What do you think?
Rate this book
Empire of Sinners #4
Relentless Sinner
My father forced me to marry the most notorious man in the city. A man people call the beast. Jaxon Bortsov is a beautiful devil—cruel and cold, relentless and vicious.
Next in line to claim the throne of the Vysotsky Bratva, he commands with an iron fist and a heart of ice.
We began with a cursed contract. One my sister was supposed to sign.
But when she fell pregnant and ran, I was left to honor the deal in her place.
I tried to escape, to sever the binds of fate, only to be captured by enemies.
But Jaxon stole me back like a thief in the night, and now he refuses to let me go.
Jaxon is not a man who takes no for an answer, nor one easily deceived.
When he discovers my secret, I have no choice but to surrender and become his Belle.
I tell myself there's still a way out.
Yet with each stolen kiss and forbidden touch, I feel myself slipping deeper into his darkness.
The moment I take his name, I’m lost—addicted to the way he calls me his wife.
Each kiss melts the walls around my heart. Every touch pulls me further into his twisted obsession.
Soon, I forget the danger that lurks behind our vows.
In Jaxon’s world, truth is as dangerous as the love that binds us.
Relentless Sinner is a dark mafia arranged marriage romance. This book is a standalone romance that contains dark themes, mature content, and graphic violence some readers might find offensive and/or triggering.
Tropes-
Arranged marriage
Enemies to lovers
Forced Proximity
Opposites attract
Blackmail
Emotionally wounded hero
OTT possessive MC
One bed
"my wife"
"Who did this to you?"
Next in line to claim the throne of the Vysotsky Bratva, he commands with an iron fist and a heart of ice.
We began with a cursed contract. One my sister was supposed to sign.
But when she fell pregnant and ran, I was left to honor the deal in her place.
I tried to escape, to sever the binds of fate, only to be captured by enemies.
But Jaxon stole me back like a thief in the night, and now he refuses to let me go.
Jaxon is not a man who takes no for an answer, nor one easily deceived.
When he discovers my secret, I have no choice but to surrender and become his Belle.
I tell myself there's still a way out.
Yet with each stolen kiss and forbidden touch, I feel myself slipping deeper into his darkness.
The moment I take his name, I’m lost—addicted to the way he calls me his wife.
Each kiss melts the walls around my heart. Every touch pulls me further into his twisted obsession.
Soon, I forget the danger that lurks behind our vows.
In Jaxon’s world, truth is as dangerous as the love that binds us.
Relentless Sinner is a dark mafia arranged marriage romance. This book is a standalone romance that contains dark themes, mature content, and graphic violence some readers might find offensive and/or triggering.
Tropes-
Arranged marriage
Enemies to lovers
Forced Proximity
Opposites attract
Blackmail
Emotionally wounded hero
OTT possessive MC
One bed
"my wife"
"Who did this to you?"
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 13, 2025
5 Beast stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5🌶
Jaxon mi s-a părut cel mai puțin "uman" dintre toți "pacatosii" acestei serii. Personajul lui chiar se conformează descrierii de "bestie" fără sentimente iar căsătoria aranjata își urmează cursul normal.
Pe de alta parte, Gabriella pare permanent în "razboi" intern cu lumea, cu Jaxon în general.
Happy-end garantat!🦋
3.5🌶
Jaxon mi s-a părut cel mai puțin "uman" dintre toți "pacatosii" acestei serii. Personajul lui chiar se conformează descrierii de "bestie" fără sentimente iar căsătoria aranjata își urmează cursul normal.
Pe de alta parte, Gabriella pare permanent în "razboi" intern cu lumea, cu Jaxon în general.
Happy-end garantat!🦋
March 6, 2025
Absolutely not...
I like a possessive MMC. I like a forced marriage, but what I don't like is an FMC that just succumbs to the MMC. It infuriates me when the FMC just allows the MMC to get his way. Where is all the fight? Where is all the anger? He just touches her, and that's it. I especially didn't like the way he touched her the first time. He just took, her feelings had no bearing in the situation. I've read plenty of books where the MMC has at least seduced the captive FMC. He didn't. I didn't care for him at all. I hated that she was so easily swayed. She could have made him FEEL her pain. I felt he didn't care. He just wanted what he wanted, and her and her feelings weren't important. He used her sister to make her comply. That was low... even if she was trying to escape. He could have talked to her. Let her know that he wanted her beyond the contract, but no, he used her sister. I was beyond disappointed with this book. It's a shame because it was well written, but I really couldn't get behind either character.
I like a possessive MMC. I like a forced marriage, but what I don't like is an FMC that just succumbs to the MMC. It infuriates me when the FMC just allows the MMC to get his way. Where is all the fight? Where is all the anger? He just touches her, and that's it. I especially didn't like the way he touched her the first time. He just took, her feelings had no bearing in the situation. I've read plenty of books where the MMC has at least seduced the captive FMC. He didn't. I didn't care for him at all. I hated that she was so easily swayed. She could have made him FEEL her pain. I felt he didn't care. He just wanted what he wanted, and her and her feelings weren't important. He used her sister to make her comply. That was low... even if she was trying to escape. He could have talked to her. Let her know that he wanted her beyond the contract, but no, he used her sister. I was beyond disappointed with this book. It's a shame because it was well written, but I really couldn't get behind either character.
