Sins & Riley

Sins of the Syndicate #8

by Lexxi James

Riley
The first time we met, he took a kiss.
A kiss with a
Cross my path again, and I'll take more than a kiss.
And shocker, the brutal enemy that makes my skin burn with each passing glance took the one thing I didn't see coming.
The beast took me.

The Beast
Riley is completely off limits.
Forbidden fruit.
And my only weakness.

She stepped into my world, and tasted more delicious than I could've imagined.
But she's also a certain someone's baby sister.
And my single biggest pain in my ass.
Hating me seems to be part of her DNA.

She couldn't leave well enough alone.
Not even after I warned her.
Repeatedly.
Clearly, the girl has hearing problems.

So she gets what she gets...
The prettiest cage she's ever seen.

SINS & Riley is a steamy dark romance and is the completion of The Contract ~ Dante & Riley's Duet.

Genres: Dark

542 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

About the author

Lexxi James | Author of Hot Romance & Happily Ever Afters ❤️

As a USA Today Bestselling author, Lexxi James has hit the top 50 bestseller lists on Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble, with books sold in over 26 countries. Best known for seductive romantic suspense, she loves matching smoking hot heroes with their soul mates. Her signature style is witty banter, high heat, and a whole lot of heart.

She proudly calls the Midwest home where she lives with the man of her dreams and the sweetest daughter in the universe. Her pastimes include reading, loading up on unhealthy quantities of caffeine, and binging Netflix and reality TV. She’s a sucker for kids selling cookies and pretty much anything on Etsy.

To receive hot romances with happily ever afters, sign up for her newsletter by clicking here!
www.lexxijames.com/freebies

Website | https://www.lexxijames.com/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/LexxiJames/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lexxijamesb...
Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/author/lexxijames
Bookbub | https://www.lexxijames.com/bookbub
Goodreads | https://bit.ly/3rySBeH

Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dark. Dangerous. Addictive. The Sin Series finale is Lexxi James at her best.”

A spectacular ending to the Sin Series by Lexxi James!

Anything I write could never do justice to Dante and Riley’s story, but I’ll try—without giving away spoilers. Lexxi has once again proven why this series is unforgettable.

Book by book, she’s pulled us into the dark, dangerous world of mafia, Bratva, and syndicate power—a world with no rules, deadly secrets, and only the strongest surviving. At the top of it all are the D’Angelo brothers: complex, flawed, and each carrying secrets that drive them toward the truth about their family.

This final installment is intense, emotional, and downright addictive. Dante is fire and forbidden temptation—more beast than man, yet impossible to resist. Riley is fierce, smart, and scarred by her past, but refuses to be defined by it. Together, they ignite in a storm of passion, danger, and defiance. The chemistry is explosive, the stakes higher than ever, and Lexxi balances the grit of the underworld with her trademark humor and family banter.

What I love most is that the D’Angelo family, for all their darkness, still embody loyalty, love, and a bond that feels unbreakable. They’re not a “typical” family, but their dynamic makes them unforgettable.

I’ve read every book in this series, and I’ll go on record saying this two-part finale is Lexxi’s crowning achievement. Action-packed, emotionally charged, and filled with some of the best enemies-to-lovers tension and forced-proximity drama I’ve ever read. Dante and Riley will stay with me for a long time, and so will this series.

If this really is the last book, I’ll miss these characters like family. But knowing Lexxi, there just might be more to come—and I’ll be first in line when it does.

🔥💋 What a ride. Bravo, Lexxi James!

“The D’Angelo brothers rule the underworld—and now they rule my heart.”💋

[Jens_Book_Cubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

SINS & Riley is the second book in the SINS: The Contract duet. It is a contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance with secrets, suspense, surprises, and loads more. The story is told in first person, dual POV.

I absolutely loved this duet! Riley and Zver have chemistry galore that burns through the pages of this terrific romance read. I loved the danger, the action, the intrigue, and the family dynamics. Truly, I loved everything about this duet.

The writing, pace, flow, plot, and characters are all incredible as is the storytelling, storyline, character development, relationship development, and world building. I cannot say enough great things about this story. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes their romance on the dark, dangerous, and spicy side.

[ravenblackbird74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Sins & Riley: Sins of the Syndicate #8
🖋 Author ~ Lexxi James
🖋 Features: Mafia Romance, Enemies to Lovers Romance, Billionaire Romance
⭐️ Rating: 5/5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dante & Riley
💎 Secret Pregnancy
🖤 Captivity
💎 Enemies-to-Lovers
🖤 Forbidden Romance
💎 Mafia Romance
🖤 Dark Billionaire

🚨 Know before you go:
📍This is an enemies-to-lovers mafia romance, darker than the first three SINS books.
📍Heat level: Scorching
📍This book contains dark situations that may be triggering.


The fallen king whose absence still haunts our family. Vanished in thin air nearly six years ago like vape smoke in a Vegas casino.

Dante D’Angleo and his beastly alter-ego will stop at nothing to discover the truth behind his father’s disappearance. For six heartbreaking years, the D’Angleo brothers have survived, flourished, and struggled to cope with not only their father’s uncertain fate, but also the vicious attack on their sister. However strong-willed Riley Mullvain was not part of Dante’s plan. But, he will do everything in his power to protect his family, including his sassy sister-in-law, who just happens to be Riley. That he just can’t stay away from her is, in equal parts, as exhilarating as it is frustrating for Dante.

Dante and Riley’s story is an incredible read! The pages just kept turning themselves just like the pages of Riley’s private journal. My heart stuttered when Dante … well, let me just say there’s so much heat and tension in this book that it nearly set my reader on fire. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Sins & Riley is an interconnected series. So, it’s recommended to read in order to fully appreciate the characters and their motivations.

🖋 Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 5. Characters: 5.

💌 Favorite Moments:

🖇 Life has a way of torching childhood castles.

🖇 What I feel for Riley isn’t love. It’s resurrection.

🖇 I want it all. And I will have it. Power. Protection. Retribution. Revenge. And the mother of my heir.

#writer #bookreviewer #bookstagrammers #MustRead #booktok #currentlyreading #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #LexxiJames #SinsRiley #SinsoftheSyndicate #MafiaRomance, #EnemiestoLoversRomance #BillionaireRomance

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“SINS & Riley: Dante & Riley Book 2” is the second book in the duet, eighth book in the “SINS Series” and concludes the love story of Dante D'Angelo and Riley Mullvain. Riley’s older sister Kennedy is married to Dante’s elder brother Enzo and is convinced that her husband is responsible for the death of their father, aka da.

“Once upon a time… as in two months ago, there lived a girl. A girl who never asked for much. A strong cup of coffee. A thick book. And, in her deepest, darkest desires…to not get effed over by the universe every other day.”

“When a nutjob with a knife fetish asks for a kiss… run.” Riley’s life has been turned upside down, Dante is dead, she finds out that she is pregnant with his child and she was bought by Zver at the auction. To add to her complications, she finds herself falling for her jailer, Zver. Now she lives in a very nice gilded cage - a luxurious but restricted environment. She is allowed to leave the property but with a bodyguard. Everyday she goes to the cemetery and leaves roses 🥀 on the D'Angelo headstone for Dante. “At least roses die beautifully.”

Prepare for a story full of twists, turns around every corner, forbidden love, loyalty and betrayal, power and control and sizzling heat. This is a story you won't be able to put down - you will be totally hooked! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, love, tears, death, power, action and passion. The story is dark in places, plenty of spice, intrigue and secrets that you will not expect or maybe you will….

This book had me hooked from the start! Lexxi has excelled with this duet! Being a Mafia Romance story, it is dark in places, violent at times, passionate in places, full of secrets, loyalties tested and let’s not forget the heat between them. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins & Riley is the Sins of the Syndicate #8. Lexxi James highly recommends reading The Contract, Dante & Riley's before reading this book. Personally, I would read them all, yeah, they're that good! The D'Angelo family has been searching for their father's whereabouts for years.
Meet Dante D'Angelo, the enigmatic figure known as the Beast. Believed to have perished in a car wreck, he's actually been living a double life, much to the surprise of his sister, Trinity. His journey is a thrilling blend of romance and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Riley Mullvain is Kennedy's younger sister, and they're the daughters of Scotland's crime boss, whom Andre D'Angelo killed. Kennedy is married to Enzo D'Angleo, and since that union, Riley now has the protection of both Enzo and the rest of his family. The monster, Dante, had stolen a kiss from Riley, and in doing so, he had stolen more than just a kiss; he now has her heart, and she his. The family dynamics and connections that Lexxi James has beautifully portrayed in her storytelling have reached a satisfying conclusion in Sins, unless someone can convince her to write the stories of Dillon and Mateo. However, I think that Katya-Dominic's daughter said it best: "You should follow your heart, and don't take 'no ships' from anybody."

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start..please heed all warnings. If you haven’t read, SINS The Contract, you need to, this is book 2 of the duet. I would encourage the whole series be read, as it is connected. The world revolving around the D’Angelos family.

But for the duet, this is Riley’s story. If you haven’t read any of the previous books, there may be spoilers. Riley, and her sister Kennedy, grew up having only each other. Alone. Captives. They both dreamed of their prince and hoped he would rescue them. Kennedy was now with Enzo. Riley finds trouble and is separated from her sister, not knowing what dangers lie ahead for either of them.

Any more details can majorly spoil this story and I caution anyone reading or writing reviews to be careful. Yes, this book and the series, are more on the darker side. The D’Angelo Family rule in the mafia world and details can be dark. So this is an adult read. But from book 1, these stories are captivating. Once you start, the stories are blown wide open, twisting and turning. Entertaining. Twisted. Oh so steamy. Oh so good!

[Sharon Olivares · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Sins and Riley without reading the first book in the series, and honestly, I was surprised by how quickly I got hooked. From the first few chapters, I could feel the chemistry between Dante and Riley — it’s intense, messy, and completely addictive. The story pulled me in right away, and even without all the background, I never felt lost. The author gives just enough hints to make you understand their past, while keeping the focus on the emotional storm happening in the present.

What I loved most was how raw and real the characters felt. Their connection isn’t perfect or easy, but that’s what makes it believable. There’s pain, growth, and a lot of heart in this book. The writing flows beautifully, with the right mix of tension, vulnerability, and passion.

Now I definitely want to go back and read the first book just to see how it all began — that’s how good this one was. If you like stories that blend romance, intensity, and redemption, Sins and Riley will hit you right in the feels.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it feels right with someone, it's worth the risk.

Holy smokes! Lexxi James knocks this fantastic conclusion of Dante and Riley's story out of the ball park! I literally could not put this book down! It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! What a ride! I loved every snarky, intense, suspenseful, and steamy moment! You will too!

Please be aware that their story is darker than the others in this must read series.

If you love intrigue, close family ties, and hot steamy scenes, you will love this series! Enjoy the ride! I sure am!

Note: Even though it's not necessary to read the entire series, you're going to want to read the other books in this series, especially Enzo and Kennedy's story, to fully appreciate these wonderful characters and their nuances. At a minimum, you must read SINS: The Contract first. This is the first book in Dante and Riley's intriguing duet.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark & Dangerous Part II!!

Complex and exciting. Don’t miss the first book of the duet; Sins: The Contract. Dante is from a large Italian family, his brother married Riley's sister Kennedy. There is some unfortunate history between the families. Riley finds herself caught between a mysterious Russian Zver, Dante and the FBI in Part I.

Now she is held captive. When not in “her room” there is also Dominic and his two children Katya and Misha. An expensive collar serves a dual purpose with a tracker installed. A reward is being allowed a book to read, or time outside. .

Raw, gritty, sensual, with sword fights, darkness, silk, chess, journals, bookstores and movie theatres.

Expect politics, feuds, family, misdirection, the mystery of their father, relationships, dark and intriguing in all the best ways.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow, I was astounded reading this book it was definitely one that pulled me in from the start until the very end, the story was written well and the characters were magnificent. This was Dante D'Angelo and Riley Mullvain's story, the heat between them from one magical night left her pregnant then he died in an explosion. Riley and her sister were very close, her sister married a D'Angelo the family that killed her father. Riley was sold to Zver he fights for the D'Angelo family information to where their fathers body is. Zver keeps Riley at a distance she occupies his mind his thoughts, and now Riley is in danger with Dante and his brothers uncle, Zver sends her away hoping she would stay away being with her sister.

[Linda Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins & Riley Part 2 by Lexxi James is a definite page turner. No lulls in this story of two passionate strong willed main characters. Even though I wanted to smack Dante/Zver many times for keeping his secret from Riley who was his captive and couldn't tell anyone, I also understood the plot device that he was "protecting" her. The story moves art a good pace with great writing by Lexi James. The characters are interesting and damaged . Dante/Zver is supposed to be slightly deranged but I found him to be more driven. I loved Dominic and the girls and Boris was a fun addition as her bodyguard later on in the story. His brothers were wonderfully written when they were all together.
This is a great book with lots of passion. A definite must read.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome conclusion to the Dante and Riley Duet.

Zver had Riley hidden away as trouble is coming. He is keeping his secrets close to him as is Riley.

These two had such passionate energy. That's what started the relationship but something deep took over. Not without its issues and secrets on both sides, they worked through.

Dark and steamy, suspenseful and intense with an intriguing plot. This book i couldn't put down i was so drawn in.

Dante so full of secrets and controlling but extremely protective of Riley and Riley was feeling very out of control but learnt to trust herself.

So well done, a brilliant story and this series has been amazing. Just amazing to read and enjoy!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed "SINS & RILEY" I was completely pulled into this interesting, intriguing, intense drama, from the start with suspense, danger, fear, steam, secrets keeping you reading.
Dante/Zver keeps Riley his captive, not letting anyone know, he was trying to keep her safe, both are keeping secrets from the other, she's off limits but he has a weakness with her.
Dante knows Riley is Kennedy's sister she hates him with a passion, but Riley was warned by him to stay away but she didn't & now she's his.
Will Dante & Riley give into their sizzling electric attraction to one another to get their HEA a must-read you don't want to miss you so won't be disappointed of that I'm sure.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fourth story by Ms. James!
I definitely have to find a way to bump her stories up in my TBR list!

This story was absolutely delicious!
I devoured it!
I shirked other responsibilities! I have a feeling you will too!

Dark Beauty and the Beast retelling.
I knew I couldn't resist and this finale, well, fantabulous!

Dialogue/banter is my kryptonite!
Ms. James eloquently delivers exactly what I love!

This was emotional.
The heat had me wanting to guzzle ice cold water I was so hot!

Dante.
Phew what can I say!

Riley was a perfect heroine!

Very highly recommend!
More than 5 stars for me!

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

It's important you read SINS: The Contract,as this is the finale of the duet.
Lexxi has written a fantastic dark mafia romance, so please read TW.
It's very hard to write anything without ruining all the twists and secrets. So I will just tell you how magnificent the story was. It was all consuming, heartbreaking, emotional, suspense, sizzling chemistry, family, revenge, twists, secrets and finally love.
I loved Dante and Riley, they really were perfect for each other. Also love the whole D’Angelo Family, they may be dark, ruthless but their love and loyalty can not be faulted.
Not to be missed and I'm excited for more from Lexxi.

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins and Riley is book 2 and the conclusion of Dante and Riley's story but is book 8 in the Sins series. This is a gripping, page-turner of a dark romance that will leave you scrambling for more. Be prepared for danger, betrayal, action, twists and turns, truths unseen, testing of loyalty, love like no other and steam that makes you sweat while reading it.

Lexxi James pulls no stops, as per usual, with her phenomenal writing, spell-binding us with the amazing worlds she creates and the flawlessly written characters within them. There's no question you'll be as hooked on this gem as I am. I can't recommend it enough!!

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interconnected series and it's suggested that you read the series before reading this but definitely read Sins: The Contract first. This is the conclusion of Dante and Riley's story and it's absolutely fantastic! It's dramatic, intense and consuming in every way. It's a bit darker than previous books so be aware of possible triggers. Aside from that hold on tight, you're in for one heckuva ride!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley has lost Dante and is now being held by Zver, she's also pregnant with Dante's baby. There are secrets held by everyone, and I wonder how much conflict could have been avoided by being honest with your family.

This story also deals with sexual assault and family trauma. A quote from the book, "We all drag our trauma like chains."

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angee Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sins Series. You should read book 1 before book 2. This is a contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers story with lots of secrets, suspense, and surprises along the way. It is well written, and the storyline well thought out. The characters have loads of chemistry. It’s fast paces and will keep you interested from beginning to end. It’s intense, emotional, and hard to put down. I highly recommend.

[Beth C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy, but happy end to this series

Wow, Dante and Zver really took Riley on a ride. I really don’t know how she would ever trust any man again. Granted, the lies were to protect her and his family, but there were sooo many of them. And they were HUGE lies! So glad the emergency phone was finally used and the D’Angelo’s were able to figure out the truth.
A seriously wild ride.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t wait to read this continuation of Riley and Dante’s story. It was better than I could ever hope for!!! Be prepared, This was intense. Detailed well written storyline full of amazing twists. My emotions were all over the place during this book. Suspenseful, dangerous, twisted story that I highly recommend!!

[Valerie Hairston Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante/Zver/Riley

The conclusion of Dante and Riley's story was worth the wait. I really enjoyed how all the pieces finally fell together. I loved the way the brothers came to the rescue to save Zver after they figured out who he really was.
Riley still got on my nerves but in the end, she finally grew up.
I enjoyed this series.

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of Dante and Riley's mafia, forbidden love story. Dante is an alpha antihero who falls hard for Riley. I loved her sassy strong personality it's also a captive/captor romance. It's a fantastic story with interesting characters, a fast paced storyline and I loved the spice! Definitely recommend reading it.

[Hayley Bakewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I am a fan of Lexxi James is the understatement of the century. Then she continues her amazing series... but so dark 🖤

Just when you think her books can't out do the others, SINS and Riley is released 🥵

This book picks up perfectly from Dante and Riley. I have laughed, cried and have genuinely read this book feeling as though I am immersed in the story and am living it right alongside Riley!

There are no words to effectively describe this story, EPIC just isn't a big enough word.

I now have to return to reality after spending the last 12 hours reading the conclusion to Dante and Riley's story, I could not put this book down.

Thank you for yet another emotional rollercoaster ride 💜

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Sins series and the second part of Dante and Riley’s duet. It’s a great enemies to lovers, mafia romance. It’s dark and engaging. It’s filled with drama, intrigue, secrets, suspense and steam. This is a duet well worth taking your time to read.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark, intense conclusion to Dante and Riley’s story is full of danger, obsession, and scorching chemistry. What started with a stolen kiss spirals into a twisted battle between hate and desire. A gripping, emotional end to the SINS duet.

[Lorraine Whiteley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to be blown away! Sexy, hot & passionate. Defs a page turner, so start early, cos you won't want to put it down til the end! I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've liked all the different books in the Sins series, but Riley and Dante were two I really enjoyed reading about.

After the crazy cliffhanger we had in book one I was looking forward to how this book would play out, and I was completely surprised at how the Dante situation was handled.

Riley was struggling to come to terms with her new situation, and Dante looked out for her in his own weird way.

There were some twists and turns, some little surprises, but you know in the end they'll finally get their HEA.

Enjoyed this one!

[Afolasade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part 2 of Riley and Dante's story.
This is a page turner and had me at the edge of my seat till I finished it.
Its interesting, the characters are strong willed, wonderful and very interesting. This is darker than all other books in the series. It's hot, steamy and very interesting. Its a must read, I recommend it.

I received an ARC for my honest, voluntary review

[Maureen Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this entire series. Hoping that the last 2 brothers get books also