all, this book is awesome and might be the best in the series so far. The action and mystery was incredible and the spice was to die for. Our wonderful couple Darius and Nina were adorable. There relationship felt very organic due to them already having a close relationship even before they confessed their feelings. There were so many tropes I loved like hurt/comfort, protective MMC, badass FMC, etc. That final chapter though definitely made me tear up but I feel like their ending was extremely satisfying. I can't wait for the next book in this awesome series.
Profile Image for BobbiJo.
822 reviews
May 28, 2024
Really it’s a 4.5 star rating, it is a great read!

It was heartbreaking and angsty. Both MCs had trauma to overcome. Nina, the FMC was a complete spitfire who wouldn’t let Darius stay hiding from her.

Nina has been held back her entire life, never allowed to become as powerful as she could. Darius is her protector, even when she just wants to protect him.

The spice was DELICIOUS! But this book is absolutely more plot than spice.

I can’t say why the .5 star was taken without spoiling something, I just wish it had been different. Other than that, the story was perfect.
Profile Image for Shay MacMorran.
44 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2024
The latest installment in Trish Heinrich's Monsters & Artifacts series. Some of the others reminded me of Indiana Jones, whereas this one has more of a 007 vibe. There's a heist and lots of double-crossing spy stuff. Nina was a badass. I loved watching her come into her power. Darius tried to resist her, but it was so rewarding when he folded. Without being spoiler-y, I loved their ending.

I was honored to be an ARC reader, so I received a free copy of this book, but this is an honest review. My copy had some formatting issues which will likely not be present in the released version, but even with them, I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Sandra Sanches.
688 reviews21 followers
May 28, 2024
Darius is a grumpy ,fierce Orc but Oh so sweet with Nina ,a witch learning of her powers.Their background is heart breaking but love heals everything....after a tortuous path!
An age gap romance, action packed with a good plot and settings and characters that touch the heart, all wrapped up in the amazing writting style of Trish Heinrich!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂.
1,241 reviews
Read
June 1, 2024
Monsters & Artifacts Series :

FERAL - ✅ 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read March 24, 2024
BOUND - ✅ 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read March 26, 2024
ABANDON - ✅ 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read March 27, 2024
SINNER - ✅ 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read on June 1, 2024
Soon :
Inferno: A Dragon Monster Romance - Monsters & Artifacts Book 5
Profile Image for Sarah.
94 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2024
I haven’t read a single Trish Heinrich book that has disappointed me, and Sinner is no exception.

Although part of a series, Sinner can be read as a stand alone. Although I’ve only read one of the previous books, I had no issue understanding the story of Nina and Darius.

Nina is a wealthy socialite who starts the story a year after being kidnapped. Her former sexy bodyguard turned friend, Darius, has stopped at nothing to find her. Now that he knows her location, he calls in all kinds of favors to see her returned. But once she’s returned, will they be able to deal with their feelings and the fallout of her kidnapping?
Profile Image for Joni (livebythemoon7).
550 reviews10 followers
June 3, 2024
I have read several books by Trish Heinrich and have enjoyed each one. This book is a pleasant mix of adventure, suspense, and romance with a healthy helping of *spice*.
This was an easy and chill weekend read for me. This monster romance features an orc and human relationship.

This book contains content not suitable for all readers. Check CW.

I received an advance copy. This review is honest and voluntary.
1,559 reviews14 followers
June 2, 2024
This is a great story about Darius and Nina.
This had everything from heroes and heroines, true love, fated mates, sacrifice, romance and so much more.
I loved the will they won’t they until everything happened with a bang!
When I got to the end of the book I was so sad as this is such a good story that makes you want to read more and more.
I had a smile when I read this from start to finish as it was brilliant. 5 stars!
Profile Image for wiltingpages.
102 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2024
i LOVE Trish Heinrichs story telling sooooo much. this book had me SOBBING at the end but do not worry, it is still a HEA! a slightly forbidden romance (he is her bodyguard), mixed with a heist and semi fake dating?? loved it. loved how Darius took care of Nina, i just loved it all so so much. i am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series with Trey and Angelica 👀
this is an ARC review
Profile Image for Sarah Uram.
54 reviews
June 2, 2024
An adventurous and steamy romp that reminds me of The Mummy! But throw in some extra magic, The Morrigan, and a bad bad scientist. I love the age gap, grumpy x bratty sunshine, and bodyguard to mates relationship!
Profile Image for Diana Wolf.
192 reviews53 followers
July 9, 2024
FMC: Nina
MMC(s): Darius
Tropes: Bodyguard, Berserker MMC, Grumpy/Sunshine, Age Gap, Witch FMC, Hurt/Comfort, Book Nerd MMC
> Reviewer add: Mercenaries, Secret Society
Perspective: Dual first
Plot or character driven: Both
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> With only one character? Yes.
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes.
> Personal favorite? Their first time.
> State of the joystick? Green and uncut.
Burn speed: Slow
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, though it helps to read the rest of the series.
Re-Readability: High, this was an action-packed book.
Monster level: 2 - Orc.
Content Notes: (These are neither tropes nor warnings.)
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: On author’s website.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.

“What if loving you isn’t enough to protect you?”

Darius is a bodyguard that lost his Nina, only to find out where she was... And to require the help of the Archive to get her back. She comes back different, and those that changed her are not willing to part with Nina.

If you dig the whole bodyguard vibes: with him falling first, and him trying to be restrained about it, and her knowing about it and trying to help him get over his hang ups? Yeah, this is the book for you. Add in a little mystery about what’s going on with Nina, and who did it, and you have a little plot with some character driven stuff. Delightful.
Profile Image for Len.
112 reviews28 followers
Read
August 27, 2025
This was… fine. I guess.

I’m starting to feel like a real asshole for having standards, tbh, when it comes to supernatural, paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy romance in particular. Especially when said sub-genre romance is self published or published with small presses.

I think the issue, for me, is that once you’re selling a book you’re saying “this is something I’m proud enough of to ask for money for.” And even in the case of self-published or indie books this isn’t just one person’s contentment with the end result—usually it involves at least a freelance editor and a cover artist as well, not to mention several beta readers and writer friends who offer critique.

So it’s really exhausting to read so many books that just deeply and truly feel like drafts. And at this point… I have to admit that I haven’t seen a single novel from Heinrich that felt finished.

Maybe if we’re holding ourselves to the standard of serially published fanfiction or EL James quality writing this meets that bar. But god. That bar is so low it’s practically in hell.

The only thing that infuriates me more than a poorly written & edited book is a book that could have been truly great with better editing. I come back to SFF and paranormal romance again and again for the worldbuilding—it’s a genre full of immensely creative authors who craft exquisite and fascinating worlds—and Heinrich is easily among the best of the best when it comes to that aspect of storytelling.

Unfortunately all of the excellent worldbuilding in this genre just sucks me in (time and again) so that I can be reminded that character writing in this genre tends to be so trope-heavy and cliched that I can honestly say I’ve seen maybe one or two original and interesting characters in the past decade of reading PNR and SFF romance.

Even when character writing is done well by PNR/ SFFR writers, with vivid portrayal and personal growth narratives you can actually invest in as a reader, this genre is so painfully wedded to a few deeply boring archetypes that I’m starting to wonder why I bother.

I’m burning out on boring heroes. Sorry. It’s the same three dull men over and over again and the same four heroines. Will she be sporty spice? Or baby spice? Or maybe she’s scary spice? God forbid she’s fucking posh (the worst possible option—and the reason this heroine fell so spectacularly flat for me. HATE poor little rich girl syndrome. Booooooo. Tomato tomato tomato).

Will he be emotionally closed-off, gruff, and manly but with a secret heart of gold? What a paradox!

Or perhaps he’s very smart and just a little nerdy—but he’s still very athletic! He’s buff! There’s just a bit of pooch on his tummy, or maybe he walks with a cane; never fear dear reader. This nerd isn’t a pocket protector wearing weirdo—he’s a rugged Indiana Jones type—complete with tweed elbow patches, the soul of a poet, and the willpower (and muscles) to fight for justice.

Alternatively the author might delight you with a lovable rogue. He’s a cynical floozy because he’s protecting himself from the ravages of heartbreak—but a reformed manwhore makes the best husband of all.

Do I hate these archetypes? No. They used to be beloved stock characters. It’s just fucking exhausting when they’re the only stock characters, and when no writer does any more than the last to make their personal versions stand out from the crowd.