November 5, 2024
Anything from Faith is an automatic read for me and I know I’m going to love it.
Relentless Sinner had me hooked right away and I was glued to it until the end. Jaxon and Gabriella were excellent together, and the sexy times between them was spicy as hell! I enjoyed watching them fight the connection between them in the beginning and then slowly grow closer and form a real relationship. I had laugh when Gabriella thought she was actually going to out smart Jaxon and run, only for her plan to blow up when he showed up to stop her. And I liked seeing the jealousy come out of her when it came to Estelle. She had absolutely no reason to be jealous, and there was zero ow drama in this book, but I still enjoyed it. The ending almost had me in tears with Jaxon and his dad. It was great to see them make amends, but sad to see Ilya not make it.
This was yet another fantastic read from Faith and I can’t wait for Micah’s story next!
Relentless Sinner had me hooked right away and I was glued to it until the end. Jaxon and Gabriella were excellent together, and the sexy times between them was spicy as hell! I enjoyed watching them fight the connection between them in the beginning and then slowly grow closer and form a real relationship. I had laugh when Gabriella thought she was actually going to out smart Jaxon and run, only for her plan to blow up when he showed up to stop her. And I liked seeing the jealousy come out of her when it came to Estelle. She had absolutely no reason to be jealous, and there was zero ow drama in this book, but I still enjoyed it. The ending almost had me in tears with Jaxon and his dad. It was great to see them make amends, but sad to see Ilya not make it.
This was yet another fantastic read from Faith and I can’t wait for Micah’s story next!
November 25, 2024
This is the fourth book in the Empire of Sinners series. I think you could read this as a standalone but you’d get more out of it if you’ve read the previous three books. This is a Beauty & the Beast retelling. Jaxon Borstov rescues his wife-to-be, Gabriella, and there is a whole subplot about why she’s a runaway wife to be. As future pakhan of his family’s Bratva, marrying this Mafia daughter seems to be a good alliance. This story was a rollercoaster of surprises (mostly nasty ones!) as power & greed supersede family & loyalty. The betrayals are shocking but there is also some healing in the midst of this. Jaxon & Gabriella together are incendiary and I like that he reveals his feelings first. Great secondary characters round out this story.
November 28, 2024
While I didn’t think this was one of her best works, this is still an entertaining read. I loved the plot and the characters. Lots of back and forth. Twist and turns you didn’t see coming. An ending that was shocking. I’m glad to see these two got their HEA. I hope to see more from some of the secondary characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
April 21, 2025
DNF I just can’t stand when the FMC is allergic to holding men accountable. Her lack of response to the sister threat (and inability to even TRY to make the MMC understand it was a devastating breach of trust) infuriated me and I couldn’t continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2025
30 % dnf
Weak heroine.
Weak heroine.
November 17, 2024
Part of the Empire of Sinners series you might want to hang on don’t blink and you might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified possessive, oh so gorgeous, brooding all three makings of a story consisting with the three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, darkness, secrets revealed, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love somewhere along the way! As we know arranged marriages are the norm for the mafia world, this is no exception. Salvatore sets an arranged marriage between Pakan and his oldest daughter but when she runs her youngest sister takes her place, but she too runs only to be caught, and the adventure begins. Gabriella is sweet and wants nothing to do with her father’s world but knows deep down she really has no choice considering she was born into this world when she found by her soon-to-be husband their journey begins but it is rocky, there is no trust between them, and there are those who want to take him down she is his weakness. Jaxon sexy as all get out Pakhan of the Bratva isn’t a man you want on your radar he is dangerous, ruthless, deadly when pushed oh what are we are saying he is that daily, protects those he cares for and promised a wife who was taken so of course he goes after his girl. Despite how they started out or the fact they both grew up with abusive childhoods the attraction is still there, and that magnetic pull is there having them giving each other a chance but is it enough can they work through family threats, will he protect her, will they understand they are stronger together facing the treachery together, and will they eventually fall in love with each other against all odds finding happiness somewhere along the way?
November 11, 2024
relentless sinner
NOT A FAN
i didn’t really like this book no real depth to their feelings. didn’t really keep me on my toes, book is predictable, instead of talking about feelings the just have sex. no real passion. there’s no real romance, all the romance books ive read, you can feel the connection they have for another & feel the passion. this book has none of it in my opinion
SEX SCENES
🌶️
very bland sex. one scene goes into details the rest is, he has me on the bed or up against the wall thrusting into me. all you read is their thoughts during the sex scenes and their thoughts aren’t about sex
NOT A FAN
i didn’t really like this book no real depth to their feelings. didn’t really keep me on my toes, book is predictable, instead of talking about feelings the just have sex. no real passion. there’s no real romance, all the romance books ive read, you can feel the connection they have for another & feel the passion. this book has none of it in my opinion
SEX SCENES
🌶️
very bland sex. one scene goes into details the rest is, he has me on the bed or up against the wall thrusting into me. all you read is their thoughts during the sex scenes and their thoughts aren’t about sex
January 15, 2025
It was ok. A little basic.
April 17, 2025
DNFd at 51%
so I feel like this book could have probably been 125 pages shorter. it's pretty repetitive and the FMC comes across as too stupid to live. I don't know if I've read any of the other books in the series but it says it can be red at the Standalone and it does talk about some of the other families in the group that they're in but I feel like you're not really missing out on any of the other stories. but the FMC is dumb. off paper but maybe covered in a different book The fmc's sister gets pregnant by the dad's bodyguard or someone in their Mafia and he beat up the sister when she was 6 weeks pregnant and she was saved by the baby daddy and they went to England somewhere. apparently the sister was originally supposed to marry j a x o n who is the head of another Mafia section that's part of the group. he's super rich deals with weapons and Manufacturing on a legal level. his brother who was supposed to be pack hand died from a car accident and his dad is dying of a tumor and his mom died giving birth to him so he is now going to be packing but his cousins are also coming after him.
But apparently the MMC wants to marry the FMC because The sisters Their mother's business when she was killed at a wedding due to Mafia violence. but part of the inheritance states that they have to be the age of 25 and married. before her mom died she promised that she would become a neurosurgeon. the beginning of the book starts with her getting kidnapped by a completely different Mafia group and they were going to sell her. she's not a virgin but they thought she was and she was about to be R'd but the MMC found out that she was kidnapped like 9 days after she got kidnapped and finally rescued her. but she got a hold of one of her cousins is going to try to escape because she wanted to lay low and then in a year she'd be like back around and go back to med school apparently that was her plan. but the real dumb moment with her is that she talks about how in a year she'll just get married to someone and write up some sort of plan and pay them off to get married. but like why go through all that trouble when she literally could just talk to MMC and work a deal with him so she could go to school do everything she wants to do and like be done with it. her dad has a whole bunch of dealings that he really messed up on and he needs money so when each one of his daughters gets married part of the inheritance contract says that he gets 5% of some sort of earnings of their inheritance so you trying to get that money.
I don't know it just feels very Surface level for the whole story instead of really like caring They're just acting dumb. like she was bored and wanted to make a plan to escape so she made the excuse that she was bored and wanted to go back and volunteer at the hospital. she was literally kidnapped for 10 days and then she was in the house for like not a lot of time and she was beaten and tortured during that kidnapping so she's all fucked up in the face and she's just going to go volunteer at the hospital. didn't make sense I don't know. but I stopped reading at 51% because there was almost 200 pages to go and I feel like this could have been wrapped up pretty quickly.
so I feel like this book could have probably been 125 pages shorter. it's pretty repetitive and the FMC comes across as too stupid to live. I don't know if I've read any of the other books in the series but it says it can be red at the Standalone and it does talk about some of the other families in the group that they're in but I feel like you're not really missing out on any of the other stories. but the FMC is dumb. off paper but maybe covered in a different book The fmc's sister gets pregnant by the dad's bodyguard or someone in their Mafia and he beat up the sister when she was 6 weeks pregnant and she was saved by the baby daddy and they went to England somewhere. apparently the sister was originally supposed to marry j a x o n who is the head of another Mafia section that's part of the group. he's super rich deals with weapons and Manufacturing on a legal level. his brother who was supposed to be pack hand died from a car accident and his dad is dying of a tumor and his mom died giving birth to him so he is now going to be packing but his cousins are also coming after him.
But apparently the MMC wants to marry the FMC because The sisters Their mother's business when she was killed at a wedding due to Mafia violence. but part of the inheritance states that they have to be the age of 25 and married. before her mom died she promised that she would become a neurosurgeon. the beginning of the book starts with her getting kidnapped by a completely different Mafia group and they were going to sell her. she's not a virgin but they thought she was and she was about to be R'd but the MMC found out that she was kidnapped like 9 days after she got kidnapped and finally rescued her. but she got a hold of one of her cousins is going to try to escape because she wanted to lay low and then in a year she'd be like back around and go back to med school apparently that was her plan. but the real dumb moment with her is that she talks about how in a year she'll just get married to someone and write up some sort of plan and pay them off to get married. but like why go through all that trouble when she literally could just talk to MMC and work a deal with him so she could go to school do everything she wants to do and like be done with it. her dad has a whole bunch of dealings that he really messed up on and he needs money so when each one of his daughters gets married part of the inheritance contract says that he gets 5% of some sort of earnings of their inheritance so you trying to get that money.
I don't know it just feels very Surface level for the whole story instead of really like caring They're just acting dumb. like she was bored and wanted to make a plan to escape so she made the excuse that she was bored and wanted to go back and volunteer at the hospital. she was literally kidnapped for 10 days and then she was in the house for like not a lot of time and she was beaten and tortured during that kidnapping so she's all fucked up in the face and she's just going to go volunteer at the hospital. didn't make sense I don't know. but I stopped reading at 51% because there was almost 200 pages to go and I feel like this could have been wrapped up pretty quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2024
RELENTLESS SINNER is the fourth instalment in Faith Summers’ contemporary, adult EMPIRE OF SINNERS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty six year old Pakhan Jaxon Bortsov, and twenty-four year old Gabriella De Costa’s story line. RELENTLESS SINNER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jaxon and Gabriella) RELENTLESS SINNER follows in the wake of the rescue of our story line heroine. Salvatore De Costa arranged a marriage between his daughter Natasha and Jaxon Bortsov but Natasha ran leaving Salvatore to offer up his youngest daughter Gabriella in her stead but Gabriella wanted nothing to do with the Bratva heir known as The Beast, so she too ran but found herself from the frying pan into the fire when she was captured and held by human traffickers. Rescued by Jaxon Bortsov, Gabriella would, once again, find herself a virtual prisoner but a prisoner in a gilded cage. Desperate to escape, Gabriella puts a plan into motion only to realize that someone else is pulling the strings, placing Gabriella in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the tempestuous but building romance and relationship between Jaxon and Gabriella, and the potential fall-out as betrayal comes from within forcing our couple to reconsider who to trust, and who to take down.
The world building follows several paths as Jaxon struggles to find a common ground with his wife, a woman who struggles with her place in his life. As Jaxon takes the reigns as the new Pakhan in the Bratva, there are those waiting in line to take control. Meanwhile, the dysfunctional family dynamics threaten any semblance of peace as our couple find themselves facing the treachery and treason of everyone involved.
The relationship between Jaxon and Gabriella is a forced, arranged marriage. Gabriella’s father’s pursuit of power places his daughter’s life in the balance; Jaxon’s need for approval comes at a cost. Falling for Jaxon was never in the future but Gabriella found herself in love with a man who promised to guard and protect. The $ex scenes are intimate and aggressive.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters most of whom are problematic and controversial family members aiming for the top.We are introduced to Gabriella’s father Salvatore De Costa, and her sister Natasha, as well as Jaxon’s father Ilya Bortsov; Jaxon’s best friend and Italian mobster Micah, Jaxon’s advisor Eric, and the return of Cillian O’Ridian. The requisite evil has many faces.
RELENTLESS SINNER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family values, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and haunting; the romance is edgy ; the characters are tragic, dynamic and desperate.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jaxon and Gabriella) RELENTLESS SINNER follows in the wake of the rescue of our story line heroine. Salvatore De Costa arranged a marriage between his daughter Natasha and Jaxon Bortsov but Natasha ran leaving Salvatore to offer up his youngest daughter Gabriella in her stead but Gabriella wanted nothing to do with the Bratva heir known as The Beast, so she too ran but found herself from the frying pan into the fire when she was captured and held by human traffickers. Rescued by Jaxon Bortsov, Gabriella would, once again, find herself a virtual prisoner but a prisoner in a gilded cage. Desperate to escape, Gabriella puts a plan into motion only to realize that someone else is pulling the strings, placing Gabriella in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the tempestuous but building romance and relationship between Jaxon and Gabriella, and the potential fall-out as betrayal comes from within forcing our couple to reconsider who to trust, and who to take down.
The world building follows several paths as Jaxon struggles to find a common ground with his wife, a woman who struggles with her place in his life. As Jaxon takes the reigns as the new Pakhan in the Bratva, there are those waiting in line to take control. Meanwhile, the dysfunctional family dynamics threaten any semblance of peace as our couple find themselves facing the treachery and treason of everyone involved.
The relationship between Jaxon and Gabriella is a forced, arranged marriage. Gabriella’s father’s pursuit of power places his daughter’s life in the balance; Jaxon’s need for approval comes at a cost. Falling for Jaxon was never in the future but Gabriella found herself in love with a man who promised to guard and protect. The $ex scenes are intimate and aggressive.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters most of whom are problematic and controversial family members aiming for the top.We are introduced to Gabriella’s father Salvatore De Costa, and her sister Natasha, as well as Jaxon’s father Ilya Bortsov; Jaxon’s best friend and Italian mobster Micah, Jaxon’s advisor Eric, and the return of Cillian O’Ridian. The requisite evil has many faces.
RELENTLESS SINNER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family values, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and haunting; the romance is edgy ; the characters are tragic, dynamic and desperate.
copy supplied for review
January 4, 2026
What a difference between the last book and this one. Still some mistakes and it’s a bit o.t.t at times, but I really enjoyed it.
I’m still in shock that this one was as good as it was. The plots are a bit crazy at times and that’s so many bad guys I was getting confused, yet I still enjoyed it. Phew! I was beginning to think this series couldn’t be saved. Gabriella has had an awful life with a father who almost hated her and her sister. When her sister is expecting a baby with one of their bodyguards she manages to escape an arranged marriage to Jaxon. So Gabriella is forced to marry him. Jaxon is fighting to take over as Pakhan from his dying father and a marriage to Gabriella will ensure it. As she stands to inherit billions when she’s 25 and married. At first I really wasn’t keen on Jaxon as he seemed like the men in the previous books that are really cold to their wives. At times he is and then at others he’s sweet.
I got really really confused on why her father forced her to marry Jaxon, but then didn’t want her to. It was really silly and I still don’t get it. In my defence I’m laid up on with the flu so maybe I missed that. While Gabriella’s father plots to take her away, someone in the Bratva is working against Jaxon, and yet again I guessed who it was, and yet again I hoped that I was wrong. 😔😔😔😔 Sadly I wasn’t.
I wouldn’t say that it was brilliant as there’s still a lot of issues with it. For example: Gabriella’s father is plotting to kidnap her, someone in the Bratva is trying to kill Jaxon and his father. So when Jaxon and Gabriella are being driven home, Jaxon can’t wait to have s*x with her and sends his driver home. Leaving them vulnerable! Stupid man. They were only a few minutes away from safety and he couldn’t wait???
So I’ll try the last one and hope it’s as good or better.
I’m still in shock that this one was as good as it was. The plots are a bit crazy at times and that’s so many bad guys I was getting confused, yet I still enjoyed it. Phew! I was beginning to think this series couldn’t be saved. Gabriella has had an awful life with a father who almost hated her and her sister. When her sister is expecting a baby with one of their bodyguards she manages to escape an arranged marriage to Jaxon. So Gabriella is forced to marry him. Jaxon is fighting to take over as Pakhan from his dying father and a marriage to Gabriella will ensure it. As she stands to inherit billions when she’s 25 and married. At first I really wasn’t keen on Jaxon as he seemed like the men in the previous books that are really cold to their wives. At times he is and then at others he’s sweet.
I got really really confused on why her father forced her to marry Jaxon, but then didn’t want her to. It was really silly and I still don’t get it. In my defence I’m laid up on with the flu so maybe I missed that. While Gabriella’s father plots to take her away, someone in the Bratva is working against Jaxon, and yet again I guessed who it was, and yet again I hoped that I was wrong. 😔😔😔😔 Sadly I wasn’t.
I wouldn’t say that it was brilliant as there’s still a lot of issues with it. For example: Gabriella’s father is plotting to kidnap her, someone in the Bratva is trying to kill Jaxon and his father. So when Jaxon and Gabriella are being driven home, Jaxon can’t wait to have s*x with her and sends his driver home. Leaving them vulnerable! Stupid man. They were only a few minutes away from safety and he couldn’t wait???
So I’ll try the last one and hope it’s as good or better.
November 19, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Empire of Sinners series featuring the dark page-turning, arranged marriage, blackmail, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mafia, OTT possessive MC, opposites attract romance between Jaxon Gabriella. Jaxon is the cruelly beautiful vicious man next in line to claim the Vysotsky Bratva throne and he was planning to marry Natasha. However Gabriella's sister Natasha took off once she got pregnant so their father decides that Gabriella will take her place. This puts an end to her plans of going to medical school in LA and having no time to come up with a plan Gabriella tries to escape by running and she ends up getting captured by enemies. Jaxon comes to her rescue stealing her back like a thief in the night and now he has no intention of letting her go. Jaxon doesn't take no for an answer especially once he discovers her secret leaving her no choice but to surrender to become his Belle. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this dark page-turning, arranged marriage, blackmail,enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mafia, OTT possessive MC, opposites attract romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2024
Wow and wow
Truly enjoyed this series. Jaxon and Gabriella's love story was not disappointing.
Poor girl constantly being captured due the her inheritance she is to receive at 25. Jaxon signing a deal with her father marry Gabriella making his weather grow tremendously.
He saved her when she was captured and the fun begins. She is a little spit fire keeps Jaxon on his toes. Jaxon was the beast not sure how he would treat Gabriella. He won me over when her horrible father was beating her and he walked in and let him have it.
Lots of sparks and passion strong chemistry. Lots of adventure suspense not sure what's next who was behind it all. True friends always being there for them. So many emotions love hate pain sorrow joy forgiveness etc. Very detailed throughout. Jaxon was such a great son good to his father even though he inflicted so much pain. I laughed, I cried, especially when his father spoke of his regrets towards him. How proud he was of Jaxon.
The love Jaxon and Grabriella true soul mates. You could feel it. They never gave up.
Faith love how it all came together. Thank you for sharing your talent. Look forward to you next awesome book!!!
Truly enjoyed this series. Jaxon and Gabriella's love story was not disappointing.
Poor girl constantly being captured due the her inheritance she is to receive at 25. Jaxon signing a deal with her father marry Gabriella making his weather grow tremendously.
He saved her when she was captured and the fun begins. She is a little spit fire keeps Jaxon on his toes. Jaxon was the beast not sure how he would treat Gabriella. He won me over when her horrible father was beating her and he walked in and let him have it.
Lots of sparks and passion strong chemistry. Lots of adventure suspense not sure what's next who was behind it all. True friends always being there for them. So many emotions love hate pain sorrow joy forgiveness etc. Very detailed throughout. Jaxon was such a great son good to his father even though he inflicted so much pain. I laughed, I cried, especially when his father spoke of his regrets towards him. How proud he was of Jaxon.
The love Jaxon and Grabriella true soul mates. You could feel it. They never gave up.
Faith love how it all came together. Thank you for sharing your talent. Look forward to you next awesome book!!!
November 14, 2024
This is book four in this series and I didn't read the other books in this series. But I have to say didn't read them yet, because after reading this book, I want to read the other books in this series too. Counting on that they are as good a this book is. But you can read this book as a stand alone like I did. I still understood the whole story and everything which was happening and that was a lot.
I feel sympathy for Gabriella for running away from having to marry Jaxon with his nickname being the beast. Pity she was set up and got kidnapped instead by really bad guys this time. Lucky for her, Jaxon doesn't let go what is his, so he finds her and takes her home. I like it that although he is a beast for others, he is something else for her. She changes him.
They both have a bad upbringing, with loosing their mothers and with an abusive father. Trust has to be earned, but they both work on this.
There are a few surprises in the book and I didn't see the twist coming near the end. Won't tell more, because I won't spoil it for the next reader.
If you like to read a good dark romance and enemies to lovers story, this is great read.
I feel sympathy for Gabriella for running away from having to marry Jaxon with his nickname being the beast. Pity she was set up and got kidnapped instead by really bad guys this time. Lucky for her, Jaxon doesn't let go what is his, so he finds her and takes her home. I like it that although he is a beast for others, he is something else for her. She changes him.
They both have a bad upbringing, with loosing their mothers and with an abusive father. Trust has to be earned, but they both work on this.
There are a few surprises in the book and I didn't see the twist coming near the end. Won't tell more, because I won't spoil it for the next reader.
If you like to read a good dark romance and enemies to lovers story, this is great read.
July 18, 2025
3.75 stars
This book is definitely one of my favorites in this series. There is something about Jaxon that just grabbed me from the start and it grew throughout the book. His alpha male dominance wasn’t too over the top, and his dark side added to his overall charm (is that a “dirty” word to describe a Bratva Pakhan?). His turmoil and angst was believable and the dialogue around it helped portray it well. The storyline and pacing made for an enjoyable read. I admit I figured out the bad guy fairly quickly, although I’m not sure what made me figure it out. But that knowledge didn’t deter from the storyline. The supporting characters were also enjoyable, and provided a good sounding board for Jaxon when needed.
There were a few things that kept me from rating it higher. The biggest one was how the cousin was originally named Clara, but then was suddenly Cora for the rest of the book. Also, Gabriella was a tad too wimpy for me. She grew up around the Italian mafia, but she seemed to have no common sense about it. All her hopes and dreams were nice, but not at all reality for someone with her family dynamic.
This book is definitely one of my favorites in this series. There is something about Jaxon that just grabbed me from the start and it grew throughout the book. His alpha male dominance wasn’t too over the top, and his dark side added to his overall charm (is that a “dirty” word to describe a Bratva Pakhan?). His turmoil and angst was believable and the dialogue around it helped portray it well. The storyline and pacing made for an enjoyable read. I admit I figured out the bad guy fairly quickly, although I’m not sure what made me figure it out. But that knowledge didn’t deter from the storyline. The supporting characters were also enjoyable, and provided a good sounding board for Jaxon when needed.
There were a few things that kept me from rating it higher. The biggest one was how the cousin was originally named Clara, but then was suddenly Cora for the rest of the book. Also, Gabriella was a tad too wimpy for me. She grew up around the Italian mafia, but she seemed to have no common sense about it. All her hopes and dreams were nice, but not at all reality for someone with her family dynamic.
March 21, 2026
The Belle to His Beast
So far, this retelling is my favorite in the series. Jaxon (Beast) Bortsov may be a bad man, but he knows what he wants, even if it's a bride that he has to blackmail her family to get. Awww.... 😂😘
“Why didn’t you call me?” He holds my arm.
“What for? The two of you are using me for the same damn thing. Aren’t you?” I know I’m out of line but it’s true. “Why would I call you?”
Guilt flashes in his eyes but it’s quickly replaced by that hard look that reminds me he’s the boss. “You call me because you’re mine.”
-- Jaxon Bortsov & Gabriella de Costa
I do like Gabriella de Costa's spunk. She's used to being treated with little regard, so every time she holds her ground, I'm cheering for her. And her chemistry with Jaxon is fantastic!
I read along with the audio book. I continue to enjoy the narrators for this series, Ada Sinclair and Stephen Borne. 🎧💙🎧
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H = 33; h = 24
November 23, 2024
Gabriella thought fleeing her fathers plan's for her would save her but it just ended with her in her family's enemies hands until he comes Jaxson the Bratva leader she ran from the marriage she never wanted is the only thing saving her. Jason is willing to do whatever he has to to become the next Pakhan even blackmail his enemy to give him there daughter in marriage until the first one flees now the other one will become his wife or his downfall even enemies can fall in love. But there are two many people plotting against them and trust is given only to be betrayed. This book has all the elements of a steamy enemies to Lovers mafia romance with dark suspense keeping you wondering who's the pupet master behind all the danger and death. And Jaxson is the perfect Alpha touch her and die type and Gabrielle is just the softness this beast needs.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2024
This is the 4th story in the Empire of Sinners Series where we find Gabriella ready to attend medical school in CA only to be a stand in for an arranged marriage her sister ran away from. Jaxon, The Beast is the groom to be who only cares for Gabriella’s inheritance to grow his family’s wealth and raise them in the rankings in The Creed. Jaxon is ready to become the Pakhan of his family and his attention is being pulled in numerous directions so when things get sticky with Gabriella he finds himself trying to help Gabriella to see they make a strong opponent together. These two have a hard time ignoring the chemistry and Gabriella keeps Jaxon on his toes. There is deceit, danger, darkness, forgiveness and one hot possessive alpha who will do what is necessary to protect those he cares for and what belongs to him. When trouble comes their way Jaxon has no choice but to become The Beast and along the way finds more than he thought possible…Family and Love!
November 17, 2024
Gabriella was ready to leave for medical school, but it wasn't going to happen. Her father was making her take her sister's place and marry the Beast. Wanting a life of her own choosing she decides to run but things don't go as planned and someone kidnaps her. Jaxon was upset when he learned she had been taken but it had been days before he was told by her father. He wastes no time locating and rescuing her. Sparks fly between them whenever they are together. Neither wants to admit they want the other. Can they find a way to be together? Will she still be in danger?
This is an amazing story that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
This is an amazing story that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
January 27, 2025
🖤Mafia
🖤Arranged Marriage
🖤Age Gap
🖤Romantic Suspense
Relentless Sinner is the fourth book of the Empire of Sinners series of interconnected standalones. This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last! I saw someone do a review on TT and knew I had to read it. It is full of suspense, betrayal, action, drama, spice and kept me intrigued all the way through! Gabriella is a mafia princess and she wants nothing to do with that world. Her dream to be a doctor is ripped away from her when her father arranges her marriage with another mafia leader, Jaxon. Jaxon is ruthless and is know as The Beast. I loved these two together and seeing their relationship grow…even if they wanted to deny it. If you like mafia, arranged marriage, age gap, and suspense they this is a must read! I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of this series!
🖤Arranged Marriage
🖤Age Gap
🖤Romantic Suspense
Relentless Sinner is the fourth book of the Empire of Sinners series of interconnected standalones. This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last! I saw someone do a review on TT and knew I had to read it. It is full of suspense, betrayal, action, drama, spice and kept me intrigued all the way through! Gabriella is a mafia princess and she wants nothing to do with that world. Her dream to be a doctor is ripped away from her when her father arranges her marriage with another mafia leader, Jaxon. Jaxon is ruthless and is know as The Beast. I loved these two together and seeing their relationship grow…even if they wanted to deny it. If you like mafia, arranged marriage, age gap, and suspense they this is a must read! I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of this series!
November 15, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Empire of Sinners series. Jaxon is to be named pakhan of the Vysotsky Bratva but he is arranged to marry Natasha DeCosta. Natasha runs away and her sister Gabriella is set to marry Jaxon. Gabriella also runs but she is caught by human traffickers until Jaxon saves her. Gabriella tries to find other ways to escape. She ends up developing feelings for Jaxon. There is a lot of danger for Jaxon and Gabriella. Will Jaxon keep Gabriella safe? Will Jaxon and Gabriella find love and happiness together? Will Jaxon and Gabriella get a happy ever after?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.
Superb Vysotsky Bratva Arranged Marriage romance!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.
Superb Vysotsky Bratva Arranged Marriage romance!
November 24, 2024
This a good read. The characters are both from powerful criminal families and have to what they can do to survive.
They are getting married and are thrown together by circumstances. They both are trying to just get through life and stay alive along the way.
What starts out as a cluster, soon turns to them having emotions for each other , and soon they are uncovering plots to both steal inheritance and power from those closest and in the inner circle.
Together they navigate the troubled waters to come out on the other side and their feelings steadily grow stronger with each passing moment.
They both soon realize that their love makes them stronger together then apart, and that together they can conquer anything.
They are getting married and are thrown together by circumstances. They both are trying to just get through life and stay alive along the way.
What starts out as a cluster, soon turns to them having emotions for each other , and soon they are uncovering plots to both steal inheritance and power from those closest and in the inner circle.
Together they navigate the troubled waters to come out on the other side and their feelings steadily grow stronger with each passing moment.
They both soon realize that their love makes them stronger together then apart, and that together they can conquer anything.
November 25, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Jaxon and Gabriella
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Length- novel
Heat- they do the things and use the C word whilst naming parts.
Series? Y
Safety? Y (although SA/R is threatened)
Other triggers- violence, sex, language in two languages, kidnapping, more kidnapping, still kidnapping, abduction.
Tropes- Captor/Captive, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva, Guest-Starring the Mafia, Forced/Arranged Marriage, STEMinist Heroine, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Blackmail, Secrets and Lies, Daddy Issues.
Mewsings
The book is rich and textured. That’s the best way I can describe the book’s language. It felt elevated and sharp. I absolutely love Jaxon! He’s so intense yet so thoughtful. And it doesn’t hurt that he looks like Jason Momoa. Hail to the Khal, baby.
MMC/FMC- Jaxon and Gabriella
Genre- Mafia Romance (Bratva)
Length- novel
Heat- they do the things and use the C word whilst naming parts.
Series? Y
Safety? Y (although SA/R is threatened)
Other triggers- violence, sex, language in two languages, kidnapping, more kidnapping, still kidnapping, abduction.
Tropes- Captor/Captive, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva, Guest-Starring the Mafia, Forced/Arranged Marriage, STEMinist Heroine, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Blackmail, Secrets and Lies, Daddy Issues.
Mewsings
The book is rich and textured. That’s the best way I can describe the book’s language. It felt elevated and sharp. I absolutely love Jaxon! He’s so intense yet so thoughtful. And it doesn’t hurt that he looks like Jason Momoa. Hail to the Khal, baby.
November 25, 2024
All the books in the Empire of Sinners series have been great reads and this was no exception. Jaxon is next in line to lead the Vysotsky Bratva and has agreed to marry to strengthen his bratva. But when the oldest daughter runs away, her sister Gabriella. But when she tries to escape by running, she gets captured by enemies and is rescued by her fiancé Jaxson. He is captivated and has no intention of letting her go and she wants to be free to become a doctor. The characters are well-written, compelling, fast-paced storyline, full of sizzle, steam, action, drama, and more. Ths was a solid 5 stars from me.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2024
There was so much packed into this book and I had a hard time putting it down when I needed to.
Jaxon had a goal and Gabriella is needed to attain it.
Gabriella .. is in a world of hurt and her savior is none other than the man she was running from.
This girl has no luck .. or is the unluckiest actually the one who ends up in the best position?
Jaxon has people working against him .. a father who is ill… Gabriella’s father who can’t be trusted .. and friends he can rely on.
I enjoyed the push and pull between these two ..
How neither gave up …
Wanted to knock both upside their heads a couple of times …
And the ending .. I want more .
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jaxon had a goal and Gabriella is needed to attain it.
Gabriella .. is in a world of hurt and her savior is none other than the man she was running from.
This girl has no luck .. or is the unluckiest actually the one who ends up in the best position?
Jaxon has people working against him .. a father who is ill… Gabriella’s father who can’t be trusted .. and friends he can rely on.
I enjoyed the push and pull between these two ..
How neither gave up …
Wanted to knock both upside their heads a couple of times …
And the ending .. I want more .
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2024
Talk about a roller coaster ride! From everything that Gabriella had to go through, to the emotions felt between her and Jaxson, I was all over the place! Jaxson is the Pakhan and was supposed to marry Gabriella’s sister (Natasha), but when she ends up pregnant with another man’s baby, she runs off and Gabriella’s father gives her to the ruthless, arrogant, and savage “Beast”.
Danger lurks all around, Gabriella tries to escape, and Jaxson only wants the marriage to boost his position in the mafia (Creed). But is that really what this ends up being all about? Feelings come into play, especially when it looks like someone is trying to take Gabriella away from him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Danger lurks all around, Gabriella tries to escape, and Jaxson only wants the marriage to boost his position in the mafia (Creed). But is that really what this ends up being all about? Feelings come into play, especially when it looks like someone is trying to take Gabriella away from him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2024
This is book 4 in this series and just as good as the other before this. This author whether as Faith Summers or Khardine Gray writes the best books. They are always stories that keep you wanting more and the characters within are exceptional. This book is about the Bratva as well as other Mafia groups. Jaxon has fought for his place at Pakhan when his father steps down and one way to get it is to marry Gabriella. The problem with that is someone has kidnapped her, thanks to her father. This is where their story starts and it gets so much better from here. No spoilers, just recommendations to read the series from book 1. You will not be disappointed.
#badboyupdate
#badboyupdate
November 17, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was definitely an amazing book to read I couldn't put this book down, the story was written well and the characters were sensational. This book had me on a roller-coaster with emotions, the twist and turns, the Obsession, the dark romance, she wants freedom to continue with school, he wants to take over from his father as Pakhan. Jason Bortsov, he has a cold heart and Gabriela, is told she is taking her sisters spot because she ran away and they need her to sign the contract. Can these two put up with each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was definitely an amazing book to read I couldn't put this book down, the story was written well and the characters were sensational. This book had me on a roller-coaster with emotions, the twist and turns, the Obsession, the dark romance, she wants freedom to continue with school, he wants to take over from his father as Pakhan. Jason Bortsov, he has a cold heart and Gabriela, is told she is taking her sisters spot because she ran away and they need her to sign the contract. Can these two put up with each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews