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Darkest Desires: Season One
The Sinners Gambit
When you take a risk to gain the upper hand, you might end up losing it all.
Naomi is the best damn general surgeon New York City has ever seen. Killian is at the top of his field, heading his family business at a high-tech security company. They have no-fucks-given attitudes that keep them on their paths to ultimate success.
That is until a chance encounter leads Killian to develop an obsessive infatuation with Naomi that he just can’t shake. He wants a Queen to match his dark energy, and she’s the only person who fits the bill. Not one to ever do anything half-assed he steals her away to his castle—or in this case a giant secluded mansion. Little do they know, they’re both more than what meets the eye.
Secrets are revealed.
Lies unravel.
And emotions run rampant.
Can they learn to trust each other enough to find the love they never expected, or will the truth cost them everything?
Either way they’re both ready to let the games begin.
The Sinners Gambit is part of the Darkest Desires Anthology Series. It can be read as a standalone novel in this shared universe.
The Sinners Gambit is part of the Darkest Desires Anthology Series. It can be read as a standalone novel in this shared universe.
Naomi is the best damn general surgeon New York City has ever seen. Killian is at the top of his field, heading his family business at a high-tech security company. They have no-fucks-given attitudes that keep them on their paths to ultimate success.
That is until a chance encounter leads Killian to develop an obsessive infatuation with Naomi that he just can’t shake. He wants a Queen to match his dark energy, and she’s the only person who fits the bill. Not one to ever do anything half-assed he steals her away to his castle—or in this case a giant secluded mansion. Little do they know, they’re both more than what meets the eye.
Secrets are revealed.
Lies unravel.
And emotions run rampant.
Can they learn to trust each other enough to find the love they never expected, or will the truth cost them everything?
Either way they’re both ready to let the games begin.
The Sinners Gambit is part of the Darkest Desires Anthology Series. It can be read as a standalone novel in this shared universe.
The Sinners Gambit is part of the Darkest Desires Anthology Series. It can be read as a standalone novel in this shared universe.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2025
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Annie Gray
3 books39 followersAnnie Gray was born and raised in the heart of the Big Apple, New York City. As a licensed master of social work, Annie spends her days supervising a dedicated team of social workers, providing essential support to at-risk individuals in her community. Her vibrant surroundings and deep understanding of human nature and emotions have played a significant role in shaping her unique storytelling style.
When she's not penning her next gripping tale, you'll often find Annie with her head buried in a book, gathered around her loved ones for intense board/card game sessions, or exploring her creativity with different mediums of art.
This is just the beginning of Annie Gray's literary journey. Stay tuned for so many more morally gray characters coming to your shelves soon.
When she's not penning her next gripping tale, you'll often find Annie with her head buried in a book, gathered around her loved ones for intense board/card game sessions, or exploring her creativity with different mediums of art.
This is just the beginning of Annie Gray's literary journey. Stay tuned for so many more morally gray characters coming to your shelves soon.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 27, 2025
He lost his parents tragically at a young age and now runs a huge high tech security company. One day he finds himself enamored by a woman in scrubs at a coffee shop who took a man down for harassing her. Obsessed to know more about the firecracker, he starts to stalk her and make a plan to make her his queen…
She lost her mother tragically at a young age and is now the youngest and best surgeon at NYU. She has been searching for years to find out who killed her mother. She comes upon some evidence and decides to hunt…
One thinks they are the predator and the other prey….Let the games begin.
Story has secret societies, masquerade balls, dungeons, plot twists, big reveals, banter, some spice and of course murderous revenge. What more could you want?
Thank you to the author for this gifted ARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
She lost her mother tragically at a young age and is now the youngest and best surgeon at NYU. She has been searching for years to find out who killed her mother. She comes upon some evidence and decides to hunt…
One thinks they are the predator and the other prey….Let the games begin.
Story has secret societies, masquerade balls, dungeons, plot twists, big reveals, banter, some spice and of course murderous revenge. What more could you want?
