Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Syndicate Mafia #1

Syndicate Princess

Rate this book
They call themselves The Syndicate. The werewolf Rossey clan, the mage Winstale clan, the fae Glovefox clan, the demon Devil clan and vampire Desmond clan. The five paranormal families who rule the criminal underground.

Being a vampire boss's daughter was a lot of work. Being the only girl heir from the five families, I’ve always had to work harder, fight dirtier, care less. It made me into the woman I am today, causing fear in my enemies and a bloody trail for those who betray us.

Then my dad sprung on me that the other bosses and their sons were coming into town. That they wanted us heirs to all meet, to bond with each other.

To top it all off, my dad shocked the hell out of me by throwing out a challenge to the other heirs. Whoever could keep me in their possession, by force or choice, for twenty four hours, would win the right for my hand in marriage.

The other bosses are all for it, wanting to get their man whoring, untamable, or workaholic son’s to settle down finally, but I was not some prize to be won.

I was Rayla Desmond, a force all her own. A Syndicate princess that was not to be messed with, so these boys better be ready for me because I’m coming in for blood.


This is a dark urban paranormal RH romance. This story isn't about a hero's and saving the world, its about villain's and what they are willing to do to keep what is theirs. They don't care about the greater good, only their made family, and the money that keeps them going. This is for those morally grey readers that love a bada** female and the psycho men that are obsessed with her.

TW - This book has dark themes, stalker vibes, adopted brother taboo, and gruesome and bloody scenes.

550 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2023

1511 people are currently reading
1959 people want to read

About the author

Kira Stanley

21 books715 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,320 (47%)
4 stars
862 (31%)
3 stars
414 (14%)
2 stars
106 (3%)
1 star
64 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
June 29, 2023
Good plot, poor presentation. Cheesy.

This is the first time reading from this author. I was offered to read the ARC for an honest review. Sadly it was not as good as it sounded. As I said, the plot was good and even though it had spicy scenes it was cheesy enough to be written for preteens/early teens. The humor was childish/innocent and even though the heirs were almost in their thirties they acted like teens, the parents were worse. It was weird.

The prologue wasn’t labeled as such nor how far in the past so when chapter 2 comes up and says 22 years later, we don’t know from when that is. There were many formatting issues but this was disorienting.

Very repetitive: “I pulled the trigger and let the bullets fly in rapid succession until the magazine was empty. It was a rush, feeling all those bullets leave in rapid succession.” This and other types of repetition were frequent throughout the book and detracted from the story (personal opinion, I know. Just a pet peeve of mine).

Rayla had to have things explained to her multiple times. The “hunt” plan was explained to Rayla immediately but for some reason she had to hear it over an over to understand why the heirs kept coming for her. Her deals she made with the bosses were constantly confused: the slip of paper says they meet at 6pm but later she says 9pm so she has to hurry to the next appointment at 11pm. Consistently forgetting the rules… Not the brightest bulb. Let’s not forget she started the book messing with her boyfriend for cheating but then later in the book says she doesn’t DO boyfriends, just had boy toys 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

Entirely too irrational for my taste. She knew Cosmo didn’t have a choice in his role yet she was pissed all the same. Then she dragged Rick into her hate-haze and avoided them for over half the book.

As I said, the plot was a good idea but the presentation really needs more fine tuning and less contradictions.
Profile Image for Leo.
5,012 reviews634 followers
August 31, 2023
Got this book for review on booksirens.

