Sinful Restraint: A Dark Why Choose Trilogy

by Sherelle Green

Three men. One woman. When danger and desire collide.

They thrive off the thrill of the chase, unapologetic in their pursuit to always hit their mark - or get their woman. Businessmen by day, hitmen by night, these frat brothers live, work, and kill together. They’re dangerous, raw, and too ruthless for their best friend’s little sister, who should be off-limits to them, especially with an enemy who is always circulating in their orbit. They could get her killed if they aren't careful. Yet, one by one, they each get sucked deeper into her intoxicating web as the morally gray lines begin to blur and they realize that the only way to move forward is to succumb to their desires ... and share her.

Club owner Cruz Crowne is reckless in the streets and ruthless between the sheets. Santari Lake should be afraid of what he might do, but it’s her curiosity about what he won’t do that’s driving her insane. He could ruin her with one touch, and make her laugh in the same breath, unraveling her piece by piece. Some men don’t just steal your heart, they snatch your soul.

*For the best reading experience, this dark why choose trilogy must be read in order

Sinful Restraint
Sinful Chains
Sinful Submission

Genres: Why Choose, Polyamory

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Sherelle Green crafts brutal worlds where lust and danger collide. Known for her addictive, high-stakes mafia romances, she’s built an entire dark empire through her books—a place where ruthless antiheroes and complex heroines navigate twisted loyalties, betrayal, and forbidden passion.

With a deep fascination for the darker corners of love, she dives into themes of power, lust, vulnerability, and redemption, blending suspense and sensuality to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

From intricate family sagas and compelling love affairs, to thought-provoking fiction and romantic crime thrillers, her novels touch on how experiences & environment impact the way her beautifully flawed and relatable protagonists view life and love.

Reviews

[NeiNey.ThaReadinDoula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baybeeee, this book came in HOT like a late-night text you know you shouldn’t answer but absolutely do. Sherelle Green said “paradox,” but what she really meant was pussy + pain + power.

Storm, Titan, and Cruz? Not men! Absolute sins with big bank accounts. R.I.P Rev. Yall Rev’s ghost wasn’t even cold yet before Santari storms in demanding answers, and instead of closure she gets cut, corrupted, and claimed. And listen...she LET them. That’s the beauty of it. Complete submission!

Cruz = certified menace. Dom, layered, toxic, delicious. Had me whispering “yes daddy” to my Kindle.

Storm = intelligent. A funny prince of chaos, making me laugh while he was being real disrespectful in bed.

Titan = Mhm. Baby the silent assassin vibes, that man could say one word and I’d sign a contract in blood.

Santari? She’s not just surviving these men, she’s MATCHING them! Baby she held it down step for step, kink for kink. She wanted the truth, but what she got was a baptism in filth.

This isn’t your sweet candlelit mafia romance. Nope. This is grief, bullets, betrayal, and group scenes so nasty I had my husband asking me "Who got you blushing?".

My poor heart wasn’t ready for the whiplash. But let me tell you! I closed that last page, snatched my pearls, and immediately hit “next book.”

Sherelle didn’t write a story, she dropped a WRECKING BALL of filth and made it art. Period.

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely nasty and I loved it

Listen, I was expecting naughtiness but I got extreme nastiness with this book and I loved every bit of it. Whew Chile when I say that I was caught up in the rapture of this book, I mean that. Santari moves into her brother’s home with his three friends after his death. She wants answers but she gets so much more. She gets three hot dominants who want her any way they can have her and she accepts their offer. As they embark on this journey of extreme sexual pleasure, they are also trying to solve the mystery of Rev’s demise and keep Santari safe. This book focuses on Santari and Cruz and their connection. I can’t wait to read the other books.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS IS WHAT IM TALKIN ABOUT!!! whew yessss indeed this served up all the nasty erotic smutty goodness one looks for when they pick up a why choose book! the scenes were 10/10 and we coulda had bout 4 more but they have a plot in here its a whodunit that's clearly going to continue throughout the rest of the trilogy. the three main MMCs while they are described to be different personality wise they read very similar so if youre someone that likes more distinct personality differences that may be an issue for you. otherwise this was great for me as always I could of had more of the erotica cause those scenes were written great. Cruz is N.A.S.T.Y. mmm k yall check them trigger/kink warnings before starting just in case lol. I will most certainly be finishing this trilogy and ill have to pick up more by Ms. Green cause this was my first book by her and i was unfamiliar with her game but i am so SAT now lol.

[Katrice Myles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into it

[Robyn Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold on to your pearls, darlings, because The Primal Fetish Paradox is going to take you on one heck of a ride! And I’m not talking about your run-of-the-mill romance rollercoaster. No, honey, this is a dark and steamy whirlwind that will have you clutching your pearls and roses at the same damn time—wink wink. 😉

The author weaves these stories together so seamlessly that, by the time you finish the first book, you’ll be hooked and wondering what’s going to happen next. Let’s talk about that FMC! She’s not some innocent little lamb caught between three alphas. Oh no, she’s a woman with her own wants and desires, and the MMCs are serving up more than just drama. They bring depth, growth, and all the right kinds of tension.

For those of you familiar with kink and BDSM, this book serves up the realness. We’re talking tastefully done, with all the intricate layers of consent and exploration, but don’t get it twisted—this is NOT for the faint of heart. You’ll be squirming in your seat (in the best way), but this is one wild, sexy ride you don’t want to miss.

READ the trilogy in order. Don’t skip around, this is a journey, not a choose-your-own-adventure. Seriously, have an open mind, especially when it comes to the darker sexual elements. Trust me, it’s worth it.

This trilogy is not just about the steamy moments (though they’re hot as hell). It's about discovering new facets of yourself, your limits, and just how far you’re willing to go in the name of love, lust, and pure indulgence. So, strap in, babes. You’re in for one hell of a ride.

[Katie ratherbereadinggg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Lette Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Keesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Primal Paradox series! 🔥🔥 This series is a master class in how to write a collaborative series!!! Think of it like a relay race, Sherelle Green is running Leadoff and baby she flies out of the blocks and sets the stage for a fire series. Good ole sexy read!

[Dria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars--so I rounded to 4 for the pure taboo nature of this book. Forbidden endeavors, HEAVY kink, well- written smut ANDDDDDD 3 MMCs?? Yes, pleaseeee🤭 The plot is pretty solid and the smut was definitely well-written and disgustingly satisfying. There's a need for me for more spicy scenes though, especially with a foursome. Also, the narrators may not have been the best fit for this. But overall, an entertaining read and I'll finish the series, although I'm not running to do so.

[GREEDY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay what did I just read.On too book 2.

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Danielle West · Rating 3 out of 5]

The eating of period blood threw me off real bad I was enjoying the story but that part made me sick to my stomach

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yooooo

Cruz, Titan, Storm, and Rev were a very cohesive unit that were closer than brothers. Especially Cruz and Rev…they grew up together. When a mission goes awry, Rev is killed. Little sister Santari knows all about their “business” so the lie about how he was kill, she’s not buying it. Well Rev leaves everything to baby sis and she ends up living with the fellas. Things get real dirty from there. I’m talking nasty. Because Rev always said his sister was a no go, but leaving her the lions den may have been his way of saying y’all gonna need each other.🤔 I wanted more, but maybe I just need to read the next book. Happy Reading Y’all!💋

[Cheryl Jamai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinful Restraint is book one of A Dark Why Choose Trilogy and it kicks off with a bang. Club owner Cruz Crowne is the half-brother of Sinceer, Hendrix and sisters Honey and Storm Crowne. He and his best friends who were more like brothers, formed The Paradox, a secret hitman organization known for precision and discretion. Cruz and Rev grew up together and Rev was the tech guy and scheduled everything. Sadly, Rev was killed during a mission that went wrong and his sister Santari Lake, wanted to get to the bottom of what happened. Unbeknownst to them, Santari knew about The Paradox.

Months after Rev passed away, Santari visited the house that her brother left her a stake in that the friends shared. She decided she wanted to live in her brother’s space while she figured out what to do with his property and hopefully get some answers from his friends. Amid her grief and in a touching moment, she realized that the friends were more like brothers who would comfort her in any way she needed it. She also learned that they lived an unconventional lifestyle as it related to women and wanted to take care of her in more ways than one.

This story focuses on how Santari and her brother’s friends bonded in their grief, physically and emotionally. The focus of book one is Santari’s relationship with Cruz and how he, Titan and Storm introduced her to different ways to connect physically. Her curiosity got the best of her, and she wanted to experience more. There is also the gritty story about the lengths Cruz would go to, in order to figure out what happened to Rev. The book includes themes of erotica, crime, intrigue and non-traditional relationships. There is a lot going on and it may not be for everyone, but this is a well-written story. See full review at romanceincolor.com.

[Cheonica Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinful Restraint: A Dark Why Choose Trilogy is temptation, danger and loyalty all tangled up in a way that keeps you hooked from the first page.

First off that opening was pain. Starting with tragedy set the tone immediately and let you know this wasn’t about to be light or easy.

The brotherhood was SOLID. You could feel it in how they moved, how they protected each other, how everything they did was calculated as a unit. Business, danger, loyalty all of it tied together. That made everything else hit even harder.

Santari baby girl stepped into a situation that was already complicated and said I’m not backing down. Rev probably meant for her to inherit everything but them but life had other plans. Once those lines started blurring it was no turning back.

Each man brought a different energy but Cruz 🥵 Whew. That man is a problem in the most entertaining way. Confident, reckless and fully aware of the effect he has the kind that doesn’t just pull you in, he keeps you there.

What I liked most is how this didn’t feel scattered. Even with multiple dynamics, it still felt cohesive, like everything had its place and purpose. The emotional tension, the danger surrounding them, the pull between right and wrong it all blended together. Dark, addictive, a little chaotic and souls were definitely snatched in the process.

This one is not for the faint but if you’re here for the ride, it delivers.

[Gwendolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooo, this was so good! It is definitely a grown-up sexy, messiness, good nasty, kinky sex story. The four brothers on a mission that went south and ended up being 3 after the death of Rev, Santari's brother. It was the reckoning of truth and coming to terms with her brother's death.

This was a great introduction to this series. Santari decides to move into the house with Cruz, Storm, and Titan, originally to make their lives a living hell, until they tell her what really happened to Rev.
Oo wee, she was attracted to all three guys, which was driving her crazy. So, she made the decision to experience each one as a group and separately. Man, did she get the experience of her life, something she never thought that she would do.

The first man up is Cruz. He put it down! As they all have this fun sex style, the guys are still trying to crack the mystery of what they missed on that mission. In the process, Cruz and San were attacked in Cru's gym by unknown enemies/assailants.

[Lizzy Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

IT’S HIS ABUELO😳😳😳

SOOO, THIS WAS WAY MORE THAN I EXPECTED. I COULD BE WRONG BUT I FEEL LIKE HIS ABUELO IS PLAYING HIM🤷🏽‍♀️. IF IT AIN’T HIM IT’S THE HALF BROTHER
NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT CRUZ WHO HAD ME UNDER HIS SPELL UNTIL HE DID THE DISGUSTING 🤮 ISH WITH RI. I KEPT READING BUT I COULDN’T GET THAT ISH OUT OF MY HEAD🤦🏽‍♀️. HE WAS MY FAVE UNTIL HE DID THAT ISH 😒
I LOVED THEIR BROTHERHOOD AND HOW THEY PLAYED OFF OF EACH OTHER. STORM AND TITAN CAN GET 😁
GINA TALK TOO EFFING MUCH AND NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO READ THE ROOM
I LOVED RI❤️! SHE GOT MORE THAN SHE BARGAINED FOR MOVING INTO THAT FRAT HOUSE😜🤣

[Brisace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew… Sinful Restraint had me in a chokehold from page one. Sherelle Green did NOT come to play with this dark, why-choose romance. Cruz, Santari, and the rest of these dangerous men… yeah, they’re giving lethal temptation and I’m eating it up.

Santari is supposed to be off-limits, but babyyy, these men are allergic to rules. The tension? Hot. The danger? Constant. The spice? Had me clutching my imaginary pearls, and honestly, I should be ashamed of myself. Cruz Crowne alone is a menace, both in and out of the bedroom, equal parts wrecking ball and weakness.

If you love morally gray men, high-stakes danger, and a heroine who makes them lose all sense, you need this book in your life.

[Chelé-----4 The Love of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby, Sherelle turned me every which way but loose! The 4 men who make up The Paradox... Storm, Rev, Titan and Cruz are more than meets the eye they are like brothers, they're entrepreneurs and unalivers. They come from a world of violence and chaos always in the shadows but when they lose one of their own everything changes. Secrets, lies and betrayal surround them and now they have to answer to Santari, their best friend's sister. She won't rest until they give her what she wants, which turns out to be a whole lot more than she bargained for. Off the charts sexy, gritty and suspenseful!

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinful restraint

This was an enjoyable read. It was spicy. It was dangerous. It was riveting. It kept my attention from beginning to end. I’m liking this cast and I’m curious to see what will happen next. I’m also curious to see how the other authors in this trilogy will make the characters seem cohesive since they will all include the same characters but written by a different person/perspective.

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew Chile! Ms. Green took us on a grown and nasty roller coaster ride. It starts with four friends on a simple mission with one of them getting killed. His sister moves in with the remaining three and her world was deliciously turned upside down. The book was well written, flowed well and definitely kept my attention from the beginning to the end. I can’t wait to see what book two has in store for me.

[Shun Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness

Omg. This was the opening act ever. It gives you hawt mind blowing backbreaking moments with Cruz & Santari plus filling in the gaps of how strong their desire was for each other and her openness to accept them all. Witnessing the transformation of Santari will leave you speechless and breathless at the same time. This group is dark and dangerous but oh so sexy.

If you are looking for a great read be sure to do the whole trilogy. You won’t be disappointed.

[tiffany henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to be grown to ride this ride

Sometimes you have to go through pain when build yourself back up & of course you can’t do it alone. What comes from it after. Relief. Pleasure. Just as it pains me that the book has ended, but am so relieved & wanting that I don’t have to wait long to read the next chapter.
Bet you by time you finish reading this book, you might just find something new about yourself, that you might want to FAFO. Who knows it just might 3.

[Kandice · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the men of paradox are taking applications sign me up. My friend heard about this at the black romance festival and it did not disappoint. This is the first book in the series and we get to meet the paradox men and Santari. This one focuses more on Cruz and his relationship with Santari, but don't worry all the men are in his book and they share your girl good. It was nasty okay. Cruz was crazy and had layers I didn't expect but I should have known since he's a Crown and we know how those Crown's be. No one does a mafia romance like Ms. Green. The development of the characters was chef's kiss and Cruz delivered as a Dom in the best way. Storm made me laugh and Titan is so mysterious. Those scenes with all four of them together had me all in. Starting the next book soon. Ms. Green did her big one with this. Bravo.

[Pamela session · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Yessss 👏🏾 I love this series yesss simply amazing from beginning to end ❤️ the adventure I was on edge definitely book baes🥵🥵 hot 🔥 flames yessss I couldn't put it down love the crowne family connections ❤️ yesss 💚 Sherelle Green knocked it out box ❤️ love ❤️ all her books
yessss!🥰😍

[Kwastina Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something different

I really enjoyed this book! This was truly a dark romance. Im always leery of dark romances because I'm not sure which way they will go, but this was a new perspective that I have not read about before. Also who doesn't love a woman who keeps them all to herself!!!

[Velva Seay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What a read

When I first started reading this I didn't know what to expect. I was reluctant to get into this story. But I just opened my mind and read. I loved the action and the interactions of these four. I can't wait to get answers we're missing. I loved seeing how vulnerable Cruz and Ri were with one another. Ok Sherelle can't wait to see what's next.

[Katt E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

Taking fantasy to a whole other level. I couldn't put it down & can't wait to read the second one. Great job! I'm not sure which one is my favorite, Santari has, it made, too bad the cost was so high. Felt like I was, apart of the story. Learned something new with Shibari, can't wait to try it!

[Qui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start of the series

Sherelle green came through with this why choose . All three men brought their own edge to the relationship. She had one man wrapped in three 😂 off to the next book gotta figure out who killed Rev

[Taija Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends baby sister!!

Cruz!!!! Cruz does it for me! I love a good Dom/Sub relationship. But all them niggas was nastyyy!! Sorry, FILTHY!! Cruz don’t stop at red lights! 🤣 Ready for part 2 though because who tf set up my mans, Rev!?