Fucking give me more.

It feels mean to leave this review on a single novelists work because this is a bone-deep exhaustion that I’ve inflicted on myself. It’s not Heinrich’s fault that she’s written just one more cliched and dull romance with a premise that delighted me so much I just had to pick it up, despite my growing frustrations with the genre.

I feel a bit like that asshole that goes to see a musical and comes out going “yes I liked the plot but did they really have to do all that singing? Dreadful stuff!”

But at the same time, I think it’s fair to say that you’re disappointed with the songwriting. Never more so than when it’s clear the composer has the makings of an Andrew Lloyd Webber but insists on writing with the clumsy styling of a Lin Manuel Miranda.

Maybe I’m a snob. The Lin Manuel Miranda’s of the world seem to sell their work just fine.

You can’t order a beer and then be furious when you aren’t served champagne.

I just hate wasted potential. I hate knowing what a deliciously well rounded malt tastes like and then being handed Bud Light. If you’re going to write purely escapist fiction (something I adore!) then write the best entertainment you can. Plenty of talented authors manage this all the time.

(Sorry for my gross abuse of metaphor here. I swear I’m going to stop belabouring the point).

2 stars. The plot was engaging and decently crafted. Could have been three stars but honestly last I checked Microsoft Word still proofreads better than this.

Also I have never wanted a couple to wind up together less at the end of the romance, without actively hating one of the characters. Honestly I’d have preferred to have reached the end of this novel with a sentiment as passionate as hate.

I just truly did not give a shit about anything that happened here and was left feeling like the romance was forced. No chemistry whatsoever. Probably because it’s hard for such wooden characters to create any kind of heat on their own.
Profile Image for Nevena.
932 reviews27 followers
May 27, 2024
🔥 “You’re everything. Every dream I never let myself have, everything I could ever want.”
~~~
Nina is incredible! She’s bold, sassy and fierce. She’s also a kind, understanding woman who always takes care of others. Even more, she’s incredibly courageous and resilient, determined to overcome all the hardships thrown her way. She doesn’t give up even when she’s afraid. And, as a witch, she’s an absolute badass! Nina is a remarkable woman and I adored everything about her!

And then, there’s Darius - one absolutely spectacular male! The scarred and tattooed orc is huge, strong, resourceful, fiercely protective and loyal. Even more, he’s observant, caring and incredibly thoughtful. And I absolutely loved his delicious possessiveness and dominance! Darius is a remarkable male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Nina and Darius! Being Nina’s bodyguard and with a dark past like his, Darius has been trying very hard to resist the growing attraction he felt for the feisty young woman. And Nina was not indifferent to him, either. Then she was taken… and Darius did everything in his power to get her back. And now that he has her, he would not let anything or anyone hurt her ever again. But, now, there’s more to Nina than anyone expects. I absolutely adored those two together! I loved their chemistry and their banters were an absolute delight to read. Even more, I loved how caring, understanding and supportive both were of each other. And the tension!!! Ohh, the tension with those two! And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another anymore, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot and I couldn’t get enough of all the naughty delight! Nina and Darius were just so perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together. Ohhh, the ending made me tear up in such a good way!

In addition, the storyline was phenomenal! I was hooked from the first page and with everything happening - the dangerous missions, the daring heists and the unexpected discoveries and turns of events - I was glued to the pages till the very end, excited to see how everything will be resolved.

Overall, the story is another remarkable addition to the series! It’s filled with non-stop action, danger, suspense, twists, mysteries, magical artifacts, drama, betrayals, blazing hot passion and spectacular characters.

I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every single page of it!
Profile Image for Moonburst.
435 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2024
Over a year ago, heiress and witch Nina York was kidnapped. Her bodyguard, Darius, has been ceaselessly searching for her. When he finally finds where she was been kept and experimented on, he has to depend on Angelica and the Archive to successfully extract Nina. But the Archive has some demands of their own, and Nina's new powers from what has been done to her has made her a target for many, including Darius's previous employers, the Sinners. Can Darius keep Nina safe while she heals from her traumas without revealing his deep love for her?

Sinner is a paranormal romance between a witch struggling to adjust to her newfound power and an orc bodyguard with a traumatic past. Both characters have quite a bit of previous history between the two of them, which is frequently alluded to. Nina is confident and determined to overcome her trauma as fast as possible. As she is newly free and she has been attracted to Darius for years, she is intent on forming a romanic relationship with him. Darius has similarly been obsessed with Nina, however his checkered past and berserker genes make him convinced that he couldn't possibly pursue her in the way he wants. As the two work together to find an artifact that will help heal Nina of what was done to her, they're forced into closer and closer proximity, until they can't fight their attraction to one another.

Overall, the book is enjoyable, but I struggled to like Darius or Nina all that much. Darius is so hung up on his past and he becomes quite repetitive as he spurns Nina's advances. Nina, meanwhile, seems more intent on seducing Darius rather than processing what she's been through or controlling her new powers. Both characters have heroic tendencies and are solidly written characters, so I still wanted to see both characters succeed in their endeavors. I did thoroughly enjoy the side drama between Trey and Angelica, which helped keep my interest in the story.

A decent bodyguard paranormal romance with a bit of unethical research and a heist storyline to make a completely unique book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3,012 reviews30 followers
June 19, 2024
4.5 stars. Nina, the female lead, has been captive to scientists who’ve been experimenting on her for so long that she’s all but given up hope of rescue. When Darius, the male orc lead, who was her bodyguard before she was abducted, leads a rescue party in, she can’t quite believe it.

As she recovers, she realises that she continues to be at risk, with some people wanting her dead, some wanting Darius dead, and some wanting them both gone. The leader of the Archive offers a potential pathway to genuine freedom for them both. But the solution is twisted and dangerous, and the people around them may not all be trustworthy. And Darius’ history is coming back to terrorise them too…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a darker steamy, fast-paced, fantasy adventure romance. I actually put this story aside for a bit because the authors trigger warnings suggested that the story would be quite intense and I wasn’t up to that. I’m glad I waited until I was in the right frame of mind because this story was great! But it is as described in the trigger warnings. I enjoyed Nina’s development, as she became far more independent and confident in her own capabilities. I empathised Darius’ concerns regarding his personal history; I enjoyed the way he came to genuinely believe that Nina truly wanted him. I enjoyed the development of their intimate relationship, and the way it extended on the trust they already had. I enjoyed their exploration of their mutual interests. I enjoyed the depth and complexity of the story and the way it built in the continuing overarching plot. I cried in the last few chapters and I ADORED the ending and the peace and joy the lead characters found for themselves, which the author’s bonus epilogue really enhanced.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
861 reviews16 followers
January 17, 2025
The spoiled heiress and her older bodyguard who sees her as a kid and totally off limits - until he loses her. Now years later, in some ways this is a second chance romance - except they never had a first chance and neither one can ever go back to the relationship they had before Nina was taken. They are not the same people. Nina is - something impossible. And Darius is possessively protective all the while terrified he will be the one to break her.

This series so far has been super action packed and Sinner is no exception. A high stakes artifact, a heist, a seriously dark enemy and some past secrets that will out. Tension was so high in some spots - both danger and romantically - sometimes at the same time. Nina and Darius' grumpy sunshine vibe and banter was the breath of fresh air needed in this story. And the heat, when it came - all the peppers!

My favorite part though - that ending! Trish pulled off the impossible, poignant perfect ending for these two improbably matched star crossed dreamers. At the heart of the story was two people who are always someone else's pawn, at someone else's mercy. and really, there was no way they could ever escape that. If anything they just kept being pulled deeper into roles other people picked for them. But deep down they held onto the kernel of a dream and sometimes, wishes do come true. Even if it is in a way that breaks your heart.
Profile Image for Beata Beatrix.
444 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2024
Positive disapointment. 😁😉❤️

🔸️ This story is a perfect example, why you should never judge a book by its cover. When picking up this book I was expecting an easy monster smut (and I was ok with that), while in reality I got an interesting, bit difficult, romance with fully developed plot in quite vast universe.

🔸️ The story has good and heavy power intrigue. There is mystery, crime, espionage, betrayal, tons of action and interesting magical/paranormal elements.

🔸️ Romance is quite emotional. Both MCs are struggling with trauma and difficult past. Both are in deep need for acceptance and emotional safety.
They have a great learning curve in order to be together.

🔸️ I liked Darius, he is a true, devoted, determined protector focused on his mission.

🔸️ The pair has nice chemistry and spice is hot with Dom-brat vibes.

🔸️I loved the last chapter. It's beautiful and heart warming.

🔸️ Well written, smooth to read.
Highly recommended for lovers of bodyguard romances, age gap and grumpy- sunshine pairs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Read Along With Kate.
124 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2024
📚✨Book Review✨📚

Sinner
Author: Trish Heinrich

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

Notes: I received a copy of this book as an advanced reader, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I Liked:
🪄 I’ve been a big fan of the Monsters & Artifacts series from the start and this one is no exception. There are monsters, paranormal adventures, and all sorts of magical things. But the reason I love this series is the adventure! If you are a fan of The Mummy or Indiana Jones, you would certainly love this entire series!

🪄The longing between Darius and Nina was adorably romantic. I loved how he always knew what she needed and supported her recovery. Plus there was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 👀😳.


What I Didn’t Like:
🪄The cover of this one is not my fave. It almost made me want to not even read it. I’m glad I took the chance though because the story was worth it!

Final Thoughts:
🪄The action and mystery have been incredible throughout the series. I’m hoping that Trish continues to write more from this world!

#bookreview #reviewsneedlovetoo #readforeverpub #unpopularopinion #booktok #bookstagram #bookfriend #books #bookish #booklover #instablog #romancereader #romcom #fantasybooks

Profile Image for Carole.
2,075 reviews16 followers
June 22, 2024
Sinner is an exciting story of action-adventure, danger, and passion that follows the trials of heiress FMC Nina and her Orc bodyguard MMC Darius.
When Nina is taken prisoner by the Protectors an organization set on acquiring all the world’s artifacts, Darius who almost died trying to protect her, leaves no stone unturned trying to find her again.
A year later has him turning to the director of the Archive Special Investigators unit, an organization who is waging a secret war with the Protectors after he finally locates Nina, seeking their assistance in freeing her.
His mission has become critical because the Protectors have a new project in the works to turn a living person into an artifact, and Nina has become their experiment.
This was a thrilling fast paced, and steamy romance full of magic, supernaturals, and twists that was captivatingly written and immersive. I loved Darius and Nina who paired so well together and whose friendship turns into much more once they finally acknowledge their true feelings for each other. This was a splended fourth book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle N..
132 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2024
Trish Heinrich takes us back to the Archive with Sinner, book four in the Monsters and Artifacts series. While this is the fourth book in the series, it is an independent story that can be read without reading the series. That being said, there are parts that might be easier to understand if you are familiar with the lore of the series.
Sinner is the story of a kidnapped heiress, Nina, who also happens to be a witch and her Orc bodyguard, Darius, who will do anything to save her. This is not a simple bodyguard love story in a supernatural setting. Trish Heinrich is an excellent writer who creates an adventurous, original story with depth and detail. There is plenty of romance in the book but there is also a lot of intrigue and surprise.
When I was reading Sinner, I got lost in story with the bodyguard, age-gap, romance themes, I forgot that he was actually a seven-foot-tall green Orc. I like fantasy aspect of this series a lot but I like that Heinrich writes such relatable characters even more. I am definitely looking forward to book five.
I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Gleeful Goblin Reviews.
647 reviews20 followers
July 28, 2024
Gleeful Goblin Review: This series and this book especially give such strong vibes of The Librarians meets The Mummy when it comes to mystical hijinks and memorable characters. There's also a phenomenal description of The Sinners that really stuck with me and I feel like underscores a key to understanding this series is: "The Sinners had a shaky relationship with the Archive, believing that threats to the world should be destroyed, not locked up in a secure facility. They’d been especially angry with Angelica when she’d pardoned some of the staff of the Archive upon stepping into her position, citing that they’d been under duress. It didn’t matter to those that ran the Sinners; they believed that keeping the world safe was worth any sacrifice. It was part of the creed “To sacrifice our souls for the safety of the world.” We did the unthinkable so everyone else could go on with their lives."

There are many life or world altering decisions that our characters have to make and seeing the push/pull of those choices is so engaging. 5/5 Stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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