At first I had difficulty getting into the book but after some chapters when they really started to meet and hang out, I got a lot more invested. I usually do not love when the same couple (or same why choose) gets more then one book. But by the end of this I felt like it gave enough story and progress to keep it interesting whole at the same time having me very intruiged to start the next.
Profile Image for tane'a.
681 reviews168 followers
April 22, 2024
long story short, the author was trying to do way too much with this book and everything just fell flat🧍🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,982 reviews221 followers
August 4, 2023
4.5 stars.
So far I’m really enjoying this.
I kind of just want them all to confess their ‘secrets’ and fuck already though…lol.
Hopefully the second book gets right on that. 🤞🏻
Profile Image for Jessica (Read book. Repeat).
815 reviews23 followers
July 2, 2023
You can find this review and all my others over at Read Book. Repeat

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating of 4.5

The Syndicate rule with an iron fist. The governing body of the supernatural underworld, keeping them in check since they came out of the coffin. It's made up of the five governing families - Desmond (Vampire), Rossey (Werewolf), Glovefox (Fae), Winstale (Mage), Devil (Demon). After a world changing event upheaved all of the clans lives, they stayed separate, never daring to be in one place all together. Now that the clan heirs are all pushing 30, they feel that it's time to bring them back together as one day, it'll be them ruling the clans, working together to keep things in line. Rayla Desmond, the heir of the Desmond clan, has always had to work a little harder to be taken seriously, it is a man's world after all. So when her father puts forward a wager, that whichever heir can keep his daughter in their possession for a specified time, will gain her hand in marriage. Solidifying a bond between the clans that will only make their rule stronger. Rayla has worked to hard to be simply a prize to be won, so she gives it her all to get out of the wager to prove her worth and rule standing on her own two feet. What she doesn't count on, is feeling drawn to these men that she doesn't know, will she be able to ignore her heart's call when it comes to crunch time?

Believe me when I tell you, I am literally DROWNING in ARCs at the moment. I have this problem where I over commit and end up wanting to help anyone and everyone and then taking on way too much. Plus, my reading has been in the bin for the last 10 months due to personal reason, so there's that as well. When I got an email that had a sign up form for this book, after reading the blurb (and saying that I would not be taking on any more ARCs until I got myself under control) I swiftly filled that form in and hit submit. The blurb just sparked something in me and I couldn't resist!! I've been on a huge horror kick for around a year and half now, so I figured this would be a good story to break it up a little bit, and it honestly was.

I was intrigued by the paranormal mafia vibe as I haven't read a whole lot surrounding this sub-genre, and I'm always a sucker for a why choose romance with spice. The story sounded light enough that I'd be able to concentrate, yet dark enough with deeper plot lines taking root to keep me interested and engaged. And it was just that. Just what I needed to change things up a little in my reading.

The story opens up and we meet the heirs when they're 5 years old...correct me if I'm wrong, I might be out by a year or two. We witness the event that forced the Clans to choose separation for safety and have the back story that gives the characters some substance for when we meet them 22 years later. I enjoyed that the opening chapter served as a backstory for us and we weren't being given the information throughout the story proper. When we meet all of the heirs as adults, I felt like I could see where some of their quirks and idiosyncrasies came from because of this. The story was more of a world building, character building and story set up, but unlike some that can be rather tedious to read, I really enjoyed this story and didn't find it boring in the slightest. The wager gave us the chance to really get to know the characters and gave Stanley a fantastic opportunity to develop them and make them more than just a stereotypical two dimensional being. I finished this book feeling like I know them as real people. I will say here, this book does end on a cliffhanger, that while it's not a super huge one and it did have that "act 1 finished" feel to it, you will be hanging for book two, I am.

The worldbuilding wasn't super deep, as this is an urban fantasy, but it did have a fleshed out feel that made it easy to picture the scenery and backdrop. The world rules were simple enough that it's not confusing, but not simple enough that they were flat or boring. I enjoyed the way that the clans interact and that there is a set of magical rules for each species.

The characters were a ball of blood and fun, and I honestly loved all of them. At times Rayla did read a bit younger than her age, but I feel like it's just a part of her charm; and in the end, even though she's a badass with a chip on her shoulder and an adrenaline addiction, she is technically still a Mafia Princess. She uses her gender stereotypical behaviour in order to get what she wants and needs when she has to. At no point did I think of her as a bimbo though. The characters were all well developed and had distinct personalities and voices. I'm not going to lie, even though we haven't seen that much of him yet, Lex is my favourite. Though I'll admit, I'm starting to warm up to Avery and Falcon. The clan fathers were hilarious and I loved them. The Desmond and Glovefox father's are my favourite because they have an edge of insanity to their characters, which for me, I feel like came about due to the tragedy they all faced 22 years prior. It leant them a kind of charm that just made me smile. It was a nice dose of humour into the more gruesome side of their life.

The story itself was fairly simple, but it worked really well and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As said above, it really gave the opportunity for us to get to know the heirs and see their relationships start to develop. The majority of the book is taken up by the wager story line, but the story does take a turn for the more serious in the last couple of chapters and I get the feeling that book 2 will be a little bit darker and more serious as this is explored. The spice was great and well written. I'd had trouble with spice for the last 10 months, I was finding it tedious and found myself generally skipping over it all to get back to the story, which isn't like me at all. Not once did I have that happen while reading this story. I felt like the spice added just a teensy bit more dimension to the character relationships, and that for the most part, it had a purpose, it wasn't just smut for smut sake which is always good.

All in all, this was a great read that I'm really glad I got the chance to receive an ARC for. It was nice being able to go back to one of my favourite genres and be kept engaged, interested and just generally enjoy it. There were some grammatical things that I noticed, but in all honesty, it's not a deal breaker for me. If you're into lighter why choose paranormal mafia with great characters and a story that keeps you turning pages, give this one a go. Oh! And don't stress TOO much about the cliffy as book 2 is slated for release later this month I believe!
Profile Image for Thais • tata.lifepages •.
633 reviews1,063 followers
August 5, 2023
Review 4.5 stars!

This is a DARK and taboo why choose paranormal-mafia romance with MMMFMM 🥵 stalker vibes, some primal play and possessive males 🔥 exactly my cup of tea 👀

When the vampire boss sets out a challenge to all male heirs of the underground supernatural mafia, all hell brakes loose. Whoever can capture the vampire princess would win her hand in marriage 💀 it will definitely NOT be an easy challenge, since Rayla is as fierce and badass as they come and has zero intention of letting some man claim her. I loved all the heirs, Lex and Ax being my favorites! her dynamic with her adoptive brother is also thrilling and had me smirking like the devil while reading.

“That night, I became her stalker, her phantom, her shadow.. but I wanted more.”

Prepare yourselves for a spicy ride with lots of banter, blood and knifes 🔪 the female lead loves to kick ass so she doesn’t let these men get their way with her!
Im so glad the sequel, Syndicate Queen, is already out because I’m loving this series!!! I also super recommend to get the paperback because the chapter headings have artwork of the characters!

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
51 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2023
First, thank you to Kira Stanley as I received this ARC for my honest review.

WOW!! This was my first RH (reverse harem)/ why choose book, and I was blown away by how good it was. This is book one in a fast release duology. This means that even though this book ends on a cliffhanger, the second and final book will be released in about a month from this release. The book is a first-person POV with multiple POV's.

The main character who has the most POV's is our kick butt vampire mafia princess Rayla. The world learned about supernaturals roughly 30 years prior to the start of this story, and keeping the supernaturals in line is a mafia type of organization called the Syndicate. Rayla's family sits at the head of the organization with four other families playing equal roles. All the bosses decide it's time to form more significant bonds between the heirs and decide that one of them needs to marry Rayla. Whoever can keep her in their possession for an hour gets to marry her. Rayla wants no part in this game or marriage but is highly attracted to each of the other heirs.

This book ends on a cliffhanger with no reverse harem set up yet, but with the potential of it eventually having 5 guys. Please check trigger warnings as this is a supernatural maifa reverse harem/why choose book there will be blood, murder/death, torture, detailed spicy scenes, desire between adopted siblings and other possible triggers.
6 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2024
Can we please have a strong female lead who is written like a strong female lead?
This one just came across as whiny , and would throw temper tantrums when anything didn’t go her way.
When her dad basically kidnapped her and she started yelling and setting cars on fire in front of the syndicate bosses it was written as cute, and she’s such a strong independent women, but it just came across as embarrassing and not how a strong person trained to take over a crime family would behave in front of the other heads of crime families.
Also the FMCs dad was written weird - I get trying to make him relatable (?), and showing a side to prove he does love and care for his daughter - but he is an old vampire who is head of the whole crime syndicate and I couldn’t take him seriously - not threatening at all.
I did enjoy the idea and premise of the book - but ultimately it could have done without the paranormal element and just been a good dark mafia book (I have nothing against paranormal but there just seems to be a lot going on in this book)
Profile Image for S.A. Michelle.
Author 11 books319 followers
June 17, 2023
This book was everything I need and so much more!

I loved Rayla, she’s a spunky little psycho, and I was here for it. Each of the men in her harem are so perfect for her. Avery, Ax, and Falcon are the heirs to the syndicate and damn if they aren’t 3 perfect specimens. 🤤 🤤🤤

Cosmo has some complicated feelings to work through in the next book and I can’t wait for him to figure it out. Lex is obsessed with Rayla and while his feelings are pure, he’s dark and dangerous.

This book is full of spicy scenes that will leave you panting for more. Definitely looking forward to the rest of their story.
Profile Image for Ari Loves All The Books.
385 reviews79 followers
July 1, 2023
I am never disappointed with the books that I read by this author.. She brings PNR books to a whole different level and this one isn't any different.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,367 reviews134 followers
June 23, 2023
With four little words, I knew Kira had me. I'm a sucker for a paranormal mafia reverse harem and Kira did not disappoint. Syndicate Princess was glorious, dangerous guys, an even deadlier mfc, match-making dads, and high stakes. I didn't want to put it down.


Character line up


Rayla
Total free spirit in her personal life and isn't afraid to embrace her sexuality. However in her professional life (as a Syndicate heir) she is dedicated and hard-working. Ray is highly intelligent, cunning, and gutsy, she can give it better than the boys. She's a little crazy a lot violent and I love her. Not a girl boss, just a boss.


Cosmo
I feel so bad for him. He's the adoptive brother and has been with Ray from day one. I love Cos' devotion to Rayla, he's her right-hand and would do anything for her. He's the silent suffering type. I've never read an adoptive brother taboo but the feelings are mutual so I really want things to work out between them.


Avery
Is a hard worker who plays just as hard. The fae is a playboy, it's so bad even his dad talks about him, it's hilarious. He's the smooth flirty type but that's just to lure you in. I can't help but like him.


Ax
The werewolf is an f-boy. He's devoted to his work but doesn't want to settle down with anyone. He is all about animal magnetism and has a little aggression thing going on but not in a bad way.


Lex
Is a little bit of a mystery but from what I can gather he's totally devoted to Ray (pretty sure he's still a virgin), very in touch with his feelings, and is an absolute psycho. From what I see, I like and after that ending, I can't wait until he's more integrated into the story.


Fallon
I don't know how he's not a virgin. The man is beyond stoic (only glimpses of what he's feeling), very analytical, and has control issues. I'm pretty sure the mage is a dom underneath all that so his interactions with Rayla are gonna be so good, she is gonna ruin him.


A few things the guys have in common. One, they're all crazy, just not as crazy as Ray. She gives them a run for their money. Two, they all have a dark side. Three Ray gives them all Hell. And four, Rayla has caught them all without even trying.


Shout out to the dads who had a significant role in this book. Ternin and Syris were a trip-and-a-half and absolutely adored their kids, I loved them the best. Manic and Easton were also something else I just had to look closer for their little quirks. With the dads it's all about deception and nothing is what it seems.


Kira did a great job setting up this world. I enjoyed learning about the varying supernaturals, their powers, and a little bit about the culture. That was good detail helps paint the picture better. Kira also includes some backstory about the Awakening which is when humans learned of the supernatural. This Syndicate works a little differently than I'm used to, there are five head families, and aren't rivals they're actually very close friends who are working together to keep supernaturals in line. The vampires deal with the money, the fae handles the clubs, wolves are, of course, security and the mages are tech. Each has their area of expertise but rule together with an iron fist.


Syndicate Princess was an incredibly good time filled with humor, adventure, steam, and violence. Good times. I already love all the characters and the complicated relationships. Not to mention the enemy lurking in the shadows, something major heading for the Syndicate, how can I not be already begging for the next book.
Profile Image for beth m.
876 reviews
August 15, 2023
book 1

I wanted to love this but the FMC really made it hard. I feel like she was so 1 dimensional she had no real personality, no softness, nothing. Her mindset was always “I’m the baddest b, around and all I do is get my way and kick a”. There’s no real reflection of her having a personality she just has one mode “boss b” and honestly it got old. Everything she did, every thing she needed to do or win she won, she always comes out on top. She just wasn’t my fav.

I’m also trying to figure out how I feel when authors put in songs at certain parts of a book. Like it’s supposed to be the soundtrack of that segment. Have to admit I really didn’t like nor thought that it added to the book. I wasn’t a fan of over half the songs and when I tried to listen to them to get a mindset I really don’t feel like it was a good reflection of what was happening. Also on a personal note I’m not a huge Chris brown fan especially as he’s a confirmed abuser. There are so many good songs that could’ve fit into this book that the selection chosen was garbage IMO.
Will I read the next one? Maybe- idk how I feel about this
139 reviews
June 15, 2023
This is the first book I've read by Kira Stanley and I'm already planning to read her other books. This is a fast paced supernatural mafia urban romance. The MFC is snarky, blood thirsty, and a chaos gremlin. The men of her potential harem are all unique and call to different aspects of her personality.

I enjoyed the refreshing perspective of a mafia princess having equal power to the princes. The leaders of the Syndicate respect their children but have no qualms manipulating them to get that they want which leads to ongoing shenanigans.

This book does end on a cliff hanger and I need to know what happens next!

I did read an ARC copy so there may be some changes. There are a handful of typos but they didn't cause issues with reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lilylou426 .
534 reviews37 followers
June 20, 2023
This was the first book that I have read by this author, and I LOVED it. There are so many possible options being left open for book 2, I can't wait to see what happens. Watch for triggers and cliffhangers! While this will be an RH, book 1 is more like multiple hook ups than a relationship. Reyla is a badass vampire who knows and acts like the princess she is.....in a bloodthirsty way of course! All 'her men' have their own differences that I'm sure will compliment each other once it becomes a full on relationship and I can't wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds with book 2!

Book 1 is spicy but less so than I imagine the next book will be. World building and character development take a forefront in book 1 but that doesn't mean spice or bloodlust are comprised at ALL!!
Profile Image for Alexia Denise.
6 reviews
August 28, 2023
Literally what the fuck was this I could not get past the first chapter, this should not be happening in 2023 what happened to good writing and quality. Why are you people like this? Please seek help
Profile Image for Murphy.
726 reviews
June 28, 2023
'Addictive Darkness.'

I loved this book! I cannot wait for more in this series. I am ready to devour everything regarding Rayla. Shes a strong FMC with the take no crap attitude that just ensnares you and you have no choice but to keep flipping the pages.

"Whoever said violence wasn't the answer got it all wrong. Sometimes it's the only answer."

The Syndicate belonged to five houses. Vampires. Demons. Faeries. Werewolfs. Mages. A paranormal mafia, if you will. The reason was to keep paranormal beings in check. With paranormal beings and humans coexisting together, rules needed to be made and followed. The Syndicate helps keep things in order to essentially survive without having to hide.

From a young age, Rayla (vampire) knew she was to rule. Her fathers best friend's son's, also were to rule their areas. Lex was a Demon. Falcon was a Mage. Ax was a werewolf and Avery is a Faerie. Together they were to grow up and become unstoppable. At least that was the plan, until the accident...

Now 22 years later, 4 clans are all meeting for different reasons and have not seen each other since. What all gets them together seems like the end of their life, but soon, once they all meet Rayla, their tunes start to change, and they see the beautiful, captivating woman they all can't stop drooling over.

"I was a weak woman for a big dick. It was my kryptonite."

This story has an amazing plot that I definitely can't wait to get more involved in. I loved how all the guys got to compete against Rayla, but still wanted her attention. That ending with Lex was a whirlwind and I really am dying to find out how all of that will go. That whole situation makes you wonder if Lex's Uncle was behind the entire bombing from the get-go or if he is lying or what! and Cosmo... sweet Cosmo. What is going to happen with that guy, he may be syndicate, but he's no Aire and he definitely is not related by blood - so will he or wont he get what he wants! They will be explosive; I can already tell.

I was charmed with this chaos of undoing's and one-ups. I want the next book tomorrow, lol, it was so good! I can't wait to see what happens next.

*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 4/5
*Fast Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*Steamy but heading to RH... MFMMMM?
*Ends on light cliffhanger
267 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2023
I blazed through this book in just two sittings! And I only had that break because you know, sleep and work, but I couldn’t wait to dive back in to see what Rayla was up to. She’s hilarious and irreverent and I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough to keep up with her antics. She’s smart, deadly and gorgeous, just like all the men around her.

Speaking of which, I really enjoyed the relationship between Ray and Cosmo and am interested in discovering what secrets he’s keeping from her (in addition to his not-so-brotherly love for her). I yelled at both of them a few times in my head to just admit to each other how they really feel, but I guess they can���t hear my thoughts because they didn’t do it in this book. I’m rooting for it to happen soon!

I adore Cosmo (if you couldn’t tell) and Rick cracks me up, but I can’t decide which Syndicate heir I love most: growly, brawny Ax; seductively charming Avery; coolly logical Falcon, or protective voyeur Lex.

So much happens in this book, but at the same time, not much happens. We have several small skirmishes and a preview of book 2’s upcoming action as well as a thorough (and thoroughly entertaining) introduction to the players. I enjoyed every second and now that the board is set, I can’t wait to play!

I received a free copy of this book and have chosen to leave a review.
Profile Image for Allison  Garza.
20 reviews
June 23, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love a good Why choose romance books and learn about all the characters, even better when the worlds of supernatural and humans are integrated into one world.

First, we start out with all the characters meeting for the first time. While it was meant for the characters to get to grow up with each other there is a tragic accident that splits them all up.

Rayla Desmound of the Vampires is this badass lead female that takes no crap from anyone. She is basically her own woman in a man's world. While being the heir to the syndicate she is armed with all the knowledge and respect of her clan. Also a little psycho. Enter all the boys that she met briefly when she was a child are now all grown up. Avery, Ax, and Falcon are in for a ride when they meet Rayla all over again but not only that there is a twist that the Desmound Clan Boss has up his sleeve for the boys. Rayla though will show all of the men in all the clans that she isn't to be messed with and that she can handle anything they throw at her.

Cosmo her adoptive brother has feeling's that he doesn't know what to do with. He is lost and this is making things complicated for him. The man needs to sort himself out on what he wants to be; loyal to the clan or all in with Rayla. Then Lex the boy that Rayla wanted to make sure that he was included in everything since he lost both his parents had disappeared from the world; but he has his stalker vibes keeping tabs on the girl that saw him in his shadows. Wanting her for himself; keeping himself only for Rayla. Timing is everything for them to come together.

This book kept me in its grasp and I loved every second of it. The chemistry with the boys is full of spice and cant wait to read more!!
Profile Image for Ashley Clark.
760 reviews18 followers
June 25, 2023
I loved this book. Kira knows how to write awesome books that just suck you in. The characters are awesome in their own ways. Rayla is a badass vampire Syndicate Princess. She’s tough and can kick ass. She can also make it seem like she is a “weak woman” but she’s the opposite. Then you have Avery who is Fae. He is bad ass. He has a super cool power. Next up is Ax. He’s a werewolf need I say more. Then we have Falcon he’s a mage. He is badass because he has 3 Magic affiliates. Last but not least is Lex. He’s a demon. You don’t see him much in this story. They are all heirs to their families Syndicate. There’s a tragedy in the beginning. They all split up. Each family has their own part of the world they rule. Lex and his uncle disappear. Now that the heirs are getting older Rayla’s dad comes up with a competition. Which ever heir can keep Rayla for 24 hours gets to be her husband. Rayla doesn’t need a man to help her rule. She’s going to prove to everyone just that. Read the book to see what happens to Rayla and the other Syndicate heirs.
Profile Image for Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth||.
1,394 reviews47 followers
June 26, 2023
Syndicate Princess by Kira Stanley was absolutely brilliant! The world Kira created, the action-packed storyline, and the deliciously dark and blood thirsty characters were outstanding and made for a truly fantastic book! First off, Rayla is one kick butt women! She is FIERCE, tough as nails, doesn’t take crap from anyone, can take care of herself, owns who she is completely, and is loyal to a T. She’s one of my favorites FMCs to date! Then there are the heirs to the syndicate…Ax, Avery, and Falcon…boy oh boy *fans self* these men are something else! They are each so unique and intriguing, bringing something totally special to the story. And their interactions with Rayla are top notch goodness! Then there is Cosmo…I can’t wait to see more of this dark knight. And a certain demon…yes please!
This book was just SO GOOD! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book of this duet, but I know it will be epic!
Profile Image for Lilimomlovesbooks.
258 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2023
This is the start to a new series by Kira Stanley and, as everything I've read from her before, I loved it!

I feel like it's a little more light hearted than some of her series, while still being pretty gruesome at times :D Makes for an interesting, fun mix.

Rayla is as badass as they come in FMC, being able to handle her own whilst sometimes going a bit overboard with it, for which she has Cosmo, the adopted "brother" who always can bring her back. Then you have the funny gay sidekick and of course all those delicious men. They each have their unique character that compliments Rayla in some way.

There's not that much reverse harem sexiness going on, yet, but there definitely still is enough fiery smut happening to satisfy the reader 😁

I'm really looking forward to reading more from this world and the Syndicate, especially after the ending and sort of cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Tosha Y. Miller.
Author 15 books77 followers
August 2, 2023
Fun

This was an exhilarating ride. The challenges and flirting was perfect. I love the character and feel for the "brother" I'm excited for it all to come together. The only thing I found myself doing was skipping a lot if repeat. When a POV ended the next POV would do a recap in their point if view. It got annoying after awhile. If it was all the girls POV I think I would have enjoyed it more. Although, I do like that the reader knows what she means to each guy because someone like F. would be difficult to figure out. Other than that, it was an action filled story with just enough romance. I recommend you read this! The FMC is a little unhinged, but that's what makes it so good.
Profile Image for TBR Land (Chrissy).
206 reviews28 followers
June 30, 2023
Stars: 4.50
CAWPILE: 9.36
Characters - 8
Atmosphere - 8.5
Writing - 9
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 8.5
Enjoyment - 10
Spicy: 3.5
Contains: Why Choose, Pseudo Incest, All Grown Up, Alpha Male, Fated Mates, Mafia, Magic, Shapeshifters, Single Parent, Stalker W/ a Crush, The Bet/Deal
Kinks: Bareback, Dirty Talk, Praise Kink, Primal, Public Sex
TW: Blood & Gore, Death, Grief, Murder, Parental Death, Violence

Syndicate Princess is the 1st in A Paranormal Mafia Duet series by Kira Stanley.

I really enjoyed this! Rayla is a complete badass FMC and doesn't take shit from anyone. Hot wolf, mage, fairy, adopted brother, or her dad be damned. You know she's a strong woman when she has hot-ass men literally chasing you down for your hand in marriage, and not only resets but manages to best them.
Profile Image for Anne.
15 reviews
June 21, 2023
Wow. That book was everything. Strong bada$$ FMC, hot alpha MC's and a lot of sexy scences. But (and that is very important for me) a good storyline as well. I couldn't put it down! It was so bad my household now looks like $hit 😂. I read a lot of reverse harem books, but this will be one of the few I'm sure I will read a second time because I liked it that much.
The cliffhanger at the end was not that bad, and the second book is set to be published at the end of July 2023 - so we don't have to wait ages.

Wow. Das war ziemlich gut. Starke Hauptcharaktere, sowohl weiblich als auch männlich und eine tolle Story. Die sexy Szenen waren natürlich auch nicht zu verachten. 😉
Ich wollte nicht aufhören zu lesen. Mein Haushalt müsste dringend mal gemacht werden, aber ich konnte das Buch einfach nicht beiseite legen. Ich lese sehr viel, bin mir aber sicher dass ich dieses Buch in Zukunft noch einmal lesen werde, weil es mir so gut gefallen hat.
Cliffhanger am Ende war nicht sooo schlimm, außerdem wird das zweite Buch voraussichtlich Ende Juli 2023 erscheinen - wir müssen also keine Ewigkeit warten.
Profile Image for Em Yardy.
314 reviews19 followers
June 23, 2023
This is the first book that I’ve read by Kira Stanley I was not disappointed. This is a supernatural mafia romance with why choose. The MFC Syndicate Princess Rayla is blood thirsty, vicious, chaotic and snarky. The men for her potential harem Falcon, Ax and Avery are all heirs to the Syndicate that all compliment our Rayla in different ways with the push and pull banter omg hot as hell. The spice between these guys and her are hot 🔥 There is also Lex who has been stalking Rayla from a distance and is obsessed with her. I can’t wait to see more of him. There is also a bit of forbidden love between Rayla and her adopted brother Cosmo both having a hidden desire for one another sharing some heated desires this will be interesting to see where this will lead.

I can’t wait to read the second book to this duet. I received and ARC for my honest review.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn:🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Darkness:🖤🖤
POV: Multi
Ending: Cliffhanger
Profile Image for tracey ✨.
83 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2026
It’s giving ruthless boys of the zodiac and I am HERE for it! I was slightly concerned either way how it started bc I didn’t find it super clear how young the characters were in the beginning and the dialogue was not doing it at all for me lol but then getting to know the fmc and mmcs in this book was awesome! Definitely set up for some interesting plot twists and I can’t wait
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
190 reviews15 followers
July 5, 2023
I enjoyed this book the characters were funny at times an we get each ones POVs throughout the whole book an I like that it’s not rushed an we get to see how they get to know each other throughout.

It’s all different supernatural beings that basically are the mafia it’s a cool concept I don’t really read paranormal books a lot but this one spoke to me because the FMC is a vampire who’s stabby an bratty at times. All the guys are full of themselves at first thinking she’s just a little princess who won’t get her hands dirty but they soon realize that’s definitely wrong.

I still can’t pick a favorite guy they all have some good parts. There are some good funny lines throughout the book I love when Rayla meets the guys officially an the banter between her dad as she leaves is hilarious.


This book ends on a light cliffhanger it’s definitely not bad basically it sets you up for book to. I’ll definitely be reading that one because I need to know how everything works out with them all an Rayla.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
123 reviews27 followers
February 22, 2025
I ate this up?? So good. Rayla is so badass. The guys have made me laugh out loud multiple times. And the dads??? Hilarious. When Averys dad tried to get Rayla to call him daddy I almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.