Thank you to the author for this gifted ARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 14, 2025
ARC Review🖤
✨This was dark, intense, and totally addictive. The Sinner’s Gambit throws you right into the twisted push-and-pull between Naomi a badass, no-nonsense surgeon🩺 and Killian, a possessive, powerful tech mogul💻 who decides he has to have her, no matter the cost.
🥵Their chemistry? Off the charts❤️🔥. Killian’s obsession walks a fine line between dangerous and swoon-worthy, and Naomi holds her ground in a way that makes their dynamic feel like a true battle of equals.🤌🏽I loved how both characters were strong, flawed, and hiding secrets of their own.🤭
⭐️The plot is fast and full of twists, though I do wish some moments had more depth. But honestly, the tension and chemistry carried this story. I stayed up way too late finishing it.😂
🫶🏽If you’re into dark romance with morally grey characters, a little kidnapping (consensual-ish), and power dynamics that keep you guessing, you’ll devour this.🙌🏽
Thank you to the Author Annie Grey for the opportunity to read this ARC!❤️
✨This was dark, intense, and totally addictive. The Sinner’s Gambit throws you right into the twisted push-and-pull between Naomi a badass, no-nonsense surgeon🩺 and Killian, a possessive, powerful tech mogul💻 who decides he has to have her, no matter the cost.
🥵Their chemistry? Off the charts❤️🔥. Killian’s obsession walks a fine line between dangerous and swoon-worthy, and Naomi holds her ground in a way that makes their dynamic feel like a true battle of equals.🤌🏽I loved how both characters were strong, flawed, and hiding secrets of their own.🤭
⭐️The plot is fast and full of twists, though I do wish some moments had more depth. But honestly, the tension and chemistry carried this story. I stayed up way too late finishing it.😂
🫶🏽If you’re into dark romance with morally grey characters, a little kidnapping (consensual-ish), and power dynamics that keep you guessing, you’ll devour this.🙌🏽
Thank you to the Author Annie Grey for the opportunity to read this ARC!❤️
May 9, 2025
Stalking each other
Naomi's mother was killed when she was a child and she grew up in a foster home. She vowed that she would find vengeance for her mother. When she joined the Society she was able to get some important information that led her to her mother's killer.
Killian also grew up with a vow to get vengeance. Now he is a Society member and has found a woman he is obsessed with and he wants her to be his.
Nothing could possibly go wrong in this situation....right? Will everyone get what they want in the end or will things go somewhere else entirely?
The sexual tension is fantastic in this book. Quinn and Axel make fantastic side characters and could easily have their own books.
Naomi's mother was killed when she was a child and she grew up in a foster home. She vowed that she would find vengeance for her mother. When she joined the Society she was able to get some important information that led her to her mother's killer.
Killian also grew up with a vow to get vengeance. Now he is a Society member and has found a woman he is obsessed with and he wants her to be his.
Nothing could possibly go wrong in this situation....right? Will everyone get what they want in the end or will things go somewhere else entirely?
The sexual tension is fantastic in this book. Quinn and Axel make fantastic side characters and could easily have their own books.
June 9, 2025
This was a very enjoyable book. I enjoyed the darkness surrounding the entire read and how the characters really connected with one another. I loved all the plot twists and how we got so much background into events and people. Very dark and entertaining
May 12, 2025
This story had so many unexpected twists and I loved it! Between that and the fast-paced story, I was completely sucked in.
Imagine a dark beauty and the beast retelling where both MCs are totally unhinged and proud of it, with some great side characters, and this book is what you'd get.
Naomi and Killian are perfect for each other and their dynamic gave us just the right amount of banter and spice.
The characters and story were well written and I enjoyed the ride this book took me on.
Imagine a dark beauty and the beast retelling where both MCs are totally unhinged and proud of it, with some great side characters, and this book is what you'd get.
Naomi and Killian are perfect for each other and their dynamic gave us just the right amount of banter and spice.
The characters and story were well written and I enjoyed the ride this book took me on.
May 22, 2025
Thank you to Annie Gray for gifting me a copy of The Sinners Gambit! I am voluntarily leaving a review and all opinions are my own.
This novel started off by slowly leading into the plot. At first, it was high stakes and anger, and it gradually plunged into twists and turns with a little splash of spice. The progression of the characters and plot was absolutely beautiful. Looking back, I was highly confused around the half-way point because of plot twists, but everything falls into place quite nicely after a mere couple chapters. (Perhaps my confusion was due to my own forgetfulness, or perhaps I missed something along the way and simply didn’t connect the dots. Either way, the confusion does not change my rating negatively, if anything it is now higher than it previously would have been.)
Anywho, after the confusion was solved, I was once again consumed by this novel! As I read, the novel played like a movie inside my mind. Descriptions are clear and vivid, characters learn and evolve, the plot is solid, and the feisty back and forth between the main characters is absolutely to die for.
Again, thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this novel! It is a splendid addition to the Darkest Desires series. I highly recommend reading The Sinners Gambit!
This novel started off by slowly leading into the plot. At first, it was high stakes and anger, and it gradually plunged into twists and turns with a little splash of spice. The progression of the characters and plot was absolutely beautiful. Looking back, I was highly confused around the half-way point because of plot twists, but everything falls into place quite nicely after a mere couple chapters. (Perhaps my confusion was due to my own forgetfulness, or perhaps I missed something along the way and simply didn’t connect the dots. Either way, the confusion does not change my rating negatively, if anything it is now higher than it previously would have been.)
Anywho, after the confusion was solved, I was once again consumed by this novel! As I read, the novel played like a movie inside my mind. Descriptions are clear and vivid, characters learn and evolve, the plot is solid, and the feisty back and forth between the main characters is absolutely to die for.
Again, thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this novel! It is a splendid addition to the Darkest Desires series. I highly recommend reading The Sinners Gambit!
May 9, 2025
"Grow your spitfire into a full-blown blaze because you're the only bright thing that lights up my world of darkness."
This story pulled me in within the first 6 chapters. It was a quick read for me. The story moved right along, and I loved the banter between the characters.
Naomi and Killian both have a successful career in the real world. Killian is into the tech world, and Naomi is a surgeon. They use their jobs to their advantage to unalive peope who have done bad things.
Is it fate that brings them together?........I did not see the twist coming that both characters were actually stalking each other! At first, I thought it was strange how fast Naomi was developing feelings, but then it made sense because she had been investigating and watching him. Although hers was not out of lust like Killian. I really enjoyed the twist and turns with their back stories and how it brings it to the present.
The Mortes Ostium theme was weaved throughout, and I enjoyed how the story unfolded while they were at the ball together.
This book has a HEA.
As I was reading, I wanted Axel to find love, so the bonus chapter was a nice close to the book.
This story pulled me in within the first 6 chapters. It was a quick read for me. The story moved right along, and I loved the banter between the characters.
Naomi and Killian both have a successful career in the real world. Killian is into the tech world, and Naomi is a surgeon. They use their jobs to their advantage to unalive peope who have done bad things.
Is it fate that brings them together?........I did not see the twist coming that both characters were actually stalking each other! At first, I thought it was strange how fast Naomi was developing feelings, but then it made sense because she had been investigating and watching him. Although hers was not out of lust like Killian. I really enjoyed the twist and turns with their back stories and how it brings it to the present.
The Mortes Ostium theme was weaved throughout, and I enjoyed how the story unfolded while they were at the ball together.
This book has a HEA.
As I was reading, I wanted Axel to find love, so the bonus chapter was a nice close to the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
******* THIS IS AN ARC REVIEW AND DOES HAVE SPOILERS ******
WOW JUST WOW!!! MRS.ANNIE GRAY KNOCKED THIS BOOK OUT THE DAMN PARK!!! The FMC and MMC Naomi and Kilian were a match made in heaven. She was a surgeon and he was a tech giant! Little did anyone know they were using there status ad jobs to unalive the awful people of the world. Kilian started stalking Naomi cause he seen her as his perfect women. Then Miss Annie gray decided to through a twisted curveball and come to find out they were stalking each other LOL!! I love the HEA ending!! This was a really quick and enjoyable read that kept you hanging on to the edge of your seat throughout the whole book. It was a truly amazing story and im honored i got to read it!.
WOW JUST WOW!!! MRS.ANNIE GRAY KNOCKED THIS BOOK OUT THE DAMN PARK!!! The FMC and MMC Naomi and Kilian were a match made in heaven. She was a surgeon and he was a tech giant! Little did anyone know they were using there status ad jobs to unalive the awful people of the world. Kilian started stalking Naomi cause he seen her as his perfect women. Then Miss Annie gray decided to through a twisted curveball and come to find out they were stalking each other LOL!! I love the HEA ending!! This was a really quick and enjoyable read that kept you hanging on to the edge of your seat throughout the whole book. It was a truly amazing story and im honored i got to read it!.
May 12, 2025
This book had a bit of everything. You've got Naomi, who's a no-nonsense surgeon with a past, and Killian, a tech boss who's used to getting what he wants. When he sets his sights on Naomi, things get intense fast.
Both of these characters are dealing with their own baggage and aren't exactly saints. It makes their interactions pretty interesting as they try to figure each other out. There are some definite twists in the story that I didn't see coming.
The last part of the book really grabbed me, and I wanted to see how it all played out. It's a quick read that keeps you engaged with the secrets and the push-and-pull between Naomi and Killian. Plus, there are some cool side characters you might want to see more of later.
Both of these characters are dealing with their own baggage and aren't exactly saints. It makes their interactions pretty interesting as they try to figure each other out. There are some definite twists in the story that I didn't see coming.
The last part of the book really grabbed me, and I wanted to see how it all played out. It's a quick read that keeps you engaged with the secrets and the push-and-pull between Naomi and Killian. Plus, there are some cool side characters you might want to see more of later.
May 9, 2025
I liked this book, but I did find that I struggled to form a strong emotional connection to Naomi and Killian. In addition, that personally for me I found that I did not become engaged with the story until about a third of the way in.
I did think that Naomi and Killian shared some good spicy chemistry. Killian was the one that did feel it first with Naomi. She took longer but I can't blame her as she was taken by Killian and found herself in a forced proximity situation. The last third of the story is the strongest.
I did think that Naomi and Killian shared some good spicy chemistry. Killian was the one that did feel it first with Naomi. She took longer but I can't blame her as she was taken by Killian and found herself in a forced proximity situation. The last third of the story is the strongest.
May 11, 2025
This was a book that took me no real time to read- I loved the flipped POV- it made it feel more "real" and helped me put myself in the characters' shoes. I really got into the character's minds with each chapter and found myself angry at Killian more than a few times, I loved Naomi and her sister.
I could see the reasoning behind Naomi's actions, but Killian just rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go.
I would definitely recommend this book to others who aren't into the cheesy types of romance, especially if you like darker themes.
I could see the reasoning behind Naomi's actions, but Killian just rubbed me the wrong way from the get-go.
I would definitely recommend this book to others who aren't into the cheesy types of romance, especially if you like darker themes.
May 11, 2025
3.75 - I enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. I felt it was drawn in some places and left me wanting more in other places.
I liked Killian and Naomi, yet I didn't have strong feelings for them either way, so I had hard time really getting into the story. The twist really through me and from there the story gets stronger and I enjoyed the last 3rd the best. It is a quick read.
Alex and Quinnly are the side characters and I really enjoyed their parts in this story. I would like to see a story with either of them at the center of the story.
