Sage & Sin (Newly Edited): Sometimes love comes baptized in blood

by Dominique Black

Some love stories come with body counts.

Moses “Mo” Garrison ain’t no hero.
He’s the one they call when shit gets ugly. An ill-tempered killer with a reputation for shooting first and asking questions never. The leader of ruthless gang in South-Hurst, Mo is chaos wrapped in caramel skin, with a Glock on his hip and ghosts in his past. The streets fear him. His crew trusts him. And feelings? He don't do those.

Soleil “YaYa” Rae, is a Hoodoo spiritualist with a guarded but open heart. YaYa is more familiar with sage and soul work than the streets. She stays out the way — burning sage, minding her business, and protecting her peace. But peace gets messy when her little brother starts idolizing the same streets she prayed he'd never walk. Now she’s staring down a man who should’ve scared her… but somehow feels like home.

He’s violence.
She’s healing.
And they were never supposed to fall in love.

But Mo has demons he doesn't speak on.
And YaYa has a light that makes them scream.

Can love survive the sins required to keep it, or will their love ruin them both?

Welcome to South-Hurst.
Where healing ain't soft and love ain’t clean.
And nobody gets out the game untouched

486 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

Reviews

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥺

This was really good and super emotional for me! I imagine it was a heavy story to pen but the details were so necessary! I fell in love with Mo’s character and his protective nature. Was he impulsive? Yes, but he wore his heart on his sleeve and was very protective over the ones he loved. My heart ached for Yaya and Memere! Ugh! 😩 I will say the plot twist was much needed and took me by surprise! I loved this one!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like Mo was the crash out comedic relief in the first book and in this book we got to see the deeper & darker side of him (still a crash out for sure though). Yaya was exactly who he needed. Someone who saw the man behind the menace. And even though he carried a lot with him, Yaya needed the protection & care that he provided because she’s a textbook older sister. I really enjoyed the richness & layers to all of the relationships. Yaya & Mo. Yaya & Lucky. Yaya & Lacey. The Syndicate brotherhood. Mo & Logo. logo & Lacey. Just solid examples of familial relationships, romantic partnerships, & chosen family. I didn’t see the plot twist coming & I had to pause to digest it all. I’m so locked into this series. I’m nervous for what’s next because so far in 2 books Dominique has had a way of hitting you with a curveball in your chest.

[vanessa t brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good!

Oh my, my, my. I cried reading the second line parade scene. This author is so good at depicting scenes that easily pull at your emotions. Yaya and Mo, smh. Their story was full of emotion. I really thought the same thing when I read King and Simone story. Moses a.k.a. Wildcard, had a lot of darkness in him that only those close go him could see past it and see the real Moses. Lucy's death, probably should've broke them and the Mo killing Amani should've shattered them. But that Yaya was wise, mature, and emotionally intelligent beyond her years. Such a sweet girl. She was what Moses needed. He was what Yaya needed. Ms. Black is 2 for 2 in my book, very gifted and talented as a author. I definitely recommend this book!

[Erica Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the second installment to this series and it was sooooo good. IMO it was better than the first one. The author really pulled at my emotions. Mo was a complicated person but it was cool to see someone not afraid of the darkness he carried. Yaya wasn't afraid to be herself around the gang and she didn't push her gifts on others. She really was the light to his darkness and the approval of the gang(his family) was so sweet.

[SheaButtahBookhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect book two to knock me on my ass the way it did. Get your tissues ready!

Mo isn’t affirming like king, he’s more like yaya’s rock. Supporting her and providing a soft place to land when she needs peace. Mo protects her peace fiercely and Yaya gives him a calm and love he’s never experienced.

I’m truly blown away by this Author’s writing style and she may become one of my favorites.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Amazed. The synopsis does not to prepare you for the journey this story takes you on. I am amazed by how well written and vivid the story is written. I did not see the plot twist coming and it made me cry. This book shows you that actions have consequences, but also family will carry you through the darkness.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just … this book… I felt every emotion there was. ESPECIALLY when Lucky died… you would’ve thought that was my brother. I legit cried while reading for a hour LMAO. This book really showed how you need someone to be your peace and let you just be free. Honestly, everyone needs a YaYa! I need the girl! 😂😂 The character development with Mo was beautiful and I just, i loved this book!

[tatianna booker · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes, ma’am

I wasn’t too fond of the black magic voodoo thing but their love story was good nonetheless and I also cried a little bit about the brother and that b****made me hate her cause. Why would you do that to him loving the series so far I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Sydney Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twist and turns but I loved it!! I laughed, cried had an attitude! Sooo good!

[Yasmeen Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be’be’ this was an amazing experience! My soul was richly rewarded reading this story…

[Bea_random_romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage and Sin

Perfect tittle for couple she brought so much peace to his storm. It had some unexpected twist that also has me down for the count but I loved this story.

[Diane Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!!!

This book was so good. It was filled with so much emotions! I cried and cried. I can't wait for book 3.