They say we need to repent for our sins. I say we should let it all burn.
Psycho is one word I'm used to in my life. Trauma does that to you, makes you unhinged and broken, always looking out for yourself. But when my fiancé pushes that one button, I find myself watching his bar burn to the ground, my lighter in hand. We all do things in the heat of the moment. Little do I know that this lapse in judgement will set me on a trajectory to collide with the Silvestri brothers. Three men who make me realize those who called me psycho didn't understand the true meaning of the word. Because these three deliciously wretched men are beyond insane, and they've set their sights on me, claiming me as their own whether I like it or not. They're intent to make me their pet, but I'm not about to roll over for them. Two can play at this game of psycho, and they're in for a ride if they think they can control me. If you like possessive men with unhinged tendencies, then this is for you.
This is a why choose Psycho Mafia series with darker themes.
J.E. Cluney is a full-time author who lives on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. She spends her days writing, binging on TV shows, and reading. With a slight addiction to chocolate to fuel her midnight writing.
J.E. Cluney has many projects lined up in the reverse harem genre, and her best-selling series, 'Corviticus University' is only one of many.
I never leave reviews like this, but I’ve also never been more disgusted by a book. I read the TWs, but they certainly did not prepare me to read about the FMC being sexually assaulted by the MCs for an entire book. And it was SA, not CNC and not a “no, but actually yes” situation. I had to mostly skim through 70% of this book in order to make it to the end. I’m really not sure why I bothered. This is not a romance. I don’t know what this is, but it’s not that. I wish I could take back having read this at all. I’ve honestly had about enough of authors using the guise of “dark romance” to write horrendous stuff like this. This one I guess just tipped me over the edge, but to fair this has been the worst culprit by far (at least within the books that I’ve read). And please don’t take this as me being too sensitive. I’ve read about a thousand books consisting of mostly romance (including a LOT of dark romance) and as I’ve said, this is a first for me.
I recommend that the TWs be updated to reflect that there is repetitive and gratuitous r**e depicted, as well as kidnapping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoy dark books. And a strong MFC. The first scene in book 1 had me hooked. And I spent the rest of the series looking for that vibe again.
There are plenty of triggers warnings at the start. Usually I’m fairly indifferent to those, tbh. It’s unusual for me to be unsettled. The trigger warning for rape in most books generally applies to a flashback scene or an outside influence, not the MMC’s.
I love morally gray characters. These guys though … they didn’t respect her and they hardly spend any time with her. And when they do, it’s material things like shopping, gifts or dinner out. I swear, she spends more time with the cat than them. 🙄 Even when they decide to start respecting her at the end of the series, I strongly felt like her compliance was Stockholm. It all left me feeling unsettled. The relationships are not healthy.
They took a strong slightly unhinged MFC and made her meek and reliant on the men around her. She went from an independent woman to a pampered housewife in less than 2 months. When they wanted a strong woman… yet they made her weaker? I don’t understand.
Semi spoilers. You’re going to regularly go into detail every time the MFC is assaulted but then when she’s given a chance to dish out retribution to the man who first hurt her and took her child from her, you decide to do a cut scene? We get her accepting the knife and then boom - she is washing her hands. I wanted to see the BA from the first scene who burned down her exs business because he cheated on her. To see her further coming into her own and accepting becoming part of the family. But no, we get a cut scene back to her having a sorta mental hang up over what she did, even though there wasn’t the first time she killed. Sigh. Disappointing.
If you didn't read the blurb or trigger warnings about this book, be sure you go back and do that. Dark books don't faze me much more than being annoyed at the MCs, but this book made even me feel a little something a couple of times.
After catching her fiancé cheating on her with a waitress in their own bed, she lit his bar on fire, then went to the strip club / bar where her best friend worked. It was there that everything changed. She accidentally made a deal with the devil. One of three, actually... three brothers who run the Mafia in town. Most of this book is her being held captive by the brothers (Jullian, Cristian, and Tyrone). It involves her being their mostly unwilling "play toy" throughout.
It's hard to imagine things would go any further once her "servitude" is finished, but perhaps what happens in book #2 changes that.
If you feel like a dark mafia read where the FMC is essentially kidnapped but not quite a damsel in distress (she's a bit of a spitfire, but even she starts to crack a bit), where there's an unhinged MC and some weapon play, you may enjoy this book.
Wow…. A great start to a captivating series. Filled with a string fmc and three mmc that will have something for everyone. A great start with the world building cementing a string base for the rest of the series. Characters that may be unhinged but well rounded prove a gripping audience from start to finish. Overall a fab read and looking forward to see what the next book brings Scarlett and the guys
Good read. Love the story line. The 3 brothers are mean, rough, sweet, and sexy as hell. Scar is a fire that burns bright in this book. She is a fighter and I have so much love for her. It is not a very long read but it has so much in one little book that it kept it interesting and me locked in. Second book here I come!
You know those books that you can't stop reading, even though you realize that they are not very good. "Psycho Sinners" by J.E. Cluney fits perfectly into this category for me.
✨"We need therapy." "Bitch, please, that boat has sailed and sunk. Embrace the chaos, you only live once."✨
"Psycho Sinners" starts off pretty strong. The whole thing about setting her ex’s bar on fire and the female rage that Scarlet unleashes immediately grabbed my interest and made me feel involved in the story, and the woman instantly became quite a curious character for me to get to know. However, this beginning is somewhat false, because after the first 4-5 pages it begins to show that the writing style is nothing special. It is somewhat detailed, at least as far as the setting is concerned, but on the other hand, it does not delve into the situations themselves and presents them quite superficially.
It's the same with the characters - not completely superficial, but there is certainly a lot to be desired, as they feel underdeveloped. And I understand that the author wanted to have a mystery around them and tell us more about them, most likely in the next books, but there are ways to do this without them looking so one-layered.
Some of the scenes seemed longer than necessary, and the story could have gone without this procrastination. But apart from these few moments in the beginning, everything happened quite quickly. The plot is dynamic, the story moves at a good pace and I really liked that the initial interactions between the men and Scarlet are not half done because of how heavy they are, but they are given the necessary attention. Their relationship is also developing quite well - smoothly and slowly it is shown to the readers how they begin to get used to her, to see her more as a person, less as their slave.
✨Why did I have to be attracted to men who were the embodiment of goddamn red flags? My spirit animal had to be a damn bull.✨
The erotica is also well written, even those scenes that are harder to read.
What I didn't like for sure was that some moments were repeated, others came completely out of nowhere, although an explanation could be found for them, but nevertheless they looked as if they were just put there for the plot, without much logical connection to them.
It ended unexpectedly with light doses of predictability, but it certainly managed to hold my attention and make me want to read the next one. ~~~ Rating: 3/5⭐
✨This book was provided to me by J.E. Cluney for my honest opinion.✨
This is an intense and riveting read that plunges you deep into the dangerous and seductive world of mafia romance with added depravity and Broken cruel leading Men.
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS as this is a very dark read with forced captivity, and repeated non consentual scenes!
The story revolves around a fierce, resilient heroine who finds herself entangled with a group of dangerously broken and twisted mafia men. The writing is sharp and vivid, capturing the raw emotions and high stakes that define the characters’ interactions. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic adds an extra layer of tension and excitement, with each encounter crackling with intensity.
One of the strengths of Psycho Sinners is its well-developed characters. Each of the love interests is distinct, bringing their own complexities and charms to the story, Scarletts journey is both compelling and relatable in some ways but how she could ever forgive the guys is also beyond me. The chemistry between the characters is electric, driving the plot forward with a mix of steamy romance and suspense.
The pacing is spot-on, with just the right blend of action, intrigue, and romantic development.
If you're a fan of dark romance with a twist, Psycho Sinners is a must-read as teh author has crafted a thrilling and passionate tale that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn.
Wow!! The book starts of with a bang right away and I easily kept my attention. I didn't want to stop reading! There was danger, lots of spice, drama, action and so much more. Lots of emotions could also be felt.
I loved Scarlet. She is resilient and strong and her inner monolog had me laughing at times. The Silvestris brothers are the perfect definition of unhinged. I gotta be honest though, I'm starting to love them too. Could the brothers have met their match in Scarlet?!!!
I think this was a great beginning to Scarlet's story. I can't wait to find out what happens in book 2!!
If you're a fan of dark, gritty, and suspenseful mafia romance, then Psycho Sinners is a must-read. However, be warned: this book is not for the faint of heart. With trigger warnings for forced captivity and repeated non-consensual scenes, this novel dives deep into the depravity of the mafia world, pushing boundaries and confronting the darkest of themes.
The story kicks off with an explosive bang. Scarlet, our fierce and resilient heroine, immediately grabs your attention by setting her ex’s bar on fire. The rage she unleashes is palpable, and it had me hooked from the very first page. There’s something so raw and empowering about her character—she’s not afraid to burn it all down, and that sets the stage for a thrilling ride. The intensity of her emotions drew me in, and I couldn’t wait to see where her journey would lead.
As the plot unfolds, we’re thrust into a seductive and dangerous world where mafia men, broken and cruel, rule the shadows. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic here is nothing short of electrifying, with each encounter crackling with tension. Scarlet’s interactions with these dangerously flawed men are addictive. There’s an undeniable chemistry between them that balances the steamy romance and dark suspense, creating a gripping narrative that kept me on edge.
What I appreciated most was Scarlet’s development. She’s a complex character—her strength, resilience, and vulnerability make her incredibly relatable. Yet, as she finds herself entangled with mens who embody both the broken and depraved, it raises the question of how far one can forgive, especially in such an unforgiving world. The emotional depth of this story, mixed with its twisted romance, will have readers contemplating Scarlet’s choices long after the last page.
The ending? Completely unexpected. It left me speechless, and I’m now eagerly anticipating the next installment to see how the story unfolds. While the darkness of this book might not be for everyone, for those who crave a story that’s intense, provocative, and impossible to put down, Psycho Sinners is a wild, unrelenting ride.
This story is definitely fifty shades of f@cked up but so hot at the same time but be warned it dose have trigger warnings and It's a lot darker than some of her other writing, but the characters make this story worth reading. I loved Scarlett, who I found was brave and had this fire in her that kept her going, especially after being thrown into the hands of the silvestri brothers after a bad decision made. And things are definitely not easy, especially with Christian, who's slightly more dangerous than his other brother and I think has his own Demons to face then there’s Tyrone the boss of the brothers and keeps things together and is definitely in more control when it comes to Scarlett but theres a glimpse of him slipping which id definitely like to see happening. And then there's Julian, who's just as ruthless but has a caring side with his cat Kenny, who's such a sweet thing and keeps a scarlett company and I think Scarlett need something like this to keep her going. This story might be dark but there's still a fun side of the guys that I'm hoping to see more off and get to know them better and wow that ending was definitely un expected to the point of being speachless and i'm looking forward to see what happens next.
This is dark romance at its finest, people. So many times I’ll read a ‘dark romance’ and be constantly thinking “This really isn’t that dark” or “When’s the dark part going to happen?” Not once did that occur during this reading!
These men are absolute psychos, and I am loving it. What are morals? We don’t know them. The budding obsessions are just *chef’s kiss*. I’m most eager to see how Cristian reacts after the ending for this first book, though I think Tyrone will also go off the rails.
Scarlet has some serious trauma from her life, so at least she’s not a stranger to traumatic situations? 😅 She takes what she’s given and even manages to give some back to them! I can’t wait to see how she’s going to make these men pay once she realizes the hold she has over them.
If you have triggers, definitely check the warnings, otherwise I say just dive in blind! It’s a wild ride that will have you begging for the next book.
I did get to beta read this, and I’m so thankful JE Cluney gave me the opportunity!
Psycho Sinners is the first book in the Psycho Mafia Series. It is a dark, why choose, mafia romance with trigger warnings that should definitely be heeded.
Scarlet has a traumatic past, a penchant for getting herself into some hairy situations, and has terrible luck with men. Her latest escapades bring her into the servitude of Tyrone, Julian, and Cristian, the Silvestri brothers, who just so happen to be some of the mafia’s most dangerous made men. These guys are definitely not the sweet and gentle type. They are rough, demanding, and powerful. Scarlet wants to hate them, but she is equally attracted to them, no matter how much she hates herself for it. Can she resist them?
If you love a great, dark and disturbing romance with unhinged characters, an addictive storyline, and enough red flags to get you up close and personal with bull’s horns, then this is the book for you! I’m absolutely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Holy hell what is this book?!? I mean this is a true definition of a dark book. I give it 5 stars because wow even though I hated the men in this book and my heart broke over and over for Scarlet I could still not put it down. There are some real difficult parts to this book and they are hard to read, but you just know these characters are deeper than we get to see in book 1! I admit I really hated the guys but they also king of crept into my heart and I want to know more about them and why are they the way they are…but of course also Ed t to punch them for what they do to Scar. Now Scar, what a special and unique friendship she has with Naomi. Scar is tough on the outside but you can just feel her breaking on the inside and I just hope she cones out the other side in tact. JE Cluney has a real talent of having me love and hate her characters and still need the next book as soon as I am finished, and of course we have a bloody cliffhanger ending! I cannot wait for more…be warned there are difficult parts to this book but I am completely intrigued to see where we get to go in book two!!
‘I could feel those same things blooming, the old feelings I’d once had for Tess. But it was different with Scarlet, somehow. Her mind, although fractured in its own way, was steady. As far as I I could feel those same things blooming, the old feelings I’d once had for Tess. But it was different with Scarlet, somehow. Her mind, although fractured in its own way, was steady. As far as I could tell, there were no voices or demons haunting her mind, urging her to do despicable things.‘
JE Cluney writes a deep, dark, and deranged Mafia tale with Ps ho Sinners, book one in her Psycho Mafia series.
Intense emotionally, mentally, and physically, read the cautions regarding the book carefully. Well-written, even with its dire activities, these characters are tortured souls that may find something special with each other.
This is a dark why choose Mafia romance so please check the TWs as there are some dark themes in this book. I was definitely hooked with the first book and I can't wait to see what happens next because oh my gosh that cliffhanger was amazing! I'm looking forward to finding out more of the backstory regarding the characters - we obviously see some it in the first book but there's definitely some secrets that are definitely about to make an appearance in book 2 and I'm here for it! I'm also really hoping our FMC gets some well deserved grovelling in book 2 because the MMCs are walking douche canoes 😂 so I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how things progress next! Having read some of J.E. Cluney's previous work, which I have enjoyed - I just want to quickly mention how much her writing has grown! We always get plot and spice and the writing just gets better and better!
Okay reviews aren’t my thing, but if you have triggers this isn’t the book for you. I’ve even read A.A. Dark books and this is in slight competition. Honestly good plot, but there were times where the FMC kept mentioning her past without mentioning her past so readers were so on edge about what happened. Like why do you keep referencing something that you’re not elaborating on? BUT finally at the end, part of the past is revealed and i was glad i held on cause it was quite the doozy and helped put into perspective the personality of the FMC. All around good DARK (romance is questionable) book, but the fact that I finished it is speaking for itself because i will dnf in a minute. All I will say is if you’re on the fence just read it if you’re okay with DARKNESS and cliffhangers lol happy reading!
Please read the TW because DAMN Cluney ain’t messing around.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and upon reading the first page I was hooked. And holy hot shit the brothers 😩 I love some depraved men, and these men are defiantly psycho, not to be outdone by our FMC Scar who literally burned her exs livelihood down. Oops. I will have to say that at first when Scar and Christian met I was a bit skeptical about how I felt about them as being the main love interest but the do grow on you I promise. And that ending? What da hell??? I knew Scar went through some things but dayum.
If you want a dangerously DARK read full of kink go ahead and pick this up. Just be warned, Scar is no damsel and the brothers are no saints.
This dark delicious read is not for the weak minded. Trauma wrapped in a bow but damn it's interesting. So many ways this xan go but then that cliffhanger....book two better deliver because book one is a mouth watering delight.
Now I will say that you really need to read the forwarding because there is really dark themes. Scarlet is a strong firecracker but this book hits on notes that most cannot handle. For me...bring it on...I found it hot and interesting. There is a bigger picture to this story and I cannot wait to dive deeper into the Phycos revealing their secrets and dark pasts.
Desire, oh it there, dark...pitch black, a good read.....yes now give me book 2.
My-flaming-god!! My jaw is still on the floor after reading this first book in this series. It was that good!! Be warned though read the trigger warning because some of the content is dark and might upset some folks.
One night of revenge where arsonist Scarlet (FMC) sets fire to her Ex's bar leaves her in the hands of Silvestri brothers - Cristian, Tyrone and Julian. Dangerous and violent men that are not only dark but bloodthirsty too. Scarlet ends up being their pet for a month paying off a debt that they seem to think she owes them and they have all sorts of dark ways for her to pay it. All the kink's come out to play. With that ending I'm looking forward to the next book now.
What's not to love when you mix a fiery main female character and 3 sinfully unstable mafia brothers?! I could not have put this book down even if I wanted to. It was just that good. Scarlet is the definition of a strong female that thinks after she acts so that gets her into a lot of trouble! Christian tricks her into a deal that will change her life over the next several weeks. There are so many ups and downs and Scarlet questioning her strength as the brothers push her boundaries. The book ends on a cliffhanger with guns blazing and it's not looking good for a couple of the characters. I can not wait to see what happens in the next book!!!
Psycho Sinners brings readers right into the world of "psycho" tendencies and mafia romance. Scarlett finds herself in a bind when her impulsive actions lead her to act before thinking things through. In steps the Silvestri brothers Cristian, Julian and Ty. These three are not for the faint of heart, and they truly keep Scarlett on her toes when she is around them. This is a dark read, so the intensity in the action, suspense and romance is turned up high. The spice level is off the charts, but keep in mind that this is not a typical romance. The ending was absolutely nuts, so I am looking forward to book 2!
Our main female, Scarlett, has some issues. The story starts with her burning down her finance’s bar because he cheated on her. We see the hardened Scarlett, not letting anyone get the better of her. This unfortunately leads her to cross paths with Christian, Julian and Tyrone. These Silvestri brothers (mafia) have decided to claim her. As the story progresses, we see the deeper character traits of the three men, and Scarlett as well. As she tries to be strong and resist, we see the exterior shells being cracked. This is a dark enemies to lovers story and I really enjoyed it. I plan on reading more from this author. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
Not usually my thing when it comes to why choose? romances, but with three short, fast-paced novellas and a dark mafia twist, I decided to give it a shot. And wow—this series pulls no punches. It’s brutal, raw, and unflinching in its exploration of trauma (definitely check your trigger warnings), yet somehow, it keeps you hooked. Gritty and intense, it doesn’t shy away from the darker side of love and survival. As for the HEA? A MMMF “family” might stretch believability, but in the world Cluney builds, I was willing to roll with it. Overall, a gripping read that delivers on dark romance expectations.
I don't even know what to say right now. I love the dark stories with the guys that you hate one minute and love the next, but these are some of the hardest to like that I've read. It's hard to see any redeeming qualities, but I'm pushing through. The FMC has been through so much, and I want her to get her HEA. Yes, she's her own brand of crazy too, but with a past like hers, how could you not be? I enjoyed this book even though several scenes were tough to read. If you enjoy darkness, then give it a shot, but read the trigger warnings and heed them. Now let's see what happens in book 2!
I thought this book was weird at first — it was giving rape/blackmail vibes with the mafia brothers — but once the story progressed, it actually became really intriguing. Side note: I love Kenny the cat. He’s such a cute addition to the book.
As I got toward the end, things got even more interesting, but I still need more information on Cristian’s ex, Tess, and how she died. And then that last scene? Getting kidnapped by other people now? She was almost done with the mafia brothers and now there's even more bullshit.
I definitely need to read the second one to see what happens next — and Kenny the cat better be safe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Grade-A psychos. All of them. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is absolutely riddled with both red flag men and women. If you’re looking for a sweet story, this one isn’t for you. But if you want psycho men who take what they want, when they want, no matter what anyone else says, then give this book a shot! And don’t you worry, our FMC has some crazy in her too! I definitely saw some connection between the FMC and MMCs, and our furry feline is absolutely adorable. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
I know that there’s a lot of people will read a book because of the dedication.The dedication might be mild but don’t let it fool you! I thought this book wouldn’t be that great because of the dedication but I was wrong! Who doesn’t like a book with knife play, hate fucking etc 🥵
This book has Reserve Harm(1 Woman/3 Men) a lot of smut(3.5/5) Morally grey mafia men Strong Female main character Great plot Small plot twists Sexual Assault Drama A lot of Trauma Knife play
Psycho Sinners by JE Cluney 5⭐️100% on 🌶️ This story will shake you to the core and burn the house down. It’s so hot! So much darkness that these characters go through and somehow it brought them closer even if it started out unexpected. It’s rough and even though it has so many situations with each having their own personality, you kind of want them to get together. I love their friendship and how caring the girls are. This has a lot of triggers but it’s worth reading. Can’t wait to see what will happen next. I hope not to spill any spoilers for you.