Sinful Games: An Arranged Mariage Dark Romance (#Sinful,2)

The Sinful #2

by Marie Annilla

She hates him... but he’s claiming her anyway.

Being a Mankiev comes with its perks—money, power, and opulent jewelry. Yet beneath the glittering façade lies a darker truth. Caia Mankiev has grown up in the treacherous world of her father's empire, a ruthless dealer who navigates the realms of the richest and most influential. When her father recognizes the allure of her beauty, he sees an opportunity: to use her as bait to seduce wealthy men, particularly Alexsei Romaniev, one of the most feared members of the Silas.

Her father's demand is simple: seduce Romaniev and bring him to her bed, granting him leverage over the Silas and access to unimaginable wealth.

What follows is a dangerous game of loathing and lust, where every glance ignites perilous danger. As Caia and Alexsei dance closer to the flames, they risk everything—only to discover that passion can burn as fiercely as betrayal.




******

Sinful Games is a contemporary arraged mariage/ he fell first and hard/ damaged heroine/ slow burn dark mafia romance.
This is the second book in Marie Annilla’s Sinful series.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Mafia Romance, Romance

596 pages

Published October 23, 2024

About the author

Marie Anilla's novels are packed with complex, electric, and tantalizingly spicy characters. Her stories have audacious female leads and men who will ignite your wildest fantasies and linger in your dreams.

She writes with one purpose: to ensure every girl finds the man she never knew she craved.

Marie has always dreamed of being a writer, weaving tales that bring her wildest imaginations to life. Living in a quaint village in England, she spends her time reading, writing, or enjoying her garden. When she's not lost in her stories, you'll find her teaching tricks to her mischievous cat, Tiger.

Reviews

[kopycoffee · Rating 2 out of 5]

the plot was a disaster

[Athena · Rating 1 out of 5]

i cannot name a single thing i liked about this book. but i can name things i hated- the MMC describes her as ‘hot’ this is the first adjective he uses to describe her. in their first meeting where her father also is, he asks him much for her. HOW MUCH AS IN MONEY. THAT IS NOT NORMAL. and btw this is never mentioned again like wtf?! he refers to women as whores and calls the FMC a whore A LOT of times, even going as far as saying to her “how many men hace you fucked’ when the FMC is averse to his sexual advances and its obvious she has a difficult sexual past ‘i just wanna make sure im not marrying a whore.’ is what he says to her. even after several dates and time hanging out with her, he convinces himself that she’s nothing more than a quick fuck. all of the other male characters were super misogynyistic and ive even heard one of them is the MMC of another book in the series. cara or caia or whatever her name is, is presented as a badass FMC that doesnt take the MMC’s bullshit, but she kept coming back to him even though he called her a whore many, many times. i hope i never become like her. if i ever see the MMC(the book was so bad i forgot his name) on the street, someones gonna end up in a funeral home and its not gonna be me. im gonna swing at that ho. caia deserves better than that cheap, dumbass ho that only saw her as a quick fuck. even if shes not just a quick fuck to him, you shouldn’t even have that mindset. its mentioned that other women were objects to him, and its extremely derogatory to all women, FMC or not. thats all, and i hope you never the misfortune of reading this awful, deeply rooted in misogyny book.

[anii]

Whatever you're doing, stop and read this book when it comes out.

Honestly, it had everything I needed right now. Caia was insanely hot I love her, and so was Alexsei, my god, they were both so hot AHH. The Arranged marriage trope get‘s me every single time😫. I have to say, this is definitely my favorite book in the series. Everything was perfect from start to end (I'm not going to lie, I lost a few tears while reading😔).

(ARC read)- thank you Marie for this wonderful book omg🩷 can't wait to read sinful lies🙂‍↕️

[Gigi Rekha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 SOS DO NOT READ IF U DONT LIKE DYING BABYS

At the beginning it was surprisingly good, cute, dark, arranged marriage, like a 4/5. Then they had a baby and a good life and marriage. but then..bruh the BABY DIES😭😭😭 WTF. like not as in miscarriages, he’s like 6 months old or a year old and he’s MURDERED😖 it was so unnecessary and devastating. Afterwards, it talked abt there very sad marriage issues which was sad to read. Later on, due to the grief and like some threats against the fmc (they’ll kill the mmc typa threats blah blah) she leaves for 2 years. they meet up again after 2 years and there happy and have twins (hopefully they don’t die)

btw, I read this a month ago but I wanted to put a review bc i remembered that no one should read this. Also, sorry if some details I said abt the book were wrong.

[Marie Annilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before entering the world of Sinful Games, PLEASE carefully review the following trigger warnings. Some themes are VERY intense and may surpass personal limits

Trigger Warnings:

Rape (referenced in past events; no explicit scenes but recollections are included)
Murder, including victims of ALL ages (no age group is exempt)
Explicit sexual content
Sexual discussions and implications
Drug use and abuse
Alcohol use and abuse

[LoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all my girlies who aren’t afraid to play dirty and get down and nasty—this one’s for you.

[Ocean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have such mixed feelings about this book because it started off really strong. The characters and the story was super engaging and the writing was really smooth which made it a very pleasant read. However, the second half of this book was all over the place and so much happened in such a short amount of time which did not even make sense. Overall, the author is definitely a strong writer but this book just wasn't for me in terms of the plot

[Arrow Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This booked ripped my heart out and then put it back together 💕💕💕

[maïwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 59%
This is a book I definitely want to leave behind me before 2025. It was so bad omg I really forced myself to continue but couldn’t take it anymore. The writing, the characters, the plot weren’t it. I’m trying to find something that I liked here but honestly it might just be the fact that I know I won’t have to read one single more page of this ever again.

[Nicole Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinful Games
Maria Annilla

🖤 Dark Romance
🥀 Mafia Romance
🖤 Arranged Marriage
🥀 Slow burn
🖤 Possessive MMC
🥀 Black Cat FMC

Sinful Games by Marie Annilla is a dark romance in the Sinful Series, blending themes of arranged marriage and mafia drama. It follows an intense enemies-to-lovers storyline with complex, morally gray characters and high-stakes, suspenseful moments. This is a passionate, tension-filled romance with mature, psychological themes.

PART TWO BROKE ME. 😭😭😭😭 While this is technically a HEA, it’s also not. I really liked this book. Part 1 gave me the character and plot development I need, Part 2 gave me the plot twists I needed and part 3 just wrapped it all up in an exploding bow. I do feel like Scarlett could be dropped from the story her mess doesn’t add anything to plot to where if you removed it, the story would be lacking. Other than that I really enjoyed this!

🚨⚠️Content Warnings: oh boy there’s a ton! Make sure you read them before continuing to read this book! ⚠️🚨

[Navss (read.yourbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Part 1 and I love it!! Absolutely love love love it when we get the hate, the games, the friendship and the love!! It’s a roller coaster and it feels like I know every single thing of the lives of the characters!

Update: I finished part 2 and holy fuxking shit!! I have chills and oh my god, I’m so angry, sad, and blank that I don’t have words.

Update: I finished part 3, and now I’ve read the whole book. Safe to say that this is a great read and I would definitely recommend this book! Part 3 wasn’t as exciting as the previous other two parts but I also agree that if the author would’ve introduced some new random twist then the book would’ve been too long and dragged. Hence, overall, a good ending to the story✨

[Anna J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️Before I express my thoughts, I need to let you know that the book is a MUST READ!!!⚠️

The author is incredible and delivered such fantastic writing. This story takes you through a lot of different emotions, you will laugh, you will cry, you will be stunned, excited and giddy at some point.
When I thought I knew how the story will end, the author did a 180* turn and left me speechless…😳

Alexsei is absolutely smitten and obsessed with the heroine to no end. (he would do anything to have her, even to force her to marry him🤭🥹).
I liked Caia, she was trying her best to be independent and live the life she wanted but being under the pressure of her father and his demands was hard for her.💔
Everything started as a game but along the road, both main characters developed feelings for each other.
The whole storyline was so intriguing and unexpected.
PS: you will need some kleenex for the last quarter of the book but don’t worry, it will be HEA❤️

(ARC Reader)

[merab · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5/5

Literally why do I keep doing this to myself by reading horror books that tiktok recommends. The first part was fine - nothing special just normal mafia bullshit. The reason they hated each other was so stupid like I get Caia but what even was Alexseis reasoning. Not to mention the reason behind the wedding was just stupid too. Don’t get me started on the rest - right when I thought it was gonna end we get their son dying and what not. The villain being Sadeiks forgettable girlfriend who wasn’t his girlfriend was so so stupid. Also the random characters and Scarlett and what not - so unnecessary. The ending was fine, two years was too unnecessary a time jump and they gave forgave the each other too easily at all points.

[Rebekah Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book Marie rips your heart out, throws it on the ground, stomps on it a few times, and then picks it up, brushes it off, gives it a little kiss, and then puts it back and you just sit there and ask her to do it again.

Alexsei is everything 😍 the banter that he and Caia have is also everything!! I need book 3 now!! Haha thank you @authormarieannilla for sending me this ARC! I can't wait to read more!! 🫶

[Neha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the wonderful Marie Annilla for sending me a copy of your book! This book was absolutely heartbreaking and so incredibly beautiful! This book made me laugh, smile, and it made me cry actually tears. Reading the first couple chapters I could tell this story held a lot of emotion and depth to it. It was executed so well. This author really put her heart and soul into this book and you could tell when reading. I think one of my favourite parts when reading this is how the book was spilt into three sections and how each section tells a different part of the characters lives. Part one (The Devil) showed Alexsei and Caia trying to find a grey area with another. There was lots of push and pull between the characters and confusion with emotions. It showed them powerless, having a sense of freedom, and paving a way to reclaim control within themselves and their relationship. Part two (The Reaper) showed them getting together, finding a way to work together as one. Also showing that both Alexsei and Caia were to have major changes within their lives. Claiming immense happiness but also despair. The last part (The Angel) emphasize insight and personal growth in the present moment, offering clarity and support through their hard times. This part showed the characters regaining their love and understanding one another again. I loved how part one, two, and three were so different from each other, telling the story of Alexsei and Caia in all the different stages they went through. Showing how the characters are in very different points in their lives. Both Alexsei and Caia had huge changes to them and I love how each part was so just so different. The writing style had hooked. I liked the subtle twistes we got while reading. I loved how this story just kept giving and because of that I wasn’t upset at how long the book was solely on the fact that there was so much going on that I was so intrigued I couldn’t stop reading! I loved these characters and how they were written. Caia was described as beautiful, alluring, and smart! She was a lot of fun to read. I liked how she kept Alexsei on his toes! Part three of as where I think she had the most drastic change. Caia handled her emotions well. She was a lot more regulated but still had she streaks of boldness and compassion. Reading some of her povs nearing the end of the book had me in tears. Alexsei definitely had asshole tendencies. Getting to know him in part one, he was the type of guy who didn’t want a relationship and was dedicated to his job but as you read he changed a lot especially when you get to part two and parts three! He had lot of redemption arcs, and I think Caia changed him a lot along the way especially with his views on love! These two had amazing banter between. It was very playful and teasing, and it only got better as I continued to read. This book had me wrecked (the plot twists I did not see coming) I was literally sobbing. I don’t think I’ll ever recover from it but despite that this book was incredible beautiful. The way it was told how the characters were written and the story. The emotions I felt when reading this!! I’ll never be the same, this book was truly something else!! Such an amazing book🥹🫂

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I love famous quotes and there's nothing more amazing than reading a chapter that starts off with a quote. Exquisite 10/10

Second of all, if a book makes me cry, it gets an automatic 5⭐️ and did I not cry. Thank you Marie, I hated you a bit for making me cry but that makes you an amazing author. I hope you enjoyed bathing in my tears🩵

He's from the mafia with a tragic story, she's a photographer with a tragic story, whatever could go wrong?

Alexsei, a man made from my own dreams. Gahdamn you have a smooth mouth, you sweet talker. Everytime you wooed her and she felt disgusted, I swooned. The way he calls her "baby" I felt my stomach do the flip.

Protecting her from her POS father, you did the one thing that no man has ever done for her. You offered her a feeling of safety.

Oh Lexi, I cried with you, I felt your pain as if it were my own and persevering for that long without giving up makes you an admirable man.

Caia, sweet Caia. I'm so sorry. You deserve an apology for what you went through. I'm crying thinking about what you went through. You are a strong and brave woman. I can only imagine the nights you spent awake, crying, thinking of what you had lost. Alexsei called you his sunshine because you brighten up his life. You are a beam of beautiful light and you deserve every beautiful thing that comes your way and I hope you know that rainbows only appear after it rains

Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Michelle DV · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS ACTUALLY SO AMAZING!
I can’t believe how much I actually came to love this book!! It had me on the edge of my seat! The plot twists were not what I had imagined they’d be!! I was going through the emotions the entire book. I finished it quicker than I thought originally would but I was hooked the entire time. I love both characters. I love the growth and their view on their lives once they learned to hope and knew what it was to be in love. It’s so wholesome but tragic at the same time because of their pasts. But that’s what makes their love story even better because they grow together!! I received an ARC and I’m very grateful I did. I enjoyed every second of this book!

[Kaitlynn Plumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Marie for the ARC opportunity ❤️ Any book that makes me cry or have to pause reading to emotionally recoup is an automatic five stars for me.

Caia and Alexsei were evvvverything. From the tension and banter to the way their relationship escalated, I was hooked from the start.

Alexsei’s love for Caia was so versatile. He took “touch her and die” to the next level, but also called her ‘baby’ before they were even together. And the letters 😭 We love a morally gray man that only has a soft spot for the FMC.

There are heavy topics presented in this book, but Marie does an amazing job with her approach and writing. Can’t wait for Sinful Lies!

[Paige Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible spoilers..

What a ride!

Alexsei and Caia 🥵

Part 1- slooow burn, I love the inner dialogue of Alexsei
Part 2- OMG, my heart..
Part 3- YES YES YES 🙌🏻

I did love the book being split into 3 parts, especially with the time jumps!

I loved the dynamic and banter between Alexsei and Caia.
They were made for each other

This book took me through all the emotions!

Marie, I cannot wait for the next book 🖤

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

STOP AND PICK UP THIS BOOK. I BEG YOU! BEST ROMANCE OF 2024 💕.
A must-read! It was absolutely perfect. This book made me smile, laugh, blush, giggle, and oh my gosh, cry so much that my mom had to check if I was okay, haha.
Marie truly outdid herself with this one, and I can't wait to own a physical copy to read again and again.
Alexsei Romaniev is my new obsession, and Caia is the kind of FMC I adore—bold, feisty, and so relatable.
If I could’ve given it a hundred stars, I would have!
Pls do yourself a favor and read it, you won't regret it.
(Arc reader, thank you so much Marie for giving me the chance to read this amazing book omg)

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off strong part 1 was good but then part 2 sucked and was so sad (but random) then part 3 was horrible.. forced myself to finish.. the plot twist at the end felt forced trying to be original and wrapped but too fast.. also the random other characters in part 3? Everything felt rushed and forced

[Roos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book untill 60% suddley we are skipping two years ahead and the entire book changes? Wtf bro
DNF
Also again MARIE re-read your sentences PLEASEEE.
Twice the same sentence in a row.

“What did you leave?”
“I needed space”

Figured its supposed to be “Why did u leave”
Liked the characters altough so many flaws in the reading its anoyyyyinggg

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be handed out to everyone and follows up with “you need to read this because it’s that good!”

This was one of those books that will stick with you after you finish it because IT WAS SO GOOD!

The ups and downs you get to go through with Caia and Alexsei will rip your heart out and then put it back! By the end of the book, I was sobbing because of everything they went through.

Just, holy cow, you need to read this one!

[martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️
Ufff, que buen libro. En mi opinión, muchísimo mejor que el anterior.

[Roos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolute shit (of you quit halfway its good)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. I love Alexsei. The obsession was incredible and possessive protectiveness was a chefs kiss. Her trauma filled past showed just how strong she was. The heartbreak. I have never cried so hard. I had to take a break and put it down for a bit. Chapter 48 was the hardest thing I've ever had to read. I love dark messed up books. But damn. That being said the closure also made me cry. They are so perfect for each other and I love their story. The passion from them both was everything I adore

[Encontrando_Dre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an advanced reader copy.

Tropes:

Touch her and die
Enemies to lovers
Contemporary arranged marriage
He fell first and hard
Damaged heroine
slow burn dark mafia romance

This book, was a surprise to say the least. I hadn't read the previous book, which I am definitely going to now, but is not needed to enjoy this one.

This book, had me crying, had me smiling, made me angry, it had me going through each emotion and I am not complaining about it! The spice y'all, the spice was pretty good too!

I am STILL trying to unload the way this made me feel. Part 1, their backstories and how their hate turns to love, ugh had me just cheesing the whole time! Part 2, it kicks you right in the gut. Both with how much love there is only for it to be taken away. However, Part 3 comes in and just blows your mind! I wish I had a man who was obsessed with me the way "Lexi" is with Caia.

Caia, is just like her friend Steven describes. She has gone through so much, SO MUCH, and still manages to rise above it all, day by day. Alexsei, whom has his own demons and is nicknamed "Lucifer" by Caia, shows that side of himself on more than one occasion and switches between both the demon and the angel flawlessly.

Great storytelling, wonderful character builds. The only thing, the only thing I didn't like was how some of the timelines felt misplaced. Otherwise, I rate this book 4.25/5 stars!

[black swan 🦢 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caia and Alexsei my sweet sweeet babies 💔💔
oh my Goddddddd! what a ride.. I am still sobbing and writing this review. My heart is wrecked. This was so beautiful and heart wrenching I can’t I CANNOTTTT. I loved this book and I cried so hard. I thought about dropping it many times because i just couldn’t take the pain but i kept going and im glad that i did. I love it I LOVE IT 😭😭😭

[floralmess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little wattpady but i ate it up. I skimmed past 90%, the story didn’t captivate me as much but i liked the ending, it gave me some senst of closure.

[Megan O’Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went on such an emotional rollercoaster but I loved every second of it!!