Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
He’s a fallen priest with dark secrets, and I’m the key to his revenge.

I never thought a simple walk in New York City would lead me into the shadows of a sinister game.
One moment, I'm fighting off attackers in a dark alley, and the next, I'm saved by a mysterious stranger.

He drags me into a darkened building, his grip both protective and possessive.
I should feel safe, but I can't shake the feeling that there's something dangerous lurking beneath his surface.

Imagine my shock when I discover my rescuer is none other than Thomas Manwarring, the notorious prodigal son of the Manwarring dynasty, returned from Rome under a shroud of scandal.

His every move is calculated, every glance a mix of fury and fascination.
I don’t understand why he saved me or why he seems so fixated on me, but I know one thing for his intentions are far from pure.

He watches me, studying every move, every breath.
I feel like he’s waiting for something—for me to fall into his trap—for me to trust him just enough.
But I’m not as naive as he thinks.

I’ll play along, but I’ll also fight back.
Navigating his maze of shadows and deception, I won’t be another pawn in his game.

Beneath the glittering surface of high society, lies a world of forbidden lust and dangerous secrets. Journey into a realm of deception and desire in this thrilling series by USAT Bestselling authors Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Zoe Blake

105 books3,294 followers
Zoe Blake is a USA Today Bestselling author of dark romance inspired by her obsession with Gothic literature and the salacious gossip of history’s most infamous families. She delights in writing deliciously decadent books filled with possessive men, forbidden desire, and drama.

When not crafting tales of aristocratic scandal, she can usually be found spending her ill-gotten gains on martinis and travel. Since she can barely boil water, she’s lucky enough to be married to a sexy Chef.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks

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
330 (60%)
4 stars
116 (21%)
3 stars
61 (11%)
2 stars
24 (4%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
Profile Image for Soft Nectarine ~.
548 reviews1,120 followers
November 4, 2024
corrupt priest manipulates an enemy’s daughter but make it absolutely FILTHY!

♰ 🖤♰ Forgive me Father for I have sinned ♰ 🖤♰

“I am a priest who, lies, steals, kills, and fucks naughty little angles who forget their place.”

Rose stumbles into the twisted plans of Father Manwarring bent on destroying her mother. He uses filthy confessions & dark blackmail to stoke the flames of Rose’s rebellion. Let’s just say this priest DNGAF and had no issues with an altar spanking ♰

Sublime smutty scenarios that had me grabbing popcorn and clutching my pearls:

✝️ ingenious use of holy oil and altar candles

✝️ underwater BJ!

✝️ filthy session in the confessional booth

✝️ Sunday mass anal *OMG*

✝️ candle wax punishments

✝️ spankings with his BELT!

You’ll eat this up this if you enjoy forbidden relationships with religious undertones. Priests don’t seem to do it for me though! Maybe because I don’t actually see them as powerful/authority figures. Let’s face it no one can outshine Papa Manwarring 🧎🏽‍♀️

The smut was divine but I hated the male character with a passion. Thomas was an asshole and never even apologized for all the manipulation & being so fucking rude. I was waiting for the grovel but it never happened. Even the epilogue was so infuriating!

forbidden love
sheltered fmc
blackmail
who hurt you
dom/sub vibes
dub con & body betrayal
praise
spanking
HEA
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,808 reviews2,600 followers
November 17, 2024
I felt bad for Thomas because he was blackmailed by Mary and forced to leave his family for 6 years. Now he's back for revenge and the person he has his eyes on is Rose the youngest daughter. It's giving me book one vibes. And at least that MMC wasn't such a douche. And Rose lord, I feel like these women don't have one backbone.. or at least not give in so easy..

I tried really, really hard to like Thomas, but the things he did to Rose and never at least admit he was in the wrong. He didn't deserve her. She should've made him work harder. But i understood why Thomas was how he was. His family didn't have his back. He had no one and trusted none of them.