I liked Killian and Naomi, yet I didn't have strong feelings for them either way, so I had hard time really getting into the story. The twist really through me and from there the story gets stronger and I enjoyed the last 3rd the best. It is a quick read.
Alex and Quinnly are the side characters and I really enjoyed their parts in this story. I would like to see a story with either of them at the center of the story.
April 28, 2025
Sign me up for more! This book was a fantastic stalker romance. It’s was dark and twisted with humor and tension and twist I wasn’t ready for! I devoured this book and want so much more! I loved the characters. They way they interact and just who they were even with the dark side. I laughed out loud at the book store, was holding my breath in the training room and rooting them on in the forest. Great read but as always check those triggers before hot dive in!
April 30, 2025
I read this book in two hours! I didn’t want to put it down!!
It kept my attention the whole time! I HAD MY MOUTH HANGING OPEN at the twist!! I was NOT expecting it but loved it!! This book also had me laughing out loud! Some of the comebacks were so hilarious! I loved how the society was sprinkled into the book but wasn’t the main focus! This is my first book by Annie Gray but definitely not my last!!
It kept my attention the whole time! I HAD MY MOUTH HANGING OPEN at the twist!! I was NOT expecting it but loved it!! This book also had me laughing out loud! Some of the comebacks were so hilarious! I loved how the society was sprinkled into the book but wasn’t the main focus! This is my first book by Annie Gray but definitely not my last!!
May 10, 2025
The Sinners Gambit ARC Review
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (rounded up to 4 stars)
Spice: 🌶️
I was intrigued by this story but at times it felt like the story would shift from one thing to another with little to no explanation. It just felt like big jumps I guess. Story in general was good. Just my thought on how it didn’t flow at times is why I struggled to get into this more.
Thank you Annie Gray for the opportunity to read this book in the darkest desires series.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (rounded up to 4 stars)
Spice: 🌶️
I was intrigued by this story but at times it felt like the story would shift from one thing to another with little to no explanation. It just felt like big jumps I guess. Story in general was good. Just my thought on how it didn’t flow at times is why I struggled to get into this more.
Thank you Annie Gray for the opportunity to read this book in the darkest desires series.
May 7, 2025
Darkest Desires Anthology Series!
I need more from this world and from Ms. Annie Gray!
So many enticing tropes!
I enjoy st@lker romance! Just love the angst that comes with it!
Add fantastic characters, great dialogue, humor and steam, and oh man!
I laughed.
I tingled.
And I was even surprised!
I read this in one sitting! Totally enjoyed it!
I need more from this world and from Ms. Annie Gray!
So many enticing tropes!
I enjoy st@lker romance! Just love the angst that comes with it!
Add fantastic characters, great dialogue, humor and steam, and oh man!
I laughed.
I tingled.
And I was even surprised!
I read this in one sitting! Totally enjoyed it!
May 10, 2025
Well wow dang what!? This was fantastic Naomi and Kilian were perfect for each other. Both in normal jobs she a surgeon and he a techy both different people unaliving the big bad people of the world one person at a time. Turns out they both were stalking each other! This was a quick enjoyable read I absolutely loved it and with a HEA ending! I definitely recommend this book!!
May 3, 2025
“game on b***”
Naomi is a queen and the baddest of the baddie FMCs!
Killian is the falling hard and down bad at first sight MMC
“I’m showing you my crazy so let me see yours”
10/10 read
Banter
Spice
Dual POV
Plot twist!
HEA
Naomi is a queen and the baddest of the baddie FMCs!
Killian is the falling hard and down bad at first sight MMC
“I’m showing you my crazy so let me see yours”
10/10 read
Banter
Spice
Dual POV
Plot twist!
HEA
May 5, 2025
Another great book in the standalone darkest desires series. This book does not disappoint.
There is romance, stalking, kidnapping, and a couple of unexpected twists. This was a well written novella that had me captivated from the start.
There is romance, stalking, kidnapping, and a couple of unexpected twists. This was a well written novella that had me captivated from the start.
May 7, 2025
This book was definitely worth the read. Killian and Naomi story. Even Axel was a great addition. I loved everything from the slice, to the story, to the ending and their revenge, ahhhh even Axel and Quinnly. This story was just so cuuuttteeeee.
Rating:4.3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating:4.3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Naomi and Killian . A great story of retribution and finding love under very unusual circumstances. This author really portrays strong female leads . I can’t wait for the next book .
May 7, 2025
4.5- I LOVED this book. Loved all the characters and especially loved Killian. Kind of a golden retriever dirty boy serial killer. He's all the things sweet and stabby...lol
May 8, 2025
This was a really quick read but was so good! Each book in the series is gonna be about a different couple and I can’t wait for the other ones!
May 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Great read!
May 10, 2025
Wow……what a captivating read. I loved the characters. When you read this book be prepared to not want to put it down. I would have read it in one day but I had to get some sleep.
May 14, 2025
ARC review!!
This whole series is just wonderful. Every book is something new and I love it! Definitely recommend reading!
This whole series is just wonderful. Every book is something new and I love it! Definitely recommend reading!
May 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️/5
The Sinners Gambit had a good plot. It was kind of a dark short and to the point which I also really enjoyed. I mean a stalker MMC who just happened to get stalked by the FMC who wouldn’t love that! I did feel like the ending was a little rushed. The characters were well written. Overall I enjoyed it!
🌶️/5
The Sinners Gambit had a good plot. It was kind of a dark short and to the point which I also really enjoyed. I mean a stalker MMC who just happened to get stalked by the FMC who wouldn’t love that! I did feel like the ending was a little rushed. The characters were well written. Overall I enjoyed it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
3⭐️ ARC REVIEW: This was a really quick and easy read one that you can literally fly through in a matter of hours. I really enjoyed this book for the most part, the storyline was there and kept you intrigued and then then there was a slight twist in the middle that i wasn’t expecting at all and caught me off guard a little bit, and the romance side of it was really good i likes how the author added in that the FMC reads dark romance and that she pretty much lived out her fantasy…. Or did she? Guess you’ll have to read it to find out. I loved the FMC in this she was such a badass boss b*tch and she is so strong and smart and the banter the characters have is so nice to read there were parts that made me giggle. I think my only downfall with this book was that i jumped into it without reading any of the other books in the interconnected world therefore i was a tad confused as to what was going on and who was a part of what group ect. I also felt while this book was great how it is it definitely has the potential to be longer and be a full size novel opposed to a shorter story as the plot and the backstory was definitely there. If your looking for a short and easy dark romance read that doesn’t have hardly any spice only mentions of it and doesn’t require a lot of brain power to read then you will really like it but i highly recommend you read the other books first so you can get that better understanding as to what is going on and what the concept book is really about.
August 13, 2025
This story is part of a group of interconnected standalones bases around a secret society of serial killers. Each standalone is written by a different author and follows different members relationships.
I really enjoyed the beginnings of this story and the developing relationship between our FMC and MMC, I also really enjoyed the 'reveal'. I mean whats not to love about a stalker situation right?
The reason I didn't give this more than 3 stars is because the answers seemed to given to us far too easily and I didn't really have to put much effort in to figuring out what was going to happen with our characters for the last 30% of the book. It felt like the first half of the book had so much effort put in to it and the ending was rushed.
I really enjoyed the beginnings of this story and the developing relationship between our FMC and MMC, I also really enjoyed the 'reveal'. I mean whats not to love about a stalker situation right?
The reason I didn't give this more than 3 stars is because the answers seemed to given to us far too easily and I didn't really have to put much effort in to figuring out what was going to happen with our characters for the last 30% of the book. It felt like the first half of the book had so much effort put in to it and the ending was rushed.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews