Having survived a bad relationship, I decide to turn my life around. I never expected to bump into someone so arrogant, dangerous and ever so intriguing. But I witness something I shouldn’t, and my world turns into a nightmare. My life is thrown into the tumultuous world of Tate Matthews who ends up protecting me from my greatest enemy, and whose love I desire. Will trouble from my past get in the way of what could possibly be the greatest adventure, and love, of my life?
Tate
Someone is encroaching on my territory and I’m Tate fucking Matthews, they need to pay. But I’m momentarily distracted when a feisty yet perfectly gorgeous woman throws a glass of champagne on me. She has no idea of who I am or what I’m capable of, that is until her innocent eyes see something they shouldn’t and I know I need to track her down, but I catch her at her most vulnerable moment and I feel the need to protect her. Despite everyone’s warnings, I let her into my life even though I know my black heart could corrupt her pure one.
Are your dark souls ready for this?
These stories are NOT for the faint of heart. This is your one and only warning. If you're not ready to join the dark side, then turn back around or keep scrolling...
7 Authors 7 Standalones 7 Deadly reads
Pride - Nikki J Summers Greed - SJ Ransom Lust - Imogen Wells Envy - K J Ellis Gluttony _ N.O. One Wrath - Nicola Jane Sloth - Emma Creed
***Trigger warning*** May contains scenes the reader may struggle to read.
Our poor FMC, Sian is put through the grinder in this one, it may be difficult for some to read, so be wary of the triggers.
Has she found herself in a worse situation than she was? Is her safety their only concern? Men who believe they have power, can promise all sorts but will it be upheld? We are thrown into the story, quite quickly and it moves at a fast pace, as a reader we just know something is going to happen but invested into seeking it out 😁 Tate, is a difficult one to gage, running hot and cold but cares when it matters.
This story in itself is good, and I read it one sitting so it kept me engaged. There were still a few errors here and there but easily bypassed. I did find the plot predictable that maybe just me and I did finish it.
"Envy" is a captivating book that plunges readers into the tumultuous realm of love, danger, and personal transformation. Written by K.J. Ellis, this entry in the Seven Deadly Sins series weaves together a story that is equal parts thrilling and emotionally charged.
At the heart of the story is Sian, a woman who has endured the scars of a painful relationship. Ambitiously determined to reclaim her independence and redefine her life, Sian’s journey unfolds with an unexpected encounter that alters her path forever.
Enter Tate Matthews—a man whose arrogance and undeniable allure are matched only by his hidden complexities. The moment Sian throws a glass of champagne at him, and there it is, the connection that is both fiery and fraught with tension.
The author brilliantly captures the essence of Sian’s vulnerability as she navigates her attraction to Tate while grappling with her fears. Their relationship evolves into a push-and-pull dynamic, where Sian's innocence contrasts sharply with Tate's darker, more possessive nature. Despite his warnings about his "black heart," the chemistry between them becomes irresistible, leading to moments that are both steamy and heart-stopping.
For me, what sets "Envy" apart is its exploration of themes like protection, corruption, and the power dynamics inherent in romantic relationships. Tate is a character deeply rooted in his past, grappling with internal struggles that threaten to overshadow his ability to love genuinely. As he becomes fiercely protective of Sian, the tension escalates, making me think of red flags! Is his possessiveness is a sign of love or a precursor to danger?! 🤔
The story is rich with suspense as Sian finds herself unwittingly entangled in a world dominated by Tate’s enemies. The plot thickens with unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Each revelation not only builds the stakes but also sheds light on the characters’ motivations and fears. As past troubles resurface, Sian must confront the very darkness she wished to escape, leading to moments of profound introspection.
K.J. Ellis’s writing is both evocative and immersive. The emotional depth of the characters is palpable, and the author’s ability to balance romantic tension with action creates a well-paced book that never feels stagnant. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with wit, which adds layers to the characters' interactions.
However, it's important to note that "Envy" comes with trigger warnings, addressing sensitive themes such as abuse and possessiveness. These elements serve as a reminder of the complexities of love and the shadows that can lurk within relationships. Ellis handles these themes with care, ensuring that while the romance is intoxicating, it does not gloss over the darker consequences of human emotions and attachments.
Overall, "Envy" is a compelling tale of love’s duality, capturing the beauty and the peril it can bring. K.J. Ellis has masterfully created a book that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
In the pulsating heart of a dimly lit club, where the rhythm of the music vibrated through the air, Tate and Sian had a fateful encounter. The moment she hurled a glass of champagne in his direction, her fierce spirit captivated him, leaving an indelible mark on his heart. Yet, beneath the shimmer of that night lay a darkness; Sian was haunted by the shadows of her past.
Her ex, a volatile storm, had unleashed chaos in her life, leaving her battered and bruised, both physically and emotionally. Just when despair seemed to engulf her, Tate, drawn to her strength and vulnerability, became her unexpected savior. With an unwavering determination, he searched for her amidst the chaos, finding her on the brink of collapse.
In that pivotal moment, he reached out, offering her a hand and a sense of safety she desperately needed. Their connection was complex and charged: a bond forged in the fires of her pain, intertwined with the knowledge that the source of her suffering—her ex—was also Tate’s sworn enemy. What began as a chance encounter in a world of glamour quickly spiraled into a tumultuous relationship filled with passion, danger, and the relentless pursuit of healing.
Ive had to take some time to sit and think about how to go around writing this review because holy cow… this book was amazing start to finish.
Firstly, i want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this and push me forward into reading and reviewing my first ever arc!
My heart aches for Sian. The hell she endured throughout this book sits heavy, the way she composes herself after everything is admirable. To keep herself so strong after being put through situations she thought she’d gotten away from, is incredible and I love how her strength is shown throughout, what an absolute trooper
TATE !!!!!!! He makes my heart flutter (and maybe other things, ayyy😮💨😂) To say he has baggage of his own and has been through things that are also traumatic, he sure is a gentle giant. Being so willing to give himself up for Sian to keep her safe????? Swoooooon
I love how this story comes together, the ending was a real tear jerker. They’ve been through so much together and that hea is so so well deserved.
I have loved every book in this series so far and Envy is no different, its such a good read. Please ensure you read the trigger warnings before proceeding into this as some of the topics and situations can be heavy, be kind to yourself 🫶🏻
✨”You must know the dark to appreciate the light” ✨
This is the third book from the seven deadly series, but the second one that I have read.
4.5 ⭐️
This is a dark romance.
Sian is out drinking with her friend getting over the break up of her relationship, and finally getting away from her ex Daniel, when she meets the mysterious Tate, then she throws a drink over him.
This sets off a chains of events where she is suddenly seeing the dark side of him and his team. When Tate goes to pay her a visit, he finds her in a bad way. Due to her ex.
Instead of getting rid of her, he takes care of her. But of course it doesn’t end there, he is trying to get to the bottom of things going down in his clubs at the same time as trying to make sure Sian won’t talk.
I like these two together, they have great chemistry and although Tate is a dangerous man, he never hurts her. Sian is an incredibly strong woman.
I do feel like something was missing, there was a lot of ‘shock factor’ scenes, but having gone through all the things she goes through, Sian seems to ‘get over it’ quicker than most people would.
I’ve read several of KJ Ellis’ books before, but I have to say this is by far her best book to date. It’s dark and gritty with lots of twists and turns along the way. The story flowed well, the characters were addictive (even the secondary characters) they both touched my heart, and I just felt deep emotions for their story. It’s definitely a book that pulls at the heart strings. A perfect read for those dark romance lovers.
Sian - Has endured a lot of trauma from a past relationship, one she thought she was free from, this novel shows us that Sian is far from safe from her past trauma. Like a snake it comes around to bite her on the a$$. Things take a change when she meets Tate, the hot guy who has a dark and sinful past, a guy who she should keep away from, but the instant drawn connection makes it that much harder.
Tate - A deliciously dark and sinful man who has been through his own trauma, he knows someone is encroaching on his territory and that someone he needs to make pay. Everything changes when he meets Sian, who throws her glass of champagne over him, he felt that instant drawn connection. He knows he should shouldn't drag her down into his dark world, but he can't keep away from her.
This book is sinful, it's dark, and it's delicious. We follow Sian and Tates rocky journey, one with a lot of trauma, love, spice and a romance that should be forbidden because of Tate's dark world. This book caught me hook line and sinker! I absolutely ate this book up and loved every moment of it. I want and need more of Sian and Tate.
This is a deliciously dark mafia romance, this is part of the seven deadly sins series.
This is a beautifully written novel, one where you'll fall in love with the two main characters, one where we see the FMC go from having a lot of trauma to blossoming into a feisty FMC. We also see a badass MMC who instantly falls for the girl of his dreams, one who he didn't know he needed or wanted to meet.
I would highly recommend this author and her delicious words, she captures you and makes you want more.
Firstly, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to ARC read for you, KJ ❤️ Envy is the 3rd book from the seven Deadly Sins anthology. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order. They are written by some amazing authors, so please do go support and check the others out.
God, my heart shattered for Sian 😫 the brutality of living in a toxic relationship for many years 💔 I loved Tate! He's no knight in shining amour, but the man holds his own, especially with the pain and torture he's endured of his own. I loved the fire in Sian when she had her first interaction with Tate. Side characters Rowan and Rick had me in stitches. I would happily read a book about them.
From start to finish, I was hooked and didn't want it to end. I will suggest checking your triggers warnings before going into this book, especially as there is a 🍇 scene, death, and torture..
'She has me under a spell and only she can break it.'
💚 Envy by K J Ellis 💚
Envy by K J Ellis is a standalone book in a interconnected standalone series with lots of amazing authors. This is a dark romance with some dark themes so please check the trigger warnings!
"I’ll kill him, and I’ll make him suffer. He doesn't deserve to breathe the same air as she does.”
Off the bat I knew I would love these characters, Tate was the perfect broody mafia boss MC who protects those he loves fiercely and ... the innocent sweet FMC who just needs man to protect her.
"You must know the dark to appreciate the light.”
This storyline had me hooked the entire time, I finish this book in almost a day (two half days!) I just couldn't put it down because the events in this just didn't stop! I was dying to know what happened in the next chapter.
This is one of my first books from K J Ellis but it definitely won't be my last! Thank you K for the opportunity to read this and another happy release day!!
✳️ Morally grey alphaholes ✳️ Instant attraction ✳️ Touch her and 💀 ✳️ P$ycho ex
This is most definitely earning a place on my bookshelf
Wowww, what a journey this book takes you on
The MFC Sian goes through hell and back, never having the best relationships with men and now away from her ex who was a real piece of work she’s determined to not feel or let anyone make her feel less than her worth or treat her any less. She’s such a strong character and her character is so resilient. With a strength most have never known.
Tate the MMC is a ruthless boss who doesn’t back down, who gets what he wants and doesn’t bow down to anyone, he doesn’t let people get under his skin Till Sian steps into his club and the connection is palpable their chemistry is pure fire
Both fighting past demons and both finding away to keep them at bay, she’s his light to his dark They both need each other in ways that’s just pure magic, when their pasts come back and lines are crossed I feel these two need each other more than they know. Can Tate perfect her from the evils and can Sian save him from his demons
Can’t wait for the next book in this series The seven deadly sins series
I'm gonna start with a quick note. This book is a rare one, as it tripped up a T (rhymes with grape) for me. It was listed in the TWs, so it's totally on me. I can usually skim over it, but not this time. Just please pay attention to TWs, your mental health matters.
With that said, the book is a really great read! The characters and their dynamics were 🔥. This book and series are 💯 on a mission to prove that dark can definitely be delicious 🙌. I definitely recommend this book!
This is the 3rd book in the Seven Deadly Sins series.
This is the first book ive read by this author and it won't be my last! I'm really grateful that I received this book as an ARC! Thankyou x
I loved this book. It had me hooked from start to finish. Its heartbreaking, fast paced and funny in places, thanks mainly to side characters Rowan and 'Tiny' (please can they have their own book?!).
Check your trigger warnings before you start but enjoy the ride.
This is my first read by this author and it was totally in my wheelhouse! Loved Tate and Sian (and definitely need ‘Tiny’ and Rowan’s story please) Club owner mafia king is brought to his knees by a tiny spunky woman with a ton of baggage/damage, a lot of which plays out on page so make sure to read those trigger warnings. They actually share a lot of the same damage and end up kind of helping each other thru it. He tries desperately to not want her adding an angsty element to their relationship which just makes it perfect. The epilogue was a sweet happy ever after… whole thing was so good.
I absolutely loved this book , it had the perfect mix of action and smut. The story line was perfect , I couldn't put it down. would definitely recommend to anybody
I loved the fire in Sian when she thought it lost. Abuse comes in many forms, but when you deal with the kind that Sian dealt with you either become strong due to those around you that help or dead because you gave the abusive person total control. Tate doesn't know what hit him, besides champagne, when Sian is in his sights. He once thought he no loyhad a heart, but she's there to prove him wrong. Their story may have started out as a friendly kidnapping in order to protect, but they couldn't fight the attraction. This is the first story I've read from this author & I will definitely be reading more.
I was hooked from the start, and while this is NOT a comfortable read (check your triggers) it is well thought out, paced perfectly, and the spice is VERY nice.
This was my first KJ Ellis, and now I need to consume everything they have ever written, so I guess that is as ringing an endorsement as you can get.
Read it (and the others in the Seven Deadly Sins series). You will not be disappointed
Really enjoying this series of books all the story’s have been gripping with great story lines that drag you in My only critique with this book is I didn’t really get the Envy relevance , because it was written from Tate & Sian’s point of view yet it was Daniel with the Envy issues That’s being said still a great read and totally recommend
This is the third book in the Seven Deadly Sins series and let me tell you, K.J. nailed it. She takes you into a dark world where fighting the demons from your past doesn't necessarily mean you'll survive them. Where finding yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time can change your life forever and where envy can get you killed.This is a compelling story that has trigger warnings in the beginning. Please read them! With that being said, I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. I highly recommend it!
Book 3 in the 7 Deadly Sins series brings us Envy by KJ Ellis and the story of Tate and Sian. I loved these guys together.. how the big bad man melts for his woman even if he doesn't want to lol These guys meet on night out when Sian spots something that she really shouldn't have and that brings Tate to her door to make sure she keeps quiet. But on arrival Tate really doesn't find what he expects. Love these guys together, and Sian is such a strong woman but I can 100% say i could never get through all she does so easily!
From the very first chapter, Envy throws you into the fire and doesn't let you out until you're scorched.
Sian is a survivor. After clawing her way out of an abusive relationship, she’s finally learning to breathe again—until one wild night in a club changes everything. She crosses paths with Tate Matthews, a man who doesn’t just own the club, but the entire criminal underworld it’s built on. Their first meeting? A glass of champagne thrown in his face and enough sexual tension to set the whole building on fire.
But Sian doesn’t just piss off a powerful man—she sees too much. A brutal execution. Blood on the walls. And suddenly, she’s no longer just a woman on a night out—she’s a liability. Yet instead of eliminating her, Tate becomes her protector. The darkness in him should terrify her… but it doesn’t. It calls to her. And maybe that’s what makes this story so compelling—watching a woman who's been broken begin to crave a monster who might be just as damaged as she is.
But it’s not Tate who shatters her—it’s the past she thought she escaped. Daniel, her abusive ex, forces his way back into her life in one of the most brutal scenes I’ve ever read. He rapes her. Viciously, cruelly, while reminding her of the control he once had. It’s horrifying and gutting—and it shows just how strong Sian truly is, not just to survive it, but to keep fighting.
Tate, for all his violence and darkness, becomes the safe place she never had. He doesn’t ask for her trust—he earns it, piece by fragile piece. And when Sian finally lets herself feel again, the chemistry is explosive. Their relationship isn’t clean or easy—there are guns, lies, and blood. But it’s real. It’s raw. It matters.
This is not a romance for the faint of heart. It’s violent, explicit, and deeply emotional. But it’s also a story of survival, resilience, and finding light in the most unlikely places.
If you're looking for a love story wrapped in danger, revenge, and redemption—with a heroine who refuses to stay broken and a hero who doesn't believe he's worthy of love—Envy will absolutely wreck you… and you’ll thank it for every bruised chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What an intense story! So much goes on that my head was spinning! My heart was broken and put back together so many times and I am a bit of an emotional mess. I do have to say that it is a dark and yet delicious read, but it isn’t for the feint of heart. Sian goes thru things that no woman should have to, but as you read, she definitely comes into her own and proves how resilient she is. Could that have to do with meeting Tate, a handsome, yet fierce man, who she shouldn’t want, but can’t stay away from. These two had instant chemistry from the first moment they met and I rooted for them throughout. Tate will do anything to protect Sian, and when outside forces threaten her very existence, watch out, he takes no prisoners! From the very beginning I knew this story would enthrall me and it most certainly did. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the journey that Tate and Sian take you on. You will not be disappointed!
This is book 3 in the seven deadly sins series. This story is absolutely fantastic Sian had a very abusive boyfriend who hurts her in so many ways. One day she has had enough and she leaves him but will be let her go that easy you will have to read to find out. Tate owns a few clubs were he meets Sian as her friend rowan is arguing with tates friend rick. Deciding to be brave Sian stands up to Tate and ends up throwing a glass of champagne all over his suit little did she knows how much that would change her life. I don't want to spoil too much for you but this story is very very addictive I was hooked from the start and I couldn't put it down. I really hope we hear from rowan and rick again they would make a fantastic couple. The ending of this story is so perfect and it made me so happy.
I really enjoyed this book. It was dark, gripping, outright chilling in parts, but the love between Tate and Sian was so precious.
Tate and Sian meet, when Sian is on a night out with her best friend Rowan, the start of the book was absolutely hilarious and I am really hoping that Rowan gets her own book in the future I really enjoyed her punchy character.
This book tackled so dark themes so I would suggest you check your triggers but if you like your books dark then you will enjoy this one. KJ did an amazing job of showing us the multi dimensional characters who you can not help falling in love with... well except Sian's ex he can F off.
This book is book 3 in a series. It is not necessary to read the other 3 but I would - they are fabulous. This book focuses around Sian- a woman who is determined to find herself again after coming out of a toxic relationship. She witnesses something she shouldn’t and is thrust into Tate’s world. Tate is morally grey and an alpha hole. He take what he wants when he wants. They get together and it’s 🔥. I won’t mention any more for spoilers. This book is well written and it just flows - I love this authors books - this is very different from her other books - check your triggers ! I hope the author writes more books like this !
Sian is such an incredibly strong, determined woman. I'm in awe of her after all that she has experienced, yet she still continues on. Tate is alpha all the way. Tall, dark, handsome, intense yet unbelievably gentle when it comes to Sian. These two broken souls, one light, one infinitely darker, come together and meld into something beautiful. Please heed the trigger warnings. Your mental health matters.
This one was okay but not my favourite. The writing moved very quickly and it felt very jumpy. I wasn’t really sure what to make of the characters, as I couldn’t really connect with them. I felt for Sian and what she went through in such a small amount of time, she had so much growth and strength by the end. The plot was good, but where everything moved quickly, I didn’t feel like we really got to dig deep and explore it.
I loved how this story unfolds, it has all the elements of Envy, as it a tricky one as it covers, so many sins in it self. Was suspenseful, dangerous, traumatic, action packed and passionate. The characters where captivating and the world builder was great.