Ruthless Obsession: Crescent City Sins

by Rayna James

Kate

The masquerade gala was full of secrets, lies, and bloodstained power plays.

It was also the beginning of my doom.

When I stumble into something I was never meant to see, the masks come off—and the danger becomes real. The mayor’s men want my silence. My boyfriend’s lies are unraveling. And the only person who seems to care whether I live or die is a stranger with murder in his eyes and a smile on his lips.



Bastian

My family has rules and I’ve broken every one of them for her.

In the shadows of New Orleans, I operate with cold precision. I’m the weapon my family unleashes when things go wrong. Ruthless. Loyal. Unstoppable. And until Katherine crashed into my world, I followed the rules without question.

She’s caught in a dangerous game between the mayor’s empire and my family’s legacy. She doesn’t belong in this world—but now that she’s in it, I won’t let it break her.

She’s my obsession. And I’ll destroy anyone who tries to take her.

258 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2025

Reviews

[I Climbed Mount Halsin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked it, the sister was kick ass. The cop boyfriend was a jerk. but overall it was good.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for my honest review by Literally Yours PR and Rayna James. This was such a quick read that had me laughing at the antics of the characters. I fell in love with Kate in this book with her history that you get to know through the book and how strong she gets through the book. Then there is Bastian who acts like this tough guy and you find out that in reality he is a giant teddy bear in the book. I still feel like the story is missing some history between the two characters. I felt like Bastian has known about Kate way before the book started. The plot in this book made me giggle and could not put the book down at all. There are minor errors throughout the book but the book was so well created that it's easy to overlook. The smut in this book is light but the romance gets you through the book. I highly recommend checking out this book. I know I want to read the next book in the series.

[katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stalker obsession, touch her and die , sizzling sex scenes, a bad cop, betrayal , complex family dynamics , and strong family ties, are all woven together in this story.

We are given a strong female lead who faces off against a dominant, sexy as sin bad guy , one who obsesses over her and wants nothing but to protect her ( inserts awwwww). A masked man she can’t forget, a man who intrigues her with just his words.

He will kill everything and everybody who dares to touch what’s his !!! Touch her and you die vibes encase Bastian’s wraith to anyone who dares hurt his Ange .


Even while reading, I was a little flustered by Bastian’s sexy ass demeanour and accent ( “ grins”).

The chemistry between Bastian and Kate is off the charts ! Lots of sizzling , smexy hot moments !! I had a few sheepish stolen moments whilst flipping the pages . Grinning to myself , flipping pages to find out which direction we are taken . A few wtf instances where I was hanging on for dear life !!! Hiding in the closet even with Kate !!!

The romance was a slow burn to start, which I enjoyed. We are given tidbits into the growing obsession that Bastian has for Kate. Stolen moments between them created the build-up to the inferno ready to erupt .


The author had given us vivid imagery throughout the story, detailing scenes that will have you flipping your reader frantically or cringing at them . Smooth, flowing dialogue that flows from each page to the next . Enough suspense to keep you riveted within the pages.

A momentum that builds as the story progresses, keeping the reader invested to keep going to find out where it’s headed .


We have given strong male characters, each with their own depth and definition. All as crazy as each other, but together they complement the unity they have formed.

I really enjoyed the difference in the three brothers, had a giggle or two at their gruff antics and their personas within the story .

Sassy secondary characters you will either frown over or giggle with . I can see a story coming possibly with Elanor.

The story progresses at a pace that keeps the reader engaged at every turn . Enough heat to keep the pages flipping , and a smooth dialogue that flows from each page to the next.


Murder and violence in the story act as a driving force, bringing in an element of danger and intrigue to the reader . It created intrigue and mayhem, but I was invested from start to finish !!

Unputdownable, suspenseful, and engaging at every page turn !!

Ps I’ll have a salad with the extras :-) lol

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayna James has made her debut! This is one sizzling page turner that will take you hostage. If you like your heroines sassy and golden hearted, and your heroes possessive alphas who bring the praise both in and out of the sheets, welcome to your new obsession.

Bastian, our bad boy mafia boss brings the smolder! While Kate embodies all us good girls waiting to be whisked away.

The besties are epic, the danger is pulse pounding and the passion will ignite your senses...in all the best ways.

I can't wait for more from this world because the supporting characters need to have their stories told. Is it bad to be so intrigued by a priest??? Asking for a friend...

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I loved it. The chemistry between the characters is amazing, I laughed at some of the scenes, and I also like that the female protagonist has guts and doesn't let herself be pushed around, as much as a sexy and attractive dominant mobster. The relationship between the siblings is incredible, and the pace of the story draws you in, with suspense, intrigue, and racy scenes. In short, it's very well-rounded. The secondary characters are very interesting, and I hope there will be stories about them. They've left me wanting to read more of the series.
Thanks to Hidden Gems for the advance copy. I enjoyed it.

[Brandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a book box. I was hooked from the first page. You have Kate the innocent book store employee who comes into her own as the story goes on. You have a stalker obsessed mob boss who as described is sexy as hell and obsessed with Kate. You have a badass mob sister and a crazy mob cop brother … oh let’s don’t forget the mob brother priest.
The story is based in New Orleans and the description of the French quarter is spot on. I felt like I was literally in the streets watching the story unfold.
You have secrets, lies, murder, obsession, city corruption, hot sex…. Can’t get better than that!

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story with a anction-packed storyline with colorful characters that had me glued to the pages. Kate finds herself in one serious situation when the mask come off and she sees something that places her between the mayor's empire and Bastian's family legacy. She becomes his obsession, and he will protect her no matter the cost.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has stumbled onto a secret she should not have. He has obeyed his family orders without question until he sees her now in his world. Life is going to get very difficult for her and he will do anything to keep her safe, even disobeying orders. See how it will go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and what a brilliant read

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a compelling story and interesting characters. However, there were a few details that didn't work for me. Also, Bastien's behaviour could read as controlling if Kate wasn't so willing to go along with him (e.g., his executive decision late in the book that directly impacts her livelihood).

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ebony Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was interesting and it flowed well so there was never a dull moment. It did feel a little too rushed in parts though, I wish some of it was a little more fleshed out and we were given a little more insight. But a good book overall!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! Action packed story with plenty of twists to keep my interest from the first page. Intense, dangerous, suspenseful read that was way better than five stars. Multi layered characters. Secrets throughout. A must read book.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5- 4⭐️ I don’t really know how I feel about this book. It was a bit strange, but also very readable . It did hold my interest. Bastion was lush.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This.
What a ride.
I loved EVERY SECOND of it!

I can't wait to read more of this author!! 😍❤️

[Ayla Walburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Fast read. I didn’t enjoy the gaping holes in the story line. Questions going unanswered. Loved Ellianna and her crazy energy though.

[chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the read

Very much enjoyed this book, first time reading anything by Rayna.

Definitely wish I could have a man like Bastian