And when Rose found out the truth, she was heartbroken and tried to keep herself away. Then we finally got Mary's death. finally!!!! That woman lived too long. I was sad her death was kinda off page. With all the drama and abuse she did, I wish her death was more.

Rose.. really cared too much about her mother and guilt like girl, your mother abusive you?!? Flick a booger on her grave.
I think? This is the end of the series??

No ow/om drama, no cheating, Drama, sexy times, no virgins sorta manwhore

Saftey-H mentioned he did things for his father like fked wives/daughters, it was mentioned not shown.

Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Slowburnish
Age gap
22h/30s?
Push/pull from both
Seperation few weeks
Degradation
Abusive parent
Mentions of Almost SA
Murder
Praise kink
No condom
Violence
Dubcon
Punishments
Spankings
Hea
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vashti.
1,255 reviews29 followers
December 2, 2024
I was waiting for an epilogue,but sadly, there was none.The ending felt unfinished and was just left hanging.
HFN.
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,362 reviews1,606 followers
November 15, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Trope: Revenge
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

A fantastic tale of revenge and the forbidden! Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley are two of my favorite guilty pleasure authors, so when a team-up happened, I knew there would be some over-the-top masterpieces. This series has been outstanding, and while I'm sad to see the end, Sinfully His was the perfect conclusion. Father Thomas Manwarring, while a man of the cloth, was not so different than the rest of the Manwarring men. Filthy. Controlling. Single-minded when they pursue someone. Unfortunately for Rose Astrid, Thomas decides to use her as an instrument of revenge against Astrid's mother, who has done him wrong. The last thing he expects is to fall for her in the process of using her. Definitely a wild ride!
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,165 reviews201 followers
November 7, 2024
The family war continues between the Manwarring family and the Astrid family and it is intense and so forbidden.
Thomas Manwarring became a priest at a young age, moving to Rome, and living his life away from his family. But now he has returned to New York with a vengeance and a devious plan. Rose Astrid is part of the plan but she is only a pawn to bring down her mother. But suddenly it doesn’t feel so nice to make Rose part of Mary Quinn Astrid’s destruction.
Wonderful characters with a plot that is as gripping as it is deliciously sinful. 💞
Profile Image for حبيبه ⭐️.
97 reviews10 followers
Read
November 15, 2024
not my cup of tea.
he's a "priest" who got in trouble for fucking a girl in the ass on the alter and other places, which is the "reason" he came back from Rome.
obviously it's not, he came back from Rome to take revenge on a woman who sa'd him when he was 18, and guess who he uses for his revenge? Her daughter

also the dad was mentioned to fuck his business partners' wives before a deal (more like fucking them over), AND he has a book.

no thanks to both.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,080 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2024
This was definitely a dark, decadent and taboo tale. Rose is the last unwed child of the evil matriarch, Mary Quinn Astrid. She is sweet and demure and resigned to being a dutiful daughter. Thomas is the son of Lucian Manwarring, sent away to join the seminary 7 years earlier, but he is far from a devout and godly man. Their story involves a delicious and devious push and pull, secrets, lies, violence, intrigue, scandal and very taboo acts. Having read the entire series, I enjoyed watching the demise of Mary Quinn, as well as seeing glimpses into the lives of the previous starring characters. I was desperate for an epilogue, but found the ending to be very in keeping with the atmosphere of Rose and Thomas's dark romance. A very decadent tale and fitting end to a mesmerising and addictive series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy Chestnutt.
373 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2024
I find it hard to believe that this is the final book in the series, and I highly recommend reading all the previous installments to fully appreciate this concluding chapter. The narrative reveals the motivations behind the priest's decision to enter the clergy, which may surprise readers. Throughout the series, the antagonistic mother has managed to evade consequences for her blackmailing, but in this book, we finally witness her being held accountable; unfortunately, this comes at a significant cost to the youngest daughter. The chemistry between the priest and the daughter is remarkably compelling, and the ending provides a sense of closure and emotional resolution. Overall, this has been an outstanding series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lureads_.
595 reviews91 followers
November 8, 2024
Sigo en shock de que ya se acabó esta serie. En verdad ha estado buenísima todo el carrusel de emociones que se han manejado este dueto de autoras. Este libro tiene taboo romance por el prota (así que ojito si quieren leerlo); pero creo que los protagonistas, sobre todo Rosa se ha hecho un espacio en mi ♥️ . Basta decir que el libro no me duró ni un día por lo rápido que se lee, hay muchísima necesidad en saber cuál va a ser los siguientes pasos. Además, tremenda villana que han hecho a lo largo de la serie no esperaba nada menos de este libro.
Profile Image for Becky.
154 reviews
October 31, 2024
Sinfully His is an unforgettable, bold, and taboo read that I devoured in just over a single sitting. This book captivated me from the first page with its high stakes and intense pace, making it impossible to put down. The story revolves around Father Thomas Manwarring, who has a deeply personal vendetta against Mary Quinn Astrid, a woman from his past who wrecked his life and forced him into seminary life. Ironically, Mary’s daughter, Rose Astrid, becomes part of his revenge plans, leading to an intense and complex plot.

Rose is the youngest in the Astrid family, raised to fit a perfect mold and marry well under her mother’s strict influence, even though her true desire is to escape to art school. The tension and guilt that build between Father Thomas and Rose create an indescribable pull that is darkly magnetic, and the punishments and power dynamics keep you on the edge. The character depth and backstory add layers of intrigue, but be warned—this book is unapologetically taboo, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.

The ending left me breathless, especially those last few sentences. I’m already hoping for more from these authors and would highly recommend this if you’re looking for something darker and boundary-pushing.
215 reviews
November 8, 2024
This is the next book in the series.
It us a well written book and the story and plotline flows well.
Rose and Thomas, both of these characters are linked by the two main families in this series. Both are adult children of the two families at war with each other and, his brother and her sister have also married each other. The links to each other are deeply intertwined.
Now in this story, Thomas wants a long awaited revenge and Rose wants freedom from her mothers dominance.
Thomas uses Rose, Rose becomes devastated when her life crumbles.
Rose grows up into being allowed to make decisions for her own welfare, and Thomas becomes able to do the same.
To show how you get involved in a plotline and characters, when I finished all as I could think about was that I thought that Thomas needed some serious (therapy) help in his life as he has problems on so many levels that to have any meaningful relationship in the future, it won't last unless he does. How's that for thinking they are real people.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kylie Taylor.
776 reviews21 followers
November 15, 2024
“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.”

“Good girl.”

Ummm, EXCUSE ME!?
My first dark romance and mafia author, has paired up with her bestie to write their latest release in the Gilded Decadence series.
Did I expect and 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 for taboo?
ALWAYS!
What I didn’t expect, was that they had also decided to dip their toes into some next level taboo.
Taboo of the priesthood variety. 😈
This has become a more and more popular trope, and I always devour it.
These two spun their writing magic with this trope, and made some 𝓽𝓸𝓮 𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 ,𝓫𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸. Every bit of this was delicious.
It wasn’t overdone, but had everything I could have asked for out of this trope.
When two like minded and sassy ladies put their heads together, doing what they do best …. You get this 5⭐️read.
I didn’t want to put this down, it was undoubtedly my favorite of the series.
These two can write one h3l1 of a possessive and obsessed alpha MMC, leaving you never knowing what to expect.
I LOVED Thomas and Rose!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Kaye Robinson.
956 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2024
I have been anticipating book six after the little bomb dropped from the last book and WHOA NELLY…this dark, devious, twisted, revenge, blackmail, murder and sinfully story did not disappoint…
Father Thomas has wanted revenge on Mary Quinn Astrid for years after she destroyed his young future, Thomas comes up with the ultimate plot involving the youngest Astrid daughter Rose, in using her in all sorts of sinful ways (cue the fan waving)
Rose’s life takes a dramatic dark, twist when she is first almost kidnapped then saved by Father Thomas before being blackmailed into help planning the local church’s Christmas bazaar, in a whirlwind of dark steamy and sinful notes that is Father Thomas’s Revenge on her mother.
This book needs all the warning bells and whistles and I’d such dark twisted stories are not to your liking then this is definitely not the book for you but if your of the adventurist mind like me then please read on.
Profile Image for R Rais.
1,596 reviews45 followers
October 31, 2024
I think Father Manwaring, Thomas become my new man. Came with revenge plot, Thomas is everything you expect in a villain. And don't ever expect him to grovel or change his skin. Or you'll end up on your knees in fron of Father Manwaring to "repent" for your sin😉

But what I love the most from Thomas is he see the face behind the rich and the richest as they are. More corrupt. More vile. More evil with their money, their power, their lust for other people suffering. Very realistic in fiction.



While Rose, sweet and obedience Rose, opressed and abused, her character grow from start to end of the story. Love how she learn to speak up, even in front of Thomas. Although their chemistry is too strong for her to deny, still love how she stand her ground.
And how she face her mother? Love it!
Afterall, RESISTANCE IS AN OBLIGATION UNDER OPPRESSION! RESISTANCE IS NOT TERRORISM!

Profile Image for Amber.
53 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2024
I can't believe this series is over. This book is taboo, spicy, emotional, and sexy. Father Thomas Manwarring is so sexy and so so bad. He has come home to carry out his plan to take down Mary Quinn Astrid. He has unfinished business with her for causing his father to send him away to the priesthood. He plans on using her daughter Rose for a revenge plot. The only problem is he underestimated how she would affect him. The things these two get up to are so naughty and 🔥 🥵 Panty melting. You definitely want to read the other books in the series first so that you will have a better understanding of the characters. The only complaints I have are that I like a more fleshed out ending, not saying the ending wasn't great.
791 reviews10 followers
November 5, 2024
The final book in the Gilded Decadence series is by far the best. It’s packed full of filthy forbidden acts that even had me going wow! Sex in the vestibule, on the altar and the various other locations had me rethinking the priesthood. Could this book be any more over the top? It was a delicious read…the plot was a culmination of the despicable acts of Mary Astrid and it was well done. When Father Manwaring took off his collar and threw across the room, you could feel his relief extricating himself from the confines of his forced profession. I devoured this book. You will too! Download and enjoy❤️❤️
Profile Image for AshReads.
877 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2024
Rose and Father Manwarring. Father Manwarring was forced to join the priesthood after Mary Astrid, Rose’s mother, did something so he was forced to join in order to stay out of jail. He has been working to take her down and the way to take her down is through Rose.

This book was so unbelievably hot. It was as spicy as you would think, but the spice that is in it is so dang good. I loved every min of reading this book. When I tell you Father Manwarring is daddy. I have read all the other books in this series and I have to say this one might be my favorite. The constant tension between them was so good. They hated to want each other but they couldn’t stop. Please keep in mind Father Manwarring was both hot, but an a$$ hole to the ninth degree.
Profile Image for Francheska .
1,142 reviews
November 9, 2024
A false accusation by an older woman gets Thomas sent to seminary in Rome . He comes back to NYC with a vendetta to take over a local church ! He is going to bring ruin to that woman using her daughter to get to her !!

He was an absolute a$$ . Never once apologizing for taking advantage of her !
Rose had been manipulated by her mother for soo long , she rebelled and fell right into the trap of the less than traditional priest whose touch set her body on fire .

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Dom/ sub vibes
Non con
Anal
Candle play
Revenge and vengeance
Profile Image for Angela.
3,994 reviews17 followers
November 10, 2024
There is a saying that 'revenge is a dish best served cold." I am not sure that Thomas really understood this when he embroiled Rose in his schemes against Mary. From what I see, the rescuer became the captive and the ties that bind became tighter than what ropes allow. Rose's naivete and her innocent outlook on life is her strength despite it appearing to be otherwise. Thomas is neither the golden knight nor the evil incarnate, but somewhere in between.
Profile Image for Melissa Crump.
637 reviews78 followers
November 12, 2024
"Sinfully His" is a steamy and captivating romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Zoe Blake weaves a tale filled with intense passion, undeniable chemistry, and the perfect amount of drama. The characters are well-developed, and their dynamic is electric, making it impossible to put down. With its compelling storyline and sizzling romance, "Sinfully His" is a must-read for fans of the genre. Prepare to be swept away by this sinfully delicious novel!
181 reviews
November 9, 2024
Wow! SO dark and devious I loved it!This story is so dark and extremely demented, but I loved the characters even though some were evil. These authors have a way of sucking you into their stories that you just can’t put it down. So good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,781 reviews12 followers
November 9, 2024
OMG!! (no pun intended) Thomas and Rose's story is beyond spicy it's down right sinful and yet I couldn't turn the pages fast enough or even contemplate putting it down. This book is well written and definitely a page turner that will have your emotions feeling battered by the time you finish this book.
Profile Image for Lisa A.
1,631 reviews15 followers
November 6, 2024
A decadent predator hides in plain sight…
Father Thomas Manwarring’s plot for revenge against Mary Quinn Astrid involves destroying every aspect of her life, including the destruction of her daughter Rose’s reputation… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
1,887 reviews13 followers
November 10, 2024
Loved it!

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series - and this didn't disappoint. Fab characters and I enjoyed the premise - a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,213 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2024
Forgive Me, Father….
Rose is his. His to control, his to dominate, his to possess. And nothing will stop Thomas from doing just that, not the Church, not her family, not even Rose herself.
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,017 reviews49 followers
November 17, 2024
Alright read. I do not get into this priest thing. It has an ick factor to me. Is there naughtiness? Heck yeah!. All the naughtiness is written well. The revenge factor really good. The villainess gets fed her own medicine. Decent read. Not my favorite in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
367 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2024
Oh boi……At several parts in this book I thought I should take a break and considered going to church to pray for my soul 😂.

My catholic upbringing was shook with the 🔥 and 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ in this book that often occurred in a church. I will definitely never look at alters, confessionals and holy oils the same 😂.

✅ bad boy priest
✅ damsel in distress
✅ taboo
✅ the spice! HOT! Lots and lots of it and it’s all 👌🥵

I really enjoyed this series and loved seeing all the characters reunite in one way or another in this last book. Sad to see the end of this series but will reread again one day!
Profile Image for Tbascoebuzz.
145 reviews
June 12, 2025
4⭐️ for good execution and detailing.
1⭐️ for extremely poor subject matter
Although this story is conveyed well, it left me feeling upset and uncomfortable. Casting shadow and dirt on religion, faith and church didn’t sit well nor did I like or connect with either character. It’s a well thought out story of angry, broken Father Thomas Manwarring, bent on revenge and destruction of a woman (Mary Quinn Astrid), who intentionally spread numerous lies, forcing him into banishment him from NY to Rome….because he refused her perverse sexual advances when he was a teen. But he’s back now, using his status as a Priest to set his long awaited plan of revenge into action; to take down the evil woman who kidnapped his sister, blackmailed his family, murdered two upstanding citizens of their social circle and ruined him…stealing 7 years of his life. He intends to leave the evil and corrupt Mary Quinn Astrid destroyed, destitute and alone. The daughter, Rose Astrid, is a weak, subservient pawn without any power, backbone or control that the fallen Father manipulates and uses to see his vicious plan through, destroying her as well in the process. Rose has never been allowed to think for herself, and when she finally stands up for herself, the story’s over. The whole thing was uncomfortable and makes me question reading either of these two authors (Zoe Blake/Alta Hensley), ever again.
62 reviews
December 28, 2024
not for me

I liked the previous books but this one was boring and repetitive. We get it, you’re a priest who wants revenge by BDSMing this girl, who is also about as interesting as watching paint dry. The spice was also not interesting, for the first time in my life I found myself skimming through those scenes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews